Inte Nehalem Now Officially named Intel Core I7

Intel Nehalem now officially named Intel Core i7

Intel decided to announce the name brand of the upcoming new Nehalem architecture processors to spice up your Sunday. The answer: Intel Core Processor. No, that isn't a typo - we are going FROM "Core 2" brand to "Intel Core". The first parts released under this brand will be known as the "Intel Core i7 processor"; there will continue to be "Extreme Edition" versions.
Intel Corporation announced today that desktop processors based on the company's upcoming new microarchitecture (codenamed "Nehalem") will be formally branded "Intel® Core™ processor." The first products in this new family of processors, including an "Extreme Edition" version, will carry an "i7" identifier and will be formally branded as "Intel® Core™ i7 processor." This is the first of several new identifiers to come as different products launch over the next year.
Products based on the new microarchitecture will deliver high performance and energy efficiency. This "best of both worlds" approach is expected to extend Intel's processor leadership in future mobile, desktop and server market segments.
"The Core name is and will be our flagship PC processor brand going forward," said Sean Maloney, Intel Corporation executive vice president and general manager, Sales and Marketing Group. "Expect Intel to focus even more marketing resources around that name and the Core i7 products starting now."
The Intel Core processor brand name has gained broad awareness, preference, and market momentum over the past several years. The Intel Core name remains the logical choice for Intel's latest family of processors. The Intel Core i7 processor brand logo will be available for high-performance desktop PCs with a separate black logo for Intel's highest-end "Extreme Edition." Intel will include processor model numbers to differentiate each chip.
Initial products based on this microarchitecture are expected to be in production in the fourth quarter of this year. These processors will feature Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology, also known as simultaneous multi-threading, and are capable of handling eight software "threads" on four processor cores

Intel Dunnington hexa-core CPU coming soon in market

TGDaily is reporting that Intel's hexa-core Dunnington CPU (for those of you in the dark, that means 6 cores) for the server/workstation market could be launched as early as next week. This wouldn't be surprising at all considering we first heard about Dunnington in March during the IDF in Shanghai. Don't expect to see these cores in the consumer level products though - your next update will be with Nehalem-based Core i7 in the coming months.

Santa Clara (CA) – Intel’s six-core ‘Dunnington’ processor could be released next week’s at the VMWorld conference in Las Vegas. The chip, officially known as the Xeon 7400, is manufactured on the 45 nm process and will be the last chip in the Penryn line. The six cores share 16 MB of L3 cache and each pair of cores will share 3 MB of L2 cache (9 MB total). Intel promises that chip will have a TDP rating of approximately 130 watts. Like current generation Intel processors, the Dunnington will still require an external memory controller, but Intel hopes the large cache sizes in Dunnington will more than make up for any memory bottlenecks. The upcoming Nehalem processors, which should be available in the fourth quarter, will solve this problem with an integrated memory controller. The Dunnington, like other future Intel processors, will have all the cores in a single piece of silicon. This is in contrast to the current generation of processors which are multiple cores fashioned into one package. While some detractors say this technology is less elegant than AMD’s monolithic processors, it has allowed Intel to get to market faster. In the end most consumers probably don’t care how the chip is made; they just want something that works.

Intel Xeon 7460 Six Cores to Bulldoze Opteron Processors

The upcoming Intel Nehalem CPU has been in the spotlight for months now. In contrast and despite the huge die size and 1.9 billion (!) transistors, the 6-core Xeon 74xx is a wallflower for both the public as Intel's marketing. However, if you've invested in the current Intel platform, the newly launched Intel 74xx series deserves a lot more attention.
The Xeon 74xx, formerly known as Dunnington, is indeed a very interesting upgrade path for the older quad socket platform. All Xeon 74xx use the same mPGA604 socket as previous Xeons and are electrically compatible with the Xeon 73xx series. The Xeon 73xx , also known as Tigerton, was basically the quad-core version of the Xeon 53xx (Clovertown) that launched at the end 2006. The new hex-core Dunnington combines six of the latest 45nm Xeon Penryn cores on a single die. As you may remember from our dual socket 45nm Xeon 54xx review, the 45nm Penryn core is about 10% to 20% faster than its older 65nm brother (Merom). There is more: an enormous 12MB to 16MB L3 cache ensures that those six cores access high latency main memory a lot less. This huge L3 also reduces the amount of "cache syncing" traffic between the CPUs, an important bottleneck for the current Intel server platforms.
2.66GHz, 6 cores, 3x3MB L2, and 16MB L3 cache: a massive new Intel CPU
With at least 10% to 20% better performance per core, two extra cores per CPU package, and an upgrade that only requires a BIOS update, the newest Xeon 7460 should be an attractive proposal if you are short on processing power.
Six Cores?
Dunnington was announced at the past IDFs as "extending the MP leadership". Readers who read our last quad socket report understand that this is a questionable claim. Since AMD introduced the Opteron 8xxx in April 2003, there has never been a moment that Intel was able to lead the dance in the quad socket server market. Sure, the Intel 73xx was able to outperform the AMD chip in some areas (rendering), but the AMD quad-core was still able to keep up with Intel chip in Java, ERP, and database performance. When it comes to HPC, the AMD chip was clearly in the lead.
Dunnington might not be the darling of Intel marketing, but the chip itself is a very aggressive statement: let us "Bulldoze" AMD out of the quad socket market with a truly gigantic chip that only Intel can produce without losing money. Intel is probably - courtesy of the impressive ultra low leakage 45nm high-K process technology - the only one capable of producing large quantities of CPUs containing 1.9 billion transistors, resulting in an enormous die size of 503 mm2. That is almost twice the size of AMD's upcoming 45nm quad-core CPU Shanghai. Even IBM's flagship POWER6 processor (up to 4.7GHz) is only 341 mm2 and only has 790 million transistors.

Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 Dual Core Processor

The Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 is new low-cost Core 2 processor targeted at the mainstream market.
Like all processors that use the Intel Wolfdale core, it is built upon the smaller 45nm process technology using Intel's new high-k (hafnium) dielectric and metal gate technology. The result is a smaller, cooler and more efficient processor.
Unlike other Wolfdale-based processors though, the Core 2 Duo E7200 has half its L2 cache disabled. This leaves the processor with only 3MB of L2 cache. It also uses a slower FSB speed of 1066 MHz.
But does that mean it is slower than the Conroe-based Core 2 Duo processors that have 4MB of L2 cache and a faster FSB speed? You would be surprised at the results when we tested this processor and compared it against the performance of the Conroe-based Core 2 Duo processors.

Dual Core Atom: Intel D945GCLF2 & Atom 330

Last week, when going through the "what's new" list of a local supplier, I found a gem: an inexpensive mini-ITX motherboard with a dual core Atom processor. This little marvel, the Intel D945GCLF2, does not even show up on the Intel web site - other than being noted as announced during IDF. Interested in what it was capable of, I bought one on the spot.
The idea of very low power processors that are "fast enough" for many applications is starting to catch on. It would be fair to say that Asus took the world by fire with their original Eee PC, and followed it up with the highly successful Eee PC 901 - spawning a whole new "netbook" category of sub-notebook computers with enough processing power for Internet access and every day tasks. Mind you, Asus dropped the ball by not hitting its initially announced $199 Eee PC price tag, however there are now very capable netbooks around $300, like some models of the Acer AspireOne.

Asus then followed by releasing the Eee Box, bringing low powered tiny desktops to the public - sure they won't run Crysis, but they will do office apps and internet browsing, for less money, and while only sipping power compared to gaming boxes, and they can save even more money by avoiding the Microsoft Tax, by shipping a friendly Linux distribution pre-installed on the computer.
Low power computers are in fact enough for most people's use, and make excellent second, third or fourth computers in a family home. After all, how much power do you need to run Open Office and FireFox? Not much.

AMD Promises DirectX 11 in 2009

AMD has confirmed rumors that it is working on DirectX 11, announcing at CEATEC that it plans to release its first DirectX 11-compatible GPUs in 2009. The company also predicted an increase in general purpose computing on GPUs (GPGPU) and a transition to a 40nm fabricating standard, which ought to give graphics chip performance rates a considerable boost. In layman terms: Things are about to get a lot bigger and a lot prettier.


Bigger cache boosts performance of Athlon XP 3000+ processor.

AMD has won its game of "cache up" with Intel. The newest Athlon XP processors, code-named Barton, have double the Level 2 cache of previous models. Our first tests show the results: Barton-based Athlon XP 3000+ systems flew through productivity work, just topping the fastest Pentium 4 systems we've tested. AMD-based PCs also continue to triumph in the pricing contest, often selling for hundreds less than comparably configured P4 computers.
Record Breakers
We tested three high-end PCs carrying the Athlon XP 3000+: Polywell's $2155 Poly 880NF2-3000; Sys Technology's $3153 Sys Performance 3000+; and Falcon Northwest's $3275 Mach V Athlon XP 3000+. All of them had 1GB of 333-MHz DDR memory and a slew of high-end components, including ATI's Radeon 9700 Pro graphics card. The Polywell and Falcon machines ran Windows XP Home while the Sys ran Windows XP Professional (a negligible factor in our PC WorldBench 4 tests). Polywell sent a preproduction unit; the other two PCs were shipping models.
The Sys PC raced in with a score of 137 on our benchmark--the fastest result of any system to date. The Polywell checked in at 136; the Falcon, at 134--all insignificant performance differences.
By comparison, the zippiest 3.06-GHz P4 system we've tested, a previously reviewed $2860 Sys unit with 512MB of 1.066-GHz RDRAM, scored 132, just slightly lower than our top-performing Athlon XP 3000+ system.
Three additional 3.06-GHz P4 systems equipped with 1GB of memory that we tested for the January hyperthreading story averaged 121. That means the top Athlon XP PC scored about 13 percent higher, a noticeable difference.
For comparison we also tested AMD-based Poly and Falcon systems using the original, non-Barton Athlon XP 2800+ chip; PC WorldBench 4 results fell by 2 to 4 points. In several other tests, however--including Nero Burning ROM and Musicmatch--the 3000+ PCs performed slightly below the 2800+ systems.
The 3000+ systems' average time of 226 seconds in the AutoCAD test trounced the P4 PCs' average time of 273 seconds. The 3000+ PCs also outperformed the Intel-based systems in the Photoshop, Premiere, Nero Burning ROM, and Unreal Tournament tests; the P4 machines prevailed in the Musicmatch and Return to Castle Wolfenstein tests.
The 3000+ Skinny
AMD is shipping three new Barton-based processors: The Athlon XP 3000+ (running at 2.167 GHz), a new XP 2800+ (2.083 GHz), and the first XP 2500+ (1.833 GHz). All three include a 512KB L2 cache and a 333-MHz frontside bus. The 2800+ Barton-based CPU replaces an existing Athlon XP 2800+ chip that AMD shipped in small quantities to five PC vendors in fall 2002.
The original 2800+ chip, which runs at 2.25 GHz, is faster than both its replacement and the 3000+ chip. What gives? According to AMD, the 2800+ model number is based on the level of performance the chip delivers in PCs when running certain applications. The new 2800+ uses cache instead of megahertz to reach that level of application performance.
By the time you read this, all 2800+ chips shipping in PCs should be Barton-based models, according to AMD.
The company plans to ship an Athlon XP 3200+ processor by mid-2003, and in September it will debut its oft-delayed Athlon 64 CPU. AMD's future chip pairs 64-bit technology with a faster memory interface that should lead to improved performance.
Intel also plans several new chips, including a 3.2-GHz P4 that should be ready by April, says Kevin Krewell, general manager at research firm In-Stat/MDR. The company will follow that with a 3.4-GHz chip, code-named Prescott, offering twice the P4's current L2 cache (1MB) and improved hyperthreading, he says.
In the meantime, your best deal is likely a computer with AMD's Athlon XP 2800+ chip, since the prices of such systems are noticeably lower than those of 3000+ PCs (about $200) but their performance is not. And the price differences between Athlon XP 3000+ machines and 3-GHz P4 systems can run as high as $600.

Intel® Core™2 Processor with Viiv™ Technology

When you want a sensational high-definition (HD) experience, look no further than PCs with Intel® Core™2 processor with Viiv™ technology. Built on the latest hafnium-infused 45nm dual- and quad-core processors, these systems give you performance for HD audio and video and your most demanding applications.
Key components
The cutting edge is now. Every PC with an Intel Core 2 processor with Viiv technology is powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo or Intel Core 2 Quad processor to give you the performance to run demanding applications and manage your HD entertainment. To see the list of all processors available for the Intel Core 2 processor with Viiv technology, see the PC Requirements page.
PCs built from the ground up for sensational high-definition experiences. The Intel Core 2 processor with Viiv technology includes the latest Intel chipsets with most everything you need to build a multimedia PC for HD content. Experience stunning sound from movies and music with up to 7.1 surround sound capabilities enabled by Intel® High Definition Audio (Intel® HD Audio). Get full 1080P video playback for movie clips, media streams, and the latest generation of HD video cameras with optional Intel® Clear Video Technology. And explore the Internet with 1GB-capable broadband Ethernet to quickly access high-definition content. The possibilities are endless.
Operating system
Microsoft Vista Home Premium* makes it easy to control and enjoy your digital media.

IBASE Reveals MI940 Mini-ITX motherboard with Intel® 945GC Express Chipset

IBASE Technology (TASDAQ: 8050), a leading supplier of industrial computers, reveals the MI940 Mini-ITX motherboard incorporating the Intel® 945GC Express chipset with GMA950 graphics core. The MI940 is designed with an LGA775 socket for Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor, Intel® Pentium® D Processor and Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor supporting HT Technology with system bus of 800/533MHz. It comes with two DDR2 memory sockets for up to 2GB system memory for faster system responsiveness.
MI940 is ideal for applications in the medical, point-of-sale, kiosk and gaming sectors. Featuring the Intel® 945GC integrated graphics and Chrontel CH7307, MI940 comes with CRT and DVI-D interfaces at the board edge. LAN functionality is provided by an Intel® 82574L PCI-Express Gigabit Ethernet controller.Aside from having a PCI and PCI-E (x1) slots, MI940 is expandable with the optional ID394 and ID395 daughter boards to support additional serial ports and TPM function respectively. Other useful features on board include four SATA II ports, six USB 2.0 ports, watchdog timer, digital I/O and two serial ports. Board dimensions are 170mm by 170mm.
MI940 FEATURES
LGA775 socket for Intel® Core™ 2 Duo / Pentium D / Pentium 4 CPU
Intel® 945GC Express chipset based
Supports up to 800MHz system bus
Two DDR2 DIMM for up to 2GB memory
Supports one Intel PCI-E Gigabit LAN
4x SATA II, 1x IDE, 6x USB 2.0, 2x COM, 5.1 channel high definition Audio
1 x PCI Express (x1), 1 x PCI (supports 2 Master)

AMD Phenom X4 9850 Processor

The new AMD Phenom X4 9850 is a great processor for its segment even though it is still not able to dominate in any fashion over the Intel quad-core options. Just as with the initial 2.3 GHz Phenom B2 launch, AMD still considers the Intel Core 2 Q6600 its primary competition, and I consider the Q9450 to be another potential threat as well. This new CPU is definitely getting AMD closer to its performance goals and any enthusiast or gamer looking for a ~$240 processor is going to have a fantastic experience with the 9850. The added performance and efficiency of the 2000 MHz memory controller and system bus add to the benefits of the 2.50 GHz clock rate producing the best fastest stock speed AMD quad-core CPU to date. Though I feel a bit like a broken record, we again should put a caveat on all of this: if AMD COULD put out a part to compete with Intel in the high-end processor segment they would. The 65nm process that the current generation Phenom is using just won't allow it and the engineers in Sunnyvale still have a lot of work ahead to start giving Intel competition in the high profit-margin area of $400+ processors.

AMD Phenom X3 8750 2.4 GHz Triple-Core Processor

AMD Phenom processors When we first heard about the Phenom triple-core processors, I have to admit I was very skeptical… As it stands now from the performance outlook, the AMD Phenom X3 series of parts it pretty intriguing. In most of our tests the performance of the X3 8750 CPU was better than dual-core processors including AMD's own Athlon X2 6000+ and the Intel X6800 2.93 GHz part.”
“I was expecting the X3 8750 to use less power than the quad-core X4 9850 CPU but the results are better than I expected… I could see the X3 line making a good choice for a high performance yet lower power HTPC box.”
“Another part of that value comes in the platform you can get with an AMD processor that you can't with Intel's own chipsets. The AMD 780G chipset is still our favorite option for integrated graphics solutions and if you are building a second system or one for family I really think the motherboard offers more than adequate performance for everyday use and general gaming. The same can NOT be said for Intel's IGP solutions though NVIDIA's options for Intel processors are decent as well a

Intel® Atom™-based 3.5-inch SBC-IB883

Intel processors,a leading supplier of industrial computers, today announced anotherIntel® Atom™-based 3.5-inch embedded board, the IB883. IB883 is a small footprint single board computer that is configured with the Intel® Atom™processor N270 at 1.6GHz, FSB533 and the Mobile Intel® 945GSE Express chipset with the ICH7M. IB883 provides greater flexibility for developers of embedded computing solutions. It is ideally suited for rugged and compact designs as in internet devices and applications in automation, industrial control, data acquisition, thin client and other embedded PC applications.
Measuring 102x147mm, IB883 features the Intel's Graphics Media Accelerator 950 core, making it compatible with Windows Vista Premium, and Chrontel CH7307 DVI accelerator to support display interfaces including VGA CRT, single channel LVDS and a DVI port. One DDR2 SO-DIMM on board implements up to 1GB of system memory. Dual Gigabit LAN is also available. Advanced connectivity and expansion interfaces are provided by one IDE, one high-speed SATA-II, two serial ports, four USB 2.0, a CF socket, along with a PCI Express x1 interface. IB883 samples are due in September 2008.

IB883 FEATURES
Supports Intel® Atom™processor, 1.6GHz speed, 533MHz FSB
1x DDR2 SO-DIMM, Max. 1GB
Intel® 945GSE VGA for CRT / LVDS
Onboard Chrontel CH7307 for DVI
2x Intel® PCI-E Gigabit LAN
1x SATA II, 4x USB 2.0, 2x COM, 1x CF

AMD Phenom™ X3 Triple-Core Processors

Ready for a performance boost over single and dual-core processors? AMD Phenom™ X3 triple-core processors offer three processing cores on a single chip, plus cutting-edge features and capabilities for next-generation applications.
FOR BUSINESS
AMD Phenom™ X3 Triple-Core Processors
True multi-core performance for the way businesses multi-task today, and for the next-generation applications employees will need in the near future. Stable commercial AMD Phenom™X3 8000 Series processors offer industry-leading platform stability and longevity, investment protection, and the exceptional performance you expect from AMD. Plus, unique features for energy efficiency.
AMD Phenom™ X3 Triple-Core Processors
Do more than dual-core. AMD Phenom™ X3 8000 Series processors offer outstanding performance on a balanced suite of applications, as compared to AMD Athlon™X2 dual-core processors. Get added performance for multitasking, HD entertainment, content creation, and gaming applications.

AMD Athlon 64 3500, 2.2 GHz (OEM / Unboxed Processor

You live at the forefront of technology, and you won't settle for less from your favorite software. That's why AMD is proud to bring you the AMD Athlon 64 processor, with AMD64 technology for dramatically higher performance and built-in support for future 64-bit applications - even running 32- and 64-bit software at... MoreYou live at the forefront of technology, and you won't settle for less from your favorite software. That's why AMD is proud to bring you the AMD Athlon 64 processor, with AMD64 technology for dramatically higher performance and built-in support for future 64-bit applications - even running 32- and 64-bit software at the same time. Maximize system efficiency and stay ahead of the curve with the technically superior PC processor, packed with advances such as HyperTransport technology and an integrated DDR memory controller. Whether it is for business, school or play, with the AMD Athlon 64 processor, you can address your current and future computing needs. Minimize

AMD Multi-Core Processors Performance geared for the needs of next-generation applications

As the latest software applications offer new features and cutting-edge capabilities, processor designers need to stay ahead of those demands. But these days, increasing processor performance isn’t enough. Computers need to run faster, cooler, take up less space, and use less energy.
The Multi-Core Solution
Multi-core processing helps address these challenges. With the power of two or more processors on a single chip, AMD’s true multi-core processors deliver industry-leading performance and unique features that help systems run cooler and more efficient.
Next-Generation Software and True Multi-tasking
The evolution of AMD’s multi-core design has allowed for increased performance and higher productivity to meet the needs of next-generation applications. AMD multi-core processors also offer true multi-tasking capabilities. Users can simultaneously run multiple complex applications and successfully complete more tasks in a shorter amount of time.
And, because they put more processing power into a smaller package, AMD multi-core processors help enable smaller form factors—including:
· Thin-and-light notebook PCs that run cooler and quieter
· Space-saving, high-performance desktop PCs
· Server infrastructures with a smaller footprint, reduced cooling needs, and energy efficiency that can improve TCO

Microsoft will float cloud OS this month

The OS, code-named Red Dog, is Microsoft's answer to cloud-based app platforms like Google's App Engine or Amazon's EC2

Microsoft will unveil at the end of the month its "Cloud OS," the secretive Ray Ozzie project that provides a virtual Windows operating system platform for the rapid development, deployment, and maintenance of Internet services and applications.
Microsoft will unveil details later this month at its PDC (Professional Developers Conference) and show developers the APIs and plumbing services provided by a utility computing platform code-named Red Dog.
[ Discover the top-rated IT products as rated by the InfoWorld Test Center. ]
In essence, it is an application development and execution platform that lives on the Internet. Red Dog is similar to Amazon's EC2 (Elastic Computer Cloud) and Google's App Engine, both cloud-based application platforms.
Microsoft also plans to detail the next version of its .Net Framework and improvements to its Web application server that will make it a platform for hosting composite and Web 2.0 applications.
With Red Dog, developers write their applications to take advantage of cloud operating system services much like they do to exploit services on desktop and server operating systems.
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer told IT managers at a meeting in London last week that the official name and details of something he called "cloud OS" would see their debut at PDC.
Ozzie and his cloud infrastructure services team at Microsoft have quietly been working for the past few years on what has come to be known as the Red Dog project.
The platform, according to Ballmer, will be in simple terms Windows Server for the cloud and will provide such functions as scaling and server management. He told the IT managers the first version will work with Microsoft's data center but future versions could be used in other datacenters.
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"If you are a developer writing an application on the Microsoft platform, what is new that you will be able to do or to use that you can't do today -- those are the questions that should be answered at PDC," says Matt Rosoff, an analyst with the independent research firm Directions on Microsoft.
Ozzie said in July the services platform, as he called it at the time, would provide users with "a new kind of system designed for massive scale-outs, running on large redundant arrays of inexpensive commodity servers in the cloud."
For software on the back end, he said, programs would be spread out across hundreds or even thousands of PCs running in a cloud-based datacenter that appears like one datacenter to the programmer but is actually spread around the world.
And he added there would be opportunities "at the platform level, opportunities at the application level, and also opportunities at the integrated solution level."
PDC will focus on opportunities those levels present to developers.
Ozzie talked about a "programming model [that] was leverageable so that you had common aspects of that programming model when a developer was writing code in the enterprise or in the cloud."
How much of this platform Microsoft plans to reveal at PDC is unknown, but clearly Microsoft will show some of its cards.
Ozzie has said that fiscal year 2009, which began last week for Microsoft, would round out his story with some "significant announcements, significant efforts that have been under way now that represent the investments we've been making for the past couple of years."

Via trots out mini notebook, mobile motherboard

The OS, code-named Red Dog, is Microsoft's answer to cloud-based app platforms like Google's App Engine or Amazon's EC2

Microsoft will unveil at the end of the month its "Cloud OS," the secretive Ray Ozzie project that provides a virtual Windows operating system platform for the rapid development, deployment, and maintenance of Internet services and applications.
Microsoft will unveil details later this month at its PDC (Professional Developers Conference) and show developers the APIs and plumbing services provided by a utility computing platform code-named Red Dog.
[ Discover the top-rated IT products as rated by the InfoWorld Test Center. ]
In essence, it is an application development and execution platform that lives on the Internet. Red Dog is similar to Amazon's EC2 (Elastic Computer Cloud) and Google's App Engine, both cloud-based application platforms.
Microsoft also plans to detail the next version of its .Net Framework and improvements to its Web application server that will make it a platform for hosting composite and Web 2.0 applications.
With Red Dog, developers write their applications to take advantage of cloud operating system services much like they do to exploit services on desktop and server operating systems.
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer told IT managers at a meeting in London last week that the official name and details of something he called "cloud OS" would see their debut at PDC.
Ozzie and his cloud infrastructure services team at Microsoft have quietly been working for the past few years on what has come to be known as the Red Dog project.
The platform, according to Ballmer, will be in simple terms Windows Server for the cloud and will provide such functions as scaling and server management. He told the IT managers the first version will work with Microsoft's data center but future versions could be used in other datacenters.
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"If you are a developer writing an application on the Microsoft platform, what is new that you will be able to do or to use that you can't do today -- those are the questions that should be answered at PDC," says Matt Rosoff, an analyst with the independent research firm Directions on Microsoft.
Ozzie said in July the services platform, as he called it at the time, would provide users with "a new kind of system designed for massive scale-outs, running on large redundant arrays of inexpensive commodity servers in the cloud."
For software on the back end, he said, programs would be spread out across hundreds or even thousands of PCs running in a cloud-based datacenter that appears like one datacenter to the programmer but is actually spread around the world.
And he added there would be opportunities "at the platform level, opportunities at the application level, and also opportunities at the integrated solution level."
PDC will focus on opportunities those levels present to developers.
Ozzie talked about a "programming model [that] was leverageable so that you had common aspects of that programming model when a developer was writing code in the enterprise or in the cloud."
How much of this platform Microsoft plans to reveal at PDC is unknown, but clearly Microsoft will show some of its cards.
Ozzie has said that fiscal year 2009, which began last week for Microsoft, would round out his story with some "significant announcements, significant efforts that have been under way now that represent the investments we've been making for the past couple of years."

Intel Atom Processor N270

The Intel Atom processor N270Ω, implemented in 45nm technology, is power-optimized and delivers robust performance-per-watt for cost-effective embedded solutions. Featuring extended lifecycle support, this processor offers an excellent solution for embedded market segments such as digital signage, interactive clients, thin clients, digital security, residential gateways, print imaging, and commercial and industrial control. The processor remains software compatible with previous 32-bit Intel architecture and complementary silicon.This single-core processor is validated with the mobile Intel 945GSE Express Chipset, consisting of the Intel 82945GSE Graphics Memory Controller Hub and Intel I/O Controller Hub 7-M. The chipset features power-efficient graphics with an integrated 32-bit 3D graphics engine based on Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 architecture with SDVO, LVDS, CRT, and TV-Out display ports. It provides rich I/O capabilities and flexibility via high-bandwidth interfaces such as PCI Express, PCI, Serial ATA, and Hi-Speed USB 2.0 connectivity.Product highlights•Intel Atom processor N270 at 1.6 GHz core speed with 533 MHz AGTL+ front-side bus and 2.5 watts thermal design power•Intel hafnium-based 45nm Hi-k metal gate silicon process technology reduces power consumption, increases switching speed, and significantly increases transistor density over previous 65nm technology •Intel Hyper-Threading Technology provides high performance-per-watt efficiency in an in-order pipeline and increased system responsiveness in multi-tasking environments. One execution core is seen as two logical processors, and parallel threads are executed on a single core with shared resources •Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology reduces average system power consumption

IBM Unveils Midmarket Security Offerings

IBM has launched into midmarket security full force with the rollout new security solution targeting the midmarket.
The latest release is the IBM Rational AppScan Express Edition, a Web application scanning program which enables mid-sized companies to manage Web security and scan for vulnerabilities and malware attacks.


IBM's latest security addition complements numerous offerings in its Express Advantage portfollio, including the Express Multi-Function Security Bundle and Express Managed Multi-Function Security Bundle, which were unveiled in April, as well as the newly released IT Security Assessment Tool.
The new security offerings are aimed at SMB and midtier companies that want to protect data from malware and adhere to numerous regulatory security standards such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard -- all with limited budgets and lack of dedicated IT staff.
IBM execs say that the new midmarket tools are comprehensive, yet affordable and easy to deploy and maintain, providing an answer to some of the challenges faced by midmarket companies.
"They're not in business to be IT shops. They want to build a security program that is robust enough without bogging them down in IT," said Ed Abrams, vice president of marketing for IBM general business.
In order to determine the breadth and depth of the midmarket security environment, IBM also conducted its Global CEO study to assess the security needs of that market segment, which will lay the foundation to develop adequate security solutions," execs say.
"That was what drove us to the CEO study, understanding from a customer perspective. If we want to build a midmarket portfolio, we have to start with the client's needs," said Abrams, adding "We dove deeper. What are the things that are keeping our midmarket CEOs up at night?"
Among other things, the study's creators found that while CEOs have a strategic vision and desire to grow their business, they have difficulty addressing tactical challenges on a day to day basis. Some of most significant challenges include looking for simpler ways to consistently meet compliance standards, prevent infrastructure breaches, integrate systems and mitigate and manage risk relate to the Web.
"The idea was to learn not only what the midmarket wanted, but understanding if there's any difference in pain points from a midmarket perspective," said Abrams.
For IBM partners, the array of recently released midmarket security solutions present new opportunities that will allow them to add a few more tools to their portfolio, while potentially enabling them to expand into new market segments, execs say.
"It is a huge opportunity," said Abrams. "They now have additional inventory in their kit bag that will allow them to help customers solve those problems. That's how we want the partners to use this. We want this to be the way that they can drive the conversation around a known need."

Intel's Penryn Montevina to battle out AMD's Puma Griffin

Cut neck rivalry pushes the company’s to put in their best efforts to lure the users. But with Intel and AMD, the things seem a bit opposite. The most awaited chips by both the companies are a bit late to arrive in the market.Market was waiting for arrival of Intel’s Montevina and AMD’s Puma Griffin mobile platforms which has changed the shape of the notebooks shipping during the summer break. Both are equipped with an integrated 3D graphics boost, smooth HD video handling in all formats, 802.n wireless and more.Intel’s chip are faster on CPU front with 25 per cent clock advantage on the dual core front as Core 2 mobile Penryn exceeds 3GHz and seems to come in market soon.Also the chips support DDR3-1066 memory. With the soon to launch Intel’s Penryn Montevina and AMD’s Puma Griffin, the two rivals are again head to head.Comparative Technical Specifications for AMD’s Puma Griffin are:CPU int 11418 MIPSCPU fp 12008 MFLOPSMultimedia int 23.82 MPixel/sMultimedia fp 13.79 MPixel/sInter-Core Bandwidth 1.77 GB/sInter-Core Latency 176 nsALU Power Performance at 25 fps 2529 MIPSInt Buff'd iSSE2 Memory Bandwidth 5.96 GB/sFloat Buff'd iSSE2 Memory Bandwidth 6.12 GB/sMemory (Random Access) Latency 151 nsComparative Technical Specifications for Intel’s Penry Montevina:CPU int 12491 MIPSCPU fp 11758 MFLOPSMultimedia int 28.68 MPixel/sMultimedia fp 16.50 MPixel/sInter-Core Bandwidth 4.98 GB/sInter-Core Latency 85 nsALU Power Performance at 25 fps 4910 MIPSInt Buff'd iSSE2 Memory Bandwidth 5.50 GB/sFloat Buff'd iSSE2 Memory Bandwidth 5.49 GB/sMemory (Random Access) Latency 96 ns

Toshiba supports launch of latest Intel Computer processor and wireless Technology

Toshiba’s Digital Products Division announced its support of Intel and the launch of their mobile quad-core processors and WiMAX broadband technology, with laptop implementation during Q4 2008.Commenting on this update, Jeff Barney, vice president and general manager, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., Digital Products Division said “Toshiba is proud of its strong relationship with Intel. As a leader in laptop technology, strive to build innovative, mobile solutions that enhance the digital lifestyle, and confident that the latest Intel Quad-Core CPUs and WiMAX technologies will push processing power and wireless connectivity to unmatched heights.” The Intel mobile quad-core processors provide unprecedented multi-core performance to easily handle the most processor hungry tasks such as viewing and editing high-definition video content. Meanwhile, Intel’s WiMAX broadband technology lays the foundation for next-generation wireless connectivity, empowering Toshiba laptop users with the capability to access data-intensive applications, such as media streaming, live video conferencing and mobile TV through a broadband-speed wireless internet connection with a geographical range that far exceeds what’s possible via a Wi-Fi wireless hotspot. Toshiba laptops supporting the new Intel mobile quad-core processor or WiMAX technology are currently under development, with an anticipated target availability of Q4 2008.

GPU Technology for Accelerated High Performance Computing

Stream computing harnesses the tremendous processing power of the graphics processor unit (GPU) for high-performance, data-intensive computations over a wide range of scientific, business and consumer applications.
In stream computing, operations are applied in parallel through a SIMD architecture to a given data set, or stream of data. To take advantage of the GPU’s SIMD architecture and the hundreds of parallel compute cores it provides, AMD Stream has developed a full software stack of development tools for both 32-bit and 64-bit Linux and Windows operating systems; the AMD Stream SDK. AMD Stream is also porting many common math library functions from the AMD ACML package to the GPU to support compute-intensive applications.
Along with leading 3rd party industry partners and academic institutions worldwide, AMD Stream is building a complete stream computing ecosystem, one that delivers the performance, applications, software and tools necessary to turn AMD's low-cost stream computing vision into reality.
Characteristics of stream computing:
§ Enable new applications on new architectures
§ Parallel problems other than graphics that map well on GPU architecture
§ Transition from fixed function to programmable pipelines
§ Various proof points in research and industry under the name GPGPU

AMD Phenom X3 Triple-Core Processors Do More than Dual-Core

Ready for a performance boost over single and dual-core processors? AMD Phenom™ X3 triple-core processors offer three processing cores on a single chip, plus cutting-edge features and capabilities for next-generation applications.
FOR BUSINESS
AMD Phenom™ X3 Triple-Core Processors
True multi-core performance for the way businesses multi-task today, and for the next-generation applications employees will need in the near future. Stable commercial AMD Phenom™X3 8000 Series processors offer industry-leading platform stability and longevity, investment protection, and the exceptional performance you expect from AMD. Plus, unique features for energy efficiency.
FOR HOME
AMD Phenom™ X3 Triple-Core Processors
Do more than dual-core. AMD Phenom™ X3 8000 Series processors offer outstanding performance on a balanced suite of applications, as compared to AMD Athlon™X2 dual-core processors. Get added performance for multitasking, HD entertainment, content creation, and gaming applications

AMD Quad-Core Processors Native quad-core design puts the power of four processors into one

Quad-Core AMD Opteron™ Processors
Deliver industry leading power efficiency and virtualization with balanced performance
When it comes to the IT needs of today’s businesses, Quad-Core AMD Opteron™ processors with Direct Connect Architecture offer a compelling solution. They deliver industry-leading performance within a consistent footprint and thermal envelopes.
AMD Opteron processors also enable stable, long-term server and workstation solutions with industry-leading performance and energy efficiency. They’re designed to simplify your IT management — now and in the future.
Optimal VirtualizationFeaturing AMD Virtualization™ (AMD-V™) technology with Rapid Virtualization Indexing, Quad-Core AMD Opteron processors provide a balanced approach to improve virtualization efficiency, enabling more virtual machines to run per server for server consolidation and improved manageability. Increased performance for many virtual workloads allows for a higher performing, more flexible virtual environments with little or no performance compromise. AMD-V Extended Migration provides full live migration compatibility from single-core through quad-core processor solutions enabling a more reliable, more adaptable IT environment.
Industry Leading Power EfficencyQuad-Core AMD Opteron processors are designed to deliver industry-leading power efficiency, thanks to Enhanced AMD PowerNow!™ technology and the addition of innovative AMD CoolCore™ Technology. These innovations are designed to reduce total cost of ownership (TCO), data center power needs, and cooling costs by lowering the energy consumption of your IT infrastructure. Quad-Core AMD Opteron processors deliver performance-on-demand capabilities for optimum performance-per-watt and power savings and optimize performance and power to match the compute workloads of each core, minimizing processor heat and energy consumption.
Superior Investment ProtectionBy leveraging AMD’s Common Core Strategy and Same Socket Technology, Quad-Core AMD Opteron processors are designed to minimize changes to your software and data center infrastructure to protect your IT investment and simplify IT management. AMD’s Common Core Strategy eases technology transitions, can reduce maintenance costs, and helps preserve your IT software image by allowing for fewer upgrade disruptions. Same socket technology enables seamless hardware upgrades by maintaining consistent thermal envelopes across multiple CPU generations to help hardware longevity and performance per watt, while easing facilities planning. AMD plans include a stable consistent roadmap and well-timed transitions to match true enterprise environments and help minimize your IT TCO.

Outstanding PerformanceQuad-Core AMD Opteron processors provide outstanding performance and power efficiency and can increase performance-per-watt to improve IT responsiveness while maintaining business costs.
Quad-Core AMD Opteron processors with Direct Connect Architecture are designed for optimum multi-threaded application performance. We start with a native quad-core design — featuring four cores on a single piece of silicon for more efficient data sharing — and add an enhanced cache structure and integrated memory controller designed to sustain multi-threaded application throughput. Direct Connect Architecture is a tested and proven architecture — in market since 2003, and available only from AMD.

IBM shrinks SRAM cell for future chip generation

IBM has unveiled what it says is the first working static random access memory cell for a future generation in chip manufacturing, based on a 22nm scale.
The size of SRAM cells--which in turn make up SRAM chips--is a fundamental factor in making chips smaller. Although the next generation of chip manufacturing is based on the 32nm scale (the current generation is based on the 45nm scale), the one after that should be based on the 22nm scale, and the six-transistor SRAM cell's area of 0.1um2 should help that become reality, IBM announced on Monday.
"We are working at the ultimate edge of what is possible--progressing toward advanced, next-generation semiconductor technologies," said Dr TC Chen, vice president of science and technology at IBM Research, in a statement. "This new development is a critical achievement in the pursuit to continually drive miniaturization in microelectronics."
IBM's joint development partners in creating the SRAM cell were AMD, Freescale, STMicroelectronics, Toshiba and the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE). The CNSE, based at the University of Albany in New York State, is where IBM and its partners do much of their semiconductor research.
According to IBM, the creation of the new cell was aided by factors including: "Band edge high-K metal gate stacks, transistors with less than 25nm gate lengths, thin spacers, novel co-implants, advanced activation techniques, extremely thin silicide, and damascene copper contacts".
Further details of the new cell's creation will be presented at the IEEE International Electron Devices (IEDM) annual technical meeting in San Francisco in December, IBM said.

AMD Mulit-Core Processores Performanace Geared for the needs of next generation aplications

AMD Multi-Core Processors Performance geared for the needs of next-generation applications

As the latest software applications offer new features and cutting-edge capabilities, processor designers need to stay ahead of those demands. But these days, increasing processor performance isn’t enough. Computers need to run faster, cooler, take up less space, and use less energy.
The Multi-Core Solution
Multi-core processing helps address these challenges. With the power of two or more processors on a single chip, AMD’s true multi-core processors deliver industry-leading performance and unique features that help systems run cooler and more efficient.
Next-Generation Software and True Multi-tasking
The evolution of AMD’s multi-core design has allowed for increased performance and higher productivity to meet the needs of next-generation applications. AMD multi-core processors also offer true multi-tasking capabilities. Users can simultaneously run multiple complex applications and successfully complete more tasks in a shorter amount of time.
And, because they put more processing power into a smaller package, AMD multi-core processors help enable smaller form factors—including:
· Thin-and-light notebook PCs that run cooler and quieter
· Space-saving, high-performance desktop PCs
· Server infrastructures with a smaller footprint, reduced cooling needs, and energy efficiency that can improve TCO

ARM joins IBM mobile-chip alliance

Semiconductor design company ARM will join IBM, Samsung and Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing in a group aiming to develop mobile-chip technology.
ARM announced on Monday that it would join the Common Platform group to collaborate on developing 32nm (nanometer) and 28nm "System-on-a-Chip" design platforms based on high-k metal-gate technology.
ARM will design and license logic, memory and interface products to the group. The aim is to reduce cost and improve performance of mobile chipsets, ARM said in a statement.
"Through this early engagement, we are creating the foundation for designing power-efficient ARM 'Systems-on-a-Chip' for customers of the Common Platform," said Warren East, chief executive of ARM.
ARM CPU architecture is widely licensed and used in a variety of mobile products from companies such as RIM, Samsung, Nokia, HTC, LG and Motorola.
IBM also has deals with companies including NEC, Infineon, STMicro, Toshiba and