AMD Announces Support For Enterprise Server Virtualization

VMware, Inc.’s qualification of the four-way HP ProLiant DL585 and IBM e325 for VMware ESX Server underscores the extent to which the AMD Opteron processor, the world’s first x86 processor for both 32-bit and 64-bit computing, is well suited to the demands of server virtualization. The AMD Opteron processor with Direct Connect Architecture features an integrated memory controller and HyperTransport™ technology, enabling more efficient memory and I/O access, which are critical to memory-intensive virtualization.

“Enterprises are increasingly looking to the AMD Opteron processor, as the only processor that delivers simultaneous 32- and 64-bit x86 computing in multi-processor server platforms, to meet their server virtualization needs,” said Marty Seyer, vice president and general manager of the Microprocessor Business Unit, Computation Products Group, AMD. “Additionally, feature enhancements planned for our future dual-core and single-core processor products will further enable the availability of 64-bit virtualization software and help provide the infrastructure needed for virtualization vendors to offer mainframe-quality virtualization to the x86 market.”

Server virtualization generates improved return on IT investments and helps reduce the total cost of computing infrastructures ownership by delivering resource consolidation, improved availability and infrastructure flexibility. According to research firm Gartner, “Strategically, enterprises that leverage virtualization technologies will be able to react to changing requirements more rapidly by using server resources as a pool of resources. Enterprises should pursue long-term relationships with vendors that have solid virtualization plans — either directly or through partnerships.” (Source: The Future of Server Virtualization, Thomas J. Bittman, July, 2003)

VMware recently announced its 64-bit roadmap in which support for concurrent 32-bit and 64-bit virtual machines on 64-bit architectures, including AMD64, will be introduced across the VMware product line. Today support for AMD64 is available on an experimental basis in VMware GSX Server and VMware Workstation, with support for both Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 and SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 8 64-bit host operating systems as well as for Windows® 2003 (Beta) for 64-bit extended systems.

“AMD64 technology allows enterprises to leverage existing IT investments while simultaneously positioning them to respond faster to changing business demands,” said Michael Mullany, vice president of marketing, VMware. “We are committed to providing our customers with the support they need to maximize their technology investments, including support for technology like the AMD Opteron processor. The qualification of ESX Server on the AMD Opteron processor-based HP ProLiant DL585 and IBM e325 servers provides users with performance-based platforms that support our 32-bit products today with the ability to migrate to our 64-bit products as they become available.”