Intel Corp. plans to continue to follow its Tick-Tock strategy and introduce new microprocessors for desktop, laptop and server markets every year. Keeping the same schedule of introduction and the same pace of transition to new process technologies, Intel intends to release new code-named Skylake and Skymont microprocessors made using 14nm and 10nm process technologies sometimes in 2015 - 2018.

Based on Intel's server micro-architecture roadmap published by ComputerBase web-site, Intel already has sketch of its server roadmap that spans till at least the second half of 2018, around seven years from now. Just as it traditionally happens, Intel will only introduce new micro-architectures into the server segment several quarters later after it begins to sell it on the consumer market, which is logical as contemporary mobile and desktop processors have different requirements than server chips and the latter need certified platforms.

Interestingly, but it looks like going forward Intel will attempt to prolong a little bit lifespan of micro-architectures on the server market. As a result, Sandy Bridge will reach servers in 2012, Ivy Bridge will hit the server market when Haswell chips will find themselves in desktops (2013), Haswell will land into server machines in 2014 and server-class microprocessors based on Skylake micro-architecture will only see the light of the day in the second half of 2016.

The origin of the roadmap is unknown and it also contains certain inaccuracies, e.g., code-named Cascades chip never utilized Netburst micro-architecture, but was based on P6 micro-architecture and Coppermine design.

At present only Intel knows about the innovations that Skylake and Skymont will bring. Natural things to expect are new instructions, support for DDR4 memory, PCI Express 4.0, new types of links to connect microprocessors as well as I/O controllers and many more innovations.

Intel did not comment on the news-story.

Tags: Intel, 14nm, 10nm, Skylake, Skymont, Haswell, Rockwell, Romley