From:	 ce@suse.de (Christian Egle)
To:	 "lwn@lwn.net"
Subject: "AMD ANNOUNCES SuSE LINUX SUPPORT FOR NEXT-GENERATION PROCESSORS"
Date:	 Fri,  1 Mar 2002 17:20:06 +0100 (CET)


AMD ANNOUNCES SuSE LINUX SUPPORT FOR NEXT-GENERATION PROCESSORS

- Linux kernel 2.6 to support AMD's x86-64 technology -

SUNNYVALE, CA - FEBRUARY 28, 2002 -
AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced that SuSE Linux AG, one of the 
world's leading providers of the Linux operating system, has 
submitted enhancements to the official Linux kernel to support 
AMD's x86-64 instruction set. The Linux kernel is the fundamental 
source code upon which all Linux operating systems are based.

AMD's next-generation processor, code-named ``Hammer'', is 
designed to provide unprecedented levels of performance for both 
32-bit and 64-bit software applications. ``Hammer'' processor-
based systems will grant business and home users the benefit of 
long-term investment protection as these systems are designed to 
enable seamless transition from a 32-bit to 64-bit environment. 
AMD expects to begin shipping the first version of the ``Hammer'' 
family of processors at the end of 2002.

SuSE Linux AG has been the primary developer working to add 
support of AMD's x86-64 technology to the Linux kernel, Linux 
development tools, and other Linux software. AMD expects the 
changes to be incorporated into Linux's retail operating systems 
based on the Linux kernel version 2.6 or later.

``We are excited to be working with AMD to support their next-
generation processors based on the x86-64 technology. We have 
reached an important milestone today towards the future 
availability of 64-bit Linux operating systems on the `Hammer' 
platform,'' said Andreas Jaeger, lead project manager, SuSE Linux 
AG.

``With support for AMD's future processors in the official Linux 
tree, Linux users everywhere will appreciate being able to run 
their native x86-64 applications and their existing 32-bit x86 
applications,'' said Linus Torvalds, creator of Linux.

``AMD continues to gain support from the Linux development 
community for applications as they build support for future 32- 
and 64-bit applications into the Linux operating system,'' said 
Wayne Meretsky, manager of Software R&D and AMD Fellow. ``SuSE's 
revisions to the Linux operating system are key to simultaneous 
support of 32-bit and 64-bit applications on the `Hammer' 
platform.''

``The Linux community has supported AMD's x86-64 technology from 
the very beginning. We appreciate the feedback that SuSE and 
others have given to our `Hammer' processor engineering teams,'' 
said Richard Heye, vice president of Platform Engineering and 
Infrastructure for AMD's Computation Products Group. ``AMD 
continues to work closely with Linux developers to help ensure 
that 64-bit applications and operating systems are available for 
use on the `Hammer' platform.''

About AMD's x86-64 Technology

AMD's straightforward approach to 64-bit computing builds upon the 
x86 instruction set, one of the industry's most proven and widely 
supported technologies. AMD x86-64 technology is designed to 
support applications that address large amounts of physical and 
virtual memory, such as high performance servers, database 
management systems, and CAD tools.  The x86-64 technology 
seamlessly integrates into the current computing and support 
environment, and is designed to enable enterprises to deploy high 
performance 64-bit capable systems. For additional information on 
the x86-64 instruction set, visit http://www.x86-64.org.

About SuSE

SuSE Linux AG, Nuremberg/Germany, is one of the world's leading 
providers of complete solutions based on the Open Source operating 
system Linux. In addition to operating systems and application 
software for private customers, SuSE Linux AG offers software 
solutions and complete systems for the deployment of Linux in 
companies. SuSE supports its enterprise customers with a 
comprehensive range of qualified consulting, training, and support 
services. The company, which hosts the world's largest development 
team for Open Source solutions, has made its unique project and 
support know-how accessible via the Internet in the largest 
existing Linux knowledge database. More information on SuSE Linux 
can be found at http://www.suse.com.

About AMD

AMD is a global 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).

Todd R. Burch
AMD Public Relations
(408) 749-4581
todd.burch@amd.com

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Christian Egle
SuSE Linux AG - Deutschherrnstr. 15-19  - 90429 Nuernberg
Tel.: +49-(0)911-74053-44      Fax: +49-(0)911-7417755   
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