Report: AMD targets small business

Updated at 10:10 p.m. PDT

AMD is planning to make a big push into the small business sector, according to ZDNet and The Wall Street Journal (subscription required).

The chipmaker is set to announce on Monday an initiative called AMD Business Class, formerly code-named Hardcastle, that is geared toward making it easier for PC makers to build computers that better suit the needs of small businesses, according to the reports.

The initiative is built around AMD's multicore Athlon and Phenom processors and ATI graphics technology.

AMD is touting the longevity of the new line. PC manufacturers will maintain AMD's Business Class systems for two years to ensure that systems aren't phased out before they are deployed, and warranties will be for three years instead of one, according to Larry Dignan over at ZDNet.

AMD's Web site also says the new technology comes with energy-efficient features for reduced power consumption. (The site links to a Business Class section in several places, but that page itself is not yet live.)

Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Fujitsu Siemens, Lenovo, and Acer are all expected to unveil new PCs based around AMD's Business Class technology, the articles said. HP will make its HP Compaq dc5850 Business PC available Monday, and Dell will use AMD's business class chips in its Optiplex 740 systems, Dignan said.