WorkStream Alpha Migration Alliance formed.

TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 9, 1995--In response to overwhelming customer demand to run Consilium's manufacturing execution software in a 64-bit, RISC-based computing environment, four computer industry leaders have joined forces to give semiconductor and discrete electronics manufacturers a pathway to leverage the power of Digital Equipment Corp.'s AlphaServers running OpenVMS.

The WorkStream Alpha Migration Alliance will allow customers to upgrade their installed VAX hardware to AlphaServers while maintaining the power and reliability of Consilium's proven WorkStream software for discrete lot- and batch-based manufacturing operations and the 24x365 high-availability of the OpenVMS operating system.

In addition, the Alliance will ensure that customers can undergo this significant hardware transition with little or no fab downtime -- a key feature for today's competitive semiconductor manufacturing industry.

The majority of today's semiconductor fabrication facilities are running Consilium's WorkStream MES application on Digital's OpenVMS/ VAX systems due to the mission-critical, 24x365 uptime this combination can offer.

The WorkStream Alpha Migration Alliance was formed in direct response to the semiconductor industry's outcry for increased throughput by way of higher performance from factory-floor and process-control systems -- something only a 64-bit, RISC-based computing environment can provide.

The Alliance will offer customers a complete solution, including application and database software, AlphaServer hardware, technical and financial consulting, and ongoing support to provide customers with the most seamless, safe and cost-effective migration to 64-bit computing in the industry.

The WorkStream Alpha Migration Alliance comprises the four top suppliers of semiconductor and electronics manufacturing solutions: Consilium, Inc., supplier of WorkStream, the leading manufacturing execution system (MES) for semiconductor firms; Digital Equipment Corp., whose Alpha processor-based servers running OpenVMS offer increased dependability and outstanding performance over existing VAX/OpenVMS platforms; Oracle Corp., developer of CODASYL DBMS, the leading MES database for OpenVMS Alpha platforms; and Avnet Computer, the industry's largest reseller of Digital Equipment systems.

According to Thomas A. Tomasetti, Consilium president and chief executive officer, the Alliance satisfies a customer demand for a well-designed, cost-effective growth path for the WorkStream/VAX user community.

``We at Consilium are committed to providing best-of-breed solutions to our customers for optimizing their manufacturing processes. The WorkStream Alpha Migration Alliance is a key part of that strategy,'' Tomasetti said.

``Consilium will provide a fully ported and supported version of WorkStream on Alpha, as well as a variety of consulting services, to assist in the migration effort of our customers to the Alpha computing platform.''

Digital's Alpha technology extends their existing OpenVMS computing platform, which has become the standard for power and reliability in the manufacturing environment.

Wes Melling, vice president of the OpenVMS Systems Business Group, said: ``AlphaServers running OpenVMS deliver a tremendous improvement in I/O and processing speed without the need to modify current operational procedures. The new AlphaServers support versions of Oracle CODASYL DBMS as well as WorkStream, enabling operation of the new system to follow similar steps already working in fab facilities.''

``Oracle's acquisition of CODASYL DBMS has provided us the opportunity to work with an important customer base that is very strategic to Oracle,'' said Jerry Held, senior vice president, Oracle Server Technologies.

``CODASYL DBMS has proven itself over time as an extremely stable, high-performance platform in support of 24x365 business- critical application environments. Oracle continues to deliver new enhancements for high availability and high performance that make full use of Digital Alpha's 64-bit architecture. ``We expect these developments to yield significant long-term benefits for CODASYL DBMS customers and partners.''

Completing the Alliance is Avnet Computer, which will offer a full portfolio of services through its Technology Migration Center and Technology Management Maintenance Service (TMMS) to help customers manage the technical and financial aspects of the migration.

``As part of the Alliance, Avnet Computer's team of TMMS technology consultants will work with customers to achieve the most efficient means of migration to Alpha platforms,'' said Avnet Computer President Rich Ward. ``In many cases, computing costs may decrease even though performance will increase significantly.''

The Alliance will outline implementation plans for the move to Alpha platforms at minimal disruption to current operating environments. Semiconductor manufacturers seeking more information on the WorkStream Alpha Migration Alliance should call 1-800-334-6842. -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: Digital, the Digital logo, AlphaServer and OpenVMS are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corp. CODASYL DBMS is a trademark of Oracle Corp. WorkStream is a registered trademark of Consilium, Inc. All other company brand or product names are trademarks, service marks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

CONTACT: Avnet Computer

Peter Cohen, 602/661-7753

or

Consilium, Inc.

Ralph Zak, 415/691-6100

or

Digital Equipment Corp.

Judith Abrahamovich, 508/493-5660

or

Oracle Corp.

Shirley Ann Stern, 603/881-2653