Intel opens up server components

By Shaun Nichols on Oct 19, 2006 10:01 AM
Filed under Hardware

Software developers given access to Direct Memory Access engine.

Intel is to open up parts of its network server systems to third-party developers in a bid to encourage the development of software optimised for its latest processors.

The chipmaker said that it would be allowing software engineers to use the QuickData component of Intel's Input/Output Acceleration Technology designed to help servers receive and handle data more efficiently.

The technology is included in Intel's Xeon 5100 and 5300 systems.

QuickData includes a Direct Memory Access engine which allows a computer's CPU to get data from memory more efficiently.

By having access to the engine, developers will be able to make their applications perform certain tasks more efficiently on the servers, according to Intel.

"By enabling products from other vendors to use the data acceleration engine present in the Intel Xeon 5100 and 5300 series-based platform, QuickData will help the industry benefit from increased speed, scalability and server reliability," said Kirk Scaugen, vice president and server products group general manager at Intel.

The chip giant has been working with Microsoft, VMWare and Linux developers to create the QuickData system.