Is Unix about to change hands once again? The Register reports that it’s been hearing rumors that the Santa Cruz Operation is in acquisition talks with Intel Corp. Intel, the argument goes, wants to keep more options alive for its IA-64 bit chip than just Microsoft Corp’s Windows NT, especially as it’s not entirely convinced of just when 64-bit NT will actually reach the market. But Intel already has a close relationship and major development efforts in place with SCO, and it’s hard to see what it would gain from acquisition, other than ensuring SCO’s survival. The move certainly wouldn’t go down too well with Intel OEM customers such as Hewlett-Packard Co and Compaq Computer Corp, which both have their own 64-bit Unix on Intel efforts ongoing, and their own joint developments with Intel. Neither SCO nor Intel were commenting on the report.
