Jason, The Feb BusinessWire piece on the i960RD includes the following statement: "Included with the i960 RD I/O processor is a free license for the Wind River Systems IxWorks(a) real-time operating system to give developers a faster time-to-market path."
-Greg (with apology to Stephen for jumping in...)
P.S. Here is the full text of the article...
Monday February 3 4:20 PM EDT
Intel Rolls Out Faster I/O Processor For Server Performance Boost
New i960 RD I/O Processor To Bring Higher Throughput, More Enterprise Capabilities For I2O-Ready Systems
CHANDLER, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 3, 1997--Intel Corp. today announced it has started sampling a new, higher-performance I/O processor for Intel Architecture-based standard high-volume servers.
The new i960 RD I/O microprocessor, the second in a series of I/O processors, doubles the performance of the existing I/O processor and increases server performance for Web servers, database servers, intranet servers and similar applications.
"Today's standard high-volume servers, like yesterday's mainframe computers, require intelligent I/O subsystems as an integral part of the system for providing the throughput and performance necessary in the enterprise," said Ron Smith, Intel vice president and general manager, Computing Enhancement Group.
"The Intel role in providing these I/O processors and our role in establishing industry specifications like the Intelligent I/O
architecture and PCI help to ensure the economies of scale required for making SHV servers mission-critical."
According to Duncan Campbell, worldwide marketing manager for the Hewlett-Packard Network Server Division: "HP's goal is to shatter the I/O bottleneck, and Intel's i960 RD processor is a key element we will use to forward I/O and overall system performance. This new processor, coupled with the available I2O architecture and specification, allows us to provide PC server users with highly scalable systems, increased transaction rates, a wider range of I/O functions and innovative new I/O capabilities."
I/O Processor Offloads Host CPU for Better System Performance
The new i960 RD I/O processor is a high-performance, dedicated I/O subsystem incorporated directly into the server motherboard. Similar to the channel processor in a mainframe computer, the I/O subsystem redirects interrupt-intensive I/O tasks away from the host CPU and frees host resources such as memory and system buses, resulting in faster overall system performance and throughput. The intelligent I/O subsystem also allows I/O to increase with processor performance increases.
The i960 RD I/O processor integrates a 2.1 PCI-to-PCI bridge with an i960 RISC processor core. The bridge unit expands the number of PCI slots in the system, allowing client-class adapter cards to be added to the system and extending overall system value for IT managers.
The new chip offers low-power (3.3 volt) performance, using 40 percent less power than the previous I/O processor version.
Also integrated into the processor is a messaging unit, two address translation units, three-channel DMA controller, integrated memory controller, and an I/O advanced programmable interrupt controller bus interface unit. Other features of the i960 RD I/O processor include 66 MHz performance, 4 Kbyte two-way associative instruction cache, 2 Kbyte direct mapped datacache and 1 Kbyte on-chip data RAM, in an SBGA package.
Included with the i960 RD I/O processor is a free license for the Wind River Systems IxWorks(a) real-time operating system to give developers a faster time-to-market path. Also included with the chip is a license for the BMC PATROL application management product suite to monitor activities at the motherboard level.
I2O Architecture Implemented by the i960 RD I/O Processor
The i960 I/O processor series is the first processor offered to implement the I2O architecture in servers and adapter cards. The Intelligent I/O (I2O) architecture is a common I/O framework that provides a robust, extensible, driver interface for servers and adapter cards and increases interoperability and integration of storage and network interfaces in the enterprise computing environment.
Version 1.5 of the architecture supports peer-to-peer technology, which allows peer I/O devices to communicate directly, bypassing the host CPU and independent of the network operating system.
Intel is a founding member of the I2O Special Interest Group, which counts more than 90 companies as members.
I/O Subsystem Allows Multiple Functions, Better Server Performance, More Value
The i960 RD I/O processor will enable, for the first time, multiple functions to be handled directly in the I/O subsystem. As a result, server and motherboard system providers can offer their customers a wide range of capabilities, such as online backup, security, lossless compression and system management, as an integral part of the system.
Anticipated benefits of including these functions in the I/O subsystem include better manageability, lower system maintenance costs and better value for IT managers.
Higher I/O Performance Means Better Network Operating System Performance
As providers of network operating systems continue to add new capabilities, system bottlenecks can result, slowing performance. The inclusion of a dedicated, powerful I/O subsystem in the server allows many NOS functions to be handled by the I/O processor instead of the host CPU, helping to eliminate bottlenecks and allowing greater scalability with the host processor.
For example, features such as host-based routing, host-based authentication of users, fail-over and rich file distribution in
Novell's IntranetWare can impact system performance for users. By redirecting these tasks to the intelligent I/O processor,
performance can increase.
"Novell and Intel have been working closely together to take advantage of I/O functionality with IntranetWare, providing material value to our customers," said Keoki Andrus, director of product component management at Novell.
"As customers expand strategic use of their enterprise-wide networks by deploying traditional and mission-critical solutions on IntranetWare, server processing capacity becomes a gating factor. Implementing the I2O architecture with the Intel i960 I/O processor offers a sane path to handle the performance concerns of customers expanding their server requirements to include Internet/intranet access, Web Servers and Java applications."
Micronics Computers Inc. First to Incorporate the i960 RD I/O Processor
Micronics Computers Inc. is the first system provider to incorporate the new i960 RD I/O processor into its new M6Dpd motherboard. The M6Dpd is based on Intel's 440FX chipset and the Pentium Pro processor. It supports Adaptec's Ultra Wide SCSI and RAIDport architectures and a 64-bit graphics adapter.
"Micronics is once again at the forefront of leading edge technology with its M6Dpd system board. We have teamed up with Intel to market the next wave in server technology, namely the I2O architecture," said Shanker Munshani, president and CEO, Micronics Computers Inc.
"As central microprocessors such as Intel's Pentium Pro CPUs deliver ever-increasing power, servers are hindered by the input/output capability of the system. Intel's i960 RD I/O processor addresses this single biggest challenge faced by servers today, with its performance and implementation of the I2O architecture. The M6Dpd system board from Micronics incorporates this technology on a dual Pentium Pro CPU board, making it the perfect choice for the growing server market."
Evaluation units of the M6Dpd will be available in February with production units available in second quarter 1997.
i960 RD I/O Processor Samples Available Now
Samples of the i960 RD I/O processor are available now, with production quantities scheduled for June 1997. The processor is priced at $79.75 per unit in 10K unit quantities for OEM customers in the United States. For more information, check at
intel.com .
Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of personal computer, networking and communications products. Through innovative technologies, Intel is committed to improving the Internet experience for PC users. Additional information is available at www.intel.com/pressroom .
(a) Other brands and names are the property of their respective owners.
CONTACT: Intel Corp., Chandler
Anne Schaller, 602/554-2388
anne_p_schaller@ccm.ch.intel.com |
