Some Alpha FAQs: Alpha powered machines still are used to validate every pentium that comes off the production line. Intel was sued by DEC for using Alpha technology in their chips. Then after the Compaq aquisition most of the Alpha devleopment team went to Intel. After the HP aquisistion the Alpha became became the red headed step child times 2. After all, a 5 year old alpha processors was STILL kicking the brand new super domes butt. Can't have that! Microsoft was sued by DEC because the creator of the original NT kernel used DEC VMS internals! The deal that was worked out is why Alpha NT existed (and Alpha 2000). Microsoft learned a lot about making a 64 bit OS from it's Alpha experience. Samsung will still sell Alphas for a bit. Many see the next step in 64 bit Intel Chips as the EV8 come to life - with Intel spin. The Alpha experience has had a tremendous influence on the computing world. Even though it is little recgonized, it's influence in chip design (but not marketing) will be felt for some time to come.