RE: Sizing a new server - the Alpha Chip

[Jon Baker]

Title: RE: Sizing a new server - the Alpha Chip

Only the support issue would bother me.  From two standpoints: 1) Compaq and 2) Oracle. 

 

Compaq has made many promises with it's Digital acquisition, but has not really lived up to them.  The OpenVMS development and alpha development has greatly slowed since that time.  Compaq was really only interested in getting into the service market.  It would make me wonder how much longer and at what cost (to you that is) they will support your Alpha 8400.  Or the OS that runs on it (OpenVMS or their brands of Unix).  Or any third party software that is designed for your particular OS.  I do hear they plan on porting VMS to intel based platform (again).  I'll believe it when I see it.  With their hefty investment in Tru64, I can't see them not moving that along.

 

Oracle may start dropping support since it is becoming a dead platform.  Depends on the Oracle base on alpha out there.

 

In the short run you should be fine with support.  They are not going to turn off revenue (though low margin) today.

 

As far as the hardware, the 8400 isn't new, but it is pretty damn robust.  As long as you have the hardware and software support you should be fine for awhile.

 

If you do have a great deal of time and money invested in development, it may pay to wait out and see where Compaq is going with their OS's and see if it would be a cheaper migration to move to new hardware that still supports those operating environments.  Your developed applications would have less migration cost.

 

If your management starts not liking the pricing, tell them you will load MySQL on Windows for them.  OR you can load it on a free BSD (free,open or net) if they need to save the extra dime.    ;-)

 

 

Jon

ex VMS admin dude for many VAX and Alpha machines, and I know where you can get a VAX 750 cheap as well.

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Koivu, Lisa [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2001 10:16 AM
To: Multiple recipients of list ORACLE-L
Subject: RE: Sizing a new server - the Alpha Chip

Hi Bruce,

The list has done a good job of giving me warm fuzzies about the alpha.  I did read through those articles describing the demise of the alpha chip.  However, with the size and power of the 8400 I think we'll be OK on this server for at least a few years, if not more.  I figure as long as compaq will support it, we'll be OK for now.  There is also no shortage of resellers for parts.

I have never worked at a company where money was such a huge issue.  Even if I went to my boss and said, We're looking at a migration in a couple of years due to the discontinuation of the alpha chip, let's go IBM, I'd have to pitch a huge budget that would never fly.  Upper management has no confidence in any IT employees.  We have to start somewhere to build some credibility.

Damn... I am really beginning to sound like a manager.  I think I need a girls' night out with Captain Morgan.

So let's ask the entire list:  Does anyone see anything negative coming from compaq's announcement about the alpha?  I really don't see it being a huge problem.  I'd be interested in any comments to the contrary.

Thanks
Lisa Koivu
Oracle DataBored Administrator
Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA