| Phoenix and Microsoft to collaborate on next-gen system firmware |
Sep. 30, 2003
Phoenix Technologies Ltd. announced that it has entered into an expanded strategic relationship with Microsoft Corp. to provide "enhanced functionality" at the core of PCs and other connected digital devices. The effort will include projects focused on WinPE (Microsoft's Windows Preinstallation Environment tool), security, and future client and server OS releases.
According to Phoenix, system Basic Input Output System (BIOS) firmware has in the past been restricted to hardware configuration tasks, but the advent of more mobile and advanced computing requirements (such as networking) has created a need for more sophisticated integration of firmware and the operating system. Accordingly, Phoenix has embarked on advancing BIOS firmware to transcend traditional BIOS functions via what it calls a new category of software -- "Core System Software" (CSS) -- which aims to improve a device's reliability, usability, manageability, and security.
"As industry leaders, Microsoft and Phoenix will deliver tightly integrated system software products that will benefit the industry and provide an enhanced user experience," said Tom Phillips General Manager of Microsoft's Windows Hardware unit. "This is a pivotal change for the industry, and it will rapidly advance serviceability, deployment, and management for servers, mobile devices, and desktops. Effectively, Phoenix is creating an entirely new category of system software." This is a deep relationship with initiatives that span servers, PCs, embedded industrial devices, and consumer devices. With this expanded relationship, Microsoft and Phoenix are defining a new integration model for Microsoft operating systems and CSS. Solutions will be created for both 32- and 64-bit microprocessor and chipset architectures.
"When integrated into the core of a device, these new capabilities allow future client and server operating systems to have advanced management and security functionality," said Albert E. Sisto, Chairman, President and CEO of Phoenix. "They are more reliable, they work better, and they become easier to use. Our collaboration with Microsoft will benefit the computing industry, particularly OEMs and ODMs, by speeding market adoption of new technologies and helping to expand and fortify customer relationships."
Phoenix says it will initially collaborate with Microsoft on the following objectives: - Deployment -- integration of traditional firmware build and debugging tools with Microsoft development tools, such as Microsoft Visual Studio, to simplify OEM and ODM deployment. Introduction of a simplified porting model for silicon, helping accelerate time to market.
- Management -- Improved reporting of system hardware configuration and measurements so enterprise customers can inventory, monitor, and manage assets more effectively. Improved diagnostics and error logging to speed troubleshooting and problem resolution. Integration to enable companies to automate the control, provisioning, and updating of systems, such as rack-mounted blade servers within an IT data center. This will improve enterprise scalability and service continuity if the system fails.
- Serviceability -- Mechanisms for efficient and secure updates to Phoenix Core System Software in the field for improved OEM customer support and enterprise IT maintenance. Integration of Phoenix Core System Software with Windows for recovery tools and manufacturing automation, improving product reliability for customers and production operations for manufacturers.
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