Intel Corp (INTC)

[Elmer Phud]

INTEL: Intel introduces industry's first network processor to support secure, content processing

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct 15, 2002 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- Intel Corporation today introduced a network processor that helps lower the cost and simplify the development of communications equipment designed to improve the security of information traveling over a network. The Intel IXP2850 network processor combines high-performance packet processing with robust security features in a single chip to enable applications such as Virtual Private Networks, Web services and Storage Area Networks.

The new chip builds upon the fully programmable, high-performance architecture of Intel's IXP2800 network processor product family. The IXP2850 can be programmed to accelerate content-rich services such as load balancing among multiple Web servers. In addition, hardware mechanisms within the chip enable popular encryption and data integrity standards such as 3DES, AES and SHA-1 to be implemented at speeds up to 10 Gbps. The flexible IXP2800 family architecture allows data and state information to be shared among the applications, minimizing memory and power requirements, as well as overall board space. Implementing these capabilities previously required multiple, specialized processors that increased the cost, power consumption and size of the equipment.

"Service providers and communications equipment suppliers are looking to expand beyond simple management of network traffic to value-added services based upon the content of the traffic," said Doug Davis, general manager, Intel Network Processor Division. Increasingly, that content must be transmitted in a secure environment to support applications such as e-Commerce. By integrating these capabilities in a single chip, we are making it easier for customers to implement those features while meeting their cost and time-to-market targets."

Services and Development Tools To help customers quickly develop products based upon its new network processor, Intel also announced enhancements to its suite of hardware and software development tools, as well as new professional design services. The IXP2850 can be configured as a pin-compatible "drop-in" replacement within the current IXDP2800 Hardware Development Platform, preserving customers' investments and enabling reuse of previous board designs. Existing simulation routines, libraries and compiler software in the Intel Internet Exchange Architecture (IXA) Software Development Kit 3.0 have been updated to support the new security features, minimizing training and support costs.

Intel is also offering comprehensive reference software and support services ranging from cryptography building blocks for security standards, such as IPsec and TCP/SSL, to complete custom software support encompassing code design, module integration and performance tuning.

Pricing and Availability

The Intel IXP2850 will be available in the second quarter of 2003. The IXP2850 is priced at $725 (US) in high volume. More information about the new product is available at www.intel.com.

Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom

Intel and IXP family are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

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