Servers

Get in the fast lane

Today, 64-bit processors have become the standard for systems ranging from the most scalable servers to desktop PCs. The way to take full advantage of these systems is with 64-bit editions of Microsoft Windows products.

The 64-bit systems offer direct access to more virtual and physical memory than 32-bit systems and process more data per clock cycle, enabling more scalable, higher performing computing solutions. There are two 64-bit Windows platforms: x64-based and Itanium-based.

x64 solutions are the direct descendants of x86 32-bit products, and are the natural choice for most server application deployments—small or large. Itanium-based systems offer alternative system designs and a processor architecture best suited to extremely large database and custom application solutions.

Choose the Right Solution for Your Needs

Which 64-bit solution is right for your needs? Find the information you need to determine which architecture and software may be right for your environment.

x64

x64 Platform

x64 technologies are based on 64-bit extensions to the industry-standard x86 32-bit architectures from AMD and Intel. x64 processors allow a choice between running 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Microsoft Windows Server, but only Windows Server x64 provides a platform for scalable and high-performing native x64 applications while still supporting most legacy 32-bit applications without emulation on the same system.


Itanium

Itanium-based Systems

Systems based on Intel's Itanium architecture provide the most scalable Windows Server systems available. These systems typically offer fault-tolerant hardware and are used for large databases, line-of-business applications, or custom applications.

Microsoft 64-bit computing in the news

News, Events, and Announcements 

  • Windows Server 2008 SKUs, Hyper-V and 'Heroes Happen Here': Details Available Now
    Windows Server 2008 with Hyper-V Beta is now available. Hyper-V (formerly codenamed “Viridian”)—a feature of the x64 editions of Windows Server 2008—is also available now.
  • IDC publishes "Understanding the Business Benefits Associated with x86 64-bit Windows Server"
    This IDC White Paper explores the transition from 32-bit to 64-bit computing in a Windows Server environment. The paper considers the drivers, benefits, and challenges that will influence this transition. IDC interviewed customers and ISV partners to better understand their usage of and plans for x86 64-bit computing. Case studies and an ROI model constructed by IDC are also included.
    "One of the biggest missed opportunities among today’s customer base may be the lack of use of 64-bit x86 Windows Server solutions to boost performance, scale, and utilization rates." (from the paper)
  • Download Windows Server 2008 Beta 3 Datacenter Edition(x64)
    Beta 3 is available now! Explore the improved web, virtualization, and security features of Windows Server 2008 – a solid foundation for your enterprise IT Deployments.
  • x64 Case Studies
    While many Microsoft case studies features native x64 software products, a few highlight the benefits of the x64 platform itself. For example, read how Grontmij, an engineering firm in the Netherlands, improved system performance and employee productivity by deploying Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise x64 Edition.
  • Two new 64-bit whitepapers available
    64-bit computing continues to increase in momentum. Two new whitepapers are now available describing the benefits of 64-bit computing for IT professionals and developers/software vendors.
  • The x64 version of Datacenter Edition makes an excellent platform for virtualization solutions.
    Learn more about changes to the availability and licensing rights that make Datacenter Edition an ideal choice for scalable, cost-effective virtualization deployments.