Yesterday (November 14), Intel introduced its first processors integrated with virtualization technology. This is considered a part of the “embedded IT architecture” that Intel has been striving to promote over the past two years.
Thus, virtualization technology (VT) has officially appeared in the generation of chips intended for desktop computers, rather than in processors specifically designed for servers. It is also worth noting that while virtualization technology and software have developed relatively well in the server sector, Intel decided to apply this technology to PCs before deploying it in servers.
According to Intel’s plan, virtualization technology will be incorporated into dual-core Pentium 4 chips. These types of PCs using this type of chip are expected to hit the market in early 2006.
However, Intel also has plans to implement virtualization technology in the next generation of Xeon chips for servers and Centrino chips for laptops next year.
Patrick Bohart, marketing director for Intel’s VT technology, stated that the company decided to implement virtualization technology in Pentium 4 chips to meet the demand from computer manufacturers for an early market introduction of VT technology and to provide virtualization software aimed at testing whether new software can leverage the advantages of VT technology.
VT technology is a component of the embedded IT architecture as referred to by Intel. The chips utilizing VT technology this time will also include dynamic management technology, allowing them to store information about hardware and software in a non-volatile memory, enabling IT professionals to quickly detect errors, provide assistance, or resolve issues remotely while enhancing virus resistance. Some other embedded technologies, such as upgraded security features, are expected to be integrated into the chips within approximately 18 months.
Pentium IV 672 and 662 chips utilizing VT technology are priced at approximately $605 and $401, respectively, when purchased in quantities of 1,000 units.
HVD – (Techweb)
