Rackspace is planning to shift some of its server computers to modified IBM processors, in a bid to reduce its dependence on Intel.
The company will be using IBM’s alternative OpenPower processor technology, reported Bloomberg.
Rackspace is planning to join a group of more than 80 organisations that will develop and use computer processors based on IBM’s "Power" designs.
The power design is a part of IBM’s OpenPower Foundation, which includes Google and Nvidia, and is aimed at encouraging usage of IBM’s semiconductor technology.
According to OpenPower, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Tsinghua University are also expected to join the foundation.
Bloomberg reported Rackspace senior director for infrastructure strategy Aaron Sullivan as saying that the company has been testing server computers on IBM Power chip designs for the past two years, and is happy with its efficiency and performance benefits for applications.
Sullivan also mentioned that the company is likely to use thousands of server computers powered by IBM chip designs in the coming years.
Bloomberg also cited Intel spokesman Mark Miller as saying: "We recognise it’s a competitive industry and we fully recognise and expect that the industry will, always has and always will, explore new options and experiment with those options."
"We’re confident that we’re going to continue to deliver what our customers need and help solve the industry’s big issues."
