REDMOND, Wash. -- After endorsing Advanced Micro Devices Inc.'s 64-bit microprocessor line last month, Microsoft Corp. here today also announced support for a competitive chip from Intel Corp.
Microsoft will support Intel's new Itanium 2 processor line with its upcoming release of Windows Advanced Server, Limited Edition 1.2, according to the Redmond-based software giant. The Itanium 2 is the new brand name for Intel's code-named McKinley line of 64-bit processors.
Microsoft also delivered 64-bit support for Intel's first-generation Itanium processor last year with its Windows Advanced Server, Limited Edition software.
"Windows on Itanium 2 systems gives customers 64-bit scalability on an easy-to-deploy and easy-to-manage platform," said Velle Kolde, lead product manager of the Windows .NET Product Management Group at Microsoft.
Last month, Microsoft also endorsed AMD's high-end, 64-bit processor line, code-named SledgeHammer. At the same time, AMD said the chip will take on the brand name of "Opteron" (see April 24 story ).
