Gates: 64-Bit Desktop Computing Will Be Mainstream In Two Years

CRN ^ | 11:38 AM EST Wed., May 05, 2004 | Paula Rooney

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates predicted that 64-bit computing will become mainstream in the PC industry over the next two years because of 32-bit extended technology that preserves customers' existing investments.

"64-bit will be common sense in the next couple of years," Gates said, noting that the high-performance processor engine will take off on workstations and desktops as 64-bit/32-bit capable chipsets supercede stand-alone 32-bit processors in the next couple of years. "It puts us at the very high end of computing, and it will be a smoother transition than those previously."

To that end, Microsoft announced at WinHec 2004 in Seattle that its Windows XP 64-Bit Edition for 64-Bit Extended Systems is scheduled to be released in the fourth quarter.

The Redmond, Wash., software giant also unveiled the release of an enhanced Driver Development Kit for the 64-bit Extended environment that will support Visual Studio.Net 2003 and Microsoft .Net Framework 1.1, which will enable more application development for the 64-bit Extended environment.

Gates said Microsoft will take advantage of processors with "multiple cores" that enable parallel processing on the PC desktop and server. The company will support typical eight-core server processors and two-core desktop processors, Gates said. He also urged ISVs to begin developing applications that exploit the new architectures.

Microsoft's Windows Server 2003 for 64-Bit Extended Systems, now in beta testing, also is scheduled for release during the second half.

Extended is the second 64-bit architecture supported by Microsoft. The Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 Extended offerings are based on 64-bit extensions to the x86 instruction set and support both AMD 64 and Xeon processors with 64-bit extension technology.

[kevkrom]

AMD already makes a 64-bit processor, and I believe most Unix variants (Solaris, BSD, Linux, etc.) are capable of running 64-bit native on that system. Microsoft's "two years" window conviently corresponds to when Intel shopuld be ready with their own true 64-bit chip.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Yes, and everybody is going to dumb their 32-bit boxes and for new 64-bit hardware and a shiny new 64-bit Microsoft operating system.

Dream on, Bill.

[Mr. K]

I love Micorsoft BUMP

[j_tull]

What ever happened to the IA-64 chip that HP ported HPUX to? Is Intel still pursuing it? (I believe was RISC rather than x86).

[martin_fierro]

"If it can't be done in 8 bits and 64KB of RAM, it doesn't need to be done!" -- MarkL

<|:)~

[j_tull]

I believe most Unix variants (Solaris, BSD, Linux, etc.) are capable of running 64-bit native

Sun boxes have supported 64 bits since UltraSparc II and SunOS2.7.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

I am ready to do that!

[RightWhale]

64-bit Extended sounds like a lot of extra files to lose track of. Kind of like 32-bit versions a few years ago. A lot of extra baggage.

[CyberCowboy777]

I am certainly waiting for 64-bit. My next home PC will be a AMD 64-bit with PCI-Express and XP 64-bit.

64-bit is bigger than Bill and many of us are looking forward to it.

[Petronski]

Actually, Bill, 64-bit processing will be mainstream by Monday. By then, SUSE 9.1 (32 and 64 bit on one disk) will be available (not to mention the other 64-bit distros from other companies).

[COEXERJ145]

"640k ought to be enough for anybody." -Bill Gates, 1981

[dfwgator]

Probably a good idea for my company to start doing away with our old Commodore 64s.

[dfwgator]

Ah yes, this brings back memories of upgrading from 16 bit to 32 bit, and replacing all the Windoze API calls. Oh well, it's a living.

[B Knotts]

It already is mainstream...Microsoft is just behind the curve, as usual.

[CyberCowboy777]

One big group pushing the envelop (and early hardware sales) are going to be gamers - 64-bit games run on XP 64-bit, not Linux.

One day Linux developers will realize the market force of gamers.

[Billthedrill]

I don't care, I am NOT upgrading my 5 1/4-inch floppy to them new-fangled 3-inchers. A man's gotta take a stand somewhurs...

[al_c]

The 64-bit systems are already here ...

Not trying to start a Mac v. Windows conversation (I use both) ... just pointing out that ol' Bill is paying attention to what's coming down the pike.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

My next home PC will be a AMD 64-bit with PCI-Express and XP 64-bit.

Bigger, faster, stronger is always better, but other than on a server, what advantage is 64-bit for the foreseeable future?

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Probably a good idea for my company to start doing away with our old Commodore 64s.

You are joking?

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