By Amanda Clark

Intel Corporation

So maybe you think of yourself as a hacker (not to be confused with a cracker, even we stodgy corporate types get the distinction, finally). Or perhaps you're content to call yourself a software developer. Either way, chances are good that you're working your butt off just to get your code working, so that when customer acceptance testing rolls around next month you have some hope of getting a few hours of sleep in the aftermath.

Then, in your spare time, you surf over to this site and discover Intel is talking about getting you ready to develop for the enterprise. You read that Intel wants you to optimize and port code to take advantage of its cool Intel® Architecture, and that doing this is really worth your effort.

Yo, Intel! I write code! Why should I care about optimizing for Intel hardware?

Good question. Here's another: What does Intel know about software anyway? Turns out we know enough to employ more than 6,000 software engineers, to spend millions of dollars annually on software research and development, and to count software innovation as one of our highest priorities. Colin Evans, director of Intel's System Software Lab, can tell you more.

As to the first question, I'd wager that if the software you wrote could run faster, deliver more exciting user features, and be compatible with hardware that your customers could scale for less money, would your company benefit? If I'm right, then you'll benefit? Maybe. But if the answer is yes, would you want to have access to tools and information that would help you make it happen for the apps you work on? I hope so.

And if you think I'm wrong, drop me a note and explain why.

Yo, Intel! I lead a software development team! How does what you want to tell me about 'developing enterprise applications' in this article help my team code faster, easier, better?

Oof! Another good one. OK, so there is a lot of information on the Intel Software Network Web site that can help you and your team code to the metal if you want. There are tools, articles about how to access features of our processors and use them better to deliver cooler software, trainings on a whole range of technologies and techniques. But wouldn't it be nice to get a tour and learn a bit more about how it all ties into developing applications relevant to the enterprise? The following pages of this article give a bit of a sampler of our site, with the enterprise in mind. I hope you like it.

We think that the overall difficult environment for IT and tech in general will end. As a result, you'll start getting requests to upgrade software as new hardware arrives. Chances are, a fair bit of that hardware will be centered around Intel Architecture. Intel has invested resources aligned with the belief that by continuing to spend in the current downturn, Intel will provide a range of new and improved technologies to be the backbone of enterprise IT, as well as keep individuals productive at their desks or on the move. Lab rats, carpet dwellers, and road warriors alike can soon benefit from this investment.

And meanwhile, Intel Software Network has been picking the brains of our software engineers, and creating articles on how to optimize, port, and create applications to take advantage of the great features available on Intel processors. That's what's on this site, and some of it is sampled in this paper.

We have related articles that describe the current environment for the enterprise and give links to information relevant to both decision makers in corporations, and developers working on applications — check out our Enterprise Technical Content if that interests you. Otherwise, click the links in the Table of Contents above and go straight to the various sections to look for technical articles, some with code.

If you want it quick, scan the links, because we've got some interesting tips and tricks to offer. If not, grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and read in more depth. See if the resources we are collecting may help you compete now and in the future.

Oh, and if you have thoughts on any of the articles you find – check out our software development forums or send me an email.