videocardz Intel unveils “On Demand” pay-as-you-go feature unlock service for data-center CPUs

[bonami2]

Quote

Intel server customers will have more flexibility when it comes to choosing the right SKU for their systems. The company has just announced its On Demand program, which will make it possible to unlock certain features on modern server CPUs after they were purchased.

Intel confirms that On Demand will include the following technologies:

 

Security Upgrade

Communications & Storage Suite

Analytics Suite

 

https://videocardz.com/newz/intel-unveils-on-demand-pay-as-you-go-feature-unlock-service-for-data-center-cpus

[ENTERPRISE]

I sort of understand this, meaning you can buy the CPU at a base price and pay more for features IF you need them. However this is aimed at Data Centres and Servers and I wonder what market research showed this sort of initiative would be welcomed. 

 

While I understand the premise, I just wonder if there is a point to it.

[pioneerisloud]

Here we go......  microtransactions and DLC on hardware.  -_-

 

I can understand how it could POTENTIALLY be useful in the server markets, but still....c'mon Intel. -_-  This is taking that "K" SKU they started back with Sandy Bridge to a whole new level.  If they're doing it on server kit its only a matter of time before it comes to consumer kit.

[The Pook]

26 minutes ago, pioneerisloud said:

Here we go......  microtransactions and DLC on hardware.  -_-

 

I can understand how it could POTENTIALLY be useful in the server markets, but still....c'mon Intel. -_-  This is taking that "K" SKU they started back with Sandy Bridge to a whole new level.  If they're doing it on server kit its only a matter of time before it comes to consumer kit.

 

11 years ago it was already in the consumer space. the G6951 was $50 and had $50 "DLC" you could buy to unlock hyperthreading and more cache. 

[Diffident]

So you're buying a piece of hardware that is intentionally gimped...then you have to pay extra for it to work properly.

 

The Datacolor SpyderX also does this.  They sell "multiple" models, but they are the exact same hardware.  The software locks features based on the serial number of the device.  This can be bypassed by using an open source option instead of using their software.