AMD launches open source virtualisation

AMD plans to port XenSource's Xen open source virtualisation package to its 64-bit processor technology.

AMD expects to create the industry's first x86-based 64-bit open source virtualisation product. The technology is scheduled to become available from the first half of 2005.

The ongoing collaboration with XenSource is expected to allow the chip firm to broaden its portfolio of server virtualisation offerings. The Xen Hypervisor, a x86 virtual machine monitor, is designed to enable a single machine to run multiple operating systems efficiently while maintaining secure, resource-guaranteed isolation.

In order to enable more efficient server virtualisation, AMD plans to introduce 'Pacifica' technology into its next-generation AMD64 processors. Designed to enhance virtualisation at the processor level, Pacifica provides underlying support for virtualisation systems.

According to AMD, this technology will directly benefit users by delivering IT resource utilisation advantages through server consolidation, legacy migration and increased security benefits.