AMD introduces new validated solutions program

AMD unveiled AMD Validated Solutions (AVS), a new initiative that represents a significant evolution of the company's channel offerings. Designed to help solution providers deliver competitive, leading-edge commercial systems based on AMD64 technology, AVS addresses a growing need for best-of-breed platform provider solutions. The new program provides rigorous platform validation and testing, as well as post-sales service and support, all directly from AMD.

As part of today's announcement, four motherboards leveraging AMD CSIP chipsets immediately become the first solutions to be validated under and supported by the AVS program, directly benefiting participants in the AMD Solution Provider program. Next year, validated server platforms will be added. The AVS motherboards provide an easy way for solution providers to assemble commercial desktop systems from a host of stable socket AM2-based processors from AMD, along with chipsets and stable drivers from platform providers. AMD solution providers offering AVS commercial desktop solutions based on CSIP chipsets include Compusys, Equus, Maxdata, Polywell, Seanix, Wortmann AG and ZT Group.

Additionally, AMD teamed with motherboard providers Asus, ECS and MSI to bring AVS desktop platforms to the channel. These motherboards, now available for order through distribution, leverage the CSIP chipsets from nVidia and ATI, delivering socket AM2 platforms with a defined 15-month stability period that began on Sept. 1, 2006.

Web- and telephone-based service and support for the new AVS desktop platforms, including board-level RMA and cross-ship services, will be offered beginning Oct. 2, 2006 through AMD Technical Service Centers to AMD solution providers in Canada, the United States and in select Western European countries. Introduction of the AVS program into other countries, as well as the introduction of AVS server platforms, is planned for 2007. For more information about the new AMD Validated Solutions program, go to http://www.amd.com/validated.