Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition x64 SP2, 25 Clients

Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition x64 SP2, 25 Clients Until recently, the vast majority of servers shipped worldwide were 32-bit servers based on the x86 instruction set. IT professionals have widely deployed 32-bit Windows on these servers for its ease of use, broad functionality, and exceptional value. Today, most new x86-based servers belong to a new class dubbed "x64." These servers carry the same familiar x86 instruction set but with added 64-bit functionality. This means that they can run existing 32-bit software, in addition to new 64-bit software.

<b>Mainstream 64-Bit Computing</b>

While Windows for Itanium is focused on meeting the needs of customers deploying large-scale databases and line-of-business applications, the x64 versions of Windows are designed for all workloads across a broad range of scenarios. For this reason, Microsoft offers three versions of Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions:
• Windows Server 2003, Standard x64 Edition
• Windows Server 2003, Enterprise x64 Edition
• Windows Server 2003, Datacenter x64 Edition

<b>Maximum Flexibility</b>

Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions are designed for the new class of industry-standard x64 hardware. By running both 32-bit and 64-bit software at peak performance, this new platform will extend our customers' current investment in Windows-based technology. x64-based systems give IT professionals the option of running 32-bit Windows today, while moving to 64-bit Windows at their own pace. Once they have deployed the x64 versions of Windows, they can combine 32-bit and 64-bit software on the same system. Providing multiple paths to 64-bit computing maximizes flexibility and eases migration to this new architecture, as illustrated below.

<b>Compatibility and Performance</b>

Early benchmark results show that Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions live up to the promise of running both 32-bit and 64-bit software at high speed. Consider the February 2005 SAP Sales and Distribution Two-Tier benchmark results that combine x64 versions of Windows and SAP R/3 with the 32-bit version of SQL Server 2000 Service Pack 4. In these tests, Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions posted the fastest scores among all 2-way servers, and the second-fastest score among all 4-way servers.

Over time, we believe our customers will increasingly choose the x64 versions of Windows instead of the 32-bit versions for the majority of their computing needs. With support for both x64 and Itanium processors, the 64-bit versions of Windows Server 2003 span the full range of needs for today's IT infrastructure.