Wednesday, 26 July 2000
'Stepping Process' caused Itanium delay: Intel
By Newsbytes
A "stepping process," and not the lack of applications for 64-bit computing, is the major reason why the Itanium chip - the first processor for IA-64 architecture from chip manufacturer Intel, will be shipped by the last quarter of this year, and not earlier within its original "second half of 2000" schedule.
Intel is promising, however, that come the last fourth quarter of 2000, the Itanium will deliver on its promise and that the chip will be delivered in the global market on time.
"A stepping process is a series of tests that Intel felt should be conducted for the Itanium chip so as not to compromise its performance and quality," explained Paolo Lopez, architecture manager for Intel's Philippines and Thailand operations.
Although he noted that Intel is making sure that 64-bit systems will be ready in time for the Itanium launch, he stressed that the availability or unavailability of these systems did not contribute to the shipment delay.
Currently, industry giants including HP, IBM, Sun Microsystems, and Compaq, have expressed their commitment to "port" their operating systems to the IA-64 platform. These operating systems include Linux, Windows, Project Monterey, Solaris, and Tru64, among others.
"Intel is making sure that vertical 64-bit applications will be there by the time of the launch. Through the "Intel 64 Fund," we are encouraging developers to come up with 64-bit applications," said Lopez.
Lopez added that there are currently 5,000 Itanium-powered prototypes around the globe being used for this purpose.
Recently, global IT vendor Hewlett-Packard (HP), Intel's co-developer of the IA-64 architecture, unveiled an IA-64 development centre in the company's headquarters in Japan.
According to Lopez, companies supporting the IA-64 platform are pouring in US$200 million for the Intel 64 Fund to "accelerate" the IA-64 platform.
Lopez said there are currently ongoing IA-64 projects being facilitated through the Intel 64 Fund, including projects by "IA-64 early adapters" such as Bank of America, Sabre, Reuters and automotive giant Ford, among others.
The Intel 64 Fund is also serving as a "middleman" between customers, ISVs (independent software vendors), OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) who may want to engage in IA-64-based projects. |
