DIGITAL DIGITAL Computing Timeline
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<1995>

March:
DIGITAL ships the industry's first commercial high-performance Fortran compiler in DEC Fortran 90.

Developed to meet the needs of scientific and technical users who must manipulate large arrays of data, DEC Fortran 90 is specifically designed to allow optimum use of parallel and clusters computing resources.

April:
DIGITAL introduces the AlphaServer 8400, its most powerful computer system to date.

The AlphaServer 8400 supports up to twelve 21164 microprocessors and 14 gigabytes of memory, creating breakthroughs in very large database performance. With a peak throughput of 6.6 GF (gigaflops), the 8400 provides a viable alternative to supercomputers and mainframes.

April:
DIGITAL outlines its plan for virtual networking and the integration of LANs, WANs and ATM.

DIGITAL's plan for virtual networking includes enVISN (Enterprise Virtual Intelligent Switched Networks). The enVISN architecture combines virtual LAN technology, distributed routing and high-speed switching with centralized, policy-based administration to create flexible virtual networks. A primary component of enVISN architecture is the DECswitch 900, left.

May:
DIGITAL announces the Affinity Program for OpenVMS. The Program helps customers implement the complementary strengths of OpenVMS and Windows NT.

The Affinity Program is an integrated systems environment which brings the bullletproof capabilities of OpenVMS to the world of Windows NT applications. The program includes new software, tools, middleware, and services from DIGITAL and its partners that build on the natural affinity between OpenVMS and Windows NT -- making it increasingly easier to develop, deploy, and manage applications across both platforms.

May - June:
DIGITAL releases OpenVMS/VAX V6.2 and OpenVMS/Alpha V6.2.

OpenVMS/VAX and OpenVMS/Alpha V6.2 supported new models of the AlphaServer 2100, 8200 and 8400. V6.2 featured automatic foreign commands (like UNIX PATH mechanism), RAID subsystem support, new DEC TCP/IP functions, OpenVMS management station, SCSI clusters, SCSI-2 tagged command queuing, and BACKUP manager - screen oriented interface.

August:
DIGITAL and Microsoft announce a strategic alliance to meet growing customer demand for Microsoft-based solutions and support in enterprise-wide computing.

The alliance combines Microsoft client/server products with DIGITAL's leadership in enterprise systems, service, support and systems integration, and enables customers to deploy business solutions on Microsoft operating systems with assurance of integration into the most complex business environments. At left, Bob Palmer and Bill Gates announce the alliance.

November:
DIGITAL introduces FX!32.

FX!32 is an advanced software translation and emulation technology that provides Alpha users with transparent access to 32-bit Windows applications. The new software won BYTE magazine's prestigious "Best Technology" award at Fall COMDEX '95.

December:
OpenVMS/VAX V7.0 and OpenVMS/Alpha V7.0 are released.

OpenVMS/VAX V7 and OpenVMS/Alpha V7 included features such as process affinities and capabilities from DCL, HYPERSORT High Performance SORT utility (for Alpha), integrated network and internet support, a new MAIL utility, timezone and UTC support, kernel threads, spiralog high performance file system, dump file compression (for Alpha), and Wind/U and Fast Path highly optimized I/O.

December:
DIGITAL introduces AltaVista, the Internet's first "super spider" software.

AltaVista is the most advanced information search and indexing technology available for the World Wide Web. The software conducts the most comprehensive search of the entire Web text at speeds up to 100 times faster than spiders used in conventional information search services. At left is Louis Monier, lead engineer for the project.

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