Desktop PCs Get Virtualization from Intel

Intel will unveil two new desktop processors with virtualization.
Virtualization (VT) is a technology that allows a computer to be partitioned in order to run different types of software simultaneously. VT was found only in a few Intel Xeon processors, but now the technology extended to the desktop segment.

To be clearer, VT allows the user to run multiple operating systems or applications on independent partitions or "containers" on a single chip. The VT-enabled chips from Intel are 672 and 662. 672 runs at 3.8 GHz and features 2MB of cache memory. These can be found now only in computers from Lenovo, Acer or Founder. The price for such a processor is 605 USD - for a 672 and 402 USD - for a 662.

Intel plans to embed next year its virtualization technology in dual core Pentium D processors. Also, in the same period, the company will introduce VT into its Xeon server processors.

Intel's rival, AMD (Advance Micro Devices) is said to be planning to unveil its virtualization technology for desktops and servers in 2006. Also, Dell and HP (Hewlett Packard) will wait until next year to embed the VT technology into their systems.