Microsoft has unveiled a beta version of its forthcoming SQL Server 2005 database featuring support for AMD's 64-bit Opteron with Direct Connect Architecture.

The company said that running its database on AMD's 64-bit platform would offer customers a cost-effective alternative to enterprise Unix-based systems.

According to the software giant, the move will be complementary to support for Intel's rival Itanium 64-bit processor technology.

"By introducing AMD Extended System architecture in SQL Server 2005, Microsoft is adding a new offering complementing the high-performance 64-bit Intel Itanium support in SQL Server 2000," Microsoft said in a statement.

AMD corporate vice president Marty Seyer said: "The AMD Opteron processor provides SQL Server 2005 Beta 2 testers with the investment protection of outstanding overall x86 performance in both 32-bit and 64-bit computing environments.

"As enterprises transition from 32-bit to 64-bit computing, they need the smooth migration path to 64-bit computing that AMD64 provides."

Software testers have also been promised enhancements across the entire release, geared towards enterprise data management, developer productivity and business intelligence.

SQL Server 2005 Beta 2 is available to Enterprise, Universal and Professional Microsoft Developer Network subscribers for download here.