Compaq Computer Corp launched the first new AlphaServers to reach the market since its acquisition of Digital Equipment Corp on Monday, and announced plans for future Alpha servers. In what looks like a provocative move against its current chip partner Intel Corp, Compaq said it would use the new 21264 EV6 Alpha chip in its mainstream, and currently all Intel-based, ProLiant server range, as well as in mid-range and low-end AlphaServers due out next year. For the new AlphaServers, Compaq is claiming a 2.5 times performance boost over previous versions. The two new AlphaServer G5 machines use the 64-bit 21264 Alpha running at 575MHz, which Compaq boasts is the world’s fastest processor. They run Digital Unix, OpenVMS or Windows NT operating systems. Compaq says the new GS140 machines smash Hewlett-Packard Co’s current SPECweb benchmark record by delivering 14,263 ops/sec with 10 CPUs, compared to the HP 9000’s 13,811 ops/sec using 16 CPUs. The GS140 is aimed at large scale business applications such as SAP AG’s R/3, and Compaq says it has stress-tested it supporting 5,300 users. The GS60 is the entry-level model. The two replace the current AlphaServer 8200/8400 systems, and have entry-level prices of $200,000 (GS60) and $400,000 (GS140). Compaq also plans to use the 21264 in a planned series of mid-range ES series and low-end DS series servers, to be introduced in the first half of next year. They will replace the current AlphaServer 800, 1200 and 4100 systems, on which prices have been reduced by up to 16%. Compaq will presumably use the 21264 for just the top-end of the ProLiant range, giving it growing space while it waits for Merced and some leverage to use on Intel over Merced pricing.
