Microsoft Corp. today announced support for Intel Corp.�s Itanium 2 processor in the upcoming release of Microsoft� Windows� Advanced Server, Limited Edition 1.2. Microsoft delivered 64-bit support for Intel�s first-generation Itanium processor last year with Windows Advanced Server, Limited Edition. Microsoft and Intel�s collaboration on 64-bit computing began in 1997 and continues to advance with this announcement of support for Intel�s next-generation processor. The Itanium 2 processor presents a more efficient and robust processor platform for Microsoft Windows server operating systems. Support for Intel�s Itanium 2 processor demonstrates Microsoft�s commitment to develop products for the 64-bit platform.

"Windows on Itanium 2 systems gives customers 64-bit scalability on an easy-to-deploy and easy-to-manage platform," said Velle Kolde, lead product manager of the Windows .NET Product Management Group at Microsoft. "We are impressed with the Itanium 2 processor�s improved performance, and this announcement underscores our efforts to support Intel�s Itanium family of processors and to extend the enterprise capabilities of Windows."