Dual-Core and Microsoft Technologies
Upgrading to a dual-core server could increase your software-licensing costs, depending on the applications you're running on your server(s). Currently, many vendors license their software on a per-core basis. However, Microsoft licenses its server software on a per-processor basis; for licensing purposes, Microsoft treats a dual-core processor as one physical processor. So, for example, to run SQL Server 2005 on a server with one dual-core processor, you'd need one SQL Server 2005 license. One of Microsoft's main database competitors, IBM, also uses the per-processor licensing model, and another Microsoft database rival, Oracle, recently switched from per-core licensing to a licensing model that's a compromise between per-core and per-processor.
What's Ahead?
Virtualization—the ability to run multiple instances of an OS or application on the same hardware—is a hot technology, and AMD and Intel have stated their intention to enhance their dual-core processors to support virtualization. Both vendors are developing virtualization technologies that they predict will improve server utilization and enable dual- and single-core servers to run multiple, concurrent instances of OSs faster than before. Intel recently enabled the virtualization capability in its dual-core Xeon processor and is scheduled to ship its next-generation dual-core "Bensley" server processors with virtualization technology in the first half of 2006. AMD announced plans to enhance virtualization as well as security in its 64-bit processors and is expected to ship its dual-core processors with virtualization capabilities in March. Such virtualization-technology improvements at the processor level could also spur companies to consolidate their servers onto relatively fewer boxes.
2006 looks to be the year when 64-bit computing finally becomes a practical reality for Microsoft users as more sites move to x64 versions of Windows and SQL Server and evaluate the upcoming 64-bit Exchange 12 when it's released in beta this year. Servers based on dual-core technology will likely play an important role in helping 64-bit gain mindshare in the Windows world and convince more companies to make the transition to x64 platforms. So far this year, AMD and Intel have shown they intend to work hard to boost dual-core processors' presence in the market. In February, AMD cut prices dramatically—in some cases by more than 40 percent—on some of its dual-core server processors, while Intel announced rebates on three of its dual-core desktop processor models.
It's clear that AMD and Intel are committed to dual-core technology, and it's only a matter of time before hardware manufactures transition their customers to dual-core processor machines. Dual-core systems' impressive price/performance stats, ability to run both x32 and x64 applications, and lower associated costs (e.g., licensing) and power usage relative to multiprocessor systems provide compelling reasons for IT pros to consider upgrading to dual-core hardware.