AMD, Dell and Microsoft as x86-64-bit winners

[Waqas]

AMD, Dell and Microsoft have the most to gain from a large scale move to 64-bit extensions technology, according to analyst firm Illuminata.

In a recent report, Illuminata ranked the major players in the 64-bit computing arena, saying just about every vendor has a chance to thrive with either AMD's Opteron processor or Intel's upcoming Xeon (now enhanced) Extender - er, Extended Memory 64 Technology. But out of all the big boys, AMD, Dell and Microsoft are best poised to profit from a 32-bit to 64-bit server transition. HP and IBM may well have the most to lose.

"x86 wasn't supposed to evolve into the 64-bit world," wrote Illuminata's Gordon Haff. "However, for reasons that include depressed technology spending and heightened risk aversion, consolidations and repositioning among vendors, and early technological missteps by Itanium, x86 has unquestionably moved into the 64-bit sphere. Breathless headlines notwithstanding (Thanks - Ed.), x86-64 isn't likely to kill Itanium, or any other processor for that matter, reckon the analysts.

"And, indeed, it will be those vendors who have the most invested in, and get the most leverage from, their x86 products who will gain the most from the continuing x86 evolution."

For the moment, Illuminata has a "very positive" ranking for AMD's effect on the x86-64-bit market. The chip maker enjoys a time-to-market advantage over Intel and is seen as the major innovator with the technology. While Intel's Xeon processors will certainly heat up the competition, just having Intel on board with 64-bit extensions "legitimizes" AMD's strategy, Illuminata said.

Opteron has boosted AMD's fortunes in a major way. The vendor now has strong ties to IBM, HP and Sun Microsystems - something that could not be said a year ago. The near term gains are obvious.

Microsoft also receives a "very positive" ranking, despite not even having a 64-bit OS for Opteron or Xeon Extender yet. For years, Microsoft has tried to crack into the lucrative part of the midrange and high-end server market dominated by Unix. Now, however, technology trends are pushing at least the midrange of the market toward Microsoft.

The strength of Intel and AMD's processors have made...Read more

Source: The Register