“Computer chip manufacturer Advanced Micro Devices. Inc., (AMD),
in an attempt to reduce software development time for its future
64-bit CPU, called “Sledgehammer”, is rumored to be sending systems
to software developers. What is different about these systems is
that they will use the “Crusoe” processor and special “code
morphing” software produced by Transmeta, a rival to both AMD and
Intel Corporation.”
“This may help AMD reduce the gap between release of the
Sledgehammer processor and release of compatible third-party
software. AMD apparently believes that Transmeta’s software can
simulate the behavior of Sledgehammer more effectively than AMD’s
own simulation software. Typically, there can be a six-to-12-month
development cycle for software designed to run on a new
processor. AMD hopes it can reduce this “lag” – normally there is a
time gap between the hardware and software releases. There has even
been speculation that applications may be available by the time
Sledgehammer starts shipping, currently slated for the first half
of 2002. Although most of the corporate-market-focused industry is
gearing up for Intel’s Itanium processor, this development may
encourage vendors to commit resources to Sledgehammer.”