Intel shows off world's tiniest cloud server
updated 11:10 am EDT, Thu July 7, 2011
Part of a 4-year plan to roll out cloud computing
Intel today has begun to demonstrate its ‘Cloud-in-a-Box’ solutions. The company claims the Xeon-powered cloud data centers are the world's smallest. The system is currently showcased in Australia before heading to Taiwan, Korea and India.
Intel did not reveal much about the servers' physical attributes, other than noting they would be powered by Xeon 5600 or E78800/4800/2800 processors.
Security is achieved through several mechanisms. Intel's Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) provides assurances at the processor level that the server hardware has not been tampered with at the hypervisor level or below. Its AES New Instructions (AES-NI) is said to reduce the overhead normally carried by encryption.
For operating efficiency, Intel has incorporated an Intelligent Power Node Manager, which facilitates greater density implementations.
Intel has also created new software apps for operating efficiency. The server's Expressway Access 360 app creates a single sign-on for provisioning, authorization and audit functions. Expressway Gateway service reportedly simplifies integration, mediation, and scaling in the dynamically evolving enterprise.
Intel's 'Cloud-in-a-Box' is part of the company's Cloud 2015 Vision. The vision anticipates an environment where cloud data centers are seamlessly and securely connected or federated, fully automated – with little or no human interaction - and client-aware, providing secure access and optimal experience across a range of devices from smartphones to notebooks. To accomplish this, Intel believes that open, interoperable standards-based solutions are critical.
