(Press Release) AMD has 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.
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.
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.
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