Workstations vs. High End PCs

The debate between the workstation and high end PC worlds has been ongoing for quite some time, but kicked into high gear when more robust PC operating systems like Windows NT emerged in conjuntion with more powerful hardware like the Intel Pentium Pro microprocessors. Suddenly, the well protected empire of UNIX workstations saw their first serious competitors.

However, unlike the well known mistakes made by Apple, the UNIX community (hardware and software) is not standing still while the "Wintel" team evolves. Even UNIX kingpin Hewlett Packard (HP) has announced new strategic collaborations with Intel on the next generation UNIX processor: Merced, due out in the latter half of 1997. HP workstations with Merced will run the newest versions of HP-UX, HP's well known version of UNIX.

Yet, even HP has recognized that the high end computing landscape is changing. In order to prepare for all fronts, HP has also agressively marketed their high end PCs and servers to meet customers' needs.

The key, I believe, lies in what uses are anticipated for either machine. At this stage, Windows NT on Pentium Pros do well when running 2D graphics applications, as well as some 3D and solid model applications. In a large network environment, however, I would hesitate to use Windows NT until its robustness improves to at least the level of today's UNIX. Today's UNIX can easily handle high powered 3D/solid modeling typical of CAD/CAM/CAE work without the stability concerns of Windows NT. Nothing upsets a design engineer more than loss of a large solid model due to lock-up and ensuing reboot. A handy phrase in this situation is reminiscent of the early CAD mainframe days: "Update, and update often."

The bottom line for IT/ADPE folks is cost. While Wintel can run 10% the cost of UNIX, the power/stability issue must be weighed. The greatest thing to come out of the debate is this thought: the competition has already reduced UNIX hardware prices by as much as 50% or more. The ultimate winners are the users.

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Paul Segura
May 1997