Three transitions stand out as fundamental for addressing next-generation performance, capacity, and TCO challenges: multi-core processors, virtualization, and 64-bit computing.

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from Intel Corp.

Infrastructure demands are increasing, and the computing industry is transitioning to multi-core processors, server virtualization, and 64-bit computing to support next-generation workloads Intel is integrating a broad set of new server technologies to support these transitions, and working with the industry to deliver comprehensive solutions that deliver better value in real-world environments. Now is the time to explore the opportunities and challenges, and to take advantage of Intel’s extensive information, tools, and resources to reduce your risk and enable cost-effective and sustainable infrastructure and business growth.

Executive summary
Three fundamental transitions are under way in the computing industry, each of which will have a major impact on business computing solutions. The first is the move from single-core to multi-core processors, the second is the move to virtualization, and the third is the move from 32-bit to 64-bit computing. Companies will need to integrate these new capabilities effectively in their environment if they are to maintain a scalable, cost-effective, and agile infrastructure capable of supporting next-generation business solutions.

To help IT organizations transition smoothly, Intel is delivering optimized hardware support for these transitions across all Intel processor-based server families, while simultaneously integrating a number of complementary technologies that help to increase and extend the benefits. Combined with the high value and proven reliability of Intel architecture, these enhanced capabilities can help businesses establish a robust, affordable, standards-based foundation for emerging solutions.[1] Because Intel-based servers also deliver excellent support for legacy applications and environments, they give businesses the flexibility to implement these transitions incrementally and cost-effectively, according to their unique business and IT priorities.

Businesses will need to optimize their software infrastructure to reap the full benefit of these new capabilities. In particular, selected applications may need to be migrated to 64-bits and/or thread-optimized to scale effectively on next-generation servers. Intel has launched the Intel® Software Network to help IT organizations plan and implement strategic, value-based software transitions. Extensive information, training, and services are available, along with Intel Software Development Tools, which can simplify development and migration, and dramatically improve performance on Intel processor-based servers. Intel Solution Services offers more comprehensive consulting, which can be instrumental in helping enterprise companies capitalize on the full value of these architectural transitions.

By taking advantage of these deep technical resources, IT organizations can optimize their transition to 64-bits, multi-core processors, virtualization, and other new server technologies. This paper can help decision-makers understand and manage these issues more effectively, so they can make better use of Intel processor-based systems to enable cost-effective, sustainable transformation and growth.

Opportunity and risk in a time of change
The ability to understand and manage change has long been a core competence of successful companies. In today’s global and technology-dependent business world, it is more important than ever. Technology is opening markets, enabling global outsourcing, and helping companies cope with complex regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions. Technology is also moving us toward a real-time business environment in which transactions are instantaneous, processes are transparent, and the ability to turn oceans of data into actionable information is a critical competitive advantage.

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