News

New Name for Windows 64-bit Extended Editions

Microsoft is going with a simpler name for the versions of Windows that will support the AMD64 and Intel Extended Memory 64 Technology processors.

Up until this week, Microsoft added the phrase "for Extended 64-bit Systems" to the end of the OS name, creating such cumbersome constructions as Windows XP 64-bit for Extended 64-bit Systems. From here on out, the products will be identified as x64 editions.

The current lineup of x64 Editions includes Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, Windows Server 2003 Standard x64 Edition, Windows Server 2003 Enterprise x64 Edition and Windows Server 2003 Datacenter x64 Edition.

Microsoft has not publicly discussed the Datacenter edition before.

The name announcement came with the official release of a new pre-release build of the x64 editions available through the Corporate Preview Program. Microsoft also said pricing for the x64 editions will be the same as for comparable 32-bit editions.

The x64 editions are currently planned for delivery in the first half of 2005.

About the Author

Scott Bekker is editor in chief of Redmond Channel Partner magazine.

Featured

  • Report: Cost, Sustainability Drive DaaS Adoption Beyond Remote Work

    Gartner's 2025 Magic Quadrant for Desktop as a Service reveals that while secure remote access remains a key driver of DaaS adoption, a growing number of deployments now focus on broader efficiency goals.

  • Windows 365 Reserve, Microsoft's Cloud PC Rental Service, Hits Preview

    Microsoft has launched a limited public preview of its new "Windows 365 Reserve" service, which lets organizations rent cloud PC instances in the event their Windows devices are stolen, lost or damaged.

  • Hands-On AI Skills Now Outshine Certs in Salary Stakes

    For AI-related roles, employers are prioritizing verifiable, hands-on abilities over framed certificates -- and they're paying a premium for it.

  • Roadblocks in Enterprise AI: Data and Skills Shortfalls Could Cost Millions

    Businesses risk losing up to $87 million a year if they fail to catch up with AI innovation, according to the Couchbase FY 2026 CIO AI Survey released this month.

Most   Popular