AMD Transforms Enterprise Computing With AMD Opteron™ Processor, Eliminating Barriers To 64-Bit Computing
- IBM, Microsoft® announce support for world’s first 64-bit x86 processor -
New York, NY -- April 22, 2003 --AMD (NYSE: AMD) today introduced the AMD Opteron™ processor, the world’s first 64-bit processor compatible with the industry-standard x86 architecture and the highest performing 2-way and 4-way processor for servers.
IBM joined AMD at a New York City launch event to announce its plans to offer a server product for high-performance computing based on the AMD Opteron processor. At the same event, Microsoft reiterated its commitment to developing a 64-bit operating system for the processor, with a beta version available in mid-2003.
The AMD Opteron processor for servers and workstations, which extends the x86 instruction set architecture (ISA) to 64-bit computing for the first time, is also the first processor in a new class of computing called AMD64. AMD64 directly follows the evolutionary path of the industry-standard x86 ISA, allowing development of a unified 64-bit computing infrastructure fully compatible with the pervasive x86 architecture. The AMD Opteron processor helps eliminate barriers to 64-bit computing by simplifying the transition between current and future generations of software.
“The AMD Opteron processor is the world’s first processor to eliminate barriers to 64-bit computing and accelerate the transition to a pervasive 64-bit environment,” said Hector Ruiz, president and chief executive officer of AMD. “Starting today, businesses of all sizes can leverage their substantial 32-bit investments as they migrate seamlessly – when and how they choose – to the superior processing power of 64-bit computing. The AMD Opteron processor gives customers the freedom to choose and use both, for the first time, to simplify business and build a future that leaves no enterprise behind.”
AMD64 technology allows customers to protect their investments by continuing to use all their 32-bit software until they decide to implement new, 64-bit software. Because the existing and new software can run side-by-side, computer systems based on AMD64 create the foundation of the industry’s first unified 32- and 64-bit information technology infrastructure.
“AMD designed the AMD Opteron processor to provide enterprise customers with simple x86-based 64-bit server solutions that are robust, compatible, reliable, and stable,” said Vernon Turner, group vice president of Global Enterprise Server Solutions at IDC. “By innovating along the evolutionary path of pervasive x86 standards, AMD is making it easier for customers to migrate to 64-bit computing.”
Industry leaders, analysts and media from around the world attended today’s AMD launch event in New York City. Several luminaries, customers and end users joined Ruiz live and by video. Among individuals and companies supporting the AMD Opteron processor were Fujitsu Siemens Computers, LucasFilm’s JAK Films, Oracle, Microsoft and IBM, the first global OEM to build systems based on the AMD Opteron processor.
“Like AMD, Microsoft is in the business of maximizing value for our customers,” said Brian Valentine, senior vice president of the Windows® Division at Microsoft. “The 64-bit Windows platform on platforms like AMD64 will drive even greater cost efficiencies and productivity improvements for customers who need unmatched power and scalability.”
“The most powerful benefit of the AMD Opteron technology is the promise to protect an enormously valuable investment in existing 32-bit applications while providing the ability to smoothly extend into the 64-bit world,” said Bill Zeitler, senior vice president and group executive, IBM Systems Group. “We see customer demand for a solution like this, particularly in high performance computing, and we are happy to be working with AMD in addressing it.”
“AMD is the first company to introduce a performance-leading 64-bit processor compatible with virtually the entire installed based of computer technology,” said Marty Seyer, vice president and general manager of AMD’s Microprocessor Business Unit. “The AMD Opteron processor introduces simultaneous 32- and 64-bit computing based on industry standards to improve flexibility, scalability, reliability and security. 64-bit computing is no longer a dilemma – it is an opportunity. For the enterprise market, there is no better choice.”
The AMD Opteron processor is the highest performing 2P and 4P server processor, according to industry-standard benchmarks. In TPC-C benchmark tests, considered among the most important for servers, the AMD Opteron processor achieved performance up to 14% greater than competing 32-bit server processors. On the important Internet-related performance benchmark SPECweb99, the AMD Opteron processor Model 844 is the first computer processor in the world to break the 10,000 score.
AMD Opteron processor Models 240, 242 and 244 for up to 2-way servers are available now. AMD Opteron processors in the 800 series for up to 8-way servers will be available later in this quarter. AMD expects that AMD Opteron processors in the 100 series for 1-way servers will be available in 3Q03. Prices for the 200 series of the AMD Opteron processor start at $283 each in lots of 1,000. More information is available on the AMD web site, www.amd.com.
About AMD
Founded in 1969 and based in Sunnyvale, California, AMD (NYSE: AMD) is a global supplier of integrated circuits for the personal and networked computer and communications markets with manufacturing facilities in the United States, Europe, Japan, and Asia. AMD, a Standard & Poor’s 500 company, produces microprocessors, Flash memory devices, and silicon-based solutions for communications and networking applications.
About AMD64
AMD64 defines a new class of computing by extending the industry-standard x86 instruction set architecture across 32- and 64-bit platforms. AMD64 is an AMD innovation designed to deliver full compatibility with existing 8-, 16-, and 32-bit x86 solutions and simultaneous industry-leading 64-bit performance. The AMD Opteron processor for servers and workstations is the first processor in this new class of computing. AMD plans to introduce the AMD Athlon™ 64 processor for desktop and mobile personal computers in September, which will allow pervasive adoption of the AMD64 architecture. AMD64 replaces terms such as “Hammer” (now, “AMD64 technology”) and “x86-64 ISA” (now, “AMD64 ISA”).
AMD on the Web
For more AMD news and product information, please visit our virtual pressroom at www.amd.com/news/virtualpress/index.html. Additional press releases are available at www.amd.com/news/news.html. Photos of this event are also available at http://www.gabepalacio.com/bin/Cklb?vmo=1049406569998.gpalacio.AMD.
Cautionary Statement
This release contains forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are generally preceded by words such as “plans,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates” or “intends”. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements in this release involve risks and uncertainty that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. Risks include the possibility that the company will not maintain or grow its processor market share, in aggregate or in any particular market segment; that the AMD Opteron™ processor will not perform pursuant to design specifications, and will not achieve customer and/or market acceptance; that AMD Opteron processors in the 100 and 800 series and AMD Athlon 64 processors will not ship on schedule; that third parties will not provide infrastructure solutions to support AMD64 processors; and that Intel Corporation’s pricing, marketing programs, product bundling, new product introductions or other activities targeting the company's processor business will prevent attainment of the company's current processor sales plans. We urge investors to review in detail the risks and uncertainties in the company’s filings with the United States Securities Exchange Commission.
AMD will broadcast the AMD Opteron processor launch event at www.ccbn-webcasting.com/presentations/All/CCBN_Training/Adam_melenkivitz/AMD042203/Lobby/default.htm. Viewers must have either RealOne Player or Windows Media Player. The broadcast will begin at 9:30 AM EDT on Tuesday, April 22, 2003 and conclude approximately one hour later. The Webcast will be available on the AMD Web site, www.amd.com, following the event.
Photos of the AMD Opteron processor launch event in New York City are available at http://www.gabepalacio.com/bin/Cklb?vmo=1049406569998.gpalacio.AMD.
AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, AMD Athlon, AMD Opteron, and combinations thereof, are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other jurisdictions. Other product and company names are for informational purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective companies. |
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