Intel has unveiled plans to develop 64-bit extensions in
future versions of its 32-bit Xeon server chip. The move follows
its rival AMD's success with hybrid 64-bit/32-bit chip
technology.
Intel's 64-bit Itanium chip has been deployed in high-end 64-bit
servers and workstations, but AMD's hybrid architecture has been
gaining popularity among server suppliers - including Sun, IBM and
Hewlett-Packard - because it can also run 32-bit
applications.
Future hybrid processors promised from Intel include Nocona (the
future Intel Xeon processor for dual-processing servers and
workstations), Potomac (the planned Intel Xeon processor for
multi-processing servers) and Prescott (the future product for
uni-processor servers and workstations).
Intel's 64-bit extension technology will not provide software
compatibility with its 64-bit Itanium family.
The 64-bit technology for Xeon will be an extension to the existing
IA-32 processor architecture and, as such, will not support the
Epic architecture on which true 64-bit systems using Itanium are
based.
However, Intel said its extension technology on Xeon would be
compatible with the rival architecture AMD has developed in its
64-bit chip architecture.
"The two designs are entirely different architectures, but software
ported to each processor will run on the other processor in most
cases," said Intel.
Microsoft is currently developing its Windows XP operating system
and Windows Server 2003 for hybrid 64-bit AMD and Intel systems,
which are expected to be available in the second half of 2004.