VAX on the verge of extinction

One of the most powerful and pervasive computer dynasties has come to the end

of its lifeline. Introduced in the 1970s, the Digital VAX computers will no

longer be produced after the end of next month (September). Compaq inherited the

"Virtual Address Extension" line of mini computers when it bought

Digital Equipment in 1998.

There are still more than 100,000 VAX computes in use around the world,

although their processing power has long since been eclipsed by the bulk of

today's personal computers.

In the 1980s, the VAX computers reigned supreme in the minicomputer market

and propelled DEC to become the world's second largest computer maker. Running

its own VMS operating system, the machines were the first to offer client-server

computing to allow smaller computers get linked to larger servers on networks.

The Compaq announcement of a final date for taking orders for VAX computers

does not come as a complete shock. Even before Compaq bought DEC, the latter had

announced in 1997 that it planned to phase out the VAX line machines.