Silicon Graphics has brought high-end graphics abilities to its Linux- and Itanium-based computers, an important step in the company"s expansion from its more proprietary equipment.
The Mountain View, Calif., company sells two classes of computers--some models for general high-performance computing and offshoots with advanced graphics abilities. Until now, the graphics abilities were only available on the company"s older line using its own MIPS processors and Irix operating system.
The older products still has some advantages--the chips run cooler and Irix has features Linux still lacks--but the Itanium line is less expensive, said spokeswoman Ginny Babbitt. Prices for the new Itanium-based Prism line start at $30,000, compared to $45,000 for the MIPS-based Onyx system, and the Itanium machines are faster.