By Gordon Kelly, VNU
Net
AMD has released a x86-64bit technology simulator, designed to
give resellers the ability to evaluate the software code prior to
the release of its forthcoming processors.
Referred to as SimNow!, the application is specifically designed
for Bios vendors, tools developers, operating system manufacturers
and application providers. It is designed to create an accurate
model of a computer system from a programmer’s view.
SimNow! is based on the AMD Athlon processor with added x86-64
architecture support. The simulator includes the ability to debug
kernels without having access to 64bit processors. Codenamed
Hammer, this feature is not planned for release until the end of
2001.
The x86-64 technology is mainly designed to improve the
performance of memory-hungry applications, such as large databases
and simulation engines, that are currently limited by the 4Gb
addressing limitations of 32bit architecture.
AMD’s 64bit processors will be programmed to automatically
detect whether a program requires 32bit or 64bit and change
accordingly.
“AMD designed and built the SimNow! simulator to provide
developers of x86-64bit technology with tools for debugging code
and applications prior to the release of the Hammer family of
x86-64 technology-enabled processors,” said Richard Heye, general
manager at AMD.
Markus Rex, vice-president of development at Linux software
developer SuSE, said: “AMD has taken a revolutionary approach by
involving the open source community so early in the design process
of its 64bit technology. With access to the simulator, all Linux
developers can help to ensure a fast port of x86-64
technology.”
The AMD SimNow! simulator is available free at www.x86-64.org.
[ First published in Computer Reseller News ]