Microsoft ships Windows x64 RCs
WinInfo | at | by Mike
Yesterday, Microsoft issued release candidate (RC1) builds for the x64 versions of Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP, both of which are scheduled for release in the first half of 2005. Microsoft declared build 1289 of Windows 2003 x64 Edition and XP Professional x64 Edition as RC1 on Monday.
In recent briefings with Microsoft, executives from the software giant have been effusive in their praise of the x64 platform, which provides 64-bit capabilities, better performance, and complete compatibility with the 32-bit x86 platform that today's PCs use. One of the highlights of the x64 platform, they've said, is that, unlike the Itanium, x64 provides full 32-bit application compatibility and performance, giving customers the best of both worlds.