Microsoft Adds More 64-Bit SKUs to Its Line Up

Microsoft made it official on Wednesday that it is adding three more Windows Server editions to its product family.

New members of the family include a Standard Edition of Windows Server 2003 for Intel Itanium Systems; a Standard Edition of Windows Server 2003 for 64-Bit Extended Systems (a k a for AMD 64-bit servers); and an Enterprise Edition of Windows Server 2003 for 64-Bit Extended Systems (for AMD 64).

/zimages/4/28571.gifeWEEK recently discussed the push into 64-bit computing with AMD CEO Hector de Ruiz. Check out his take on the market here.

All three of the newly announced SKUs are due to ship simultaneously with Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1, which Microsoft, as of last week, delayed until the latter half of 2004. The Windows XP release that will support the AMD 64-bit Athlon also is not due to ship until the latter half of 2004, company officials confirmed.

The three new SKUs have all been in beta test since earlier this year. As of Wednesday, Microsoft broadened the beta to include MSDN subscribers. Microsoft also is allowing interested parties to obtain evaluation copies of the beta releases by downloading them off the Microsoft.com site. (Currently, Microsoft has posted only the 32-bit and 64-bit Itanium SKUs for download; the AMD ones are "coming soon," executives said."

/zimages/4/28571.gifIs there a 64-bit desktop or server in your budget plans? eWEEK Labs offers its analysis of the recent product introductions.

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