Mainstream Graphics: An Idea Whose Time Has Come

The emerging class of laptops based on Intel Centrino 2 processor technology inherits the pedigree of the world's most popular mobile computing platform, and it takes Intel Graphics to the next level.

This generation ratchets up the user experience for games, with more onboard resources made possible by the latest manufacturing technologies, as well as optimizations and improvements in drivers.

Support for OpenGL 2.0 helps to accelerate both 2D and 3D graphics, hardware-based transform and lighting improves performance while increasing game support, and Shader Model 3.0 support enables complex animations and visual effects.

Together, these features and capabilities make it possible to sustain high frame rates at the same time as rendering complex 3D scenes with realistic textures and effects like smoke, flames, and water particles. The Intel Software Partner Program offers its members access to the preeminent expertise in the world on development for these platforms.

Discounts on development systems help you obtain the equipment you need to add the latest Intel Graphics-based platforms to your validation lineup, so you can make sure that your titles are ready to provide excellent results on the emerging class of laptop and desktop computers.

These direct cost savings help you lower the overall expense of adding Intel Graphics to your development efforts.

Development assistance from the program also includes guidance and problem resolution assistance with multi-threading, another important aspect of getting the full performance out of the target system.

In fact, Intel offers program members a wide variety of tools for this purpose that range from performance analyzers to libraries that you can use to implement high-quality threaded code with minimum investment in time and effort.

Of course, members also have access to technical resources like knowledge bases and moderated forums that can help you move your product along its development path even more quickly and smoothly.

Walk a Well-Marked Path to Success

The first prerequisite for success is planning, and a proven plan is even better. The Intel Software Partner Program has established a methodology that assists game companies all the way along the product life cycle, aligning your projects with winning strategies to bring high quality titles to market efficiently.

The program is free of charge and open to companies of all sizes, from the lone genius to the major studio. When you join, you get access to resources arranged according to a three-phase methodology that has stood the test of time:

• Strategize and Plan based on the latest and future technologies using advance insight and strategic assistance from Intel. You will find excellent resources at this stage (available to members only) that will help you to grow your business, including detailed roadmaps that forecast Intel technology developments.
• Develop and Solve with leading tools and expertise that will help you optimize your games to get the most out of Intel Graphics. You can also qualify for up to a 50 percent rebate on the purchase of qualifying Intel processor-based computer systems for use in developing and tuning your applications.
• Market and Sell with co-branding and potential opportunities like web promotions, conference participation, success stories, and the Intel Developer Solutions Catalog. Generate demand for your products using tools and pre-built collateral provided by the program, and take advantage of Intel sales channels to build your market segment share.

Intel has an obvious interest in helping bring high-quality games to market that are optimized for best results on Intel Graphics, and we have built a large infrastructure around that effort that will help you be successful. These resources are there for the taking.

Put simply, you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain.
Visit www.intel.com/partner/visualcomputing to get started.