Maybe feeling the pressure from Intel’s extreme R&D resources, AMD is opening a new design lab outside Redmond, Washington. 
REDMOND, WASH. — December 21, 2006 —AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced the formation of a new Advanced Architecture and Technology Lab led by Rich Witek, AMD corporate fellow and chief architectural officer. The new lab will focus on technology and platform development beyond the five-year time horizon, further extending AMD’s strong tradition of advanced silicon planning.

‘With the help of Rich Witek and some of the brightest minds in the Pacific Northwest, AMD is furthering our advanced development work,’ said Phil Hester, AMD senior vice president and chief technology officer. ‘This forward-looking strategy underscores our commitment to consistent, ongoing innovation in design, software planning, system structures and chip architectures. The Advanced Architecture and Technology Lab helps ensure we are putting in place the foundation for continued innovations beyond the five-year time horizon, allowing AMD to continue delivering the technology our customers need to be successful.’