[gentoo-dev] Today's AMD annoncement w/Linus Torvalds' quote

[blou joseph]

Don't know if you have seen this announcement, but it's cool!  Linus 
Torvalds is quoted:

AMD ANNOUNCES SuSE LINUX SUPPORT FOR NEXT-GENERATION PROCESSORS

- Linux kernel 2.6 to support AMD’s x86-64 technology -

SUNNYVALE, CA-FEBRUARY 28, 2002-AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced that SuSE 
Linux AG, one of the world's leading providers of the Linux operating 
system, has submitted enhancements to the official Linux kernel to support 
AMD’s x86-64 instruction set. The Linux kernel is the fundamental source 
code upon which all Linux operating systems are based.

AMD’s next-generation processor, code-named “Hammer”, is designed to provide 
unprecedented levels of 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. 
AMD expects to begin shipping the first version of the “Hammer” family of 
processors at the end of 2002.

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 Linux’s 
retail operating systems based on the Linux kernel version 2.6 or later.

“We are excited to be working with AMD to support their next-generation 
processors based on the x86-64 technology. We have reached an important 
milestone today towards the future availability of 64-bit Linux operating 
systems on the ‘Hammer’ platform,” said Andreas Jaegar, lead project 
manager, SuSE Linux AG.

“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.”

About AMD’s x86-64 Technology

AMD’s straightforward approach to 64-bit computing builds upon the x86 
instruction set, one of the industry’s most proven and widely supported 
technologies. AMD x86-64 technology is designed to support applications that 
address large amounts of physical and virtual memory, such as high 
performance servers, database management systems, and CAD tools.  The x86-64 
technology seamlessly integrates into the current computing and support 
environment, and is designed to enable enterprises to deploy high 
performance 64-bit capable systems. For additional information on the x86-64 
instruction set, visit www.x86-64.org.

About AMD

AMD is a global supplier of integrated circuits for the personal and 
networked computer and communications markets with manufacturing facilities 
in the United States, Europe, Japan, and Asia. AMD, a Fortune 500 and 
Standard & Poor’s 500 company, produces microprocessors, flash memory 
devices, and support circuitry for communications and networking 
applications. Founded in 1969 and based in Sunnyvale, California, AMD had 
revenues of $3.9 billion in 2001. (NYSE: AMD).

AMD on the Web

For more AMD news and product information, please visit our virtual 
pressroom at www.amd.com/news/virtualpress/index.html. Additional press 
releases are available at www.amd.com/news/news.html.

About SuSE

SuSE Linux AG, Nuremberg/Germany, is one of the world's leading providers of 
complete solutions based on the Open Source operating system Linux. In 
addition to operating systems and application software for private 
customers, SuSE Linux AG offers software solutions and complete systems for 
the deployment of Linux in companies. SuSE supports its enterprise customers 
with a comprehensive range of qualified consulting, training, and support 
services. The company, which hosts the world's largest development team for 
Open Source solutions, has made its unique project and support know-how 
accessible via the Internet in the largest existing Linux knowledge 
database. More information on SuSE Linux can be found at www.suse.com.

Cautionary Statement

This release contains forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to 
the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform 
Act of 1995.  Forward-looking statements are generally preceded by words 
such as “plans,” “expects,” “believes,” “anticipates” or “intends.” 
Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements in this release 
involve risks and uncertainty that could cause actual results to differ 
materially from current expectations, including the risks that the “Hammer” 
processor will not be introduced on schedule, will not perform pursuant to 
its design specifications, and will not achieve customer and/or market 
acceptance; and that Linux source code enhancements supporting AMD’s x86-64 
technology will not be incorporated into Linux’s retail operating systems as 
anticipated.  We urge investors to review in detail the risks and 
uncertainties in the Company’s filings with the United States Securities 
Exchange Commission.

-30-

AMD and the AMD Arrow logo are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices.  All 
other product names are used for identification purposes only and may be 
trademarks of their respective companies.





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