Compaq itanium "sighting" fixed
Shipping soon...no really.
Compaq, Intel Fix Itanium Problem
Computer maker to ship 64-bit servers soon
By Edward F. Moltzen, CRN
2:40 PM EST Tues., Nov. 27, 2001
crn.com
Compaq Computer and Intel have fixed a problem surrounding Itanium processors that has kept Compaq from shipping servers with the 64-bit chips, the companies said in a joint statement.
The companies "resolved the issue" after they made a "BIOS modification to make an Itanium configuration change," according to a Compaq spokesman. The remedy--which the Compaq spokesman said will enable the server vendor to begin shipping Itanium systems shortly--will now be recommended by Intel on all multiprocessor systems.
"Intel is communicating and recommending this configuration for any [multiprocessor Itanium system]," the joint statement said. The statement, however, didn't specify if Intel was recommending the change for systems already installed, and Intel spokesmen couldn't be reached for comment.
The joint statement also didn't specify the problem that caused Compaq to hold up shipments of its Proliant DL590 servers, which run on Itanium chips.
Intel launched its 64-bit Itanium processors in May, and since then, 20 vendors have begun shipping servers based on the platform. But Compaq had refused to ship its Itanium servers, even though the company announced them in July.
According to Compaq, intensive testing uncovered the Itanium problem, which was directly related to the processor. Intel had questioned whether the problem was a processor issue, but it joined with Compaq to isolate the problem.
Current versions of Itanium processors essentially are earmarked for early adopters. Pilot versions of the next generation of Itanium, code-named McKinley, are expected to be shipped within the next several weeks. Intel executives said McKinley will be the first version of the 64-bit processor to ship in high volumes. |
