[ Thanks to Jason
Perlow, Sm@rt Reseller for this link. ]
From: Pesatori, Enrico
Sent: Friday, August 20, 1999 3:18 PM
Subject: 32-bit Windows NT on Alpha
Importance: High
Earlier this week in New York, we announced an exciting 8-way
ProLiant server line that dramatically increases our ability to
scale 32-bit Windows NT for the enterprise. The response from
customers and analysts has been very positive. It is clear that our
ProLiant products and capabilities meet the growing requirement for
32-bit Windows NT solutions that deliver performance, scalability,
manageability and reliability. This enables us to take actions that
will simplify our platform strategy and our value proposition for
customers and software partners.
After analyzing the needs of our customers and the reality of
the marketplace, we have decided to end systems development for
32-bit Windows NT on Alpha with the delivery of V4 SP6 in late
1999. We do not plan to support 32-bit Windows 2000 on Alpha
systems.
This decision in no way diminishes our strong partnership with
Microsoft or our commitment to Alpha. To increase our focus on
Windows NT in the enterprise, we will continue to partner
aggressively with Microsoft on development of 64-bit Windows NT.
Alpha is the development platform for 64-bit Windows NT.
We will continue to invest in Alpha as a core component of our
NonStop eBusiness strategy, including next generation Alpha chip
technology and a robust Alpha systems road map.
We will drive Alpha at the high-end of the enterprise market,
where our strengths in 64-bit platforms, NonStop technology and
clustering give us a competitive advantage. We have already
announced an aggressive plan to grow Tru64 UNIX on Alpha in such
key markets as high performance technical computing, eCommerce,
telecommunications and enterprise applications, among others. We
will continue to service and maintain the highest levels of
customer satisfaction with our OpenVMS customers. And we will drive
Alpha volumes by leveraging the growth of Linux. As we have already
announced, Alpha will become the engine for future generations of
our Himalaya systems, further extending Himalaya into markets
requiring robust 24×7 solutions.
During the past few years a number of customers have made a
commitment to Windows NT on Alpha. We are completely focused on
protecting their investments and keeping them as satisfied Compaq
customers. We will support 32-bit Windows NT on Alpha for as long
as they require and offer migration paths to other Compaq
platforms.
I have asked Bill Heil to lead the effort working with the
regions to manage the communications with our customers and to arm
our field teams with the information they need. The following
region managers will be responsible for coordinating the
implementation of this communication plan: David Booth – North
America, Ken Surplice – EMEA, Mit Truax -LAC, Barry Leong – GCD,
Takayasu Ichihara – CKK, and Paul Solski – APD. By Wednesday, we
will provide a detailed advice package to our field teams,
including Q&As, Customer presentation, product roadmaps,
support plans and migration offers.
Overall, we are convinced that this decision is the right one
for Compaq and for our customers and partners. A simplified
platform strategy will make it easier for customers and partners to
understand the value we deliver. It will also enable us to maximize
our investments in strategic products and focused markets that will
drive market leadership and profitable growth.
Please feel free to pass this message on. In particular, we are
depending on those of you on the regional coordination team to make
sure it gets to the appropriate people in each country.
Enrico
PC Week:
Compaq to halt NT on Alpha development (Aug 20, 1999)
CNET
News.com: Compaq needs to choose what gets cut next (Aug 20,
1999)