SEATTLE — Microsoft Corp. said Wednesday it will release a higher-powered 64-bit version of its planned Windows XP operating system aimed at supporting servers and other large-scale business applications.
Both the server and the workstation versions of the operating system will be bundled with Intel’s planned Itanium 64-bit processor and sold as part of a computer package, Microsoft said. The products will be released Oct. 25, the same day Microsoft rolls out its normal, 32-bit system, aimed at personal and business users.
The systems will largely be available through computer manufacturers and geared toward business users with large databases or those using memory-draining technical applications, such as engineering programs.
The bundled product aims to compete with Sun and other companies that make high-powered products for servers and businesses.
Microsoft declined to specify pricing, saying it would depend on the other components.
