Microsoft 64-bit application road map unveiled
If you have a 64-bit CPU, you will want a 64-bit OS to run on it. 64-bit versions of Linux notwithstanding, most Athlon 64 and Pentium 600 series owners are looking forward to the release of Windows XP 64-bit Edition for 64-bit Extended Systems. Early on in February, Microsoft let loose with Release Candidate 2, and let it be known that they are right on track for a final version before the end of June 2005.
Of course, if you have a 64-bit CPU and 64-bit OS, you will still want some nice 64-bit applications to run on it. As the release of the 64-bit version of Windows XP draws closer, Microsoft has begun giving customers a peek at their 64-bit application road map. In general terms, Microsoft's world over the next couple of years will be bifurcated between 32- and 64-bit worlds, with the focus moving inexorably towards 64-bit applications while maintaining support for 32-bit applicaitons.
