64-bit Computing - The Future of Desktop Connectivity - A White Paper prepared by Hummingbird Ltd.
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64-bit Computing —
The Future of Desktop Connectivity
A White Paper prepared by Hummingbird Ltd.
Transforming Information into Intelligence™
64-bit Computing — The Future of Desktop Connectivity
While every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information
in this document, some typographical or technical errors may exist. Hummingbird cannot accept
responsibility for customers’ losses resulting from the use of this document. The information
contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
This document contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright. This document,
in whole or in part, may not be photocopied, reproduced, or translated into another language
without prior written consent from Hummingbird.
This edition published January 2004
2 Hummingbird Ltd.
Table of Contents
A Brief History of 64-bit Computing ........................................ 5
The 64-bit Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Why 64-bit Anyway? .................................................... 9
The 64-bit Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Hummingbird Connectivity™ 64-bit ........................................ 13
®
Exceed 9.0 64-bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
NFS Maestro™ 9.0 64-bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
HostExplorer® 9.0 64-bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
364-bit Computing — The Future of Desktop Connectivity 4 Hummingbird Ltd.
Transforming Information into Intelligence
A BRIEF HISTORY OF 64-BIT COMPUTING
When Alan Turing invented his abstract computing machine — now known as Turing
machine — in 1935, and later created the famous ‘bombes’ that were used during World War
II to decipher the German ‘Enigma’ code, he set the stage for what would become the most
important technological advance in the twentieth century — computing.
In 1981, IBM introduced the IBM PC, the first personal computer ever. This event marked the
beginning of the modern computing era as we know it today. In the last 25 years computers
have become a central part of the human lifestyle for work or leisure activities.
Found in the IBM PC was a processor, also known as microprocessor or CPU, developed by
Intel, Intel was also responsible for the creation of the world’s first processor in 1971. The
computer CPU is responsible for handling all instructions and calculation it receives from
other hardware components in the computer and software programs running on the computer.
Because of its central role in computer architecture, the processor has always been considered
as the major component in a personal computer. As years pass by, processor manufacturers
— among which Intel and AMD — have been competing feverously to provide the fastest,
the most powerful and the most flexible processors. It is the ongoing competition that leads
to the increase the computing power of PCs.
An observation made by Gordon Moore in the 1965 paper “Cramming More Components Onto
Integrated Circuits” that was later coined by the press as Moore’s Law stated the following —
ever since the Integrated Circuit has been developed the amount of transistors per square inch
has doubled every year. Followed the decline of pace in the subsequent years, the definition of
the Moore’s Law was updated to state the data density will continue to double approximately
every 18 months. Dr Gordon Moore’s admitted that his law is expected to reach its physical
limits in the year 2017. Thus far, the microprocessor development has been faithfully
following the Moore’s Law. (See Figure 1.)
564-bit Computing — The Future of Desktop Connectivity
MOORE’S LAW transistors
100,000,000
Pentium®4 Processor
Pentium®III Processor
Pentium®II Processor 10,000,000
Pentium Processor
®
486™ DX Processor
1,000,000
386™ Processor
286
100,000
8086
10,000
8080
8008
4004
1000
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000
Figure 1 — Moore’s Law
Since the introduction of the IBM PC in 1981, there has only been one major architecture change
for the processor family known as x86 processors that equip PCs — the shift from 16-bit processor
to 32-bit processor.
The first 32-bit processor known as the Intel 386 was first introduced in 1985. Although 32-bit
processors technologies evolved during the last 15 years and new processors were released on
a regular basis, no major architecture shift occurred during that time.
In 1999, Intel announced the Itanium processor, the first 64-bit processor for Personal Computer
(Note: other 64-bit processors existed several years before this announcement but those were reserved
for high-end computing). The first chips in the Itanium family rolled out in May 2001;
they were called simply Itanium Processor.
At the time of their arrival, they established a new performance record for integer computation
and were competitive with the fastest RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) chips at the time.
RISC chip is another type of microprocessor, the design concept can be found in Sun Microsystems’
SPARC and SGI’s MIPS microprocessors.
The first Itanium processor served mostly as an early proof of concept. It enabled hardware vendors
to design new 64-bit systems and permitted software vendors to have a platform that let them begin
porting and testing their applications.
Intel rolled out the Itanium 2 processor in July 2002. This processor arrived with a bang. Most
analysts expected an incremental upgrade from the original instance of the chip, but instead they
discovered that the new Itanium 2 architecture ran at a blistering pace that set numerous world
records in performance.
In 2003, Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD) also made a significant move in the 64-bit market by
announcing its own processor family called AMD64. This family is composed of several processors
such as the AMD Opteron and the AMD Athlon 64. A significant innovation offered by AMD is the
integration of a real 32-bit subsystem within the 64-bit processor. By offering a hybrid processor
AMD claims it offers better performances with 32-bit application running on 64-bit because of the
native 32-bit support instead of a 32-bit emulation which is the case for other 64-bit processors.
6 Hummingbird Ltd.Transforming Information into Intelligence
THE 64-BIT ARCHITECTURE
Sure, “64-bit architecture” sounds great especially when compared to “32-bit architecture,”
but what does that mean? What are the technical advantages of a 64-bit architecture over
a 32-bit one and how does it change in the way computers work?
The processor of a computer can be compared to the brain of a human being. It performs the
calculation and the processing of data. Use a processor in conjunction with other components
such as a motherboard (our skeleton), a memory chip (our memory), input and display devices
such as a keyboard, a mouse or a video card (our hands, our ears, our eyes) and you’ve got
yourself a full-working computer system which to some degree offers similarities with the
human body.
In the case of computers, 32-bit and 64-bit refer to the size of each single piece of data the CPU will
use for processing. A CPU works by extracting two of those data chunks from the memory (RAM)
registers, adding them together and then storing them back into the RAM. In a 32-bit architecture,
those data chunks are 32 bits long. What that means of course is that the entire computer
architecture as well as all of its components is tailored to accommodate this 32-bit limit.
For example, the biggest number 32 bits can be used to create is 4,294,967,295. The CPU must
take its data from the RAM, and must be able to address the location of this data. But the largest
number the CPU can understand in 1 cycle (a single CPU operation) is 4,294,967,295. So in
order for the CPU to be able to address the entire RAM in the computer, the RAM must be
smaller than 4,294,967,295 bits, which is 4 Gigabytes. Therefore, the most RAM any computer
can have in the current 32-bits architecture is 4GB. 4GB of RAM is a lot, but as new technology
comes out, it is becoming less and less impressive.
Similarly, the CPU cannot calculate any numbers larger than 4,294,967,295 when doing
arithmetic. There are ways around this when larger numbers are necessary, but it takes
more than one operation of the CPU to complete the math.
764-bit Computing — The Future of Desktop Connectivity
Memory
L1 Cache
Registers
ALU ALU
32-bit 64-bit
Figure 2 — Source Ars Technica, LLC Jon Stokes
The idea behind 64-bit CPU’s is to expand the size of ‘chunks’ the CPU can use when addressing
RAM or performing mathematical calculation.
With 64-bit computing, computers can use 16 exabytes or 16 billion gigabytes of memory.
With 64-bit computing, computers can perform calculations on 64-bit numbers. They can
also perform multiple operations on smaller numbers during the same CPU cycle.
64-bit architecture not only offers more speed and heavy data calculation capabilities, but it also
constitutes a viable solution for our future computing needs. Because we managed to work with the
limitations of 32-bit computers for the last 15 years, it is obvious that the exponential capabilities
provided by 64-bit are the foundations for desktop and server computers for the next 20 years.
8 Hummingbird Ltd.Transforming Information into Intelligence
WHY 64-BIT ANYWAY?
64-bit computing provides numerous advantages over previous 32-bit computers. To put it
simply, more addressable memory and the ability to perform calculation on larger numbers
means additional power and increased flexibility. But who needs ‘that’ kind of power today?
It seems obvious that e-mail and office application users are not going to be the biggest
chunk of 64-bit users. Who needs to have a computer with more than 4 GB of RAM to
use a word processor?
Let’s try to identify the key application area that will be the most susceptible to benefits from
the advantages offered by 64-bit computing.
• Need large memory addressing above 4GB. For instance, financial and scientific modeling
applications which work with large sets of data in memory.
• Must manage a large number of concurrent users of thread. For instance, large scale thin-
client solutions, large database and data warehouse that are used in domains such as CRM
(customer relationship management), SCM (supply chain management), ERP (enterprise
resource planning) and DRM (digital rights management).
• Require real-time encryption and decryption for highly secure environments such
as private data vaults
• Require mathematical performance and precision. For instance financial analysis, statistics,
simulation, modeling, finite elements calculation, physics, medical research, compression,
imaging and video.
• Rely on large and heavy database involving huge data manipulation. For instance,
document management, search, indexing, decision support, content management
and voice recognition.
• Provide digital content creation capabilities. For instance, computer-aided design,
manufacturing and engineering (CAD, CAM and CAE), digital content producing
and editing (music and video) and real-time media streaming.
964-bit Computing — The Future of Desktop Connectivity
Most of the applications described above run today on 2 types of platforms:
1. Expensive 64-bit proprietary systems that offer slow return of investment
and limited compatibility
2. Cheaper systems that offer better ROI but are limited to the 32-bit architecture barriers
64-bit computing offers best of both worlds by providing a platform that simultaneously
allow enterprises to:
• Reduce costs — control costs structure while purchasing more powerful machines
which provide a measurable short term ROI
• Scale the IT framework — break the current memory limits associated with existing
32-bit architecture.
• Improve performance — extend the number and nature of processing operations
that can be performed in a CPU cycle
• Protect investments — leverage current IT infrastructure by adopting a platform
that can seamlessly interoperate with existing operating systems and applications.
10 Hummingbird Ltd.Transforming Information into Intelligence
THE 64-BIT MARKET
Although the introduction of the first Itanium chip in 2001 didn’t fundamentally change
the market structure, it raised the interest of several actors of this market:
• Customers realized that although 2001 was too early for them to move to 64-bit
workstations or servers, it was time for them to consider a migration strategy to 64-bit.
Some of them acquired a limited number of Itanium machines in order to evaluate
the capabilities of this new platform as well as its integration into their existing
IT infrastructure.
• Operating Systems manufacturers released 64-bit version of their software with two
objectives in mind — demonstrate their commitment to the new platform and allow their
customer base to initiate a transition process to 64-bit. This was the case of Microsoft
which offered one workstation OS (Windows XP 64-bit) and a server OS (Windows 2000
Advanced Server Limited Edition). Software Development Kits and compilers were also
offered at that time to allow software manufacturers to migrate their products.
• Software manufacturers initiated the process of moving their offer to the new platform.
Due to its nature, the 64-bit architecture requires a full recompilation of the software as
well as some changes in the way memory is handled. Additionally, software manufacturers
had to take into account the 64-bit OS specificities which impacted the installation and
overall design of the software. Software manufacturers were probably the first consumers
of 64-bit machines in 2001 and 2002.
Several events recently started to increase the momentum of the 64-bit market:
• Release of Itanium II by Intel which was favorably welcomed because of its cheaper price
and improved performance
• Announcement of an hybrid 32/64 bit chip by AMD
• Release of Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition for 64-Bit Itanium-based Systems
and Windows XP 64-Bit Edition Version 2003 which offer support for Itanium II processors
In 2001, Gartner published a forecast on Itanium Workstation which concluded that:
• mainstream workstation users do not need to purchase Itanium workstations immediately
but they should prepare a hardware and software migration path
• users with higher computing requirements (see ‘Why 64-bit anyway?’) may consider
Itanium as a platform to switch to
1164-bit Computing — The Future of Desktop Connectivity
According to this study, Itanium workstations (and now Itanium II) shipments are likely to grow
at a compound annual growth rate of 143 percent.
RISC Superworkstation (4%)
RISC Entry-Level (6%)
IA-32 Midrange (12%)
IA-32 Entry-Level (39%)
IA-64 (18%)
RISC Midrange (39%)
Figure 3 — Source — Gartner Dataquest (September 2001)
In their forecast, Gartner envisioned that Itanium systems will represent 11 percent of shipments
and 18 percent of revenue share of the workstation market by 2005.
On the server side, a 2003 study from Gartner expect IA-64 (Intel Architecture-64) based servers
to exhibit a 90 percent and more compound annual growth rate from 2003 through 2008. By year-
end 2008, IA-64 will represent 16 percent of worldwide server revenue.
The IA-64 market is driven by the following factors:
Positive Negative
Increased pressure for cost control: IA-64 Economic constraints that might delay adoption
offers a viable alternative to more expensive of 64-bit platforms by forcing companies to further
high-end computing platforms amortize their existing IT infrastructure
Increased demand for more computing Unavailability of applications for the 64-bit
power: IA-64 offers a more flexible and powerful platform. Although many vendors are moving their
platform than the existing IA-32 systems offer to the 64-bit platform, some software pieces are
still missing. For instance: although major databases
are already available on Windows Server 2003 64-bit,
Microsoft has not yet offered the .NET framework on
this platform.
Evolution in the client-server model that Server consolidation although beneficial to the
requires more power on the server side to 64-bit servers, could also negatively affect its
process and distribute information to thinner development by allowing customers cheaper
clients (PDA, phones, terminal clients, 32-bit systems that would not be perceived
web clients) as a ‘new’ (thus risky) platform to move to.
Recognition of the “Consolidate & Save” The length it will take for the market to stabilize
model as a viable alternative to overcome its offers (AMD has recently announced their hybrid
IT budget constraints. By being able to do 32/64 bit offering), its prices and educate the
more with less, companies can fit within their customers.
monetary restrictions without sacrificing the
service they offer to their users.
12 Hummingbird Ltd.Transforming Information into Intelligence
HUMMINGBIRD CONNECTIVITY™ 64-BIT
While most other Connectivity vendors have chosen to adopt a wait and see position on the
64-bit platform, Hummingbird has taken a very early proactive approach to migrate its offer
to the 64-bit market.
In 2001, Hummingbird started the migration of its key Connectivity software Exceed,®
NFS Maestro™ and HostExplorer® to the 64-bit architecture. While some of its competitors
had simply chosen to ensure that their 32-bit software would run on a 64-bit machine
(which of course translates in degraded performances because of the emulated nature of
the 32-bit subsystem on a 64-bit platform), Hummingbird decided from the beginning that
it would perform a real port of its software to the 64-bit world.
Working in conjunction with major hardware and OS manufacturers, Hummingbird initiated
the migration process. Although they were never released to the public, version 7.1 and 8.0
of Exceed and NFS Maestro were compiled on 64-bit Itanium systems running Windows XP
64 bit and Windows 2000 Advanced Server Limited Edition.
In 2004, Hummingbird announced the release of its version 9.0 suite of Connectivity software
for Itanium based systems, supporting both Windows XP 64-bits Edition and Windows
Server 2003 Enterprise Edition for 64-bits Itanium Systems. With this release, Hummingbird
demonstrates it is the first connectivity vendor to offer a complete suite of native 64-bit
connectivity software covering needs such as X-Window, Network File System and legacy
system access.
Exceed 9.0 64-bit
Exceed is the most powerful and popular PC X Server in the market. Exceed allows users to cost-
effectively display graphic X-Window application on a PC desktop. Credited with 71.5 % of the
PC X market share by IDC (PC X Server Market Forecast and Analysis, 1999–2004), Exceed
has become the de facto standard in X11 server for PC.
Exceed offers the most comprehensive X11 protocol implementation in the market. Often
imitated but never equaled, Exceed combines unmatched performance with exceptional ease-
of-use. Its various deployment capabilities coupled with its highly customizable configuration
make it a powerful yet cost-effective solution to replace more expensive professional UNIX
workstations by PCs running Windows operating systems.
Since the primary function of Exceed is to compute and display graphic data from remote
applications, porting it to the 64-bit architecture represents a giant step forward in terms
of performance. For instance, users of CAD applications which require complex 3D graphics
will most certainly be very interested in moving to the 64-bit architecture with Exceed.
1364-bit Computing — The Future of Desktop Connectivity
NFS Maestro 9.0 64-bit
NFS Maestro designates Hummingbird’s family of Network File System (NFS) products which
include NFS Maestro Solo,™ NFS Maestro Client™ and NFS Maestro Server.™ These three products
offer the best implementation of the NFS protocol in the market and allow windows desktops to
communicate efficiently and securely with UNIX servers and workstations across the network.
With version 9.0 of the NFS Maestro family, Hummingbird is the first vendor to offer a full native
64-bit version of NFS clients and servers. In addition, NFS Maestro Client, Solo and Server version
9.0 are the only product in their category to offer full support for the NFS V4 protocol.
NFS Maestro Client 9.0 coupled with Exceed offer the winning pair of software to seamlessly
integrate UNIX and Windows worlds together. NFS Maestro Server 9.0 is a powerful server-side
solution allowing Windows file systems to UNIX machines. With both of these offers available
on 64-bit architecture, performances of NFS are going to reach new height.
HostExplorer 9.0 64-bit
HostExplorer is Hummingbird solution to provide access to mission critical enterprise data residing
on legacy systems. HostExplorer offers TN3270E, TN5250E and Telnet emulation from Windows
desktop to Mainframe, AS-400 and UNIX machines. HostExplorer is the ideal complement to
Exceed and NFS Maestro to obtain a full suite of native 64-bit Connectivity software.
HostExplorer offer a single solution for both traditional PC-to-host and web-to-host legacy access. With
HostExplorer, users do not have to choose between features, performance and deployment methods.
Thanks to the Hummingbird Deployment Wizard,™ administrators have the ability to transform
HostExplorer into a complete web-to-host solution that can be deployed from any web server.
14 Hummingbird Ltd.Corporate Headquarters 1 Sparks Avenue Toronto, Ontario M2H 2W1 Canada Toll Free Canada/USA: +1 877 FLY HUMM (359 4866) Tel: +1 416 496 2200 Fax: +1 416 496 2207 E-mail: getinfo@hummingbird.com North American Sales Offices Boston • Chicago • Dallas • Los Angeles Mountain View • New York • Ottawa Raleigh • Toronto • Washington DC International Sales Offices Amsterdam • Berlin • Brussels • Frankfurt • Geneva Hong Kong • London • Milan • Munich • Paris • Rome Seoul • Singapore • Stockholm • Sydney • Tokyo Wokingham • Zurich For more information, visit www.hummingbird.com/wp/conn Copyright © 2004, Hummingbird Ltd. All rights reserved. ® ™ — Trademarks and logos are the intellectual property of Hummingbird Ltd. All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. WP-03-00-EN-0028.01/04 Printed in Canada.
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