Hot Plug Technology To Be Available In Intel Architecture-Based Server Platforms

Licensing Agreement with Compaq Furthers Industry Standards-based Computing Model

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Aug. 15, 1997 -- Intel Corporation today announced that its future server platforms will incorporate PCI Hot Plug ASIC technology. Through a licensing agreement with Compaq Computer Corporation, Intel will incorporate Compaq's implementation of the PCI Hot Plug specification, including an ASIC controller and related system technologies.

PCI Hot Plug technology is a cost-effective standards-based technology that increases levels of system availability and enables the on-line serviceability required for mission-critical computing today. PCI Hot Plug technology enables systems administrators to replace or upgrade existing PCI devices, or add additional PCI devices such as network or RAID controllers, without shutting down the system. IT and network administrators will benefit from servers incorporating this technology because it will allow them to use existing PCI cards, and will make server maintenance easier and increase server availability. Users will benefit because they will experience less downtime and reduced maintenance costs.

"We continue to work to deliver innovative technologies and capabilities in our server building blocks," said John Miner, vice president and general manager, Intel's Enterprise Server Group. "Offering PCI Hot Plug Technology on future server systems will result in easier maintenance and increased availability for users of Intel Architecture-based servers."

The PCI Hot Plug specification was developed under the auspices of the PCI Special Interest Group in a working group led by Compaq. Intel and Compaq are working with Microsoft, Novell, SCO, and leading PCI adapter vendors to deliver these high availability benefits.

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