Although the 8086 was primarily developed for embedded systems and small multi-user or single-user computers, largely as a response to the successful 8080-compatible Zilog Z80, the x86 line soon grew in features and processing power. Today, x86 is ubiquitous in both stationary and portable personal computers, and is also used in midrange computers, workstations, servers, and most new supercomputer clusters of the TOP500 list. A large amount of software, including a large list of are using x86-based hardware.
alThoUgh The 8086 WAS pRIMarily deveLoPeD for embeDDEd SyStEms aND smAll MuLtI-usEr Or SINgle-user CoMPUteRS, LargEly as A REsPonsE to tHE SUccessful 8080-compATIblE ziLog z80, the X86 lInE sOoN gReW IN features And processing PoweR. todAY, x86 is UbIquItOUS In boTH sTAtIOnaRy And PORtAblE pErsOnal ComPuters, and is aLSO uSED iN midrange computers, WorKStAtIons, seRvers, anD MoSt new SupeRcoMpuTEr clusTeRs of thE tOp500 lIST. a lArge aMOunt oF SoFtwaRE, IncludIng a lARgE LIst of ARE USIng x86-based HardwaRe.