SUNNYVALE, CA — February 28, 2002 –AMD (NYSE:
AMD) today announced that SuSE Linux AG, one of the world’s leading
providers of the Linux operating system, has submitted enhancements
to the official Linux kernel to support AMD’s x86-64 instruction
set. The Linux kernel is the fundamental source code upon which all
Linux operating systems are based.
AMD’s next-generation processor, code-named “Hammer,” is
designed to provide unprecedented levels of performance for both
32-bit and 64-bit software applications. “Hammer” processor-based
systems will grant business and home users the benefit of long-term
investment protection as these systems are designed to enable
seamless transition from a 32-bit to 64-bit environment. AMD
expects to begin shipping the first version of the “Hammer” family
of processors at the end of 2002.
SuSE Linux AG has been the primary developer working to add
support of AMD’s x86-64 technology to the Linux kernel, Linux
development tools, and other Linux software. AMD expects the
changes to be incorporated into Linux’s retail operating systems
based on the Linux kernel version 2.6 or later.
“We are excited to be working with AMD to support their
next-generation processors based on the x86-64 technology. We have
reached an important milestone today towards the future
availability of 64-bit Linux operating systems on the ‘Hammer’
platform,” said Andreas Jaegar, lead project manager, SuSE Linux
AG.
“With support for AMD’s future processors in the official Linux
tree, Linux users everywhere will appreciate being able to run
their native x86-64 applications and their existing 32-bit x86
applications,” said Linus Torvalds, creator of Linux.
“AMD continues to gain support from the Linux development
community for applications as they build support for future 32- and
64-bit applications into the Linux operating system,” said Wayne
Meretsky, manager of Software R&D and AMD Fellow. “SuSE’s
revisions to the Linux operating system are key to simultaneous
support of 32-bit and 64-bit applications on the ‘Hammer’
platform.”
“The Linux community has supported AMD’s x86-64 technology from
the very beginning. We appreciate the feedback that SuSE and others
have given to our ‘Hammer’ processor engineering teams,” said
Richard Heye, vice president of Platform Engineering and
Infrastructure for AMD’s Computation Products Group. “AMD continues
to work closely with Linux developers to help ensure that 64-bit
applications and operating systems are available for use on the
‘Hammer’ platform.”