Intel has begun letting outside companies use a technology to speed a server's network communications, the company announced Tuesday, and several are already planning to take advantage of the offer.
The technology, called QuickData, is a component of Intel's broader Input/Output Acceleration Technology effort to modernize server handling of network traffic. QuickData speeds standard networking by putting networked data directly into memory, bypassing stages in which the processor is burdened as it processes all the packets of transmitted data.
Previously, QuickData only worked with servers using Intel's own network chips and cards. But now others may use the technology, the chip maker announced at its Intel Developer Forum in Taiwan.
Microsoft, IBM and Fujitsu-Siemens endorsed the move, the companies said; network chip rival Broadcom is evaluating ways it can use QuickData; and VMware and Mellanox plan to use it.
Intel and AMD are in something of a struggle to one-up each other when it comes to open interfaces. AMD began earlier this year with "Torrenza," which lets others build chips that plug into HyperTransport high-speed communications system within a computer.
Competition is good for consumers, then we have Microsoft.
One example how competition is good for consumers, but then we have Microsoft. If Mircosoft was forced to open up access to its technologies to its competition, either Microsoft technologies would improve in quality or be swept under the rug where they belong.
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