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64-bit computing

The history of 64-bit computing goes back decades and includes the likes of Sun, Silicon Graphics (SGI), Digital (DEC), and IBM. Even Intel and AMD have had their respective hats in the 64-bit ring for several years. 64-bit hardware has even been mainstream in the x86 server and workstation market since 2003-2004 when AMD and Intel launched their first 64-bit enabled processors. All server and workstation class processors have been 64-bit capable since.

Advantages of 64-Bit

The primary advantage of the 64-bit architecture is addressable memory space. With 32-bit hardware systems, the maximum amount of memory (RAM) supported is 4 gigabytes. A 64-bit platform, in contrast, can support up to an astounding 16 exabytes (approximately 17 million gigabytes) of memory. Consequently, 64-bit architectures make working with large data sets in applications such as digital video, scientific computing, and large databases easier and faster.

64-Bit Programming Challenges

Although the hardware support for 64-bit has been around for years, 64-bit operating systems and applications have been slow to release. The main reason is that programming for 64-bit architectures is challenging. Writing fully enabled 64-bit operating system and application code differs greatly from the 32-bit world and attempting to maintain backwards compatibility with older 32-bit applications when the operating system is 64-bit can be a daunting task.

The 64-Bit Momentum

For applications such as Oracle, SQL, Exchange, Citrix, etc. that have been struggling with 32-bit's 4 gigabyte memory limitation for some time, the 64-bit platform is the solution they need. Most UNIX/Linux distributions and the Macintosh OS X operating system have embraced 64-bit technology since it first became available. In 2005, Microsoft released Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP in 64-bit versions. Since then, Microsoft has been pushing the development of 64-bit versions of some of its most popular applications including SQL server, Sharepoint, and Groove. The 64-bit momentum has begun.

64-Bit. The Time Is Now.

The 64-bit question was pushed squarely into the mainstream with Microsoft's introduction of Exchange Server 2007: Microsoft announced it will only support the 64-bit version in production environments; almost all of Microsoft's server side applications are in the process of migrating to a 64-bit environment. Additionally, Microsoft has announced that Windows Server 2008, formally known as Longhorn Server, will be the last Microsoft server operating system offered in a 32-bit platform. This move alone will force most major application vendors to embrace 64-bit technology—making 64-bit mainstream.

64-bit Versions Available Today

• Vista (Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions)
• XP Pro
• Windows Server 2003
• Symantec Antivirus
• McAfee Antivirus suite
• Microsoft SQL 2005
• Exchange Server 2007
• Sharepoint 2007
• Citrix Presentation Server (4.0 and 4.5)
• Oracle
• Groove Server
• Autocad 2008

Not 64-Bit Versions, but Could Use It

• Adobe Premiere
• Adobe Photoshop
• Mozilla Firefox
• Microsoft Office & Microsoft Access