Computerworld

New Digital software lets Alpha compete with Intel chip

Digital is taking on Intel's desktop PC dominance with software that will allow Windows applications to run at speed on its 64-bit Alpha systems.

Digital this month will release software that allows 32-bit x86 Windows 95 and Windows NT applications to run on its Alpha microprocessor, Digital officials say.

The company hopes the software, called FX!32, will boost demand for PCs based on its 64-bit Alpha chip, which has been praised for its high speed but has failed for the most part to gain broad market acceptance.

FX!32 enables Alpha systems to beat or match the performance of the same applications running on Intel's Pentium Pro systems, Digital officials say.

The software, expected to be released late this month, can be downloaded by current Alpha users from Digital's Web site, at http://www.service.digital.com/FX32. It will also be factory-installed or bundled with Alpha NT systems, officials say.