Vol 16, Issue 21

May 28, 2002

MDR Marches On

By Peter N. Glaskowsky

We've made some significant organizational changes here at MicroDesign Resources. Following our recent Embedded Processor Forum, Max Baron, Microprocessor Report's editor in chief, requested a return to the position of principal analyst, a title he held at In-Stat before transferring to MDR. I was selected to replace Max as MPR editor in chief, and I will also act as a principal analyst here. All of us at MDR would like to offer Max our heartfelt thanks for all his efforts as editor in chief of MPR, and I'm sure you'll be seeing even more of his writing now that he can focus full-time on technology and market analysis.

Kevin Krewell was also promoted as part of the reorganization. Kevin is now MDR's general manager and will handle administrative functions in addition to continuing his roles as senior analyst and senior editor of MPR.

I believe these changes will strengthen our organization and enhance our ability to deliver the deep, insightful analysis our customers expect from us. We'll make no major immediate changes to Microprocessor Report, but I do plan to tighten our focus on microprocessor technology over time. I'm considering a variety of specific changes to implement this plan, and I welcome any feedback you'd like to provide. If you haven't yet done so, please take the time to fill out our subscriber survey, which is still available at www.MPRonline.com.

I believe Microprocessor Report's primary role in the industry is to explain advances in microprocessor architecture, as expressed in commercial semiconductor products. Accordingly, we will report on every significant development in this area, whether it is related to PC processors, embedded CPUs, or even microcontrollers. In the early 1990s, for example, architectural progress was concentrated within the workstation space. The techniques developed for RISC microprocessors were later adapted to PC and server processors and were augmented by even more-sophisticated architectural features. Today, embedded processors—especially those aimed at networking equipment—seem to be benefiting most from architectural innovation.

Regardless of where these advances are made, Microprocessor Report will cover them. Within the constraints of analyst time and expertise, the scope of our coverage will include related technologies that influence, or are influenced by, microprocessor architecture. Trends in process technology, system-on-a-chip integration, operating systems and application software—and even chip packaging—can influence CPU evolution. Such developments will receive our attention in proportion to their significance.

Even when it comes to microprocessor introductions—a topic clearly essential to Microprocessor Report—we must prioritize our coverage. High-end server and workstation processors tend to have more-advanced technology, but low-end embedded CPUs sell better, and there are more of them. Which end of the market should receive more of our attention?

To me, there's no question: Performance is a far better figure of merit for architectural progress than manufacturing cost or sales volume. Improvements to design tools and manufacturing technology ensure that every new feature, no matter its original cost in design time or gate count, eventually becomes affordable, even in the least expensive processors. Sometimes, crucial improvements appear at the low end first and migrate upward; we'll cover those, too. Do you agree? Let me know.

We are likely to have openings on our editorial board, and I hope to establish relationships with others outside our organization who can contribute articles from time to time. If you're qualified and interested in working with us, please write to me.

Many talented and passionate editors in chief have managed Microprocessor Report over the years, and I am honored to join their ranks. All of us here are committed to making this newsletter the best publication in the microprocessor industry—the first place you turn for the news and insight you need to do your job. With your help, we will.