Amish-Chief asks: What are the Sledgehammer´s "battle tactics" to take on the Itanium? Any specifics developed yet?

AMD: Essentially we are taking a completely different approach to 64-bit computing. We believe there is tremendous value in the existing x86 code base and potential to go even further with it. In contrast with Intel, our fastest 64-bit processor will also be our fastest 32-bit processor, and vice-versa. Why is this important? A number of reasons, but essentially it means that our product lines will not need to be dramatically fractured with two different processor families addressing 64-bit and 32-bit computing. Our mantra on x86-64 technology is that it provides a high-powered solution for 64-bit computing while continuing to deliver high-performance 32-bit applications.