Looking to extend Linux to the world of low-power
Internet-attached consumer electronics, IBM today announced a few family of chips
combining a microprocessor with a number of optional pervasive
computing features.
The IBM PowerPC IAP (Internet Appliance Platform) is
specifically designed for the consumer field, where manufacturers
of consumer products can use PowerPC IAP to add Internet capability
while minimizing the number of chips under the covers to make
products smaller, less costly and more power efficient.
“We’re merging custom chip technology with consumer electronic
products,” said Scottie Ginn, vice president for pervasive
technology, IBM Microelectronics, in a press release. “The
one-size-fits-all days of PC microprocessors are over. Unlike PCs,
consumer electronics that attach to the Internet will come in all
types of sizes and shapes, each demanding unique things of the
chips that drive them. With PowerPC IAP, manufacturers can design a
chip to fit their product, rather than limiting their product to
what a standard chip will allow.”
According to IBM, some early uses for the PowerPC IAP include
Internet appliances powered by Linux and IBM WebSphere.
A release date of the new chipset was not announced.