- Linux kernel 2.6 to support AMD's x86-64 technology -
SUNNYVALE, CA 02/28/2002 AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced that SUSE Linux AG, one of the world's
leading providers of the Linux operating system, has submitted
enhancements to the official Linux kernel to support
AMD's x86-64 instruction set. The Linux kernel is the fundamental source
code upon which all Linux operating systems are based.
AMD's next-generation processor, code-named "Hammer", is designed to
provide unprecedented levels of performance for both 32-bit and 64-bit
software applications. "Hammer" processor-based systems will grant
business and home users the benefit of long-term investment protection as
these systems are designed to enable seamless transition from a 32-bit to
64-bit environment. AMD expects to begin shipping the first version of the
"Hammer" family of processors at the end of 2002.
SUSE Linux AG has been the primary developer working to add support of
AMD's x86-64 technology to the Linux kernel, Linux development tools, and
other Linux software. AMD expects the changes to be incorporated into
Linux's retail operating systems based on the Linux kernel version 2.6 or
later.
"We are excited to be working with AMD to support their next-generation
processors based on the x86-64 technology. We have reached an
important milestone today towards the future availability of 64-bit Linux
operating systems on the "Hammer" platform," said Andreas Jaeger, lead
project manager, SUSE Linux AG.
"With support for AMD's future processors in the official Linux tree,
Linux users everywhere will appreciate being able to run their native
x86-64 applications and their existing 32-bit x86 applications," said
Linus Torvalds, creator of Linux.
"AMD continues to gain support from the Linux development community for
applications as they build support for future 32- and 64-bit applications
into the Linux operating system," said Wayne Meretsky, manager of
Software R&D and AMD Fellow. "SUSE revisions to the Linux operating
system are key to simultaneous support of 32-bit and 64-bit applications
on the "Hammer" platform."
"The Linux community has supported AMD's x86-64 technology from the very
beginning. We appreciate the feedback that SUSE and others have given to
our "Hammer" processor engineering teams," said Richard Heye, vice
president of Platform Engineering and Infrastructure for AMD's Computation
Products Group. "AMD continues to work closely with Linux developers to
help ensure that 64-bit applications and operating systems are available
for use on the "Hammer" platform."
About AMD's x86-64 Technology
AMD's straightforward approach to 64-bit computing builds upon the x86
instruction set, one of the industry's most proven and widely supported
technologies. AMD x86-64 technology is designed to support applications
that address large amounts of physical and virtual memory, such as high
performance servers, database management systems, and CAD tools. The
x86-64 technology seamlessly integrates into the current computing and
support environment, and is designed to enable enterprises to deploy high
performance 64-bit capable systems. For additional information on the
x86-64 instruction set, visit http://www.x86-64.org.
About AMD
AMD is a global supplier of integrated circuits for the personal and
networked computer and communications markets with manufacturing
facilities in the United States, Europe, Japan, and Asia. AMD, a Fortune
500 and Standard & Poor's 500 company, produces microprocessors, flash
memory devices, and support circuitry for communications and networking
applications. Founded in 1969 and based in Sunnyvale, California, AMD had
revenues of $3.9 billion in 2001. (NYSE: AMD).
About Novell
Novell, Inc. is a leading provider of information solutions that deliver secure identity management (Novell® Nsure™), Web application development (Novell exteNd™) and cross-platform networking services (Novell Nterprise™), all supported by strategic consulting and professional services (Novell NgageSM). Active in the open source community with its Ximian and SUSE Linux brands, Novell is firmly committed to open source and offers comprehensive Linux products and services for the enterprise, from the desktop to the server. Novell's vision of one Net - a world without information boundaries - helps customers realize the value of their information securely and economically. For more information, call Novell's Customer Response Center at (888) 321-4CRC (4272) or visit http://www.novell.com. Press should visit http://www.novell.com/pressroom.
Novell is a registered trademarks; Nsure, exteNd and Nteprise are trademarks; and Ngage is a service mark of Novell, Inc. in the United States and other countries. SUSE is a registered trademark of SUSE Linux AG. * All third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Press Contact:
Jasmin Ul-Haque
Novell, Inc
Phone: +44 (0)1344 326-900
E-mail: juh@novell.com
|