Microsoft Corp has told Sequent Computer Systems Inc, one of its allies in the upcoming Windows NT blitzkreig, that the server version of Windows NT will start shipping by the third week of June. Sequent was also told the NT client could ship at the end of this month, simultaneously with system’s launch at Comdex Spring/Windows World. Sequent says there are to be three versions of NT: the client, an inexpensive four-processor retail iteration of the Advanced Server and a 16-processor OEM-only version of the Advanced Server. Whether or not the software is production-ready, Sequent intends taking revenue orders for its planned new Intel Corp-based, NT-exclusive WinServer symmetric multiprocessors starting June 1 and shipping almost immediately. It will deliver the second beta version of NT if necessary. Sequent claims its Fortune 200-targeted customers are unconcerned. Sequent will pre-integrate NT, network and application software, particularly SQL Server and Oracle 7 databases, in its new boxes under an expanded joint development pact with Microsoft to be announced this week. The pair are hoping the custom-configured WinServers will prove as easy to deploy as personal computers. The line includes only one home-grown box, the high-end 16-way WinServer 5000, priced at $247,000 with 384 disks, 32 SCSI channels, 2Gb memory and parallel-processing communications facilities, which will not be available until the fourth quarter.
Mainframe-class
Sequent expects the mainframe-class 5000 to go to 30 processors. The other three members in the family are all being bought in OEM from Tricord Systems Inc and will be available soon from Sequent as the entry-level two-way WinServer 1000 priced at $29,900, the two-way WinServer 1500 priced at $39,300 and the six-way WinServer 3000 priced at $75,300. Like everybody else, Sequent is waiting on Pentium deliveries from Intel, now not expected much before the end of the year. Until then it will use 66MHz 80486 parts instead. It describes the 1000 with 512Mb RAM, nine 3.5 disks and two SCSI channels as fit for business-critical client-server workgroups and small departments. The 1500 is also designed for local network consolidation, decision support and workgroup computing with 512Mb RAM, 21 disks, four SCSI channels and optional redundant power supplies. The 3000 supports large-scale local network consolidation, transaction processing and decision support with 16 SCSI channels, 1Gb RAM, 192 disks, optional fault-tolerant protection and redundant power supplies. Sequent is targeting Oracle NetWare Loadable Module users and OS/2 users estimated to be running out of power. It is working from a list of 20,000 OS/2 sites supplied by Microsoft. Resellers will include Novell Inc Platinum types and Tricord value-added resellers. It is also experimenting with a hybrid telemarketing scheme called WinCentralDirect that fits in with the company’s plug-and-play attempt and puts customers in contact with NT-certified technical and business consultants.
