| Q: | When does AMD expect Microsoft to introduce an operating systems supporting the AMD Athlon 64 and AMD Opteron processors?
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| A: | This is an ongoing collaboration between AMD and Microsoft. AMD and Microsoft are working together to produce Windows solutions for clients and servers that leverage AMD64 technology. Windows Server 2003 for 64-Bit Extended Systems is currently under development, with delivery scheduled for the second half of 2004. A beta version of Windows Server 2003 for 64-Bit Extended Systems is available for download at: http://microsoft.order-5.com/windowsserver2003eval/amd |
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| Q: | In general terms, what does this collaborative agreement cover?
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| A: | The specifics of the agreement are confidential; however, in general terms, the agreement specifies that AMD is collaborating with Microsoft to incorporate 64-bit support for the AMD Athlon 64 and AMD Opteron processors into the Windows operating system. |
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| Q: | What does this mean for AMD?
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| A: | AMD has evolved from a company that depended on other microprocessor manufacturers to set the standards and drive the software and hardware infrastructure to one which sets standards for the industry. Microsoft’s endorsement of AMD’s x86-64 technology is a landmark occasion for the industry. It marks the first time that a manufacturer of an x86 microprocessor other than Intel may have a platform solution available that supports its products and is backward compatible with current solutions. AMD now has its own processor and platform (motherboard) and plans to have dedicated operating system support. |
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| Q: | Will Microsoft’s 64-bit operating system run 32-bit applications or will a separate operating system be required to run 32-bit apps?
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| A: | The AMD Athlon 64 and AMD Opteron processors are designed to allow Microsoft’s operating system to use the capabilities and full performance of 32-bit applications. |
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| Q: | Does AMD expect Microsoft to design other software applications to support the AMD Athlon 64 and AMD Opteron processors?
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| A: | We expect a variety of third-party software applications to be developed in support of 64-bit Windows. |
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| Q: | Will Windows .NET Server's 64-bit versions be compatible with the AMD Athlon 64 and AMD Opteron processors?
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| A: | No, this collaboration is ongoing, and future Windows operating systems have not been contemplated. |
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| Q: | When will the AMD-compatible version of 64-bit Windows products be available?
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| A: | This is an ongoing collaboration with AMD, and the results of this collaboration will occur in a 64-bit version of the Windows operating system after Windows .NET Server RTMs. |
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| Q: | Do current versions of Windows 64-bit server and client operating systems work with the AMD Athlon 64 and AMD Opteron processors?
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| A: | The AMD Athlon 64 and AMD Opteron processors are designed to support Windows XP, Windows 2000 and other current and future 32-bit advanced server products. |
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| Q: | Does AMD know the official name of the Windows version that will work with the AMD Athlon 64 and AMD Opteron processors?
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| A: | The official name has not been decided yet, but it will be a version after Windows .NET Server. |
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| Q: | Do current versions of Windows 64-bit server and client operating systems work with the AMD Athlon 64 and AMD Opteron processors?
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| A: | No, this collaboration deals with future 64-bit Windows operating systems and the development of technology and products that optimize the benefits of the x86-64 architecture. |
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| Q: | Is AMD working with other developers outside of the Linux community? What about OEMs, software vendors, hardware vendors?
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| A: | AMD is working closely with key partners to enable widespread support for the AMD Athlon 64 and AMD Opteron. AMD and its partners will disclose further details when appropriate. AMD has and is engaging the community at large. |
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| Q: | What kind of support will AMD offer to the Linux community?
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| A: | AMD is actively working with the Linux community, including key partners such as SuSE, to support the x86-64 architecture. AMD published the complete x86-64 specification more than 18 months ago. More than a year ago, AMD and Virtutech announced VirtuHammer, a high-performance tool that allows software developers to write and test 64-bit programs for the AMD Athlon 64 and AMD Opteron. |
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