Cisco jumps into server business

In today's podcast: Cisco jumps into server business; Intel warns AMD it violated cross-license agreement; and Dell to launch ultra-thin Adamo laptop.

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In a much-anticipated announcement, Cisco Systems Monday launched its Unified Computing System, comprising virtualization technology, services and blade servers aimed at helping enterprises develop and manage what it calls "next-generation data centers." Taking a step into the server market, where it will compete with long-standing partners like Hewlett-Packard and IBM, Cisco announced the UCS B-Series blades, based on upcoming Intel Nehalem processors. Cisco said the blades incorporate extended memory technology for applications with large data sets.

Chip maker Intel on Monday sent a notice to rival Advanced Micro Devices that it violated a patent cross-licensing agreement when it spun off a manufacturing arm into a separate company. Intel licensed AMD the rights to make and sell x86 chips under a 2001 patent cross-licensing agreement. AMD transferred the right to make x86 chips to its manufacturing spin-off GlobalFoundries, which Intel alleges violates terms of the original agreement. Intel considers GlobalFoundries a separate company and not a manufacturing subsidiary of AMD. Though AMD has the right to make x86 chips, transferring those rights to a separate company was not part of the original agreement , according to Intel.

Dell on Tuesday is finally expected to launch the mysterious Adamo, a "luxury" laptop that could be the PC maker's response to ultra-thin laptops including Apple's stylish MacBook Air. Adamo has a light and ultra-slim design that makes it easy to hold with a few fingers. With prices starting at around US$2,000, it isn't targeted at normal buyers. The laptop uses new technologies that could make it a speedy machine -- it runs on an ultra-low power Intel processor, supports DDR3 memory and includes SSD storage. A battery built inside the laptop provides about four to five hours of run time per charge.

SAP laid off an undisclosed number of employees last week as part of its previously announced plan to trim 3,000 jobs, a company spokesman confirmed Monday. The enterprise software giant had recently said it hoped to lower its headcount to 48,500 by taking "full advantage of attrition," but apparently that tactic alone has not been enough. Comments on the cuts began to surface in recent days on the social messaging service Twitter, with one poster reporting that layoffs were made at SAP's Palo Alto, California, lab. The company declined to provide details on the jobs affected.

...And those are the top stories from the IDG Global IT News Update, brought to you by the IDG News Service. I'm Sumner Lemon in Singapore. Join us again later for more news from the world of technology.