Intel Job Offer for Software Architect Reveals Tablet Platform Plans

Android has already established itself as the primary tablet market, and only has to content with Microsoft's upcoming Windows 8/RT OS, but the opposition is mounting.

We expected an alliance to emerge once Microsoft finished developing the ARM-compatible version of its operating system. We also expected Intel to be part of that alliance.

What we weren't really sure about was whether or not the Santa Clara, California-based corporation would get involved in software too.

Now we know the answer to that dilemma, and it is a resounding yes. Intel is, indeed, going to work on software, as shown by its job posting for software architects.

Whoever gets signed on with the Intel tablet SW team (still in early forming stages) will have to do a number of different things, like collaborating with Microsoft and key Intel customers, working with independent technology suppliers, etc.

Overall, he or she will need to gather as many resources and IP as possible, within the confines of Intel's funding of course, and “negotiate, design, and lead implementation of a wide range of high complexity features and systems.”

“You will lead the NTG SW organization's efforts to influence Intel's future silicon roadmap to facilitate SW scalability and optimize overall system performance to deliver cutting edge user experiences,” the posting says.

“Other responsibilities include leading debug of especially difficult problems involving hardware and/or multiple software subsystems; overseeing development of prototypes to evaluate or illustrate new technologies; mentoring senior SW engineers and driving significant improvements in NTG and Intel's overall software development practices.”

To qualify for leading the tablet team, applicants need, among other things, at least 15 years of experience in developing low-level embedded software and leading development of software architectures. If nothing else, this proves just how serious Intel is about this. Chipzilla really wants to bite and devour the largest possible chunk of market share of ARM-Android tablets.