Microsoft is designing its own ARM-based processors for servers and possibly a future Surface device, according to Bloomberg News. The processors will be used in servers for Microsoft’s Azure cloud services and be based around ARM designs, according to the report. Microsoft is also reportedly “exploring” using another chip for some of its Surface devices, but it’s not clear if this will progress into a final product.
Microsoft currently uses Intel-based processors for the majority of its Azure cloud services, and most of the company’s Surface lineup run on Intel chips, too. Microsoft has worked with AMD and Qualcomm for custom chips for its Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Pro X devices, showing a willingness to move away from just Intel.
While Microsoft’s custom server silicon may not be as powerful as Intel Xeon or AMD Epyc, this does allow Microsoft to control their own destiny, similar to Apple’s ambitions.
According to Bloomberg, the chip design team will be lead by Jason Zander, who is currently over Azure. While no official acknowledgment was given, Microsoft spokesman Frank Shaw issued a statement saying:
“Because silicon is a foundational building block for technology, we’re continuing to invest in our own capabilities in areas like design, manufacturing and tools, while also fostering and strengthening partnerships with a wide range of chip providers.”
According to Bloomberg, the chip design team will be lead by Jason Zander, who is currently over Azure. While no official acknowledgment was given, Microsoft spokesman Frank Shaw issued a statement saying:
“Because silicon is a foundational building block for technology, we’re continuing to invest in our own capabilities in areas like design, manufacturing and tools, while also fostering and strengthening partnerships with a wide range of chip providers.”
Like Amazon and Apple, Microsoft probably sees better long-term advantages for building its own server silicon. Custom chips can be built to do specialized tasks and provide better net performance than Intel or AMD.
