Intel is about to launch its first 64-bit processor, but what will it actually mean for business users? PC Authority investigates.
Fourteen years ago the growing popularity of demanding desktop graphical OSes prompted Intel to launch its first 32-bit processor, the 80386. Since then clock speeds have increased 100-fold, but despite a few slight architectural enhancements, Intels CPU world has remained 32-bit.
This year, thats about to change as Intel launches its architectural debut into 64-bit computing with the introduction of its Itanium CPU (codenamed Merced). According to Intel, the chip is the most significant architecture advancement since 32-bit computing, but what does it mean to business users? Who is Itanium aimed at? And how will it change the architectural landscape in the face of competition from existing 64-bit solutions from the likes of Sun, Compaq and IBM? Its a battle thats likely to eclipse the 32-bit CPU jousting between Intel and AMD. There are more players, a raft of OSes with their own strategic partnerships, and much more at stake than mere desktop PC dominance.
The 64-bit question
Inside Itanium
So what of the future for IA-64?
The Competition