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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is DIG64, or the Developers' Interface Guide for 64-bit Intel Architecture Servers?
Who should adopt DIG64?
What are the benefits of developing products based on DIG64?
What are the benefits of buying DIG64-compliant products?
What is the difference between Release 1.1 and Release 2.1 of the DIG64 specification?
How do I become an official adopter of DIG64?

Q: What is DIG64, or the Developers' Interface Guide for 64-bit Intel Architecture Servers?: A: DIG64 is a specification that provides system vendors clear and accurate guidelines as to what features and functionalities to implement on servers based on the Intel® Itanium™ processor family, in order to ensure interoperability, maximize OS independence, and accelerate technology migration of the underlying platform. The DIG64 guidelines are produced by the DIG64 Promoters and Contributors which consist of today's leading providers of enterprise solutions and technologies for Itanium™ processor-based architectures (formerly called "IA-64").
Q: Who should adopt DIG64?: A: Any developer of hardware, firmware, and/or software that become part of the solution stack for an enterprise server platform based on the Itanium™ architecture. DIG64 has guidelines relevant to systems vendors (OEMs), hardware vendors (IHVs), operating system vendors (OSVs), as well as providers of other platform building blocks such as firmware and middleware.
Q: What are the benefits of developing products based on DIG64?: A: With DIG64, developers of products based on Itanium™ architecture get clear and accurate direction for what features and functionalities to implement that would help ensure the interoperability of the platform building blocks, a uniform abstraction of the platform for any OS, and the overall readiness for platform advancement and legacy removal. With DIG64's emphasis on industry standards wherever possible, developers are able to spend more of their energies on real value-adding innovation, and their products are able to get to market quicker.
Q: What are the benefits of buying DIG64-compliant systems?: A: Servers that are compliant to the DIG64 specification are products of the highest standards of platform engineering. DIG64-compliant systems are designed to deliver enterprise-class performance, scalability, reliability and availability, and at the same time to enable smooth platform transitions as enterprise technologies evolve. The IT community in particular can benefit significantly from the high-returning and TCO-minimizing platform solutions provided through DIG64-compliance.
Q: What is the difference between Release 1.1 and Release 2.1 of the DIG64 specification?: A: Release 1.1 is the version that applies to platforms that use the first-generation Itanium™ processors. It has its roots from Release 1.0 when Intel's first 64-bit processor was codenamed "Merced", and platforms based on it were called "IA-64". Release 2.1 applies to platforms based on the next-generation of the Itanium™ processor family, codenamed "McKinley". In addition, Release 2.1 has guidelines that raise the bar in ACPI-based system and power management, OS independent firmware and drivers, enterprise I/O, and other features.
Q: How do I become an official adopter of DIG64?: A: Go to www.dig64.org and apply with the DIG64 Adopter Form in the Adopter's Area. For questions, send email to DIG64.org.