Intel kicks off Itanium 2 challenge

HYDERABAD: With its Intel Itanium 2 processor boasting record-setting performance, Intel Corporation is challenging companies to compare Intel Itanium 2-based servers head-to-head against proprietary systems during a free trial period that is part of a new "try-and-buy" program.

Called "The Intel Itanium 2 Solution Challenge," the worldwide effort kicks off this week and targets Global 500 corporate customers who are current users of RISC-based computers. The Challenge will run through the summer, and is being mounted in conjunction with a score of leading system and solution providers. Customers will have access to Itanium 2-based systems and services for up to 90 days to evaluate the results.

Intel is working on the program with a number of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), including HP, IBM, LangChao, Lenovo, NEC, Samsung, SGI, and Unisys, as well as regional system builders. Intel will also work with a number of companies, which supply software for Itanium 2, such as BEA, i2, IBM, Oracle, SAP, and SAS, as well as such, system integrators as Avanade and Unisys. Industry partners can recommend end-user customers for the challenge.

(CyberMedia News Service)