Advanced Micro Devices, the world’s second biggest supplier of x86 microprocessors, on Monday unveiled its first platform initiative aimed at commercial desktop and notebook computers. AMD’s Business Class initiative may help AMD to sell more microprocessors, chipsets and graphics cards in the market of commercial desktops.

At present AMD only discloses details regarding its commercial desktop platform solution. The platform includes a new lineup of processors with up to 24-month stability and longevity from initial product availability. These commercial stable processors include triple-core AMD Phenom X3 and quad-core AMD Phenom X4 processors, as well as AMD Athlon X2 dual-core processors. Large system integrators can choose AMD 780V chipsets or optional ATI Radeon HD 3000-series discrete graphics, and the platform also supports non-AMD graphics and chipsets.

Pricing for the new AMD Business Class processors in 1000-unit quantities include the AMD Phenom X4 9600B processor for $230, the AMD Phenom X3 8600B processor for $175, AMD Athlon X2 5400B and 5200B processors for $120 and $110 respectively, AMD Athlon X2 5000B and 4450B processors for $95 and $85 respectively, and the AMD Athlon 1640B processor for $50.

Dell and HP, the largest makers of personal computers on the planet, said they are committed to AMD’s Business Class initiative.

Commercial notebooks for AMD Business Class are scheduled to be available based on the upcoming next-generation notebook platform, codenamed “Puma”, with competitive productivity and battery life at multiple price points, AMD said.

“IT decision-makers have a broad range of commercial client solutions to choose from and it is not always clear which systems deliver the best business value. At its heart, AMD Business Class processors are based on the same innovative technology that powers the world’s most advanced servers. Our solutions are designed to give commercial customers the assurance that platforms are designed with their business in mind to help get more from their computing infrastructure, longer,” said Dirk Meyer, president and chief operating officer at AMD.

AMD Business Class platforms offer future-ready solutions with the features and interoperability businesses need. AMD supports choice in the marketplace and is committed to open security standards (TCG – Trusted Computing Group) and management standards (DMTF – the Distributed Management Task Force) that support today’s increasingly diverse IT environments rather than locking businesses into expensive, proprietary technology. AMD is actively involved in defining and evolving the DMTF’s Desktop and mobile Architecture for System Hardware (DASH) suite of specifications that are designed to deliver standards-based Web services management for desktop and mobile client systems.