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) 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 http://www.compaq.com/activeanswers.

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 http://www.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 http://www.compaq.com/newsroom/pr/1999/pr010299b.html