demonstration of Industry's first x86 dual-core processors
-AMD recommends ISVs license software applications by socket-
SUNNYVALE, CALIF.-SEPT. 7, 2004-AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced software
support from Novell, Red Hat and Sun for AMD64 multi-core technology and
recommended ISVs license software applications by socket. This follows a
recent demonstration of the industry's first x86 dual-core processor last
week at AMD's Austin facilities where four x86-based dual-core AMD
Opteron(tm) processors powered an HP ProLiant DL585 server.
The upcoming dual-core AMD64 processors are designed to run with current
versions of Linux, Solaris and Windows(r) as well as existing x86- and
AMD64-based applications without requiring any software modifications. This
follows the AMD customer-centric approach of safeguarding software
investments while delivering industry-leading processor innovation.
"AMD continues to innovate within the industry standard, putting the power
of choice in the hands of the customer," said Marty Seyer, corporate vice
president and general manager, Microprocessor Business Unit in the AMD
Computation Products Group. "Just like AMD's AMD64 innovation that offers
the least disruptive path to 64-bit computing, we are continuing this
approach with multi-core technology that is designed to minimize the impact
to our hardware and software partners. AMD's customer-centric approach will
enable the hundreds of ISVs who are part of the AMD64 ecosystem to take
advantage of the performance benefits of dual-core processors without
writing additional code."
Based on feedback from customers and partners, AMD is providing
industry-thought leadership by recommending software developers consider
licensing their software by socket and schedule threads by available cores.
This recommendation mirrors the software-licensing model that the industry
has established for simultaneous multi-threaded (SMT) processors and will
allow existing x86 software to run on dual-core processors without having
to make changes.
Industry analysts agree. "Gartner recommends that users attempt to
negotiate software licenses counting a single-chip device as one processor,
no matter how many cores it carries," said Martin Reynolds, Gartner Fellow,
Gartner, Inc.
Dual-core AMD Opteron processors are scheduled to be available in mid-2005.
Servers and workstations based on dual-core AMD Opteron processors are
expected to more efficiently support the demands of multi-threaded
applications. When AMD dual-core processors become available for client
platforms, expected in the second half of 2005, multi-threaded operating
systems such as Linux, Solaris and Windows will be able to more efficiently
handle the simultaneous administration of single-threaded applications
typically found in notebook and desktop computing environments.
Industry support
In anticipation of the availability of AMD64 dual-core processors, AMD has
been working closely with key ISVs to help ensure compatibility with the
AMD64 multi-core technology.
"AMD's multi-core technology will provide an efficient, scalable,
well-performing basis for today's most demanding applications," said Holger
Dyroff, vice president, Product Management SUSE LINUX at Novell. "As the
market leader in 64-bit Linux technology, Novell's SUSE LINUX Enterprise
Server is the right platform to benefit from the advantages of AMD's
multi-core technology and we are pleased to announce our support for this
innovative technology."
"Each organization is unique and when building open source architectures
flexibility and choice are key," said Deb Woods, vice president of Product
Management at Red Hat. "Red Hat is pleased to announce our intent to
support this innovative technology."
"The Solaris OS has unmatched experience in working with multiple-core
processors and multi-threaded applications," said Glenn Weinberg, vice
president,Operating Platforms Group, Sun Microsystems, Inc. "Sun is pleased
to join AMD in taking the lead to bring dual-core technology to the x86
market and proactively addressing the software licensing issues. We are in
full support of AMD's recommendation for ISVs and we intend to license the
Solaris OS by the socket on platforms with multiple-core processors."
About AMD64
AMD64 evolves the industry-standard 32-bit x86 architecture to support the
demanding 64-bit environment that will enable future generations of
computer functionality and productivity. AMD designed the AMD64 platform to
allow end users to enjoy reliable, best-in-class performance on the 32-bit
software they own today while preparing for a seamless transition to
high-performance 64-bit applications. The AMD64 architecture is also
designed to enhance the security of your computing environment by
integrating Enhanced Virus Protection technology enabled by advanced
anti-virus features in Windows(r) XP Service Pack 2 and the upcoming
Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1.
Since the introduction of the AMD64 architecture in 2003, the AMD
Opteron(tm) processor for servers and workstations and the AMD Athlon(tm)
64 processors for desktop and notebook computers have earned more than 55
awards for innovation and performance and the support of more than 2,000
OEMs, hardware and software developers, system builders, and distributors.
About AMD
AMD (NYSE:AMD) designs and produces innovative microprocessors, Flash
memory devices and low-power processor solutions for the computer,
communications and consumer electronics industries. AMD is dedicated to
delivering standards-based, customer-focused solutions for technology
users, ranging from enterprises and governments to individual consumers.
For more information visit http://www.amd.com.