Sun is providing JavaTM technology support for the 64-bit AMD Opteron processor through a new collaboration with AMD. Sun hopes that supporting 64-bit Linux and Windows platforms on the Opteron processor will allow companies to migrate their Java technology applications from a 32-bit to a 64-bit computing platform with little or no code changes. Sun also hopes to enable the development and deployment of new Java applications and Web Services.

The 64-bit Linux and Windows ports to AMD Opteron should be available with the release of the JavaTM 2 Platform, Standard Edition (J2SETM) v1.5 in the summer of 2004. The J2SE platform licensee Blackdown is also credited with contributing technology to the port developments.

"By partnering with AMD to create a 64-bit J2SE software port for AMD Opteron, Sun is able to extend Java (technology)'s reach to a larger market and provide a reliable and highly performant platform for Java application and Web services deployment," said Joe Keller, vice president of marketing for Java Web Services at Sun. "We're committed to ensuring that customers have the greatest flexibility and can reap the maximum value from their current Java technology-based applications when transitioning to 64-bit computing."

AMD64 technology is designed to preserve a customer's investment in 32-bit applications while allowing a seamless transition to 64-bit computing. AMD64 extends the x86 instruction set architecture (ISA) to 64-bit computing for the first time and is the basis for the AMD Opteron processor for servers and workstations. It allows for the development of a unified 64-bit computing infrastructure that is completely compatible with the x86 architecture.

"AMD is working with Sun to develop a platform that extends the reach and seamless migration of critical Java technology-based business applications for the high performance computing market," said Marty Seyer, vice president and general manager of AMD's Microprocessor Business Unit. "Working directly with Sun on the J2SE technology port to AMD Opteron for 64-bit computing, our shared customers can be assured they'll receive the best possible implementation of Java technology on the scalable, high-performance AMD Opteron platform." [...read more...]

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