Microsoft Corp. today announced it is developing native 64-bit versions of its Windows® XP and Windows Server (TM) 2003 operating systems designed to support the upcoming AMD Opteron (TM) and AMD Athlon (TM) 64 processors. Microsoft is extending 64-bit support in Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 to run natively on the upcoming AMD Opteron processor for servers and workstations and the upcoming AMD Athlon 64 processor for desktops and notebooks. Desktop and server beta releases are expected in the middle of 2003.
"We are pleased to help usher in a new era of business value by extending our ongoing investment in 64-bit computing to the AMD platform," said Brian Valentine, senior vice president of Microsoft"s Windows Division. "Microsoft"s 64-bit Windows operating systems represent an inflection point leading to higher performance and greater efficiency for businesses and consumers."