“Compaq debuted its new DS10 server today, the lowest-cost
Alpha-based computer so far from the company.”
“Code-named the WebBrick, the DS10 incorporates a single 466-MHz
Alpha 21264 chip and is priced beginning at a relatively
inexpensive $3,500, said Steve Severson, head of marketing for
Compaq’s lower-end Alpha servers. The machine is targeted toward
single-purpose server tasks such as email, Web page serving,
protective firewalls, and Internet gateway duties.”
“WebBrick computers are likely to be most popular with Linux and
Windows users, said Rich Partridge, vice president for DH Brown
Associates’ parallel systems group. “They’re recognizing that Linux
is extraordinarily popular,” he said.”
“Linux, a Unix-like operating system available for free or very
low cost, has become more prevalent in Compaq’s server line, and
Compaq believes upcoming Linux-Alpha versions of software from
influential companies such as Oracle and SAP will increase sales
further”
“Compaq has said it hopes to take advantage of Linux momentum as
a way to spur sales of Alpha machines. In addition to Red Hat,
which has had a version of Linux for Alpha for several years, SuSE
and Debian are working on or offering Alpha versions of Linux.”