Dempsey chip tipped for debut at Intel Developer Forum

Intel is expected to use its developer forum to announce production of next generation chip

Virtualisation is likely to be a core talking point at next week’s Intel Developer's Forum in San Francisco, with the chip giant expected to outline developments in its next-generation server and desktop platforms to support virtual computing.

Intel is expected to announce that it has begun production of its ‘Dempsey’ chip, which forms a key part of the vendor’s next-generation ‘Bensley’ server platform. The platform is designed to deliver enhanced server virtualisation capabilities, as well as faster networking and easier server administration.

Dempsey will target the x86 server market and is expected to replace Intel's current Paxville dual-core server offering. Paxville was originally targeted at high-end multi-processor servers, but Intel released a dual-processor version last year to plug the gap in its portfolio ahead of the Dempsey launch.

Intel is also expected to shed further light on the impending update to its Professional Business desktop platform. Codenamed Averill, this features Intel's Virtualisation Technology (VT) and dual-core Pentium D processors.

Updates on mobility and quad-core roadmaps are also anticipated, alongside further details on the vendor’s next-generation architecture designed to help lower energy consumption within mobile, desktop and server processors.

Martin Hingley of analyst IDC said Intel's experience in notebook processors, which necessarily require low power usage, should give it an advantage when trying to reduce energy demands for its notebook and server chips.