Convergence

Intel.com | Technology Trends |Convergence

Accelerating the Convergence of Computing and Communications

"We're looking at a wireless revolution...The convergence of computing and communications says that every computing device will be a communicating device, and every communicating device will be a computer."
— Craig R. Barrett, Chief Executive Officer, Intel Corporation.

Anytime, Anywhere, on Any Device

Consider how the convergence of computing and communications surrounds us today:
*Surging broadband delivery of rich, digital media worldwide
*Legions of mobile professionals with handheld computers and cell phones with Internet connectivity
*Increasingly intelligent and high-performance networks that lower the costs of large-scale data delivery.
Intel is accelerating this convergence through a powerful combination of technology breakthroughs, advancements, and industry-wide standards development.

Convergence: Consider the Automobile

Pat Gelsinger, Intel Chief Technology Officer, has described convergence as "a future in which every piece of silicon inside PCs, PDAs, cell phones, or other electronic devices will include not only computing technologies, but also connect to multiple wireless networks and roam between."

Simply put, Intel's vision of convergence is the day when all computing devices communicate and when all communication devices compute. In terms of our daily life, convergence is bringing a new class of devices that can sense our needs, anticipating the resources and information we require, depending on where we are and what we want to do.

Gelsinger distinguishes between micro convergence and macro convergence. Micro convergence is the blending of two devices or capabilities that were formerly separate. In the case of the automobile, for instance, the capabilities of a mechanical engine and a wagon came together to form a brand new type of machine or tool.

The automobile, however, became much bigger than the actual "horseless carriage." This invention triggered enormous changes in people's perceptions of time and distance, spawned huge changes in commerce, and ultimately created tremendous changes in societies and economies around the world.

Gelsinger sees a parallel scenario developing for the early 21st century. New silicon-based technologies such as sensor networks are converging with emerging wireless and communications technologies, creating new possibilities.


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