Intel has launched new tools for software developers to help build threaded applications and extract the best performance from applications on multi-core platforms.

The Intel Compilers version 9.0 for C++ and Fortran programming languages are also claimed to help improve security protection in Linux and Windows applications. The company hopes developers will create the software tools that will justify its surging investment in multicore technologies.

Intel's compilers are designed to help software developers deliver improved performance for their applications running on platforms from handheld devices to desktops, laptops, servers and super computers.

Intel Compilers version 9.0 include an auto-parallelisation option that automatically seeks opportunities in applications to create multiple execution threads, and fully support OpenMP 2.5 plus some additional support for proposed future extensions.

Version 9.0 of the Intel C++ Compiler is available immediately, starting at USD399 for either Windows or Linux versions. Version 9.0 of the Intel Fortran Compiler is also available immediately, starting at USD499 for Windows or Linux versions.