Intel pulls Sarvega into software effort

Intel last week added another component to its developing strategy of using software to enhance its chipset and other products such as network adapters.

The company purchased XML acceleration and security start-up Sarvega for an undisclosed sum. Intel says it plans to continue to sell and support Sarvega's lineup of XML appliances - the XML Speedway Accelerator, XML Guardian Gateway and XML Content Router.

Experts, however, say that isn't likely the long-term strategy, given Intel's past failures in the appliance market, most recently the discontinuation in 2001 of its NetStructure line, which included an XML traffic-management device along with switches, appliances and VPN products.

To continue reading, register here and become an Insider. You'll get free access to premium content from CIO, Computerworld, CSO, InfoWorld, and Network World. See more Insider content or sign in.

Intel last week added another component to its developing strategy of using software to enhance its chipset and other products such as network adapters.

The company purchased XML acceleration and security start-up Sarvega for an undisclosed sum. Intel says it plans to continue to sell and support Sarvega's lineup of XML appliances - the XML Speedway Accelerator, XML Guardian Gateway and XML Content Router.

Experts, however, say that isn't likely the long-term strategy, given Intel's past failures in the appliance market, most recently the discontinuation in 2001 of its NetStructure line, which included an XML traffic-management device along with switches, appliances and VPN products.

Instead, experts say the focus is likely Sarvega's XML EventStream Operating System (XESOS), a hardware independent technology that provides a highly optimized engine for XML processing and security.

"Intel can take the XESOS technology and incorporate it into other value-add products," says Jason Bloomberg, an analyst with ZapThink. While Intel would not market its own distinct products to IT shops, OEMs could marry their hardware or software to the Intel technology to take advantage of the XML capabilities.

Such devices eventually could compete with Cisco's Application-Oriented Networking (AON) technology.

Intel's software incorporation strategy is led by the company's Software and Solutions Group, which will absorb the Sarvega acquisition. Intel reportedly now employs more than 5,000 software engineers.

"One theory is that Intel is looking into building out its blade-management infrastructure, and XESOS can be a good software component that helps Intel offer XML networking capabilities," Bloomberg says. Intel's OEMs could take those capabilities and incorporate them into their blades. Sarvega was finding a niche in the blade market, signing a deal with Egenera to integrate its XML wares into the company's BladeFrame System.

"XESOS was one of the reasons that Intel purchased Sarvega," says Peggy Weigle, COO for Sarvega. "We plan to extend, enhance and integrate over time." She says more details should be available in mid-September.

Intel announced late last year that it would create product platforms by combining its chipset technologies, such as it did with its successful Centrino mobile platform. The company has other platforms, such as dual-core processor servers with built-in virtualization capabilities. Those platforms often use chipsets enhanced with on-board software products.

Intel this year also introduced its Intel Software Network, a collection of software development products, tools and training to help software developers build Intel technology into their platforms, and the Professional Business Platform (PBP), which, like Centrino, is a blueprint for a set of chips tested by Intel that OEMs can incorporate into their products. PBP includes Intel's Active Management Technology (AMT), a management engine embedded in Intel's Pro Gigabit Ethernet network adapter that works with its 945 chipset. Vendors such as BMC, Check Point and Novell utilize AMT.