Compaq releases first Intel NICs

Compaq has released two network interface cards (NICs) based on an agreement with chip giant Intel to reduce the complexity of networks and develop industry standards.

The Netelligent 10/100TX PCI Intel UTP controller and the 10T PCI Intel UTP controller include bus mastering and self-tuning for performance as well as network fault-tolerance functions. The two Compaq NICs are driver compatible with Intel cards.

The 10/100TX is also auto-negotiating, allowing for different Ethernet environments, including Fast Ethernet.

Compaq added that Intel silicon and base drivers were its choice for its build-to-order and configure-to-order programmes.

The company said it plans to increase product development with Intel over the next few months and will introduce PCI Hot Plug and Gigabit Ethernet technologies, followed by other announcements by the end of the year.

In further developments, Intel made a series of networking announcements to challenge offerings from traditional networking companies, including 3Com, as the company launched its first scalable switch for campus networking environments.

Intel president and COO Craig Barrett said the company expects to have one billion connected PCs within the next decade. The past year has seen the chip giant moving in increasingly on 3Com in the low-end networking space.

Frank Gill, executive VP and GM of Intel's small business and networking group, said: 'Our switch products enable network administrators to easily reconfigure their network at a moment's notice as components are added.'