Microsoft backs up Intel on 64-bit

Microsoft has said its Windows operating systems for 64-bit enterprise systems will be fully compatible with Intel's new 64-bit processor extension technology.

The software giant plans to make available in the second half of 2004 Windows XP 64-Bit Edition for 64-Bit Extended Systems and Windows Server 2003 for 64-Bit Extended Systems - both of which are currently in beta.

Support for 64-bit computing architectures can offer performance and scalability gains for applications requiring large amounts of memory or intensive numeric calculations.

For server applications this includes database servers, business applications and technical computing. Desktop applications include digital content creation, computer-aided design and manufacturing, and professional video editing.

According to Jim Allchin, group vice president of the platforms group at Microsoft, the 64-bit extended systems versions of Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP are designed to run both existing 32-bit and forthcoming 64-bit applications.

"Windows for 64-Bit Extended Systems unlocks powerful new 64-bit processing capabilities while preserving the value of customers' 32-bit application investments," he said.

Further information about 64-bit computing on Windows is available here.