Covalent and Red Hat developing 64-bit Apache Web server software for future AMD Opteron processors.

Apache Developers' Support of AMD Opteron Technology Expected to Offer Enterprise Customers Increased 32-Bit Performance and Powerful 64-Bit Computing Options

At ApacheCon U.S. 2002, AMD (NYSE:AMD) announced that Covalent and Red Hat are developing Apache-based Web server software for the upcoming AMD Opteron processors.

With AMD Opteron technology, developers are optimizing Apache software that will support both 32- and 64-bit computing. With systems based on the upcoming AMD Opteron processors, customers are expected to be able to secure commercial servers and intellectual property, experience increased application performance in the short term, and have the ability to scale to 64-bit power as needed over time.

"Apache is a very widely used Linux-based enterprise Web server application, and we are working with two leaders--Covalent and Red Hat--to offer simultaneous high-performance 32- and 64- bit computing to our customers," said Marty Seyer, vice president of server business, AMD. "Using Apache and the upcoming AMD Opteron processor 32- and 64-bit capabilities, customers are expected to be able to minimize their integration complexity with flexible and reliable mission-critical Web services."

"Covalent is developing 64-bit compatibility because we believe the upcoming AMD Opteron processor-based server systems will deliver superior performance and reliability for our easy-to-install Apache project server software," said Mark Douglas, senior vice president of engineering, Covalent Technologies. "Compatibility is essential, and we are cooperatively working to ensure optimal performance with the upcoming AMD Opteron processors."

"Red Hat is ensuring that users of Red Hat Linux Advanced Server, which includes the Apache Webserver, can easily migrate from 32- to 64-bit processing power with AMD Opteron technology," said Paul Cormier, executive vice president of engineering, Red Hat. "We support this flexible platform, and plan to be fully compatible so our customers can use the most advanced technology and secure their servers, intranets and extranets, and intellectual property."

Apache software is overseen by the Apache Software Foundation, a membership-driven, non-profit organization that oversees the development of world-class, open source Java, Perl, XML, Tcl, and PHP projects, in addition to Apache, the widely-used Web server.

64-bit Apache Web server demonstrations on AMD Opteron and AMD Athlon processor-based system can be viewed at booth #11 at ApacheCon Nov. 18-21.

AMD Opteron processors are planned to be available in the first half of 2003 for servers and workstations.

AMD is a supplier of integrated circuits for the personal and networked computer and communications markets with manufacturing facilities in the United States, Europe, Japan, and Asia. AMD, a Fortune 500 and Standard & Poor's 500 company, produces microprocessors, Flash memory devices, and support circuitry for communications and networking applications. Founded in 1969 and based in Sunnyvale, California, AMD had revenues of $3.9 billion in 2001. (NYSE:AMD).