Intel has introduced its preliminary Vanderpool
virtualisation specifications to make it easier for users to run
multiple operating systems on the same server
hardware.
Users already have the ability to partition hard discs to run
more than one operating system or greater numbers of applications,
but the building and management of such systems is too tricky for
most users. Vanderpool is designed to make it easier to
achieve.
The preliminary Vanderpool Technology External Architecture
Specifications (EAS) provide technology overviews and guidance to
software developers who are designing virtualisation solutions for
both Intel’s IA-32 and Itanium-based processor platforms.
While expected in Itanium-based platforms this year, Intel now
also plans to offer Vanderpool technology in other future desktop
processor and chipset products in 2005, a year earlier than
previously planned.
Intel expects "broad" user take-up of such virtualisation
solutions next year. Using Vanderpool type solutions, companies
could create systems that run different operating systems and
software for different tasks or legacy applications, said
Intel.
Additionally, virtualisation can provide IT advantages through
server consolidation, legacy migration and security benefits, it
said.
William Swope, Intel corporate vice-president and co-general
manager of the software and solutions group, said, "Our work with
the software community around Vanderpool is an important step in
helping to drive improvements to the reliability and resilience of
enterprise servers, potentially reducing total cost of ownership,
and enabling exciting future uses for the digital home and
office."
More details of solutions based on Intel’s Vanderpool technology
will be disclosed at the Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco on
1-3 March.
The Vanderpool specifications can be found at
www.intel.com/technology/vt