Hewlett-Packard Co is hedging its bets over its recent announcement supporting Axil Computer Inc’s Crossbar Coalition, along with Data General Corp (CI No 3,369). Although HP is using the technology in its LXR Pro 8 eight-way NT server, it’s keeping its options open for when Intel Corp launches its rival Profusion architecture. But HP doesn’t expect to see eight way Deschutes servers on the market before the end of the year, and is using the Crossbar Coalition as a way to gain visibility for higher-end NT servers than the four-way servers offered by the competition. Intel, says HP is our closest partner overall. HP says it will eventually use the best of class technology, whichever that turns out to be. Fortunately, it says, both Axil and Intel, through its Corollary Inc acquisition, are taking similar approaches, unlike technology from rivals NCR Corp and Unisys Corp. The other alternative is Compaq Computer Corp partner Reliance Computer Corp (see separate story), but HP says that technology is not proven for use in servers. Meanwhile, HP has launched a new Windows NT-based HP NetServer, the E50, for small and medium-sized businesses, which will have an estimated street price of $2,025. It includes HP’s TopTools PC management system, integrated backup capabilities and reseller support services from HP.
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