Speaking to Intel employees, CEO Paul Otellini said the chipmaker will challenge AMD's x86 license, and that it's considering doing the same with Nvidia. He also talked about Intel's plans to invest in its workforce through Intel's option exchange program.

When asked about Intel's x86 architecture licenses, Otellini reaffirmed Intel's stance on AMD's Globalfoundries spin-off, saying it would challenge AMD's x86 license, as Intel perceives AMD's spin off deal to be a breach of license terms. Otellini also said that Intel is still studying whether Nvidia's plans warrant a challenge from Intel. He indicated Intel's response will ultimately depend on what Nvidia comes up with. It appears Intel is not taking Nvidia's x86 plans very seriously at this point.

Otellini went on to talk about Intel's option exchange program for employees, stock grants that are a merit-based substitute for raises and promotions suspended due to the economic crisis.

He also talked about the potential IBM - Sun deal, saying he would rather have Sun as an independent player.

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