Compaq Computer Corp is obviously not prepared to let Hewlett-Packard Co get all the credit for working with Intel Corp on the Merced chip, and now claims that it, too, is working closely with Intel on systems technology for their up-and coming 64- bit architecture, IA-64. Compaq, which with its new push towards servers and workstations views HP as a major competitor (CI No 2,888), says it has dedicated a substantial team of its best hardware, integration and systems engineers to work directly with Intel, in order to make sure its customers get a smooth transition to the 64-bit chip, and that its hardware is properly tuned. Compaq says it will take full advantage of Merced in future hardware developments, such as a planned series of clustered systems called Compaq Server Arrays. It’s also working with Intel on server and workstation technologies such as Hot Plug PCI online I/O replacement, on I20, a proposed industry standard for input/output technologies, and on clustering technology and Web-based enterprise management. And it’s working with software and operating system vendors, including Baan, Oracle and SAP on software integration and optimizing for Merced. Compaq says it will be first in line when IA-64 eventually emerges, and will ship systems using the first processor production.
