Virtualization brings Intel and Microsoft closer

Keeping in mind the fast emerging arena of virtualization and the benefits attached to it - Intel and Microsoft plan to connect computer network management technologies and work together to further advance virtualization technology. As part of this effort, Intel would connect its new Intel Active Management Technology (AMT) with Microsoft's Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003, as a direct result of this development customers will experience a lower maintenance cost and also this initiative will help towards thoroughly protecting computer systems from virus attacks. 

“Intel and Microsoft are both coming together to extend Intel Virtualization Technology in order to include support for mapping input/output devices to virtual machines on servers with a new specification, published today, called Intel Virtualization for Directed I/O. Microsoft is a long term partner for us and it has collaborated with us on development of this specification, “informed, Pat Gelsinger, Intel Senior VP and GM of the company's Digital Enterprise Group.

"With the help of our combined initiative towards virtualization, Intel and Microsoft SMS will provide a lot of relief for those who manage computer networks and specially who have struggled to effectively control virus outbreaks, audit networked PCs or handle computer problems without affecting users' productivity at any point of time," explained, Microsoft's Bob Muglia, Senior VP-Server and Tools Business.