AMD's Ruiz disappointed by Microsoft's 64-bit delays

Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) is disappointed by Microsoft Corp.'s decision to delay the introduction of 64-bit versions of its Windows operating system, but sees no significant impact from the delay on sales of its 64-bit processors, the company's top executive said Thursday.

"It's no secret that we're disappointed it's delayed," said Hector Ruiz, the chairman, chief executive officer and president of AMD, speaking with reporters in Beijing.

Microsoft announced in July that Windows XP 64-bit Edition for 64-bit Extended Systems and Windows Server 2003 for 64-bit Extended Systems will not be released until the first half of 2005. Those products were originally scheduled for release in early 2004 and late 2004, respectively.

While disappointing for AMD, the delay will not negatively impact sales of the company's 64-bit processors during the near term, Ruiz said, adding that a longer delay, up to one year, could hurt the company. "But we don't expect that. We expect that product to be out in the first half of next year," he said.

Ruiz attributed Microsoft's decision to delay the release of the 64-bit versions of Windows to the company's desire to improve the level of security offered by these products.

"Microsoft is just being so careful because of all the problems they've had with security," he said.