AMD Unveils Virtualization Platform

MANHASSET, N.Y. — Advanced Micro Devices Inc. has for the first time disclosed key elements of its Pacifica virtualization technology for x86-based servers, desktops and mobile computers during a company-sponsored eventin Austin, Texas.

Pacifica was touted at AMD Reviewer's Day as extending AMD64 technology with direct connect architecture designed to enhance virtualization by introducing a new model and features into the processor and memory controller. Designed to enhance and extend traditional software-only based virtualization approaches, AMD claimed the features will help reduce complexity and increase the security of new virtualization solutions.

By enabling a platform to efficiently run multiple operating systems and applications in independent partitions — essentially allowing one computer to function as multiple virtual systems — AMD said Pacifica is also intended to provide foundation technologies to deliver IT resource utilization advantages through server consolidation, legacy migration and increased security.

More details on the Pacifica specification are expected next month, with implementation planned in both client and server processors from AMD during the first half of 2006. Feature enhancements are also planned for future single- and dual-core AMD64 processors to further leverage the performance of 64-bit virtualization software.