Just an interesting tidbit on this topic, yesterday it was announced that
"Compaq[/DEC] dumps Windows NT-on-Alpha"

http://cnn.com/TECH/computing/9908/24/nt.dump.idg/index.html

Denys Beauchemin wrote:
>
>
> X-no-Archive:yes
> Tom makes a good point when he says:
>
> The same cannot be said about NT, which is frequently touted as an "open"
> system.
>
> But to my mind, one would have to view NT as "open" for a couple of reasons.
>
> 1- Microsoft does not make computers, it only makes the operating system.
>  Conversely, HP makes the HP 3000 and MPE which only runs on the HP 3000.  Just
> as IBM makes the AS/400 and OS/400 which runs on the former.  Apple makes the
> Mac and the MacOS which only runs on the Mac.
> 2- Originally, NT ran on 4 platforms, but since then this number has been cut
> down to two.  I guess it will go up again when Merced (or whatever IA-64)
> starts shipping.  Also, NT runs on AMD, so maybe it is 3 already.  Anyway you
> look at it, NT runs on an architecture that represents the vast majority of
> installed computers.
> 3- Most if not virtually all 32-bit applications that run on Windows 95 and 98
> also run on NT.
> 4- The only reason UNIX started becoming somewhat "open" was POSIX.
> 5- NT has a POSIX interface.
>
> However, there are also numerous reasons why NT should not be viewed as "open".
>
> 1- The "standards" are defined and controlled by one company.
> 2- A lot of the APIs are ill-defined, at best.
> 3- Add your own reasons.
>
> Kind regards,
>
> Denys. . .
>
> Denys Beauchemin
> HICOMP
> (800) 323-8863  (281) 288-7438         Fax: (281) 355-6879
> denys at hicomp.com                             www.hicomp.com
>