Intel Developer Forum, San Jose (Calif): Intel Corporation President and COO Paul Otellini on September 17 demonstrated that through Intel's and the industry's efforts, the convergence of computing and communications is being rapidly embraced by individuals and has become a mainstream trend.

He also described new technologies Intel will bring to computing and communications devices that will add exciting features to Intel products in addition to providing more processing speed.

"Just two years after disclosing details on what was then codenamed Banias, the convergence of computing and communications has gone mainstream," said Otellini. "As one example, the addition of more than 76,000 wireless networking cards a day to the world's computing infrastructure makes it clear that convergence is here to stay.

And this isn't just happening in the PC area -- we're estimating by 2010 there will be more than 2.5 billion wireless handheld devices capable of providing communications functions combined with the processing power of today's advanced PCs."

Otellini's comments were made during the opening address of the Intel Developer Forum (IDF) Fall 2003. In addition to reviewing the company's focus on convergence, Otellini also described new technologies – the "Ts" – Intel plans to bring to market to provide end-user benefits that go beyond processor frequency.

"It was two years ago at IDF that we committed to deliver fundamental technologies to enable greater productivity and better experiences for computer users," said Otellini.

"We said we would continue to lead in microprocessor performance and we've done that. We also said we needed to create technologies specifically targeted to match the ways individuals use computing and communications devices. Hyper-Threading technology, with its innovative approach to enhancing the computing experience, and Intel® Centrino™ mobile technology, which delivers breakthroughs in mobile computing, are the first outcomes of this effort."

The company will continue to deliver on its promise to provide greater user benefits by supplying technologies to improve security, reliability and media processing, among others. In the security area, the company's LaGrande technology is designed to be a future enhancement to Intel processors, chipsets and platforms, that when combined with optimised software would protect against software- based attacks on computer systems. The technology should be available in the next two-to-three years.

"At a time when the 'virus of the week' seems to plague us all, making our computing devices more secure through the addition of hardware-based security must become a top priority for the industry in order to ensure future growth," said Otellini. "However, it's important to do this in a way that also respects the privacy rights of individuals. Intel is committed to achieving both goals."

Another technology, Intel plans to incorporate into future products, is designed to enable multiple, independent software environments in a single PC – similar to the way mainframe class systems operate. Code-named "Vanderpool", it is aimed at improving the end-user experience by increasing system reliability, flexibility and responsiveness, as well as speeding the ability to recover from computer crashes.

The company is also developing similar enhancements to improve the processing of digital media – boosting the performance and lowering the cost of experiencing advanced digital media capabilities. This feature is expected to become increasingly important in the home environment.

Agencies