Chicago (IL) - Microsoft announced that it will continue its per-processor licensing model with the introduction of dual-core and multicore processors. Systems, which required only one software license so far, will not need an additional license, even if it will be equipped with a dual-core chip.

Clearing up some confusion in the industry, Microsoft on Tuesday said that it will not change its software licensing policy for dual-core processors, ending speculations, users and firms would have to invest significantly more many in an operating system and applications.

AMD and Intel recently increased their pace on preparing dual-core processors for the market. While AMD so far only has announced plans to introduce a server and workstation targeted dual-core Opteron chip in the next year, Intel will launch its dual core desktop processors in the third quarter of 2005. The new technology will allow the firms to significantly speed up their products with power consumption to only slightly move up.

Intel's dual-core processors for workstations and servers will be introduced in the first quarter of 2006, according to a recently circulated roadmap. The dual-core "Dempsey" will follow the current single-core Xeon "Nocona" and its successor "Irwindale", which will be available in 2005. Dempsey will be supported by "Blackford" and "Greencreek" chipsets.

Intel's fist multicore processor will be Montecito, the next generation Itanium processor due in 2005.