Microsoft and Intel Deliver Increased Developer Support for 64-Bit Windows For the Itanium Processor Platform

REDMOND, Wash., Feb. 17, 2000 — Microsoft Corp. and Intel Corp. today announced updates to key tools as well as resources for software development on the 64-bit Windows® for the Itanium™ processor platform. Microsoft has opened a 64-bit Windows Developer’s Lab in Redmond to support the porting and tuning of key software applications. Microsoft and Intel also announced delivery of an advanced version of the IA-64 Software Development Kit (SDK) for 64-bit Windows, providing the latest operating system release, compilers, linkers and libraries to hardware and software developers who are already working on software development for 64-bit Windows. To extend the reach of these tools, Microsoft plans on releasing a beta version of 64-bit Windows and tools in the second quarter of 2000. Microsoft expects to release 64-bit Windows concurrently with production of the Itanium processor.

In addition, major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) demonstrated significant progress toward development of complete 64-bit Microsoft® Windows solutions on the Itanium processor platform. This week at the Intel Developer Forum, several software and hardware vendors showcased the progress they have made using existing software tools from Microsoft and Intel. The OEMs included Bull, Compaq Computer Corp., Dell Computer Corp., Fujitsu Corp., Siemens Computers, Hewlett-Packard Co., IBM Corp. and NEC Corp. Independent software vendors (ISVs) included SAP AG, AEA Technology Engineering Software, MARC Analysis Research Corp. and Softimage Inc., a subsidiary of Avid Technology Inc.

“Seven OEMs running major applications at the Intel Developer Forum highlight the tremendous progress already made on 64-bit Windows for the Itanium processor platform,”
said Stephen L. Smith, vice president and general manager of the IA-64 Processor Division at Intel.
“With the addition of these new tools and capabilities by Microsoft and Intel, IA-64 applications developers will be able to accelerate the development of optimized e-business and technical computing solutions.”

“The opening of our 64-bit Windows Developer’s Lab and the release of the updated 64-bit Windows SDK are further examples of the ongoing development efforts between Microsoft and Intel to address the needs of high-end computing customers,”
said Jim Allchin, group vice president of the Windows Division at Microsoft.
“The combination of 64-bit Windows and the Itanium processor will drive the next generation of high-performance, scalable servers and workstations that will power the Internet. Microsoft is excited to be delivering tools and developer services today to ensure that our partners and customers are ready to take advantage of this next wave of computing.”

Microsoft’s 64-Bit Windows Developer’s Lab

The 64-bit Windows Developer’s Lab, based at Microsoft’s corporate headquarters in Redmond, provides developers with direct support from Microsoft’s IA-64 software experts and broader access to the Intel Itanium processor-based systems needed to build and test their applications. Though the virtual private networking, terminal services and remote command capabilities of 64-bit Windows, the lab will broaden its support by providing developers with secure remote access to its network and access to the lab at any time and from any location. Microsoft demonstrated these capabilities at the Intel Developer Forum this week. More information about the Microsoft 64-bit Windows Developer’s Lab can be obtained by sending e-mail to [email protected].

IA-64 Software Developer Kit for 64-Bit Windows

The IA-64 SDK for 64-bit Windows enables OEMs and key ISVs to develop, build and prepare their applications and systems for the 64-bit Windows environment.

The IA-64 SDK for 64-bit Windows includes a 64-bit server version of Windows 2000, a Microsoft C/C++ compiler and linker for IA-64, Intel C++ and FORTRAN 90 compilers for 64-bit Windows and 64-bit Windows 2000 libraries, header files and run-time libraries. The SDK also includes supporting tools and documentation.

About 64-Bit Windows

The 64-bit Windows platform will provide high availability, advanced scalability and large memory support for platforms based on the Itanium processor and future IA-64 processors. 64-bit Windows is designed to address the most demanding business needs of today’s Internet-based world, including e-commerce, data mining, online transaction-processing, memory-intensive high-end graphics, complex mathematics and high-performance multimedia applications. Final system requirements, pricing and packaging have yet to be announced. More information on 64-bit Windows can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/guide/platform/strategic/64bit.asp . More information on the Itanium processor is available at http://developer.intel.com/design/ia-64/ .

About Intel

Intel, the world’s largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at http://www.intel.com/pressroom/ .

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software – any time, any place and on any device.

Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

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