Intel IT is evaluating solid-state drive (SSD) technology to better understand the benefits to users and the impacts on the enterprise. We have initiated a proof of concept (PoC) study that includes extensive benchmark testing as well as deployment of notebooks with SSDs to the Intel workforce. Our PoC is demonstrating some significant advantages of SSDs over traditional hard disk drives for both users and IT—including faster system performance, lower energy consumption that extends battery life, and the potential to reduce IT support costs. Based on these results and our expectation of improved reliability, we see SSD technology as a logical next step in improving users’ experiences with mobile computing at Intel.

(10/19/2009: Updated document)