Dirk Meyer

FOR: Opteron processor

For Dirk Meyer, it’s not just about technology.

The executive vice president of Advanced Micro Devices’ Computation Products Group, who oversaw development of AMD’s successful Opteron product line, holds an M.B.A. as well as a degree in computer science. He loves to spend time outdoors golfing, fly-fishing and hunting. A portion of his eight-week sabbatical this summer was spent soaking up nature in Alaska and fantasizing about life as a wilderness guide.

So it’s not surprising that Meyer would credit Opteron’s success with more than technological prowess. The “big a-ha,” says the designer of Digital Equipment’s Alpha processor, was recognizing the market’s need for a processor that could bridge the gap between 32- and 64-bit applications, not figuring out how to build it.

Meyer saw the 64-bit Alpha stumble because of the market’s hesitancy to move off of legacy 32-bit apps, and he knew Intel had worked for years to develop a solid software base for its x86 processors. “There were a few of us inside AMD, based on our backgrounds, who really understood the importance of software compatibility,” he said.

AD
id	unit-1659132512259
type	Sponsored post

Thus was born the Opteron processor, a CPU that can support today’s software as well as the new breed of 64-bit applications. Though Intel has since released its Xeon processor, which supports 32- and 64-bit apps, the overwhelming acceptance of Opteron gave AMD a much-needed boost in its quest for share.

“AMD [now] has every major tier-one server client except Dell,” said Dean McCarron, an analyst at Mercury Research. “So certainly, in that context, the Opteron has been substantial success.”

\

Education:

B.S. in computer engineering, University of Illinois; M.B.A., Boston University

\

Yahoo or Google:

“Google … but I like Yahoo, too.”

\

Favorite handheld:

TV clicker

\

Most-used app:

Outlook

\

First paying job:

Golf caddy

\

Carbs or no carbs:

Carbs