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.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

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

There are proprietary issues on things like video drivers. That's what's holding Linux back from games.

[olde north church]

Look at Java Desk Top System
I have been using Open Source and Apple software that allows me to work cross-platform. Similiar applications at a fraction of the cost.

[CyberCowboy777]

Mainstream?

How many 64-bit enterprise apps are running production on 64-bit platforms today?

How many of the largest business market (small business) are running a 64-bit Quickbooks or Practice software?

Available today - yes

Mainstream - no

[ColdSteelTalon]

IBM beats them all with 64 bit. Announced and available in 1995 with a true 64 bit operating system that converts the old object code on the fly to 64 bit object code. (No recompiling).

[CyberCowboy777]

64-bit games at home

In a production environment - VMs

[HEY4QDEMS]

I think your talking about "Itanium" a processor built in partnership with HP to be introduced in their "Integrity" server line.

I beleive that the processor has been recently released.

[stylin_geek]

Advantage? Heck, for computer people it is like saying they've bought the latest Mercedes. Status, baby, status.

[glorgau]

Sounds like Mr. Bill is trying to get another "upgrade cycle" started.

[ken5050]

I have two 32-bit boxes. Can't I just hook 'em up together to get a -64?

[dfwgator]

Boy that thread sure brought back a lot of memories. I actually did have a Commodore 64 back in the day, and I remember having to wrap the power supply in ice to keep the machine from freezing up after a few hours.

[HEY4QDEMS]

what advantage is 64-bit for the foreseeable future

Clent server apps is a biggie, SQL, Oracle, SAP etc..

[CyberCowboy777]

I should say that the eventual move will be due to a combination of factors not just pure 64-bit in nature but the entire shakeup in new systems, including the core 64-bit advancements, bus performance (including SCSI and SATA), video performance, memory size increases and performance.

For all these reason though - gamers will be moving much quicker and with more enthusiasm.

[js1138]

I believe this is the first time MS has committed to supporting both AMD and INTEL. I read a month ago that they would only support one 64 bit extension.

AMD should have an edge here because their chips are seamless and have been around and working for a couple of years.

The biggest change, however will be in the bus. PCI is maxed out. It really isn't adequate for servers or for graphic workstations.

[BurbankKarl]

I have six win98 machines still plugging along at work, and one Win95!

I am going to run them til they die

[ken5050]

Or you do..LOL..waiting for a page to load...

[BrooklynGOP]

Remember flipping over the floppy?

[B Knotts]

We were running 64-bit servers in the 1990s.

[randog]

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

Considering that the vast majority of processors sold are 8-bit microcontrollers, that remark is not too far off the mark.

[CyberCowboy777]

The biggest change, however will be in the bus. PCI is maxed out. It really isn't adequate for servers or for graphic workstations.

This will be huge.

[Leonard210]

Hey, al_c, keep it down. Nobody's supposed to know about that. :-)