Phoenix Technologies Enters HyperSpace

California-based Phoenix Technologies has announced Phoenix HyperSpace, a platform that provides a computing environment that PC designers, security innovators and content providers can use to create instant-on applications that are available before, during, and after Windows boot up and shut down.

With this platform PC OEMs can offer applications to deliver new levels of security, up-time, system reliability, remote management, and ease-of-use to PC users.

Operating with Intel processors and like self-contained appliances, these purpose-built applications will be embedded into new computers by PC system vendors. Next-generation PC users will benefit from one-click remote system maintenance, repair, lower battery consumption and embedded security providing stronger protection than is currently available, along with a host of possible applications and content such as instant-on multi-media players, IP soft phones, email, instant messaging, Web 2.0 browsing, safe shopping and more.

"For most of us, today's computing experience is a lot like air travel - offering tremendous possibilities, but plagued with security issues, delays and system failures," said Woody Hobbs, president and CEO of Phoenix Technologies. "HyperSpace introduces a new framework to transform the personal computing experience through purpose-driven appliances that work within the HyperSpace environment. Working together with our partners within the PC ecosystem, we believe HyperSpace will ignite a new revolution of innovation built on the foundation of embedded simplicity."

The HyperSpace platform is enabled by a hypervisor from Phoenix called HyperCore, which is embedded within the core system firmware, or BIOS. HyperCore is a lightweight Zoned Virtual Machine Monitor (ZVMM) that runs specialized core services side-by-side with Windows.

"Intel Core 2 Duo processors and Intel vPro processor technology enable the development of more secure and better performing virtualisation infrastructure," said Gregory Bryant, Vice President and General Manager for Intel's Digital Office Platform Division. "Intel is pleased to see Phoenix embracing Intel's technologies to deliver innovative products for PC clients."