Abstract: A computer-based method for database bitmap index processing in a database management system. The method utilizes a microprocessor supporting instructions for simultaneous processing of at least 128 bits and having storage units of at least 128 bits to process bitmap index format database structures. The instructions may belong to the microprocessor's multimedia application extension and be in assembly language. One instruction moves content of the entire storage unit of at least 128 bits between a memory and a register, and another instruction performs a logical AND instruction on the two storage units of at least 128 bits. A join operation on two bitmap indexes is performed by comparing two bitmap indexes and computing their intersection using a logical AND instruction.