AMD mobos are certifiable

AMD has launched a motherboard certification programme for desktop AthlonXP and Durons, and has enlisted the support of top mobo maker ASUS to promote the scheme in North America. The aim is to help system builders seed more AMD boxes in to American businesses.

AMD PCs may be cheaper than equivalent performing Intel-powered machines, but on its own, this cuts little ice with corporates. Step forward the AMD Assured Program, a total cost of ownership (TCO) play, designed around quality assurance and shelf-life guarantees, as opposed to performance benchmarking.

AMD assured boards comply with Microsoft's System and Device Requirements 2.0 and "incorporate the essential management elements" of Wired for Management 2.0. Qualifying mobos will stay in circulation for at least one year, making for easier and cheaper maintenance, and seamless technology transition is promised.

Currently, AMD's market share in the North America commercial systems segment is rather lower than it is in Europe. This is because Intel has a stranglehold over supply of CPUs for A-brand desktops (from Dell, Compaq, HP and IBM) for corporates. In Europe, Fujitsu Siemens - AMD's biggest customer on the continent - and NEC use AMD in some commercial lines, making it easier for the chipmaker to win market share among corporates.

The AMD Assured program will not make Dell, Compaq et al convert to AMD for corporate desktops, but it will help second and third-tier PC makers win corporate and government business today. Aspect Computer, Colfax International, Supercom Canada and VoodooPC are all cited as North American system builders 'expected to announce' AMD boxes using assured mobos from ASUS.

AMD/ASUS press release
More on AMD Assured program