Quote: "we should have the 64-bit support from Microsoft prior to Merced" -- quote from Palmer on January 28, 1998, during a speech Q & A with Bill Gates.
I am digging some old news on 64 bit NT and Alpha system. They may not be news to you but probably more interesting to read now in the new perspective:
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microsoft.com
Digital and Microsoft Announce Expanded Alliance to Accelerate the Adoption of Windows NT Across the Enterprise
Microsoft Chairman and CEO Bill Gates and Digital CEO and Chairman Robert Palmer San Francisco, CA January 28, 1998
...
MR. PALMER: Tom, we have not yet developed that sophistication, as far as scalability is concerned. And it's an extraordinarily complex task. But, working with Microsoft, we intend to get that into the marketplace, in calendar year '99. Relative to the other question, I think fundamentally we are clear that Alpha will be available on 64-bit computing ahead of Merced and at least by the technology road map that Intel has indicated, we should have the 64-bit support from Microsoft prior to Merced. So I think many customers will look at it as if you can start today on Alpha, and migrate an application later, or choose to stay on Alpha, or whatever. But, you can get started today.
...
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Microsoft's Plans for 64-Bit Windows NT May Be Closer Than You Think
psgroup.com
Quote:
There has been a flurry of activity in the Unix market lately focused on efforts to ensure that various Unix systems are available on Intel's 64-bit Merced processor when it becomes available. Little has been heard in rebuttal from Microsoft regarding details of its plans. What we did know was that Windows NT 5.0 had some 64-bit features for Alpha, but full 64-bit support would come in the future. Now we have a clearer picture of Microsoft's roadmap.
Microsoft intends to introduce 64-bit support into a version of NT 5 that will follow its initial release. This will be separate binary from 32-bit NT, although Microsoft hasn't decided whether to put it on a different CD-ROM or not. The release of this version will coincide with the availability of Intel Merced-based systems. There will be simultaneous availability for Alpha and Merced for both the Server and Workstation version of NT.
(That is before the announced delay of Merced. How about now?)
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Compaq and Digital: A Brave New NT World entmag.com
Quote:
Accordingly, both Digital and Microsoft announced plans to increase Windows NT support for the Alpha microprocessor ....
... and committed to make sure that 64-bit Windows NT is available on Alpha before Merced. The two companies also announced collaboration on new 32- and 64-processor Alpha servers, to be released in 1999.
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US Army and Air Force Salute 64-bit Alpha Technology
digital.com
Quote:
Under the three-year Army Workstation contract, worth more than half a billion dollars, Department of Defense and civilian agencies can purchase 64-bit Alpha workstations running either Digital UNIX 4.0 or Microsoft Windows NT operating systems. (I guess it is not clear whether NT here is 32 bit which can run on 64-bit Alpha machine (already?) or 64 bit. But why not 64 bit NT if it is going to be ready to ship?) The Alpha workstations will serve in engineering, scientific, logistics and administrative functions. Procurement authority under the contract is $495 million for Department of Defense and $99 million for civilian agencies.
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Processor
zdnet.com
Microsoft is building the first versions of a 64-bit Windows NT, which is being developed on the Alpha platform. But it will, to be sure, be ported to the P7 when that platform becomes available. It'll be quite a while before a Merced-based system appears on your desktop, though--not in this century.
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DIGITAL Server 7300/7300R
digital.it
64-bit Windows NT ready
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Digital and Intel Settle Alpha Suit
psgroup.com
Microsoft, Digital, and Intel will work to ensure that the 64-bit Windows NT applications are source code compatible between Intel and Alpha versions of Windows NT. This means that ISVs can begin building 64-bit Windows NT 5.0 applications for Alpha for delivery ahead of NT on Merced. It appears that Digital is having a lot to say about the 64-bit programming model for Windows NT.
Another part of the announcement, Digital working with Intel to port Digital Unix to the IA64, wouldn't mean much, except that Digital and Microsoft are rumored to be preparing an announcement of enhanced Windows NT compatibility for Digital Unix. This could mean that Digital will sell a 64-bit "Windows Compatible" Unix for Intel and Alpha with Win32, COM, DCOM, registry, directory, transaction services, message queuing services and COM+ support. This could be Digital in a very strong position for customers who want the scalability of Unix but the also want the advantages of the Microsoft programming model.
As a result of this deal and other cross-platform work, should the time ever come for Digital to end-of-life Alpha, it is likely that the vast majority of applications developed either for Digital Unix or Windows NT would be source code compatible with the corresponding Intel generation. This should help customers feel better about buying Alpha today and may put Digital in the best position the company has been in for years.
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Windows NT Executives Expect More Power Through Advancing Technology
ntmanufacturing.com
To find out, Managing Automation asked two executives who help direct the DIGITAL/Microsoft Alliance for Enterprise Computing. Rick Frazier is vice president in charge of Windows NT Marketing at Digital Equipment Corp. Bob McDowell serves as vice president, business customer relationships, for Microsoft. Their thoughts appear below. ...
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There are many more links you can find in the web search engines. I just have time to include these.
Shawn |
