AMD calls on Skype for Intel anti-trust evidence

VoIP firm gets subpoena

By Tony Smith • Get more from this author

2nd March 2006 11:51 GMT

AMD vs Intel AMD has subpoenaed VoIP software developer Skype in a bid to seek evidence to back its allegations that Intel abused its dominant position in the x86 chip market to hinder its smaller competitor. The move follows an announcement that Skype 2.0 contains features that are only available to PCs fitted with Intel CPUs.

Early last month, Intel and Skype said they had co-operated to implement ten-way voice conferencing in Skype 2.0. At the time, they said the feature was "available exclusively for home and business users with Intel Centrino Duo mobile technology-based laptop PCs, and desktop PCs based on Intel Pentium D processors, Pentium Extreme Edition processors, and the recently introduced Intel Viiv technology".

The firms' joint statement, made on 8 February, added that 2006 will also see the software gain "video calling optimised for Intel dual-core technology", though that facility was not said to be an exclusive, Intel-only arrangement.

Either way, you can see why AMD might want to take a closer look. Notice of its subpoena was filed yesterday with the US District Court of Delaware - where AMD's allegations against Intel will be heard by Judge Joseph Farman.

The subpoena instructs Skype to retain all documents dating from 1 January 2000 pertaining to its partnership with Intel, and warns that it may be called upon to present any or all of them before the court. AMD will undoubtedly be hoping to find evidence that Intel leaned on Skype to ensure the ten-way voice conferencing facility in Skype 2.0 wouldn't work on AMD processors.

Intel denies all the claims made in the AMD lawsuit. ®