HP Professional AP500 Compaq Workstations Graphics Product Positioning - Page 4

Compaq Professional Workstations Graphics Product Positioning 4 Specialty Graphics This is the entry-level in the Graphics Excellence Program. Controllers offered as specialty solutions are tested on Compaq platforms, but are not sold by Compaq nor offered as Compaq options. This class of graphics solution is integrated by resellers or elsewhere in the channel and the warranty for the graphics is provided by the graphics hardware vendor. Generally, these devices appeal to narrow market segments, and as such are best delivered and integrated by specific, focused value-added channels. The key benefit of this program is that it allows customers to get the graphics controllers that meet specific requirements or preferences and still receive the performance and peace of mind of the Compaq quality workstation platform. This approach also allows Compaq to get new graphics solutions to market quickly and efficiently, with less stringent testing requirements (for example bypassing some of Compaq's detailed platform environmental, thermal and mechanical analyses). Having identified a solution opportunity in the market, Compaq invites the graphics solution developer to spend a week in the new, dedicated GEP lab in Littleton, MA for joint testing with Compaq's segment, graphics and platform engineers. There, the combined teams work through a menu of configuration and application options, logging, diagnosing and troubleshooting any issues in tandem. Critical functionality and parameters that are often part of the test plan are operating systems such as Windows NT, Windows 98, Windows 2000 and Linux. Compaq is also interested in thoroughly understanding the controllers' application performance and general platform interoperability. Once testing is complete, any issues that have not been resolved by the end of the graphics partner visits are logged and assigned for resolution based on the nature of the problem. Representatives from both sides are constantly in contact to assure smooth reconciliation of outstanding debug work even after the joint testing has been completed. Only after both parties are satisfied is certification granted. Select Graphics The next level of the Graphics Excellence Program is the Select Level. These controllers are more strategic products that are more thoroughly tested for compatibility with the Compaq workstation platforms. The Select Graphics solution is the primary vehicle for Compaq to be the first to market with key new graphics technologies. Examples of this class of solution include the Matrox G200 Quad MMS controller for multiple-display configurations and the industry-leading ELSA GLoria II graphics controller. Compaq and its channels offer this class of product as a Compaq after-market option and these devices are covered under Compaq warranties. Select solutions are not only qualified and profiled in the GEP lab but are also scrutinized by Compaq platform and segment engineering teams for overall quality. These solutions are also the top candidates to promotion to Premier status based on market performance and platform refresh schedules. In fact, Compaq has already seen that the best of these Select solutions, such as the Matrox Millennium G400 DualHead and the Intense3D Wildcat 4110 PRO can be rapidly elevated to the top tier of the GEP program. Premier Graphics The Premier level is where Compaq applies the most stringent testing and where it delivers the solutions that appeal to the broadest base of users. Premier level graphics are preinstalled on Compaq Professional Workstations and/or offered by Compaq and its channels as after-market options. These are typically the highest performance, fullest-featured, highest quality graphics