Compaq Computer Corp.'s $9.6 billion buyout of Digital Equipment Corp. still awaits assorted shareholder and government approvals before it is completed. But if it were up to customers, the deal would go through right away.
Customers said the demoralized and downsized Digital will profit from Compaq's marketing savvy and vigor, while Compaq could use the boost Digital will give it in service and support and high-end server technology.
"Digitals merging with Compaq will give Digital more direction and focus," said Lawrence Brennan, information systems operations manager at Herndon, Va.-based Servus Financial Corp., which has a 250-node network based on Digital Alpha-Servers. The acquisition should restore confidence among Digital customers who have been put off by the companys lawsuits, layoffs and sale of business units, he said.
The deal also bodes well for the survival of Digital's high-speed Alpha processor technology, given that Compaq needs to offer high-end machines to match products from rivals, Brennan said. And Compaq is getting a first-rate service organization, he added. "I've never seen anyone more knowledgeable," Brennan said of Digital's help desk personnel. `"They're not just like seasonal staff."
"I suspect it will be a smooth transition for Compaq," said James Hutchinson, network administrator at Boston's Children's Hospital, which runs a network based on Compaq servers and Digital network gear and OpenVMS software. `"All that will be involved is some cross-training for the Digital folks on Compaq equipment."
But one customer voiced concern that Compaq might not fully appreciate what it is getting in Digital's service and support group. "I won't be happy if they just try to make us think they are maintaining the Digital commitment to support by just putting more field reps out there," said Hal Kuff, systems and network manager at Tesco Technologies, Inc., of Hunt Valley, Md. Digital services Tesco's network of VAX and AlphaServer machines.
Compaq customer Brad Milhorn said the acquisition could wind up benefiting Windows NT customers. While Compaq and Digital already work closely with Microsoft Corp., the integration of Compaqs and Digital's technologies could make for an even more powerful Windows hardware platform. Compaq should be able to take advantage of Digital's Alpha processors and other technology, he said.
