Servers > 64-bit

Comparing 64-bit Systems

When choosing the appropriate 64-bit solution for your business, many variables must be considered, including:

  • The nature of the specific application workload planned for the server. Some applications are only available on particular architectures, while others provide a choice of server platforms.
  • The performance and scalability requirements of that application, both now and in the future. These requirements will influence your choice of server in terms of processors and RAM, as well as your choice of Windows Server edition.
  • The level of availability required for the application. Fault-tolerant software and hardware cost more, but help deliver higher reliability and availability.

x64 Systems

Technology changes rapidly and 64-bit processors are quickly becoming the norm in the business world of today. Virtually all new Microsoft Windows Servers ship with x64 processors, and are capable of running Windows Server x64 editions. Windows Server x64 editions offer the best way to take full advantage of this hardware and are generally best suited for:

  • Most existing solutions being redeployed on new servers
  • Consolidation of smaller workloads
  • Clustered, scaled-out solutions

The benefits of Windows Server x64 editions and native x64 applications can be most easily seen with databases, technical computing, and connection-oriented applications, such as Terminal Server and Microsoft Exchange Server 2007.

x86-32 systems

Servers with 32-bit processors are already becoming legacy systems. New servers should be deployed with a Windows Server for x86 edition only when a compelling reason exists that prevents taking full advantage of the hardware with a Windows Server 2003 x64 edition.

Itanium-based systems

Itanium-based systems offer scalable systems with high CPU counts and fault-tolerant designs for superior availability. Windows Server for Itanium-based systems is generally best suited for:

  • High-end RISC/UNIX replacement
  • Floating-point intensive applications and applications that share data extensively among processes
  • Businesses utilizing large databases, custom applications, and line-of-business applications

For more specific information, see:

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