| Intel IA-64(Itanium) |
EPIC |
Linux, Microsoft Windows, HP-UX, HP NonStop, BSD, Runs Win32 at reduced speed |
Launched in 2001, but seen as disappointing. Much improved Itanium 2 ("McKinley") launched in 2002 |
Architecture designed to last until 2020. Future dual-cored versions incorporate HP-PA technology |
| AMB x86-64(Opteron, Athlon64) |
CISC |
Linux now, Windows planned, Runs Win32 at full speed |
Opteron launched April 2003, aimed at high-end and mid-range servers |
May bring 64-bit computing to the masses when Athlon64 is launched |
| IBM Power |
RISC |
Linux, IBM AIX, IBM z/OS, IBM VSE |
Designed in 1990s for IBM mainframes. Latest dual-core Power4 also used in servers |
Power5 due soon. Architecture also incorporated into PowerPC 970 chips for lower-end servers and Apple Macs |
| HP Alpha |
RISC |
Linux, HP-UX, BSD |
Developed by DEC in 1980s. Latest EV-7 still used in high-end servers |
New version (EV-9) due in 2004. Then, migrate to Itanium |
| HP Precision Architecture (PA) |
RISC |
Linux, HP-UX, HP NonStop |
Developed by HP in 1990s. Latest dual-core 8800 used in mainframes |
New version (8900) due in 2005. Then, migrate to Itanium |
| Sun UltraSPARC |
RISC |
Sun Solaris, Linux, BSD |
Developed in 1990s as proprietary system, UltraSPARC III now open |
Dual-core UltraSPARC IV due later in 2003, UltraSPARC V planned |
| Source: NetworkMagazine.com |