The local subsidiary of international computer manufacturer, SGI, has introduced the local market to its server roadmap - one which will see the introduction of a server based on the Intel IA-32 processor family that will support the Linux and Windows NT operating systems.
Gary Parker, sales manager at SGI South Africa, says this announcement represents delivery on the dual-platform strategy the company unveiled last April. "Customers have told us they want standards-based systems. This means they want Windows NT, UNIX and Linux," he adds.
Defining the company`s dual-platform strategy further, Parker says it focuses on providing comprehensive server solutions based on industry-standard components and operating systems (OSs).
"As this [strategy] unfolds, SGI will use its technological leadership in scalable MIPS processor-based ccNUMA servers to become a leading provider of Intel`s IA-32 and IA-64 technology. SGI is intent on delivering the best server architecture, regardless of OS," he notes.
Parker believes that, as the premier supplier in the high-end server market, SGI is well positioned to develop the low-end server market. "We literally have hundreds of 128-processor systems installed, including the largest server in the world - the 6 144 processor ASCI Blue Mountain system," he adds.
"Entering the low-end of the market with 32-bit systems we will support Linux and Windows NT - working closely with both the Linux community and Microsoft, SGI will bring its skills in scalability to bear on the low-end server market."
Parker says SGI`s first Intel-based server will be a four-processor model and that it will be released in the third calendar quarter of 1999. "An exact launch date is yet to be finalised," he comments.
Disclaimer
This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding the release and market acceptance of corporate and product branding strategies which are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such statements. The reader is cautioned not to rely unduly on these forward-looking statements which are not a guarantee of future performance. Such risks and uncertainties include the impact of competitive markets and products, the acceptance of the new branding by markets and customers, the ability of the company to manage a complex set of marketing and distribution relationships, and other risks detailed from time to time in the company`s SEC reports, including the reports on Form 10-Q for the quarter ending Dec 31, 1998 and Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1998.
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