"We've got the opportunity at AMD to change the game, to redefine the way that people think about computer technology and, in particular, to redefine the way that people interact with computers going forward," said AMD CEO Dirk Meyer.

A Huge Industry Uptick

Starting next year, OEMs will be able to use quad-core processors featuring a 2M cache and DDR3 memory support. Code-named Danube, the chips are expected to help laptop makers deliver seven or more hours of notebook battery life. Moreover, AMD's third-generation Nile platform promises to deliver the same level of battery performance when deployed in ultra-thin notebook designs.

AMD also plans to launch a six-core processor targeting gaming enthusiasts. Called Leo, the new chip will include support for the company's latest ATI Eyefinity technology as well as DirectX, which AMD spokesperson John Taylor predicts will "bring incredible graphics capabilities and stunning HD video to AMD's new notebook platforms."

Two DDR3-based processing platforms will also become available for use in server applications for data centers, where IT managers have been asking for more performance, but without incurring any corresponding increase in power consumption, according to AMD Senior Vice President Rick Bergman.

"We are in the midst of one of the biggest performance increases on our server platforms in the history of AMD," Bergman told analysts. "In 2009, 2010 and 2011 we will be seeing a huge uptick on industry benchmarks, whether integer performance or floating-point performance."

AMD's Bulldozer

Code-named Maranello, AMD's forthcoming DDR3-based server platform will offer support for AMD's upcoming eight- or 12-core Magny-Cours processors. What's more, AMD's forthcoming San Marino platform will expressly target the rapidly growing web and cloud -computing market segment.

According to Taylor, San Marino will be "suited for large, dense deployments that require power efficiency and flexibility that is ideal for small/medium businesses, as well as web, cloud and infrastructure applications."

The most significant items on AMD's 2011 road map are the company's first Accelerated Processing Unit, code-named Llano, as well as new "Fusion" chips for notebook, desktop and server applications.

"Our first Fusion products for notebooks will offer performance north of eight hours of battery life," Bergman said. The big uptick in battery life, he observed, means that users will be closer than ever before to achieving the ideal "all-day computing experience."

On the server side, AMD's Bulldozer architecture employs a new approach to multithreaded computer performance that company executives say is capable of achieving higher efficiencies and throughput.

"Bulldozer is designed to give AMD an exceptional CPU option for linking with GPUs in highly scalable, single-chip Accelerated Processing Unit (APU) configurations," Taylor said.