From: geoff@zswamp.UUCP (Geoffrey Welsh)
Newsgroups: comp.unix.pc-clone.32bit,biz.sco.general,comp.unix.sys5.r3,comp.unix.sysv386
Subject: Re: PC Unix/Xenix vendors
Date: Sun, 24 Jan 93 14:36:15 EST
Organization: Izot's Swamp

karl@ddsw1.mcs.com (Karl Denninger) writes:

> Correct.  This is the reason I suspect the INTEL architecture is in trouble
> over the long run.  Certainly, they have the installed base now.  But these
> "installed" systems do not play well together, they're unstable (ask any DOS
> user) and to get away from that is just too damn expensive.

   Actually, I look at it the other way:  CISC CPUs are slowly narrowing the 
performance gap with RISC through parallel execution, smart pipelines, etc.; 
while other 'power CPU' manufacturers slug it out on workstation volume, Intel 
will be able to manufacture one chip that squeezes into the workstation market 
and keep their cost down by convincing the DOS people who fancy themselves 
'power users' to buy the same CPU for their PC.

> The real problem so far has been that to get a "real" computer was a $10k
> proposition.  Now, with the Sparc Classic, it isn't any longer.  Consider
> that the clone makers will go gunning for Sun's bacon here, and I bet we 
> see $2500 Sparc compatibles within 6 months.
> 
> Note that the compatibles have <always> come with an operating system too.
> 
> Now just HOW is the Intel machine going to compete with <this> in that
> marketplace?

   Simple: within six months we'll see Pentium machines also starting in the 
$2500 ballpark.  They'll sell because of DOS and its plentiful cheap 
applications, and Intel will recoup their development costs a whole lot faster 
than the SPARC group.  Those of us who appreciate the finer architectures 
(even if we can't always afford them for our home computers <grin>) will 
lament DOS yet again.

> Pentium isn't an answer if it is a monopoly chip.  If Intel insists on
> having all the marbles they may find themselves with none of them.  Pentium
> will be fast, yes.  But a multiprocessor Sparc-based system will be
> available by that release date <on your desktop> which will make Pentium
> look like small potatoes, and will likely be cheaper as well.  Certainly the
> Sparc people can compete price-wise.
> 
> That's my prediction for 1993 (if Intel ships in '93 ;-).

   I disagree with your prediction, but I hope that you're right.  Frankly, I 
want to see an end not only to DOS and its real-mode limitations and its 
multitude of incompatible and/or unstable workarounds, but also to the PC 
architecture, which imposes unnecessary problems on operating systems that 
might otherwise take better advantage of the CPU that's hiding on that PClone 
motherboard.

   One last question remains: how did I end up discussing this in an SCO 
group?!?

  Geoffrey Welsh, 7 Strath Humber Court, Islington, Ontario, M9A 4C8 Canada
geoff@zswamp.uucp, [xenitec.on.ca|m2xenix.psg.com]!zswamp!geoff (416)258-8467
                Now I've lost everything, I give to you my soul
           And the meaning of all that I believed before escapes me
                  In this world of none, no thing, and no one
                            - Genesis, _Afterglow_
Newsgroups: comp.unix.pc-clone.32bit