Intel launches its most secure data center processor
Combining security, performance and energy efficiency, Intel launched the Intel Xeon Processor 5600 series which deliver two new security features — Intel Advanced Encryption Standard New Instructions (Intel AES-NI), and Intel Trusted Execution Technology (Intel TXT) — that enable faster encryption and decryption performance for more secure transactions and virtualized environments, providing data centers with a stronger foundation for cloud security.
These are also the first server and workstation chips based on the new Intel 32nm logic technology, which uses Intel’s second-generation high-k metal gate transistors to increase speed and decrease energy consumption.
The Intel Xeon Processor 5600 series supports up to six cores per processor and delivers up to 60 percent greater performance than the 45nm Intel Xeon processor 5500 series. In addition, data centers can replace 15 single-core servers with a single new one, and achieve a return on their investment in as little as 5 months.
With emerging threats, new architectures and an ever-changing regulatory environment, security is an increasing concern for IT managers, and often an impediment to deploying more advanced computing infrastructures. The Intel Xeon processor 5600 series addresses these issues with features that help ensure greater data integrity.
The Intel Xeon processor 5600 series includes Intel AES-NI, a new set of instructions first introduced with the new 2010 Intel Core processor family. These instructions accelerate AES performance to enable faster data encryption and decryption for a wide range of applications such as database encryption features, full disk encryption and secure internet transactions.
Intel TXT will provide added security that cloud environments have been waiting for by enabling a more secure platform launch environment, along with providing more protection for applications that move between virtualized servers. Hardware-based capabilities integrated into the processor shield against malicious software to allow important applications and data to run more securely in a virtualized environment.
Working together, Intel TXT and Intel AES can ensure that virtualized environments experience better performance and functionality, and are more secure when they are launched, migrated or at rest.