Acer America Corp has unveiled a new series of Intel Corp iAPX-86-based servers that will at one stroke reconcile its Acer and Altos Computer Systems lines. The new series runs from the entry-level AcerAltos 700, through the mid-range AcerAltos, to the high-end Pentium-based AcerAltos 17000 multiprocessors. The integrated line will reduce the plethora of different models and configurations currently offered by Acer and its Altos division to just 23: previously there have been some 35 models just at the low end of the Altos series. The initiative is one of the first to be driven by the Taiwanese giant’s US operation, which will increasingly define its own strategic direction and policy. The hardware itself is pretty much unchanged from what the company already offers in various guises – it will supply the Altos version of Santa Cruz Operation Inc Unix, Windows NT Advanced Server, Windows NT, Santa Cruz Unix, OS/2, Vines and NetWare according to customer requirements. Some models in the re-constituted line have in fact already been selling in Europe, the company says. The EISA bus AcerAltos 17000 symmetric multiprocessor comes with from one to four Pentiums and supports from 32 users up in eight configurations. It replaces the Altos 10000 and AcerFrame 3000MP. Prices on top-end 17000 models go from $50,000. The EISA and VESA bus-based AcerAltos 7000 supports up to 64 users, uses a 66MHz 80486DX2 or 60MHz Pentium and comes in nine configurations. It has Acer’s ChipUp processor upgrade system into which Intel’s next OverDrive Pentium will fit, and replaces the AcerFrame 500, 1000 and Altos 4500. The AT bus AcerAltos 700 starts at $1,300 and comes in 33MHz 80486DX and 66MHz 486DX2 models in six configurations. Also employing Acer’s ChipUp system, it is good for up to 16 users and replaces the Altos 900, 1700 and 3500. All are available now. Peripheral Component Interconnect bus personal computers will appear in the first quarter of 1994, when first Pentium OverDrive samples are also expected. Acer projects sales of $1,500m this year with US sales accounting for 30%. It is opening a new US channel for its personal computers and other low-end devices.
