AMD today announced availability of the latest version of its I/O virtualization technology specification, which is enhanced with stronger and more secure input/output connections.

This latest specification extends the benefits of AMD?s I/O Memory Management Unit (IOMMU) to provide a secure, scalable, high-performance solution for I/O virtualization in x86-based servers, desktops, and notebook computers. IOMMU technology also improves reliability in non-virtualized environments and is expected to be a necessary component for secure systems of the future.

"The IOMMU 1.2 spec is a breakthrough development in furthering our ability to deliver on the promise of virtualization," said Joe Menard, corporate vice president for AMD. "As multi-core processors become critical for consumer and enterprise applications, IOMMU will provide an essential platform for virtual machines to manage I/O devices in a secure and efficient manner."

AMD also supports the PCI-SIG IOV standards.

IOMMU revision 1.2 offers the following enhancements designed to handle the systems from complex datacenters to mobile laptops.

The IOMMU 1.2 specification is designed to be used by hypervisors and operating systems in both virtualized and non-virtualized environments, and is useful for server consolidation, protecting operating system integrity, and secure initialization.

AMD?s I/O specification is also an aspect of AMD?s "Torrenza" initiative to co-develop accelerated computing processes. IOMMU 1.2 is the basis for AMD?s Tightly Coupled Accelerators, which will allow third-party chipsets to perform specific functions while off-loading general computing functions managed efficiently by the AMD Opteron processor.