Compaq slams server rivals over Unix prices

The vendor is claiming that its major competitors are charging usersover the odds for hardware

Compaq has launched an attack on rival server vendors, saying that the mid-range Unix market offers over-priced solutions to users.

The PC giant is claiming figures from Context's quarterly pricing data show Risc-based servers from IBM, Hewlett Packard, Sun and Digital cost twice as much as its own Intel-based servers. It has accused its competitors of levying 'proprietary taxes' on server users.

One price comparison shows a Compaq Intel-based Proliant 5000 6/166 system would cost u88,405, and an IBM RS/6000 R40 running AIX would cost u199,418.

Hugh Jenkins, systems group product manager at Compaq, said: 'Compaq has always been able to build systems cheaper than its proprietary competitors by using industry-standard components. Compaq has no proprietary axe to grind and so we would urge customers to re-assess their computer taxes.'

He said customers were forced to pay an inflated price to subsidise research and development costs of those vendors that use their own hardware and processor technology, such as PA/Risc and Power PC.

Unix server vendors have been unmoved by Compaq's accusations, saying that the company has failed to provide accurate information when making such comparisons.

David Cosham, IBM server business manager, said Compaq's assertions were unsurprising considering it only has an Intel server in its product portfolio. 'If they were to compare like with like you'd see that our Intel-based servers are priced very keenly alongside Compaq's.

'The Intel-based server will always be the cheapest option, but that doesn't mean it will always be the best.'