“Users concerned about the long-term viability of the Alpha chip
found some reassurance in the $500 million technology and marketing
initiative launched last week to boost the chip’s fortunes. But
analysts were less upbeat….”
“Specific steps that are expected after the investment include
the following….”
“Partnerships with and funding for Linux software vendors.
Compaq is hoping to to make Linux — rather than Windows NT —
the mass-volume operating system on Alpha.“
“Apart from reassuring the customer base, last week’s investment
will do little to change Alpha’s competitive positioning, said Mike
Feibus, an analyst at Mercury Research in Scottsdale, Ariz. But
Feibus noted that support for Linux could help boost the platform’s
sales at the low end.”