BEIJING, March. 30 (Xinhuanet) -- Intel on Tuesday disclosed the "completion of the 64-bit computing transition" with availability of its Xeon processors for multiprocessor implementations, rolling out five models that offer a range of frequencies and cache sizes.

    Microsoft, meanwhile, confirmed plans to soon introduce 64-bit software to run on the servers.

    Unveiling the chips at an event in San Francisco, Intel officials were joined onstage by a number of OEMs rolling out new systems powered by the chips.

    Intel introduced five new Xeon MP processors--targeted at two-way and four-way server systems--and the E8500 chipset for the Xeon MP platform. The new Xeons will provide up to a 70% improvement over existing devices for multiprocessor systems, Intel senior VP Pat Gelsinger said during a press conference.

    The 64-bit capabilities are part of a growing collection of technologies Intel is pushing to improve performance in its processors beyond simply cranking up the chip frequency. Others include dual-core processing, which will begin to roll out later this year, and chip-level virtualization, coming in 2006.

    "This year, Intel celebrates 10 years in the multiprocessor server market segment that began with the Intel Pentium?processor and today adds a sixth generation of the Intel Xeon processor MP," commented Pat Gelsinger, senior vice president and general manager of Intel's Digital Enterprise Group, on the introduction of the new products.

    Gelsinger said that the market is not overly concerned about what company might have a momentary lead in bringing 64-bit or dual-core processing solutions to the market, but that it will look to the breadth of support a company can provide. "When customers are making decisions about platforms of this performance level, they're looking at decisions that will last five to 10 years," he said.

    Intel also unveiled the Intel Software Network, a collection of software development products, tools, training, and expert advice designed to help software developers bring products to market faster on Intel platforms. The initial rollout of the network includes tools, tips, and training for developers grappling with multicore architectures, 64-bit extensions, advanced manageability, and other technologies.

    Intel also is addressing the issue of power consumption with its Demand Based Switching and Enhance SpeedStep features, which can throttle down the processor speed depending on workload demands.

    Pricing ranges from $722 to $3,692 per 1,000 units shipped.

    (Agencies)