Intel Speeds Up Vanderpool Rollout For Desktop

Intel is speeding up deployment of virtualization technology on the desktop, saying it will release its Vanderpool technology in desktop processors and chipsets in 2005, a year earlier than originally planned.

The Santa Clara, Calif.-based company had previously said it would make Vanderpool available only on its 64-bit Itanium server processors this year.

In a statement, the company said, "Intel has been working with several of the industry's leading software vendors to solicit input on the technology, and also to jointly speed the delivery of virtualization to the marketplace."

The technology allows designers to create "virtual partitions" inside a system, which will permit IT managers to upgrade software on one portion of a managed PC or server without halting the system or taking it over entirely to perform management or maintenance functions. The statement mentioned that Vanderpool could also optimize and make server consolidation scenarios more efficient.

In its announcement, Intel said it would provide more details on the virtualization rollout during its Intel Developer Forum from March 1 to 3 in San Francisco.