Intel Developer Forum, San José, Sept. 11, 2002 - Embracing standards-based technologies that integrate communications and computing capabilities will provide a significant competitive advantage for corporate information technology (IT) operations, according to Intel Corporation officials. Speaking to a large audience of technology industry engineers, developers and designers, Intel Senior Vice President Mike Fister and Executive Vice President Sean Maloney explained how a modular IT infrastructure that mixes wired and wireless communications capabilities with open and scalable Intel-based servers, networks and storage will generate lower operating costs and increased flexibility.
"The Internet continues to drive the convergence of communications and traditional computing, and it's changing the way IT managers set-up their enterprise infrastructure," said Fister. "Intel and the developer community must continue to address the changing requirements of enterprise customers by focusing on standards-based technologies."
"Mixing and matching wireless and wired networks with any server, storage or client device keeps corporations more nimble as they expand globally," said Maloney. "Workers can connect anywhere, any time and in any way. If IT is truly a competitive tool, then secure and standards-based modular deployment strategies are a great way to stay ahead of the competition."
Enterprise Products For Modular Data Centers
Fister highlighted a variety of technologies for modular data centers - IT operations that are designed to house a variety of interchangeable, standards-based communications and computing equipment. Among the technologies he discussed were Intel® Xeon(tm) processors with 533 MHz system buses for two-processor servers and workstations. The systems, due in the fourth quarter, will provide small-to-medium businesses with an improved platform for a variety of enterprise activities. In addition, the upcoming Intel® Xeon(tm) processor MP for multi-processor platforms, codenamed "Gallatin" and also planned for introduction later this year, will enhance enterprise scalability. Intel Xeon processor MP-based systems are designed, optimized and validated for four-processor or greater system configurations and pave a seamless, low cost upgrade path to higher performance.
Fister said 2-to-64-way Itanium® 2-based systems from vendors like HP, IBM, SGI, Unisys and NEC continue to emerge, and leading enterprise software has been optimized for the Itanium 2 processor from vendors including Microsoft, Red Hat, Oracle, IBM, BEA,SAP and SAS. Fister reiterated that the next member of the Itanium 2 processor family, codenamed "Madison," is due in the summer of 2003 and will bring 30 to 50 percent performance gains. It is compatible with existing processors, platforms, chipsets and software.
Finally, Fister said developers must address enterprise needs with high performance, low cost and standards-based solutions that fit a highly modular mix-and-match environment.
Solving the Storage Access Dilemma
Maloney highlighted several strategies for deploying modular networks, including a strategy to solve the mounting challenge of quickly accessing, managing and protecting the growing stores of information on corporate networks. He also introduced several new standards-based, networked-storage building blocks to reduce developer costs and simplify design tasks.
The dilemma of retrieving data anytime, anywhere from a variety of devices is compounded by the steady growth of data repositories used to accommodate multiple applications from medical imaging to video e-mail.
"This dilemma is placing demands for creative ways to merge computing and communications technologies for solutions that provide quick, secure access of data over corporate networks and the Internet," said Maloney.
Building from its beginnings in networked storage with the introduction of the first I/O processor in 1996, Intel has built a broad line of storage access and protection products, including processors, middleware, applications, subsystems and adapters. Maloney announced new products to assist in the storage effort, including four new RAID controllers. Intel also gave a first look at its low-voltage Intel Xeon processor at 1.6 GHz to be used in the storage arena where thermal environments are particularly sensitive.
About IDF
The Intel Developer Forum is the technology industry's premier event for hardware and software developers. Held worldwide throughout the year, IDF brings together key industry players to discuss cutting-edge technology and products for PCs, servers, communications equipment, and handheld clients. For more information on IDF and Intel technology, visit http://developer.intel.com.
Intel is 's werelds grootste chipfabrikant en een vooraanstaand producent van personal computer-, netwerk- en communicatieproducten. Meer informatie over Intel is te vinden op: http://www.intel.com/pressroom/.
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