IDF Spring 2004: Microsoft gives 64-bit backing to Intel

Posted on 18 Feb 2004 at 15:17

Microsoft has said that its 64-bit extensions in Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 will be compatible with Intel's 64-bit extension technology announced at its IDF conference this week.

Building on the announcement that Intel is to include 64-bit extensions in its Xeon server chips as well as desktops chips further down the line, Microsoft says that the 64-bit editions of XP and Server - currently in beta - will be available in the second half of this year.

'Microsoft's and Intel's leadership continues to deliver powerful, cost-effective, 64-bit computing to the broad IT market,' said Jim Allchin, group vice president of the Platforms Group at Microsoft. 'Windows for 64-bit extended systems unlocks powerful new 64-bit processing capabilities while preserving the value of customer's 32-bit application investments.'

The systems will be demonstrated more fully at Windows Hardware Engineering Conference (WinHEC) and Tech Ed 2004 later this year.

Author: Matt Whipp