Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

History of support for Itanium
In keeping with that mission, Microsoft has long supported the Itanium architecture from Intel, as it provides the highest levels of performance, reliability, and scalability for mission-critical Windows Server deployments.

Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-Based Systems
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-Based Systems offers a solution foundation that is optimized for the most compute-intensive and mission-critical business analytics and enterprise applications. Moreover, Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-Based Systems delivers on the Windows Server Vision by increasing operational efficiency and IT effectiveness via simplified administration and management.

Microsoft Application Support for Itanium
Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-Based Systems includes all the necessary foundation technologies to support database applications, business applications, and the ability for customers to design, deploy, and manage custom applications. As with Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-Based Systems will continue to support client-side functionality for administration, management, and server utilities. For a complete listing of Itanium-supported applications from Microsoft, visit the Applications link on this site.

For more information on Microsoft's history of support for Itanium, visit:
http://www.microsoft.com/servers/64bit/itanium/overview.mspx.

For Windows Server 2008 system requirements, visit:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/system-requirements.aspx.

For Windows Server 2003 system requirements, visit:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/evaluation/sysreqs/default_old.mspx.