Fujitsu Siemens Computers ready to support Microsoft`s Windows X64 operating systems

To coincide with today`s official introduction of Microsoft`s new 64-bit Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions and Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, Fujitsu Siemens Computers announced that a wide range of its servers, workstations and professional PCs support the new software.

Some of the leading European IT company`s 64-bit PRIMERGY servers and CELSIUS workstations are already available, while the first ESPRIMO Professional PCs with 64-bit operating system will enter the market in July.

"Fujitsu Siemens Computers has a great deal of experience with 64-bit corporate platforms," says Joseph Reger, the company`s CTO. "We have worked closely with Microsoft to provide our customers with powerful servers and workstations in time for the launch of Microsoft`s 64-bit operating systems."

In May, Fujitsu Siemens Computers will introduce ESPRIMO, its new global brand of professional PCs designed with the Windows XP Professional x64 Edition in mind.

Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions and Windows XP Professional x64 Edition allow users to run 32-bit and 64-bit applications in parallel and implement a progressive transition to 64-bit computing. Investments in 32-bit applications are thus protected, and depending on the application, significant performance hikes can be achieved over the 32-bit versions.

"Our mutual customers will see major benefits from Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions on PRIMERGY servers and Windows XP Professional x64 Edition on CELSIUS workstations and ESPRIMO Professional PCs," said John Borozan, Senior product manager at Microsoft. "The support for both 32-bit and 64-bit applications offers immediate performance returns along with a future-proof investment."

The industry standard PRIMERGY family of servers was designed to enhance the efficiency of corporate customers` IT. Since last November, all mainstream PRIMERGY dual processor servers utilise 64-bit capable Intel Xeon DP processors. Among these are the rack-optimised RX200 S2 and RX300 S2 as well as the TX200 S2 and TX300 S2 tower servers, which are designed as standalone units. Fujitsu Siemens Computers has also introduced this standard with its BX620 S2 blade servers, the variety enjoying the strongest growth. All these platforms support the new Windows Server 2003 x64 operating systems, and the required server management suite adaptations for the 64-bit capable operating systems are already included in the standard package.

Fujitsu Siemens Computers developers are working to prepare four- and eight-way server variants to coincide with the availability of the next generation of Intel Xeon MP processors. Before the end of 2005, this technology will in effect become the basis for PRIMERGY servers.

"We are seeing major interest in this architecture from customers as well as ISVs, not least because it is compatible with existing 32-bit processor architectures," added Reger. "We expect the new technology to be introduced in two steps. First of all, customers will operate the new platforms with Windows Server 2003 x64 operating systems, but still run their applications in 32-bit mode. Tests at Fujitsu Siemens Computers labs have revealed that substantial performance improvements with certain application scenarios can now be achieved in this way. In the second step, the modules that can benefit from the 64-bit address capabilities will be adapted accordingly."

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CELSIUS workstations deliver all the requirements for 64-bit applications. These systems are certified for a large number of leading software applications and provide the best setting even for power and memory-thirsty applications such as computer-aided design and engineering, electronic design, simulation, virtual reality, visualisation, digital content creation and finance. The CELSIUS M430, CELSIUS R630, CELSIUS V810 and future models are equipped for the new 64-bit operating system and can be ordered as of May with the Windows XP Professional x64 Edition preinstalled.

With its 64-bit capable Pentium 4 processor and up to 4GB memory, the mid-range CELSIUS M430 Green is suitable for all workstation application areas. The CELSIUS R630 uses one or two Intel Xeon processors and up to 16GB memory. The CELSIUS R630 has what it takes to tackle demanding multiprocessor applications in areas like CAD, CAE, digital content creation, software development and financial services. The CELSIUS V810, meanwhile, is meant for customers whose CAD, CAE and DCC applications require even more power and up to 32GB main memory. Its effectiveness was highlighted by world performance record with an AMD Opteron 252 processor and a maximum value of 2 045 in the SPEC CPU2000 floating point benchmark suite, which is an important performance indicator for application areas like simulation calculation and computing-intensive CAD processes.

The ESPRIMO professional PC is designed to bring a stress-free working environment to companies and their employees. End-users will get a PC that is ergonomic, environmentally conscious and silent and still meets the demands of every office environment. IT managers will find the brand reliable, easy to manage and secure. In addition, the line incorporates a new product design which creates a unifying look and feel, integrating the same design language for the whole PC line. The new line in Europe specifically focuses on environmental standards, meeting the strict requirements of the EU WEEE and is prepared for RoHS standards by end of 2005.