Epilogue

When we were working on this article Alpha systems were still offered, mostly through HP and Microway. The latter even listed relatively inexpensive workstations based on 21164A and AlphaPC 164LX for Linux ($2000 for a standard configuration). Many retired, but still working workstations and servers, as well as parts, were offered by "online flea markets". Most of those systems were working under Windows NT, and many of them would accept neither Digital UNIX nor OpenVMS, and some even *BSD (systems with no SRM console available), though it could be still possible to install Linux from ARC/AlphaBIOS. If you have any intention to purchase an Alpha system, clarify this question before spending your money. This will save you a lot of trouble later.

According to the statistics, DEC and Compaq sold about 800K of Alpha workstations and servers until June 2001. There is no exact number showing how many systems have been assembled and sold by other companies, but it is estimated to be over 500K.

Many people say that Alpha architecture died a natural death. Hope, this article will show you clearly that it is not true, and Alpha architecture was simply buried alive. Because it was better this way.

There were many cases in history, when a poorly crafted product prevailed over a better one. Maybe, the first product cost much less than the second. Also possible, the second product was promoted not so actively in the market. Or license fees were incomparable. Everything could be possible. Some would admit that the fear of losing the job stimulates marketing people to act very aggressively sometimes even if the product they push into the market is not so bright. One thing is truly evident: the technical specifications of the product are often not the top priority aspect on the way to the market success.

Life goes on...