Intel Corp., world’s largest chipmaker, has introduced a 64-bit Xeon microprocessor that is designed for use in a four or more CPU mid-range server environment. The new platform is codenamed "Truland" that also comes with a new chipset, E8500.

Intel said its Xeon chip better prepares mid-range customers for the upcoming Intel virtualization technology and multi-core setup.

Intel has also ported its prominent desktop technologies to the server range with Intel Extended Memory 64, PC Express for graphics, DDR2-400 DDR2 memory support, and enhanced Intel SpeedStep technology.

The E8500 chipset support a 667MHz dual, independent system bus with theoretical 10.6GBs of system bandwidth.

According to Intel, these features will help better scale the server and improve performance on enterprise applications including general database management, supply chain management and many other applications.

Intel’s partners such as Dell, Fujitsu Siemens, HP, Hitachi, IBM, NEC, Toshiba and Unisys said they are ready to bring their servers based on the new chips starting 2006.