Adaptec Announces Support for Itanium Processor

Strategic Insights -

Adaptec, a leading provider of storage solutions, announced that its Ultra160 SCSI product line will support the Itanium processor, the first in Intel's IA-64 processor line. This move enables OEMs, channel customers, and end users to have complete compatibility and reliability when Itanium processor-based systems begin to ship in the second half of 2000. Adaptec's 64-bit drivers are optimized for 64-bit versions of all major operating systems, including Linux and Windows.

Key Takeaways:

  • Adaptec's Ultra160 SCSI product line will support the Itanium processor, enabling complete compatibility and reliability in Itanium processor-based systems.
  • The company has placed the development and testing of 64-bit Ultra160 SCSI drivers on an aggressive timetable to meet the shipping deadline in the second half of 2000.
  • Adaptec's 64-bit drivers are currently embedded in the IA-64 Linux kernel and will be part of Microsoft's 64-bit version of Windows in March 2000.
  • The company is testing and validating 64-bit Ultra160 SCSI UDI drivers with several operating systems, including UNIX, UnixWare, and Linux environments.
  • Adaptec uses a common API for SCSI and Fibre Channel drivers, allowing for unmatched compatibility and rapid deployment as IA-64-based systems emerge in the marketplace.
  • Lee Caswell, director of Adaptec's OEM Solutions Group, emphasized Adaptec's commitment to providing fully tested software drivers and announcing them when they are ready for customers to deploy.
  • Abhi Talwalkar, General Manager of Intel's Server Product Division, praised Adaptec's high-end performance storage I/O capabilities for the IA-64 platform and expressed Intel's continued collaboration with Adaptec.

Statistics:

  • Adaptec's 64-bit drivers are currently embedded in the IA-64 Linux kernel.
  • The company will provide the industry with fully tested drivers optimized for 64-bit versions of all major operating systems.
  • Adaptec will provide unmatched compatibility to its customers quickly as IA-64-based systems requiring such connectivity emerge in the marketplace.
  • The shipping deadline for Itanium processor-based systems is in the second half of 2000.
  • Microsoft's 64-bit version of Windows will be available in March 2000.
  • Adaptec is testing and validating 64-bit Ultra160 SCSI UDI drivers with several operating systems, including UNIX, UnixWare, and Linux environments.

Sources:

  • Business Editors/High-Tech Writers, "Adaptec to Support Itanium Processor," BUSINESS WIRE, March 2, 2000.
  • Adaptec's press release, "Adaptec Announces Support for Itanium Processor," March 2, 2000.