Power ISA
The reduced instruction set computer (RISC) architecture underlying every IBM Power processor generation, developed under OpenPOWER Foundation governance.
IBM's stated cross-generation philosophy is ISA continuity: existing IBM i and AIX software has run unchanged across every Power generation to date, including Power 10 to Power 11. No sourced signal suggests Power 12 breaks that pattern, though IBM has not made a Power 12-specific compatibility statement.
Related Terms
OpenPOWER Foundation
The IBM-founded (2013), now community-governed foundation that licenses the Power Instruction Set Architecture (ISA) royalty-free to outside implementers.
Power 12
The unofficial, widely used placeholder name for IBM's Power processor and server generation expected after Power 11. IBM has not confirmed this name, a release date, or any specifications.