Chapter 781 8088 Microprocessor
As soon as the words fell, it wasn't Dixie who came forward this time, but another senior engineer in the software development department, a young white man with a full beard.
This person, Xia Yu remembered the name, was named Tim Patterson.
This guy was the genius engineer Andy Ross had told him about. He was only twenty-four years old, but his abilities ranked among the top three of all the engineers, and he was the elite of the software development department.
It was just that he spent most of his time obsessively studying technology, so he neglected personal hygiene and other things. In order to save time, he didn't even shave, which was why he now had long hair and a scruffy appearance.
'President, I have a question. If we are to develop an operating system, which microprocessor will we use as the basis?'
Tim Patterson asked.
There were giants in the microprocessor industry, such as Intel, and also followers such as Zilog and Motorola.
Intel had previously launched a series of microprocessors, such as the 4004, 8008 and 8080, but these were relatively old and their performance was no longer up to date.
The two latest masterpieces are the 8086 microprocessor, introduced in 1978, and the 8088 microprocessor, introduced in 1979.
The 8086 microprocessor is a quasi-16-bit processor, although it was marketed as a 16-bit processor. It was Intel's first 16-bit microprocessor and had 40,000 transistors on the chip.
The 8088 microprocessor, launched in 1979, is actually a simplified version of the 8086 microprocessor. The biggest difference between the two is that the 8086 microprocessor has a 16-bit data bus, while the 8088 microprocessor has an 8-bit data bus.
In terms of transistors, the 8088 microprocessor also has only 29,000, which is much less than the 8086 microprocessor.
Intel has two microprocessors, while Zilog's 16-bit microprocessor is the Z8000 and Motorola's is the 68000.
In addition to these three, there are other companies in the microprocessor market.
The operating systems developed based on different microprocessors also have different performances.
Since the aim is to hitch a ride on IBM's rocket, IBM's choice of microprocessor is key.
If IBM chose the Motorola 68000 microprocessor, and Seattle Computer Products developed an operating system based on the Intel 8086 microprocessor, then there would definitely be no compatibility.
Tim Patterson and the others did not know how IBM would choose, but Xia Yu knew exactly.
Although IBM's microcomputer research and development department had not yet decided which microprocessor to use, Xia Yu knew that in the future IBM would cooperate with Intel and choose the simplified 8088 microprocessor.
In the previous life, the operating system 86-DOS, which Thyssen-Paternò had independently developed in his spare time, was based on the Intel 8086 microprocessor.
The 8088 microprocessor is a simplified version of the 8086 microprocessor. Although there are differences in performance, the overall framework is roughly the same.
It was for this reason that Paul Allen, the former CEO of Microsoft, approached Thyssen-Patents and spent $59,000 to buy the independently developed 86-DOS operating system. He then improved it to suit the 8088 microprocessor, and the new system was named MS-DOS.
Since Xia Yu knew this, he would definitely not take a detour and would develop the operating system directly for the 8088 microprocessor from the start.
Xia Yu smiled slightly and said, 'The operating system we are developing is based on Intel's 8088 microprocessor.'
As soon as Xia Yu finished speaking, not only did Thyssen-Paterson frown, but even Andy Ross, the CTO sitting next to Xia Yu, frowned. He couldn't figure out why it was the 8088 microprocessor, shouldn't it be the 8086 microprocessor, which had better performance?
And why was it Intel's microprocessor, not a product from Zilog or Motorola?
So Andy Ross asked on behalf of everyone, 'President, why is it an Intel 8088 microprocessor? Not a Zilog or Motorola one? And even if it is an Intel microprocessor, if IBM is going to enter the microcomputer market, it would make sense for them to use the best configuration to compete with Apple for the market, otherwise it will be difficult to stand out.'
After saying this, he hesitated for a moment, his gaze fixed on Xia Yu, and he asked again, 'Could it be that IBM has already decided to use the 8088 microprocessor?'
Xia Yu shook his head and laughed, 'Andy, if there are no unexpected circumstances, IBM will choose the 8088 microprocessor.'
'You should know very well that the processor is only one of the factors affecting the performance of a computer. The key lies in the overall adaptability. If other components and software cannot keep up, even the best microprocessor will not be able to perform to its full potential.'
'In that case, it is better to choose the most suitable one, rather than the most expensive one. Not only can this reduce costs, it can also achieve a balance in product performance.'
This is something that everyone who has used a mobile phone in later generations knows: the performance of a device is affected by many factors.
Take the Apple 5 mobile phone, for example. Its eight-megapixel camera can produce results comparable to those of Android phones with over ten-megapixel cameras. The chip's performance was not the best at the time, but thanks to its high compatibility with the iOS system and good tuning, it can run much faster than high-performance Android phones.
Back to the topic.
Andy Ross had nothing to say when he heard Xia Yu say that IBM might choose Intel's 8088 microprocessor.
He nodded in agreement, saying, 'You're right, President. Balance is the key. Since IBM has chosen it, I have no other opinions.'
Xia Yu then looked at Thyssen Patterson, who shook his head to indicate that he had no more questions.
Xia Yu continued, 'Now that this problem has been solved, let's move on.'
'This operating system is the company's most important project. I need everyone to produce it as quickly as possible and optimise it as much as possible.
'Therefore, most of the company's capable people will be assigned to the project team.'
Having said this, Xia Yu looked at Andy Ross and instructed, 'Andy, you will be the team leader of this team.'
Andy Ross nodded solemnly and said, 'Yes!'
Xia Yu then scanned the faces of the crowd again, and everyone held their breath, hoping that Xia Yu would point to them first.
But in the end, Xia Yu's gaze settled on Thyssen Patterson, and just as the latter revealed a surprised smile, Xia Yu said, 'Thyssen, you will be the deputy team leader.'
'Thank you, President, for your trust. I will not let you down!'
Thyssen Patterson said excitedly.
Xia Yu nodded with a smile, and then appointed Jack Rhodes as the other deputy team leader.
After the appointments were made, Xia Yu saw the others looking disappointed, so he said reassuringly, 'You are all members of this project team, so don't worry about the positions. If you have a good idea, you can just bring it up. The project team is always open to adjustments.'
'I will be the project team's mentor, and for the next period of time, I will do my best to work with everyone to overcome difficulties.'
'Are you confident?'
'Yes!'
the group shouted in unison.
Xia Yu nodded with satisfaction and said, 'Very good. Next, I will select other programmers to join the project team. Remember, what I tell you today must not be leaked.'
Everyone was well aware of the risks involved, so they all promised not to divulge any information.
The people present were all senior management, and they felt the strongest sense of belonging to the company. Moreover, Xia Yu had impressed them yesterday, so naturally they would put the company's interests first and abide by the most basic professional ethics.
That morning, the project team was formed.
In the afternoon, all members of the working group gathered together, and Xia Yu held a brainstorming meeting to pool everyone's ideas.
Soon, the operating system project was on the right track and developing at a rapid pace.