Intel Introduces New Server Adapters

Intel Strengthens Focus with a Family of Server Adapters which Provide High-performance, Scalable Solutions for Individual Segments

HILLSBORO, Ore., March 9, 1998 – Intel Corporation today introduced two additions to its server adapter family designed to provide high-performance, scalable solutions for today's evolving networking environments. Intel's new EtherExpress™ PRO/100+ Server Adapter provides a cost-effective network connection for departmental and workgroup servers. In addition, Intel is adding several new software features to the EtherExpress PRO/100 Intelligent Server Adapter, making it the first 10/100 adapter designed specifically for high-performance Web servers and large-scale networks.

Earlier this month, Intel announced that the company will provide balanced solutions that address the unique requirements of specific market segments from the home to the enterprise. Delivering on that strategy, Intel will address the specific needs of the server market segment by creating a family of server adapters that provides an easy migration path from 10 Megabits-per-second (Mbps) through 100 Mbps, and upwards to Gigabit Ethernet.

Both of Intel's new server adapters will be the first to provide increased network performance and scalability through Adaptive Load Balancing and Fast EtherChannel* technologies. These technologies help LAN administrators scale server connections, helping to eliminate bottlenecks while improving response times and increasing network availability.

"As market segmentation continues throughout all levels of computing, one size network connection no longer ‘fits all.' Network connections must be tailored to meet the needs of each segment," said Mark Christensen, vice president of Intel's Small Business and Networking Group and general manager of the Network Products Division. "Intel's new server thrust is focused on providing maximum performance, scalability, advanced manageability and uptime."

Intel's plans will address the segmentation of the PC and server market segments through a comprehensive family of adapter solutions designed to meet the specific needs of server, desktop and mobile applications. Earlier this month, Intel announced plans to deliver a new adapter every month for the next six months.

EtherExpress PRO/100+ Server Adapter
The EtherExpress PRO/100+ Server Adapter is based on Intel's 82558 single-chip architecture, which helps provide increased reliability, availability and performance for today's Standard High Volume(SHV) server platforms through capabilities such as PCI Hot Plug*. PCI Hot Plug is another example of technology that has resulted from Intel's ongoing alliance with Compaq. With PCI Hot Plug, a network administrator can replace an adapter without interrupting server operation. The EtherExpress PRO/100+ Server Adapter supports the Wired for Management Baseline v.1.1 specification for server platforms, helping to reduce the total cost of ownership.

EtherExpress PRO/100 Intelligent Server Adapter The EtherExpress PRO/100 Intelligent Server adapter helps increase server throughput by offloading network functions onto its on-board i960® processor and dramatically reducing server CPU utilization. The EtherExpress PRO/100 Intelligent Server Adapter is designed for high-performance, mission-critical servers, such as corporate Web servers. According to Novell Research Performance Report: Improving Novell BorderManager Scalability with Intelligent Server Adapters, October 1997, Intel's Intelligent Server Adapter, with this new software release, improves performance by up to 30 percent in these environments. Additionally, support for Cisco's ISL VLAN* technology offers increased security and flexibility, allowing network administrators to group users for more efficient network performance while limiting server access and excessive traffic.

The additions to Intel's server adapter family extend Intel's traditional strengths in Fast Ethernet technology and manageability. With a strong presence in both the retail and OEM channels, customers will spend less time and energy maintaining their networks by being able to use a single Intel-compatible driver set in a wide variety of available network connections.

Pricing and Availability
The Intel EtherExpress PRO/100+ Server Adapter will be shipping at the suggested list price of $119 (U.S.) in single packs starting in April 1998. The Intel EtherExpress PRO/100 Intelligent Server Adapter with on-board i960 processor is available immediately with the new software upgrade at the suggested list price of $399 (U.S.) in single packs. Existing EtherExpress PRO/100 Server Adapter customers can download the new software free of charge from Intel's Web site. Information on Intel's entire family of networking solutions can be found at www.intel.com/network.

All Intel networking products are available worldwide through a network of distributors and value-added resellers. Additional product information is available at (800) 538-3373 for U.S. and Canadian customers; at (44) 1-793-431-155 for European customers; or at (503) 264-7354 for other international customers.

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