Intel has introduced its preliminary Vanderpool
virtualisation specifications to help users 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 can be too complex for
most users. Vanderpool is designed to make it easier.
The preliminary Vanderpool Technology External Architecture
Specifications provide technology overviews and guidance to
software developers who are designing virtualisation products for
Intel's IA-32 and Itanium-based processor platforms.
Although 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 - one year earlier than
previously planned.
Intel expects broad take up of such virtualisation products next
year. Using Vanderpool-type solutions, users could create systems
that run different software for different tasks or legacy
applications. Virtualisation could also aid server consolidation,
legacy migration and offer security benefits, Intel 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."
The Vanderpool specifications
www.intel.com/technology/vt