AMD Releases Pacifica Specification For AMD64 Technology
AMD today announced the general availability of the full specification of its virtualization technology, “Pacifica,” at the LinuxWorld Summit. “Pacifica” is designed to enhance 64-bit client and server virtualization technologies for x86-based servers, workstations, desktops and mobile computers.
“The potential benefits of virtualization for businesses of all sizes and consumers alike are significant. By taking an inclusive approach and working directly with both customers and hardware and software partners to develop ‘Pacifica,’ AMD is leading the rising tide of industry support for virtualization,” said Marty Seyer, corporate vice president and general manager, Microprocessor Solutions Sector. “We believe AMD64 provides the most flexible architecture in the industry, and ‘Pacifica’ virtualization technology will further that lead by helping commercial organizations improve the reliability and resilience of their computing platforms, increase security, and reduce total cost of ownership of computing resources.”
“Pacifica” will extend AMD64 technology with Direct Connect Architecture to enhance virtualization for clients and servers by introducing a new model and features into the processor and memory controller. Designed to enhance and extend traditional software-only based virtualization approaches, these new features will help reduce complexity and increase security of new virtualization solutions, while protecting IT investments through backward compatibility with existing virtualization software.
“Hardware virtualization in the x86 platform opens the way for a new class of innovation, making the platform more flexible, more manageable, and more secure,” said Martin Reynolds, Gartner Fellow, Gartner, Inc. “Both home and business users will benefit from the technology, which will rapidly proliferate across the entire x86 market. It will transform the way that we use our PCs, more so than any other technology this decade.”
AMD’s continued commitment to providing the industry with superior technology to enable virtualization solutions is demonstrated through ongoing relationships with partners including Microsoft, VMware and XenSource.
“Pacifica” is scheduled to be available in both client and server processors from AMD in the first half of 2006. Feature enhancements are also planned for future single-core and dual-core AMD64 processors to further leverage the performance of 64-bit virtualization software. The “Pacifica” specification, a technology overview, and guidance to software developers who are designing virtualization solutions for 64-bit technology, can be found here
About AMD64
AMD64 evolves the industry-standard 32-bit x86 architecture to support the demanding 64-bit environment and enables next-generation functionality and productivity today. AMD designed the AMD64 platform to allow end users to enjoy reliable, best-in-class performance on the 32-bit software they own today while preparing for a seamless transition to high-performance 64-bit applications. Designed from the ground up to support multi-core capability, AMD64 dual-core processors amplify the elegance and power of AMD’s current single-core solutions. The AMD64 architecture is also designed to enhance the security of your computing environment by integrating Enhanced Virus Protection technology enabled by advanced anti-virus features in Windows® XP Service Pack 2 and Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1.
Since the introduction of the AMD64 architecture in 2003, the AMD Opteron™ processor for servers and workstations and the AMD Athlon™ 64 processor for desktop and notebook computers have earned more than 80 awards for innovation and performance, and the support of more than 2,000 OEMs, hardware and software developers, system builders, and distributors
About AMD
AMD (NYSE: AMD) designs and produces innovative microprocessors, Flash memory devices and low-power processor solutions for the computer, communications and consumer electronics industries. AMD is dedicated to delivering standards-based, customer-focused solutions for technology users, ranging from enterprises and governments to individual consumers.
AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, AMD Opteron, and combinations thereof, are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other names are for informational purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
|
