Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!usc!wuarchive!decwrl!ogicse!plains!tjon From: tjon@plains.NoDak.edu (Christopher C. Tjon) Newsgroups: comp.sys.ncr Subject: Re: Tower Alternative Message-ID: <6087@plains.NoDak.edu> Date: 1 Oct 90 06:03:24 GMT References: <314@gandp> Organization: North Dakota State University, Fargo Lines: 65 In article <314@gandp> rg@gandp.UUCP (Dick Gill) writes: > > Dear Tower Folks, > > I have a business/technical problem that could use the > perspective and insights that readers of this group have shown > over the last year. > > A year ago NCR dealer marketeers starting telling me about the > new corporate strategy to move from the Tower product line to > Intel based systems; now it is clear that the Tower product > is on its way out. Computer Systems News says that "Over the > next three years, NCR will phase out its Motorola Inc. > 680X0-based Tower family..." and that "it plans eventually to > replace the Tower line with a family of 80486-based file servers > that will be positioned against systems such as Compaq Computer > Corp.'s SystemPro." > --- segment deleted--- > > What I want is a complete and solid unix machine for 5 to 50 > users sold through distributors and delivered intact along with > the OS, and I want all hardware and system software supported > nationally by the manufacturer or by a well known 3rd party > maintenance firm. Just as important, I need a manufacturer whose > name is well known to the business community and who has > demonstrated strength and committment to multi-user unix > solutions. Finally, I need a product line that I can buy in > small quantities and that isn't being sold below my cost at the > local drug store. > Dick, I understand the feelings you have regarding ncr's tower line. Our company experienced (is experiencing) the same thing. After careful consideration and research we chose the Altos line of computers. They are really sharp machines. You can get them 386 and 486 based. They run a system V unix and come standard with a 16 user setup. I believe that they can be taken out to 64 users without a whole lot of added expense. I have a 386 series 1000 that runs at 33mhz and it will blow the socks of a tower. Altos has complete nationwide distribution and service can be obtained locally (at least in fargo ND). On the flip side of the coin the system documentation which you receive with the machine is sufficient to allow a semi skilled technician to do the repairs in house. Now the big question! How much does one of these machines cost. They are not too bad. The 33mhz 386 with 1 gigabyte is around 2500$ (That figure is estimated, dont Quote me exactly) The 486 monster is around 10 grand. It has been our experience that the altos is a good line and does everything our tower would do and then some. most important of all they are so much quicker(we have several of them). I dont have the phone number here right now but if you would like it feel free to email me. -- Chris Tjon UUCP: ...!uunet!plains!tjon Box 5224 BITNET: tjon@plains.bitnet Fargo ND 58105-5224 INTERNET: tjon@plains.NoDak.edu 701-232-7678