The special beta versions of the Intel Fortran Compiler, Intel C++ Compiler, Intel Math Kernel Library and Intel Integrated Performance Primitives are available now. Intel will also provide other resources to assist with software optimization, dual core threading and migration information. More information on these programs is available at http://www.intel.com/software/apple and www.intel.com/software/apple.

"Intel is pleased to offer Apple developers a free trial of our products through a special beta program, and we look forward to developer feedback prior to introducing our products in the coming months," says William Savage, GM of Intel's Software Products Division.

The development tools are integrated into Apple's Xcode development environment and are designed to offer an alternative to existing tools and compilers. The Intel Fortran compiler is said to enable the scientific and technical community to bring the fastest versions of their applications to Mac OS X and Intel-based Mac platforms using industry-standard math libraries and language.

The Intel C++ Compiler is designed to provide the ability for Xcode users to apply targeted optimizations to performance-sensitive areas of their applications, aiming to allow them to get the most out of the Intel Core Duo processor.