After the delay of Intel’s Merced, it appears that Microsoft Corp is making a long-term bet that Compaq Computer Corp will eventually turn the Alpha RISC into a significant platform. Microsoft has agreed to build new Alpha-centric technologies into Windows NT 5.0 that will put Alpha on a par with its support for Merced. DEC’s board meets today to approve its acquisition by Compaq, following which Compaq will present a roadmap for Alpha’s future and its use of the processor. All three companies will next week stand up in support of the new Alpha Processor Inc venture that Samsung Semiconductor is creating to market and sell Alpha. Some of DEC’s Alpha team will transfer to the venture, but the core Alpha design team will continue its work as part of Compaq. Samsung said back in February it was creating a unit dedicated to creating a market for Alpha products (CI No 3,344). Last year Samsung signed up for access to future versions of Alpha as well as for rights to design its own Alpha chips. It will manufacture them, and Alpha Processor Inc will market them. Advanced Micro Devices Inc which now also has access to Alpha intellectual property as part of the Federal Trade Commission’s sanctioning of the sale of DEC’s fabs to Intel Corp is expected to take part in the venture.
