A processor, or CPU, performs logical computations - the computer's brain, as it were. Contemporary microprocessors communicate with other components via buses. Intel and AMD, the leading manufactures of microprocessors, have introduced dual- and quad-core systems that employ multiple microprocessors to increase computational power. Moore's Law, which says the number of transistors that can be placed on an integrated circuit doubles every two years, has long been used to describe the pace of processor evolution.
Articles & Interviews
Inside the Network Flow Processor
Arthur Cole spoke with Jarrod Siket, senior vice president of sales and marketing, Netronome . Cole : The concept of network flow processing is fairly new in the data center. What exactly does it do? Siket : As today’s data center and network converge to form a unified computing... More >
AMD Tries to Shanghai Virtualization
Arthur Cole spoke with Charles King, principal analyst, Pund-IT, Inc . Cole : The Shanghai processors came out earlier than expected and seem to be in good working order. Do you think the company learned anything from the Barcelona problems? King : Sure: Avid hunters should avoid... More >
Crunch Time for Multicore Programming
Arthur Cole spoke with Jeff Meisel, product manager, National Instruments . Cole : It seems like the need for parallel programming solutions hit a crisis point very suddenly, even though multicore development had been in the works for some time. Why was the software industry so unprepared? ... More >
Software Forum: Information On Demand Virtual Experience
This interactive virtual forum presents leading IT experts providing the insights you need to turn your information into a strategic driver for innovation, business optimization and competitive differentiation.
Performance Under Pressure: The State of Enterprise Web Application Quality and Availability
This research study finds that Web application issues are an all-too-common problem and examines these Web-based enterprise application issues from two perspectives: that of an online customer and that of a site manager.
Applied Materials to Buy Semitool
Applied Materials, which makes chip-making equipment, will pay $364 million for Semitool , to acquire capabilities in advanced packaging and its conversion to copper, reports MarketWatch . Reuters quotes CEO Mike Splinter saying: With this acquisition, Applied will help the world's leading chip makers create... More >
Intel Plans Six-Core Processors for Supercomputing
Intel promises a new version of its Xeon processor that will be specifically tailored for high-performance computing. The platform is scheduled for release during the first half of 2010, along with the introduction of Intel's next-generation Nehalem processors. The HPC-specific processors will share more than a release... More >
AMD Takes Lead in the Supercomputer Race
The Top500 Organization has crowned Oak Ridge National Laboratory's AMD-powered "Jaguar" system the world's top supercomputer. The upgraded Cray XT5 consists of six-core AMD Opteron processors that supply 2.3 petaflops per second of theoretical peak performance and 1.75 petaflops per second performance on the... More >
Related Topics
Resource Centers
- Data Center Management
- Service Oriented Architecture (SOA)
- Network Optimization
- Cost Cutting through Server Consolidation
- Data Loss Protection
- Optimized Infrastructure
- Security SaaS Solutions
- Data Warehousing for Business Intelligence
- Data Management
- Data Management Solutions
- Data Deduplication
- Tape Storage
- Application Grid
- Virtualization & Business Continuity
- Responding to Change
- Enterprise Manager
- Power Supply Solutions
- Tablet PCs
- Information Management
- Business Intelligence
- Applications for Mid-size Businesses
- Laptop Security
- Energy Efficiency
- Decision Management
- Security Information and Event Management
- Mobile Computing Optimization
- Greening IT with Server Consolidation

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Energy Efficiency
Best practices to optimize computing ability while minimizing power costs.

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Greening IT with Server Consolidation
Learn how virtualization reduces the TCO of managing your date, while contributing towards your sustainability efforts.

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Optimized Infrastructure
Hardware and software tools to create an enterprise infrastructure for data and business optimization.

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Applications for Mid-size Businesses
Applications that mid-sized businesses can use to improve operational efficiency, accelerate growth, and maintain profitability.
Budget & Finance Toolkit for IT - 2010 Edition
What kind of year are you planning in 2010? Growth or continued "survival mode"? Download a comprehensive collection of templates, forms, instruction and advice that will help you to plan and submit your 2010 IT Budget.
All About Reducing Your IT Costs
Looking to cut costs? Use this research-driven Excel tool to pinpoint which IT cost reduction measures best fit your needs.