Microsoft has been experimenting with ARM low-power chips and made a partnership announcement. Why it's a big deal?

The Windows Server support for ARM confirmed

Microsoft announced yesterday its partnership with Qualcomm. As the company demoed its server OS that runs on ARM-based processor, it somehow signifies that Microsoft wants to end Intel's dominance in the arena.

Intel has been the sole supplier for Microsoft data center chips. According to Ars Technica, Microsoft already has a roadmap to make use of ARM-based architecture as the Redmond giant laid bare all the open-source design's components that place the machine to its data centers.

Microsoft's attracted to ARM chips in many ways

The media outlet went on to say that Microsoft finds ARM chips appealing as it has a wider range and clean instruction set. Most ARM processors are smaller and cheaper as well. Before the announcement, many publications expressed doubts whether rumor of a Surface Pro device running an ARM-based processor was true.

However, the latest report from PC Advisor stated that it is plausible for the non Pro version of Surface device will use the ARM-based chip. The chip for instance, will allow a convertible machine to get a thinner dimension with good battery without cooling fan.

Intel could involve in a fierce competition

Intel may not have a powerful contender at the current moment but ARM silicon is slowly progressing. The ARM processor built by various manufacturers, can have a great chance in the server market. Its mobile processors have been widely known to conserve energy and the new computing ability is used by Fujitsu with its Project K.

Not only ARM, Nvidia is now entering chipset market that could highly challenge Intel. Now the world will wait for Intel to unleash its Quantum and optical computing hardware and see if the company could survive the aggressive competition.

What do you think of Microsoft's move to use ARM chips?