Intel INTC +0.52%and Microsoft MSFT +0.20%help each other in many ways, yet often work at cross purposes, too. The chip maker’s latest move to attract technical talent seems to do both at the same time.

The Silicon Valley giant is quick to point out that it has become a major force in software as well as hardware. It hires programmers for a variety of chores, including making sure Google GOOG +0.63%‘s Android operating system works as well on Intel chips as on competing processors based on designs from ARM Holdings ARM.LN +2.53%.

But Intel also continues to strongly support Windows–not only in its stronghold in PCs but also in newer classes of devices containing Intel chips, such as tablets.

So Intel recently established a new campus in Redmond, Wash.–Microsoft’s home town–and is pulling out all the stops to find Windows programmers, according to a new post on the company online publication Intel Free Press.

With furious competition for programmers in the Seattle area–including many open job postings for companies such as Google and Amazon.com AMZN +0.56%–Intel says it has had to resort to steps like placing ads on local buses and giving cash incentives to its employees for referrals to recruits.

All this effort, in theory, could help Microsoft if it helps propagate Windows-based devices and applications to make them more useful and popular.

On the other hand, Intel could certainly wind up competing with Microsoft on recruits, courting away employees who already work at Microsoft, or helping to drive up programmer salaries in the region.

“We have to be where the [software] talent is,” said Tiffany Peery, an Intel program manager quoted in its internal publication.

A Microsoft spokesman didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

By: Docmemory
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