AMD Opteron launches at last
Chip maker finally takes the wraps off new 64-bit server processor
AMD's assault on the enterprise market began last week as the company finally took the wraps off its 64-bit Opteron server processor.
The launch heralded the start of a serious attack on the enterprise server arena, a market AMD is desperate to crack to shore up its failing finances.
Hector Ruiz, AMD's chief executive, recently claimed that Opteron was the most important event in the company's history and said AMD is betting its future on it.
AMD's recent first-quarter results showed turnover of $715m (£448m), a 21 per cent decline on Q1 2002, and a loss of $146m, compared with a loss of just $9m in Q1 2002.
On the positive side, PC processor and Flash chip sales were up marginally and operating expenses fell.
AMD is hoping that Opteron's unique ability to run both 64-bit and existing 32-bit applications in native mode will appeal to customers wanting to protect their investment in PC or x86-based software.
Intel's 64-bit Itanium processor runs 32-bit applications in emulation mode only, which makes performance sluggish.
IBM and Microsoft were among the strongest supporters of Opteron at the launch. IBM joins Fujitsu-Siemens, RackSaver and Newisys in announcing server ranges using Opteron, while Oracle and Microsoft said their software will also support it.
Ruiz said: "Starting from now, businesses of all sizes can leverage their substantial 32-bit investments as they migrate seamlessly, when and how they choose, to the superior processing power of 64-bit computing."
However, no date has been given for availability in the UK. Seamus Twohig, product marketing director at AMD distributor Ideal, said: "We have the server boards from MSI and other Opteron server components ready to go. All we need now are the CPUs."
The Opteron 240, 242 and 244 processors for two-way servers are shipping now in the US, with prices starting at $283 in 1,000 unit quantities.
The Opteron 800 series for up to eight-way servers is due later in the quarter and the single, 100 series is due in Q3.