Intel Abandons “On Demand” CPU Feature: A Sign of Things to Come?
Intel has quietly sunsetted its “On Demand” software-defined silicon (SDSi) feature, a controversial pay-to-utilize model for unlocking additional capabilities within its Xeon processors. The move, first reported by Phoronix on February 8, 2026, signals a potential shift in how Intel approaches feature licensing and hardware acceleration.
The Rise and Fall of Pay-to-Use Hardware
Launched in 2021, Intel On Demand allowed users to activate extra licensed hardware features on select Xeon SKUs after purchase. This meant paying for access to accelerators already physically present on the chip but disabled by default. The concept drew criticism for its complexity and the perception of nickel-and-diming customers for functionality they might expect to be included upfront.
The service offered two models: one-time license-based activation and a consumption-based metering system. Intel managed the service primarily, working with hardware providers to deliver the functionality. Lenovo, for example, provided an overview of the service on its website.
Why Did Intel On Demand Fail to Gain Traction?
Several factors likely contributed to the demise of Intel On Demand. The initial reaction from the tech community was largely negative, with many questioning the value proposition. The complexity of managing licenses and activations also presented a hurdle for both finish-users and system administrators. The lack of significant updates or marketing around the feature in the past year or two suggested a waning commitment from Intel.
The archiving of the Intel SDSi GitHub project in November further solidified the impression that the project was being abandoned. The removal of dedicated webpages from Intel’s site completed the process.
Implications for the Future of Hardware Acceleration
Intel’s decision to discontinue On Demand raises questions about the future of hardware acceleration licensing. While the pay-to-use model didn’t resonate with the market, the underlying concept of software-defined silicon remains intriguing. The ability to dynamically enable or disable features could offer flexibility and cost optimization for certain workloads.
Though, the industry may need to explore alternative approaches that are more transparent and user-friendly. Potential models could include subscription-based access to features, bundled offerings with specific software licenses, or a more streamlined activation process.
What’s Next for Software Defined Silicon?
Despite the failure of Intel On Demand, the idea of Software Defined Silicon isn’t necessarily dead. The technology allows for greater flexibility in hardware deployment and could be particularly valuable in cloud environments where resources are dynamically allocated. Intel’s move may simply be a course correction, paving the way for a more refined and customer-centric approach in the future.
The focus may shift towards tighter integration of acceleration features into existing software stacks, making them easier to utilize without requiring separate licensing or activation steps. Alternatively, we could see a resurgence of specialized hardware designed for specific workloads, eliminating the need for post-purchase feature unlocking.
FAQ
What was Intel On Demand? Intel On Demand was a service that allowed users to pay to activate additional hardware features on their Xeon processors after purchase.
Why did Intel discontinue On Demand? The service faced criticism for its complexity and cost, and saw limited adoption. Intel has now archived the related GitHub project and removed associated webpages.
What is Software Defined Silicon (SDSi)? SDSi is a technology that enables hardware features to be activated or deactivated through software, offering greater flexibility in hardware deployment.
Will Intel revisit the concept of pay-to-use hardware? It’s possible, but likely in a different form. Intel may explore more user-friendly and transparent licensing models.
Where can I find more information about Intel On Demand? Some older documentation remains available as PDFs on the Intel site, but the primary resources have been removed.
Did you know? Intel first began preparing Linux patches for Software Defined Silicon features back in 2021.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on developments in hardware acceleration technologies, as they can significantly impact performance for demanding workloads like AI and data analytics.
Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story. What are your thoughts on Intel’s decision? Share your opinions in the comments below!
