The AMD — Microsoft Alliance

"With the coming release of Windows Server 2008, you'll get the most robust version of Windows Server to date, with optimizations specifically designed for the new AMD Opteron functionality."

~ Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft

View Steve Ballmer's video (WMV 25MB) seen at the Quad-Core AMD Opteron™ processor launch event.

Industry leaders collaborating on 64-bit

AMD and Microsoft have a strategic relationship that spans many years and has its roots in the consumer computing market.

With the introduction of AMD64 technology in 2003, this relationship expanded to include the commercial server and clients markets.

Through strong collaboration, AMD and MSFT have developed complimentary hardware and software technologies that address the needs of today's complex global economy.

This includes 64-bit and multi-core capabilities to handle the exponential growth of digital data and security, virtualization, and management technologies that are designed to improve operational efficiencies.

Microsoft uses AMD64 processor-based systems in development, mission critical production and business operational areas and AMD uses MSFT operating systems and applications to drive the day-to-day functioning of our business.

Results of this collaboration are evident in the new breed of software and hardware products coming onto the market that offer cutting edge business advantages.

Microsoft selected AMD64 technology as the development platform for its next-generation 64-bit operating systems, Microsoft Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions and Windows XP Professional x64 Edition.

"This collaboration is helping usher in a new era in computing that opens the door for high-speed applications including new features along with improved performance, stability, and security,"

~ Brian Valentine, Senior Vice President, Windows Core Operating System Division

Customers who demand leading-edge performance are rapidly recognizing and embracing the speed, price, and efficiency advantages offered by AMD64 and Microsoft x64 innovations.

Discover how Microsoft and AMD collaborate on 64-bit computing solutions.

Microsoft High-Performance Computing Solutions

Microsoft Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003 (CCS) brings high-performance computing (HPC) to the desktop and workgroup level in a familiar Windows-based development environment.

AMD Opteron™ processor-based servers running CCS provide faster time to solution while delivering the operational efficiency and improved business value needed to maximize computing investments.

Learn more about Microsoft Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003.

Microsoft Commercial Client Solutions

AMD processors with AMD64 technology deliver the smart way to experience the power of Windows Vista, providing businesses with a simple choice that enables a more visual experience and opens a world of new digital possibilities.

Find out how AMD-processor based desktops and laptops are ready to run the next generation of Windows.

Microsoft Virtualization

In the emerging world of virtualization, AMD delivers true innovation and technological leadership.

With 64-bit and dual-core capabilities, AMD64 processors offer leading-edge performance for today's x86 applications and prepares your enterprise for the next-generation of virtualization software.

And when running Microsoft Virtual Server, AMD64 can help your businesses break the restraints of conventional virtualization strategy and take server management to a higher level.

Not long ago, 64-bit systems were a future technology reserved almost exclusively for high-end enterprise implementations.

Today, 64-bit is becoming mainstream for x86-based systems, Microsoft and AMD are working together to transition the server world to 64-bit computing.

Microsoft server applications fuel today's businesses, providing a range of services from powering web servers, handling growing numbers of email, delivering mission-critical data, and keeping the very heart of data center infrastructure working.

Microsoft has already released several of its server applications as 64-bit and has a road map to have 64-bit across its entire line of server products.

Microsoft Database Solutions

SQL Server 2005 running on AMD Opteron processors delivers the performance needed to help enterprises stay competitive by making faster and more data-driven decisions.

This next-generation data management and analysis platform delivers security, scalability, and availability to enterprise data and analytical applications, while making them easier to build, deploy, and manage.

Learn more about Microsoft SQL Server 2005.

Microsoft Communication and Collaboration

AMD Opteron™ processors, with Direct Connect Architecture, are designed to provide the foundation for balanced, scalable servers that are easy to manage and operate in today's thermally and electrically limited data centers.

64-bit Exchange 2007 is the latest affirmation of x64 technology that was introduced by AMD in 2003. AMD continues to demonstrate leadership in performance-per-watt and provides consistent scalability from single- to multi-core processors and 2P to 4P systems that make up the bulk of Exchange deployments.

Exchange Server 2007 is 64-bit application that will fully exploit the 64-bit and multi-core capabilities of AMD Opteron™ processors.

Read more about Microsoft Exchange Server.