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 Power10 to Power11. No sourced signal suggests Power12 breaks that pattern, though IBM has not made a Power12-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 Power11. IBM has not confirmed this name, a release date, or any specifications.