As expected, Linden Lab has begun testing 64-bit builds of Second Life server software, deploying a 64-bit version of the software intended for the new Class 6 servers onto an internal test grid. The software appears to be a straight 64-bit build of 1.24.9(98659), which should be able to function as a 64-bit binary, pending any oddnesses.
Those 'oddnesses' would include implicit or explicit assumptions about the size of storage types, as well as the possibility of sending unrepresentably large values to other systems that only support 32-bit storage types. Additionally there are potentially increased disk, file and memory storage requirements.
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The Massively Magical Prognosticative Dart Board™ suggests that given the overall progress on Class 6 testing, that we might conceivably see Class 6 servers deployed on the main grid as early as 1 November, though we'd perhaps pick 1 December as a more likely date, if pressed.
However, you all probably know how projects go at the Lab by now. There wouldn't be any surprises if testing and deployment of Class 6 systems took considerably longer.
We can't even begin to guess just what Class 6 systems will do to Second Life pricing and cost models.
When Class 5 systems were due to be rolled out originally, a user who was purchasing a new island (late in the week before the prices were due to change) was told by a Linden Lab staff member over the phone that the prices were changing early in the following week and that it would be cheaper to buy right away, rather than to delay. This information quickly became public, changing the behavior and economic activities of users. It caused quite a furor.
It is unlikely, therefore, that there will be any advance notice of any pricing changes before they take 'immediate effect' this time around.
