Windows Server 2003 for 64-Bit Extended Systems can provide higher performance for both 32-bit and 64-bit applications running on Dell PoweEdge Servers built on Intel Extended Memory 64-bit Technology (EM64T). The underlying architecture of Windows Server 2003 for 64-bit Extended Systems is based on 64-bit extensions to the industry-standard x86 instruction set, allowing today’s 32-bit applications to run natively on 64-bit extended processors. At the same time, new 64-bit applications are executed in 64-bit mode, which processes more data per clock cycle, allows greater access to memory, and speeds numeric calculations. The end result is a platform that leverages the existing wealth of 32-bit applications while also providing a smooth migration path to 64-bit computing.

„Microsoft supports Dell’s development of x64 PowerEdge industry standard servers. The enhanced performance of x64 servers with Intel Xeon EM64T processors, when combined with Windows Server 2003 x64, will give customers the best of both worlds: peak performance for their 32-bit applications and a clear path to the breakthroughs offered by 64-bit computing” said Jeff Price, Senior Director, Windows Server group, Microsoft Corp.

Windows Server 2003 for 64-Bit Extended Systems is currently under development, with delivery scheduled for the second half of 2004. Pre-release versions of the operating system are available for evaluation at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/64bit/extended/default.mspx.