Tuesday March 2, 7:49 pm Eastern Time
Company Press Release
Compaq Offers Linux-ready ProLiant
Servers, AlphaServers and Professional
Workstations
New Math Library Boosts Alpha Linux Computation Performance by Factor of
10
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 2, 1999--Reaffirming its longstanding commitment to Linux,
Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE:CPQ - news) today announced the availability of ProLiant 1850R,
ProLiant 1600 and ProSignia 720 servers preloaded with Linux through Compaq's channel partners.
Earlier this year Compaq announced a similar Linux-ready capability with the AlphaServer 800 and
AlphaServer DS20 systems. These ProLiant and AlphaServers' superior scalability and reliability have
made them the systems of choice among major Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
Further adding to its portfolio of Linux offerings, Compaq also announced the availability of Linux-enabled
models of the AlphaPowered(tm) Compaq Professional Workstation XP1000, the world's fastest
workstation(1).
Compaq has been working with the Linux community longer than any other hardware vendor. The first
port of Linux to a 64-bit system was completed on an Alpha workstation the company donated to Linus
Torvalds. Today, Linus Torvalds received an AlphaServer DS20 from Compaq, which he will use as his
development platform for Linux.
''Compaq understands Linux and the open source software model, so customers can be sure that
Compaq can and will leverage this model to deliver superior Linux-based platforms to our customers,''
said John T. Rose, Senior Vice President and Group General Manager, Enterprise Computing Group,
Compaq Computer Corporation. ''We recognize that Compaq's Linux capabilities complement our other
offerings, particularly Compaq's Tru64 UNIX-based solutions for mission-critical Internet and
Internet-related computing.''
Compaq Sets the Performance Standard for Linux
Compaq further boosted the unmatched performance of its AlphaServer 800, AlphaServer DS20 and
Professional Workstation XP1000 systems running Linux by introducing the Compaq Portable Math
Library (CPML) for Linux on the Alpha platform. The Compaq AlphaServer system performance was
already so impressive that Los Alamos National Laboratory used AlphaPowered Linux Systems to
create ''Avalon,'' one of the world's fastest supercomputers. Now, this CPML will enable customers to
significantly increase the precision and speed of mathematical calculations by more than 10 times
compared to other mathematical libraries currently available on Linux. A beta version of CPML will be
available free on March 15, 1999 at the following URL: http:www.unix.digital.com/linux/cpml.htm.
In addition, Compaq's Linux-ready ProLiant servers have developed a strong following among ISPs
seeking superior price/performance. The ProLiant 1850R is best suited for customers seeking a rack
mountable server with a dense form factor. The ProLiant 1600 is favored by customers who prefer a
tower model and the ProSignia 720 provides a proven and powerful entry-level ISP solution.
Also Linux-ready is the Compaq Professional Workstation XP1000, based on the 500 MHz Alpha 21264
processor. The world's fastest workstation, the XP1000 scored the best results ever on CPU, CAD, 3D
graphics and CAE benchmarks(1).
Certified and Proven Linux Solutions
''Compaq and its partners are committed to providing strong Linux support and working with major Linux
distributors to enhance the ease of use and deployment of Linux on Compaq hardware platforms,'' said
Ray Villareal, Vice President of Enterprise Computing, Compaq North America. ''Compaq has
performed hardware validation and certification for Linux on select Alpha and ProLiant server platforms
and will provide customers with Linux-ready systems including the option of preloaded Linux from
Compaq's channel partners. Additionally, Compaq Services and Red Hat have agreed to collaborate on
services for their mutual customers.''
To further ease the deployment and installation of Linux on its platforms, Compaq will announce new
Linux-focused ActiveAnswers solutions in 2Q99. Compaq ActiveAnswers provides online tools and
technical information to plan, deploy and operate business solutions. These solutions will enable
Compaq channel partners and customers to access the latest recommended configurations and
installation methodologies for Linux on Compaq platforms. For more information on Compaq
ActiveAnswers, visit our Web site at compaq.com.
Linus Torvalds to Use AlphaServer as His Development System
For the past five years, Compaq and the Linux community have worked closely together. This
relationship has enabled Compaq to gain an unparalleled understanding of the requirements for open
source software and Linux. Compaq's active participation has been early and often, including:
--Donating an Alpha workstation in 1994 to Linus Torvalds on which he completed the first port of Linux
to a 64-bit RISC-based system in 1995.
--Providing equipment funding to qualified Linux developers, including distribution creators, core
developers and XFree86.
--Being the first systems vendor to join Linux International in 1995.
--Releasing key Linux enablers under General Public License (GPL):MILO, em86 emulator, prototype
Compaq Linux Smart-2 Array Controller Driver and IPROBE.
--Assigning full-time engineers to help the Linux community to port and optimize Linux on the Alpha
platform.
Company Background
Compaq Computer Corporation, a Fortune Global 100 company, is the second largest computer
company in the world and the largest global supplier of computer systems. Compaq develops and
markets hardware, software, solutions, and services, including industry-leading enterprise computing
solutions, fault-tolerant business-critical solutions, enterprise and network storage solutions,
commercial desktop and portable products and consumer PCs. The company is an industry leader in
environmentally friendly programs and business practices.
Compaq products are sold and supported in more than 100 countries through a network of authorized
Compaq marketing partners. Customer support and information about Compaq and its products are
available at compaq.com.
Compaq, Registered U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Product names mentioned herein may be
trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
--(1) Based on SPECfp95, ProE: The Magazine's bench98(tm) and gbench98(tm), and ANSYS v5.4
benchmarks. See Feb. 1, 1999 Compaq Press release
compaq.com
Contact:
Compaq Computer Corporation |
