HILLSBORO, Ore., April 19, 1999 - Intel Corporation today announced that it will offer network processor components designed to enable new features and services to be added quickly and economically to multi-protocol enterprise- and service provider-class switches, routers and access concentrators. These software-programmable forwarding and control engines will be designed to help data and telecommunications equipment vendors to more quickly incorporate rapidly evolving technologies and reduce development costs, risk and time to market.

"This is the next significant step in Intel's strategy to be the leading supplier of communications building blocks," said Mark Christensen, vice president and general manager of Intel's Network Communications Group. "Product life cycles are measured in 'Internet time.' The use of network processors will enable data and telecommunications equipment vendors to develop differentiated, cutting-edge solutions in parallel with market demands."

Intel's network processors will be designed to help equipment vendors solve the critical challenge of providing differentiated services and customized new products for their customers, while keeping pace with the rapidly changing Internet environment. Using the software-programmable network processors, vendors can add unique, value-added features to their products well into the development cycle or after those products have been shipped. In contrast, vendors using traditional ASIC - or fixed-function - technology must lock down feature sets 12 to 18 months before a product release date.

Software Development Environment

Intel will provide a host of software development tools for its network processors to facilitate product design and to enable equipment suppliers to provide post-sale product upgrades for their customers. For example, a vendor may supply high-density ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) or Gigabit Ethernet chassis-based switches to their customers today and later provide new wire-speed voice, video and data services simply by reprogramming the network processor. This feature helps network and communications equipment vendors extend the value and life of their products, and accommodate the longer depreciation schedules set by these types of customers.

Intel will announce specific product offerings later this year. Some of the advanced capabilities Intel plans to offer include: wire-speed multi-protocol support for LAN (local area network) and WAN (wide area network) integration, sophisticated QoS (quality of service) support to help provide reliable Voice over IP transmission, and high-speed evaluation of QoS tags to help enhance Policy Based Network Management.