<font color=orange>Operating System Support: WinNT-64
Microsoft will be supporting the x86-64 architecture with their upcoming WinNT-64 operating system.
Porting NT to a 64-bit operating system shouldn't prove a major challenge for MS, as their WinNT 4.0
OS already offers support for Compaq's DEC Alpha platform. Source information indicates an Itanium
(Intel's 64-bit architecture) version of NT will be available by year's end, with a K8 compatible port
following shortly after.
A 64-bit Windows platform will prove useful, especially for AMD's deployment strategy. Many
companies and end users will be seeking to upgrade their hardware to the 64-bit design, but may still
rely on older 32-bit applications and utilities. Since x86-64 offers native backward compatibility with
existing 16/32-bit code, the K8 should be able to execute even the oldest Win9x and NT based
programs. As it will take many software vendors several months to make the evolutionary step to
64-bit, K8 owners will be prepared to make the transition smoothly, as current software can be
utilized until the new 64-bit versions become available.
As with x86-64 Linux, expect Microsoft to offer their highly regarded Visual Studio programming
interface optimized for the K8. With support for several coding languages, such as Visual C++ and
Visual Basic, a 64-bit version of Visual Studio will allow programmers to easily port existing 32-bit
code to x86-64. AMD again hopes to capture market support, as with Linux, by having a wide variety
of software available for the K8 release, plus making porting existing code as effortless as possible.
The open source architecture of x86-64 will usher in a plethora of powerful, but widely available,
software for consumer use.
sysopt.earthweb.com
Sorry if already posted, but it's good news to me as I missed it.
Milo |
