Intel SSD accelerator aims to boost datacentre performance

Intel has unveiled a software tool designed to optimise the performance of its sold-state drive (SSD) hardware in datacentre environments.

The firm's Cache Acceleration Software will use application process management tools to analyse I/O operations and speed up the performance of applications within Linux datacentres. The software will hit the market within the next three days and will be offered by Intel on a subscription payment model.

Intel said that it will also be offering the tool as an open source release.

Designed as a tool for linking SSD hardware with conventional hard disk drive deployments, the software will be paired with Intel's SSD 910 hard drive series to offer improved server caching performance.

Intel plans to pair the Linux tool with its existing Windows optimisation software to offer a platform for optimising high-demand platforms such as Hadoop database deployments. In doing so, the company believes that it can offer improved performance for hybrid storage environments and ease the transition from HDD to SSD storage environments.

"Intel CAS complements our SSD datacentre family by providing a total caching solution that delivers even more value and capability for our customers," said Intel non-volatile memory solutions group product line manager Chuck Brown.

"Intel CAS delivers a multi-level cache across the SSD and DRAM for optimal performance."

The chip maker said that the Linux tool was based on data it acquired last August when it agreed to purchase Nevex Virtual Technologies. Terms of that deal were not disclosed.