Digital Equipment Corp has committed itself to the next generation of Intel microprocessors, codenamed Merced, which Intel is co-designing with Digital microprocessor and high-end computing rival Hewlett-Packard.
Dwayne Dickhut, vice-president and general manager of the server business segment of Digital's personal computer business unit, said on a visit to Hong Kong recently that Digital would follow the migration path of Intel-based systems.
'We are committed to bringing out Merced-class servers when the microprocessors become available,' Mr Dickhut said.
Digital, which employs a dual microprocessor strategy by supporting both Intel and its own Alpha family of processors, has an alliance with Microsoft to co-operate on development of the Windows NT operating system.
Digital hopes to encourage Intel-based computer and server customers to upgrade to its 64-bit Alpha-based systems, with Windows NT offering the common link for software migration.
'We are actively involved with Intel's Merced technology,' Mr Dickhut said.