Hello,
 Perhaps IBM is just filling a spot HP appears to have vacated!
Sounds like good marketing to me.  HP should pay attention.....

Dick N...

F. Alfredo Rego wrote:

> >From Computerworld, about a $6,995 AS/400 six times more powerful than the
> previous low end:
>
> IBM readies new AS/400 line
> By Nancy Weil
>
>                                IBM next week will introduce a line of
> AS/400 servers that run on new, faster microprocessors and will announce a
> model aimed at small businesses.
>
>                                The new line will consolidate multiple
> servers into a single family of three models that IBM expects will require
> less frequent upgrades, according to an IBM spokesman. The official
> announcement is expected Tuesday.
>
>                                In addition to the consolidated server model
> line, IBM also will announce a more powerful entry-level machine, the Model
> 170, that runs on two processors and offers six times the performance of
> the current comparable model. The server line will start at $6,995, with a
> preconfigured database and operating system offered at no extra cost.
>
>                                The AS/400 offerings will use the Northstar
> microprocessor, also known as the Power PC AS50. IBM also will announce
> that the Pentium-based PC server built in to previous AS/400s will be
> replaced by IBM Netfinity server technology, the IBM public relations
> representative said.
>
>                                The line also is expected to have a new
> operating system designed to make it easier to provide secure
> electronic-commerce transactions, work remotely over the Internet, manage
> networks and use business intelligence data.
>
> _______________________________________________________________________
>
> Oops...  Interestingly, ANYBODY who is a "small business" (or a big
> business, for that matter) can buy one of these attractively priced IBM
> AS/400 machines.
>
> So, what can the HP3000 community do to keep ahead of the game?
>  _______________
> |               |
> |               |
> |            r  |  Alfredo                     mailto:[log in to unmask]
> |          e    |                                  http://www.adager.com
> |        g      |  F. Alfredo Rego                       +1 208 726-9100
> |      a        |  Manager, R & D Labs               Fax +1 208 726-2822
> |    d          |  Adager Corporation
> |  A            |  Sun Valley, Idaho 83353-3000                   U.S.A.
> |               |
> |_______________|