Hardware Virtualization and Multicore CPUs Featured at electronica 2010

By DE Editors

International semiconductor manufacturers will present multi-core CPUs and associated virtualization software and design approaches at the electronica 2010 trade fair Nov. 9 to 12 at the Munich Trade Fair Center.

Virtualization began as an alternative to rapidly replacing inadequate or defective server hardware, with the goal of 99.99% uptime (52 minutes/year downtime). In the event of hardware failure, the virtualization software could move the process to another (guest system) hardware, allowing the process to continue while the defective hardware was replaced.

Virtualization also allows several operating systems to run on one hardware platform. This "multi-tasking" can reduce data center system investment and maintenance expenses. It also allows the service staff sitting in front of one piece of hardware to switch to a customer's operating system to observe, diagnose and repair any problems. In this environment, a single core processor can run multiple virtualized systems. Alternatively, a defined number of cores within a multi-core processor can be dedicated to each virtualized system.

This year the Open Source Automation Development Lab (OSADL) eG will be represented for the first time at the electronica trade fair. Acting as a "purchasing community for open source services," OSADL enables its members to develop basic technologies jointly based on open source technology and therefore to reduce development costs.

For more information, visit the electronica 2010 site.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.