Sunnyvale, CA — (press release exerpt) — AMD announced that SuSE Linux AG has submitted enhancements to the official Linux kernel to support AMD's x86-64 instruction set.

AMD's next-generation processor, code-named “Hammer”, is designed to provide enhanced 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.

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 systems based on the Linux kernel version 2.6 or later.

AMD expects to begin shipping the first version of the “Hammer” family of processors at the end of 2002.

“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.”

 
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