Intel Helps Reduce The Complexity Of Managing Corporate PCs
Major Computer Manufacturers Use New Program to Improve Business PC Offerings
Intel has detailed a new program that can help companies reduce IT costs by simplifying the testing, deployment and
management of their PC infrastructure. The program, which encompasses Intel® Centrino™ mobile technology and the Intel®
Pentium® 4 processor with Hyper-Threading Technology**, enables computer stability for businesses deploying a vast
number of PCs.
The Intel® Stable Image Platform Program (Intel® SIPP), formerly code-named Granite Peak, provides Intel’s commitment to
improve the consistency of PC platform configurations by limiting major technology modifications for 12 months following
the applicable chipset introduction, which will enable IT managers to test a computer configuration once and then deploy
it to all new PCs for the next year. Previously, when a component or PC maker made modifications, IT departments usually
had to retest the software and hardware to ensure compatibility. Retesting is costly and time-consuming.
Intel SIPP helps IT standardise their computers’ platforms company-wide, addressing two primary challenges. First, as
new computers are added and aging systems are retired, the variety of PC platform configurations becomes increasingly
difficult to manage and costly to support. Second, IT is under increased pressure to control total cost of ownership
while deriving improved business value out of PC purchases.
“Businesses want a computer configuration that offers high performance as well as stability, which reduces complexity
and enables cost reductions,” said Jeff McCrea, vice president, Intel’s Desktop Platforms Group. “Intel’s SIPP provides
a 12-month pledge to help deliver these savings.”
The Meta Group estimates that a large company with a complex PC infrastructure, running multiple computer
configurations, could save up to 15 percent in IT support and management costs by standardising its environment on a
consistent PC platform.
As part of the Intel SIPP, Intel® Stable Image Technology will be incorporated into Intel’s desktop and mobile products.
Stable Image Technology is a hardware feature, embedded into Intel SIPP designated chipsets, that ensures minor
technology modifications are compatible with previously qualified PC platform configurations. Additionally, Intel will
help IT managers better plan for future purchases by providing advanced notification on Intel’s upcoming platform
innovations and technology transitions.
Major computer vendors such as Dell, Gateway, Hewlett Packard (HP), International Business Machines (IBM) and others
will be able to use this new program to improve their corporate PC offerings.
“Stability is a key tenet of the Dell OptiPlex* product line,” said Tim Mattox, vice president of client products for
Dell. “Intel's Stable Image Platform Program with the Intel® 865G chipset helps us deliver a more stable solution for
our customers.”
“With the launch of the Intel 865G chipset and the Intel Stable Image Platform Program, Intel is delivering components
that will help Gateway continue to build a stable platform,” said Mike Flanary, vice president of business desktop
products, Gateway, Inc. “Intel's ability to provide extended availability and stability on these components will
definitely benefit our business customers.”
“HP understands the critical importance of offering stable platforms to our business customers,” Jeff Groudan, vice
president of marketing, Business PCs, Personal Systems Group. “With the launch of the Intel 865G chipset and the Intel
Stable Image Platform Program, Intel is delivering the components that HP needs to provide a stable platform and extend
the return on invested IT dollars for our customers.”
“IBM is pleased to have helped Intel develop the Stable Image Platform Program,” said Bob Galush, vice president of
marketing, IBM Personal Computing Division. “IBM's Think* family of personal computers has offered stable workhorse
models for years, and the new Intel SIPP helps build on IBM ThinkVantage* Technologies designed to make PC management
even easier for our customers.”
Aligning Core Platform Technologies Aligning the introductions of Intel PC platform technologies is one of the key
elements of the Intel SIPP. The coordinated timing allows IT managers to more accurately plan new PC deployments. The
following technologies are supported in the Intel SIPP for at least 12 months after a new chipset introduction.
For desktop PCs, Intel has aligned the system driver software, including integrated graphics driver and local area
network (LAN) technology around the Intel 865G chipset launch, which took place on May 21, 2003.
For mobile PCs, Intel has aligned the system driver software, including integrated graphics drivers, wireless capability
and LAN technology around the Intel® 855 chipset family supporting Intel Centrino mobile technology, which launched on
March 12, 2003.
Specific information on the Intel Stable Image Platform Program can be found at www.intel.com/info/stableplatform.
Intel, the world’s largest chipmaker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer networking and communications products.
Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.
Intel, Intel Centrino and Pentium are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in
the United States and other countries.
*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
**Hyper-Threading Technology requires a computer system with an Intel® Pentium® 4 processor supporting HT Technology
and a HT Technology enabled chipset, BIOS and operating system. Performance will vary depending on the specific hardware
and software you use. See www.intel.com/info/hyperthreading for more information including details on which processors
support HT Technology.