WinInfo exclusive: 64-bit Windows 2000 ahead of schedule

Contrary to reports, the 64-bit version of Windows 2000 is not behindschedule, but is amazingly way ahead of schedule. In fact, this puppy isgoing to ship a lot sooner than most people think. According to reports I'vereceived, the 64-bit version of Windows 2000 is a scant 4 days behind the32-bit version. And why is this high-end version of Windows 2000 happeningso quickly? It's being spearheaded by OS guru David Cutler, who wasresponsible for the development of Digital VMS and Windows NT. Cutler, wholeft the 32-bit Windows NT team during the early days of NT 5.0 (now Windows2000), grew tired of dealing with internal politics as NT grew more and moreimportant to Microsoft. Though 64-bit Windows 2000 is certainly important,it's status as a high-end product means that most of the press attentionwill be directed elsewhere. Thus, Cutler's been able to proceed according tohis own impressive schedule, unhindered by Microsofties hoping to latch ontothe next big thing and outsiders wanting more information.

And because the 64-bit version of Windows 2000 is proceeding so quickly,Microsoft will be able to release the Compaq Alpha version of this mighty OSin early 2000, months before Intel's 64-bit hardware (code-named Merced) iseven released. This is expected to give the 64-bit Alpha platform a sudden(if temporary) boost as well: Intel's Merced isn't due until mid-2000