Microsoft has unveiled a range of products designed to push 64-bit computing further into the business and simplify systems management.
During the Microsoft IT Forum 2005 conference in Barcelona last week, Bob Muglia, senior vice-president of Microsoft Server and Tools, said, "We are making big bets on 64-bit technology and working closely with our industry partners to enable a smooth transition for customers, so they can begin to realise the benefits of mainstream 64-bit computing."
He said Microsoft Exchange Server 12, Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003, Windows Server Longhorn, Small Business Server and Microsoft's infrastructure product for mid-size businesses, code-named Centro, would be optimised for x64, the hybrid 32/64-bit hardware.
Muglia said with the future Windows release, code-named Windows Server Longhorn R2, Microsoft would be able to offer a complete transition to 64-bit-only hardware.
Along with the 64-bit roadmap, Muglia said Microsoft would be bringing out a number of infrastructure products in December, including Virtual Server 2005 R2 and System Center Capacity Planner 2006.
