Like other RISC processors, it supports large memory applications such as databases and it also supports up to 16MB of external L2 cache. IBM, HP, Motorola and Sun did not provide time frames for the delivery of their respective processors. Despite these efforts, Merced looms. Intel's first 64-bit processor will be commercially available in 1999. There are strong indications from influential hardware and software companies that the switch over to IA-64 will only accelerate as Merced nears.
Analysts expect the products to represent only the tip of the iceberg.
Despite all this, Microsoft, Intel and PC server companies still have a long way to go before their products are considered enterprise-ready. And Windows NT 5.0, due next year, will support 64-bit addressing, but not by the hand of Microsoft. Digital West is doing all the development work for 64-bit NT addressing on Alpha.