Linden Lab apparently is in the planning stages for an upcoming rollout of new, "Class 6" hardware for Second Life, representing a step up from existing Class 5 server systems. Little is actually known about the roll-out, but they appear to be part of another project to migrate the server systems from 32-bit to 64-bit. How far along in that planning they may be is uncertain.
With SLS-1.24 server code still in the process of being stabilized, we wouldn't even begin to venture predictions as to when 64-bit server software or Class 6 servers will make it into testing, let alone into actual production. We assume it will be some time yet before the hardware is even purchased.
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If we had to pick a number, however, we'd normally suggest the start of Q4 2008 -- since that's 1 October, however, our backup prognostication would be the beginning of November, say around Monday the third of the month.
It's a sure bet that there will be a pricing change as a result of wholesale purchase and deployment of Class 6 hardware, but we cannot begin to speculate on the direction or magnitude of such a change.
It is possible that class 6 hardware may roll out to the Second Life mainland (Linden-estate) before they become available to other estate owners.
Linden Lab doesn't do anything very quickly, however, so we would be unsurprised if the roll-out didn't take place for another full quarter. Nonetheless, Class 6 hardware is definitely coming down the pipe -- it's just hard to say when.
How do you think Class 6 systems and 64-bit computing will affect the grid, land-pricing and land-availability?
[UPDATE]
Linden Lab is denying any plans for class six servers. Alternatively, you could go check the office hours transcripts where class six servers were discussed. Whichever story is true, there's obviously a communications problem at the Lab.
Actually, no. That denial was from February. We got our wires crossed this time!
