Will firms take 64bit bait?

Microsoft's recent launch of Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions has set the scene for the next decade of enterprise server systems.

There will be support for 64bit and 32bit applications in the next version of Windows, codenamed Longhorn, which is expected to have a 10-year lifespan. So while the x64 editions are unlikely to force the demise of 32bit applications, the opportunity exists for developers to support 64bit capabilities when appropriate. "This is good news and none too soon," said Rakesh Kumar of analyst firm Gartner. "Users are requiring more power and memory and 64bit will help." One obvious use for 64bit addressing is in database applications, but Jon Collins of analyst company Quocirca noted that there are many others. "There are application areas that can benefit from the extra performance and scalability of 64bit computing, such as business intelligence, analytics and high-throughput transactional environments," he commented.

The arrival of the 32bit/64bit version of Intel's Xeon processor and AMD's earlier Opteron chip will lead to a mass market for 64bit systems. Intel has said that by the end of this year the majority of x86 chips sold will have a 64bit extension.

The recent arrival of dual-core versions of the Opteron and the expected launch of similar Xeons will expand the market even further. The Longhorn version of Windows Server is perhaps two years away, but many firms may decide to move Windows applications to 64bit systems before then.

Nathaniel Martinez of analyst firm IDC argued, "Firms deploying new Windows servers might as well start taking full advantage of the new chips by implementing Windows Server 2003 x64, provided it does not imply any major disruption to their infrastructure."

Gartner's Kumar commented, "Firms should be driven by their application needs rather than by Microsoft's timetable. Whether it's a move to Longhorn or the [current] 64bit Windows server, the cost of change needs to be balanced against real, measurable benefits."

Quocirca's Collins said that firms should take a number of factors into account when making their decision. "I would be concerned about issues of integration with the existing environment, centralised management and application integration," he said.

Kumar suggested that firms should ask vendors to put them in touch with reference customers who have already moved to 64bit systems, and explain any problems encountered. Firms should also ask what proportion of their applications would benefit from 64bit capabilities to help them decide whether the cost of upgrading is justified.

Kumar summed up the issue by suggesting that companies should ask themselves a simple question: "How long can I delay [upgrading]?"

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