Windows makes a mark in server ranking
C|Net | at | by Mike
A $4.6 million NEC server using Microsoft Windows has grabbed high marks in a closely watched performance ranking traditionally dominated by machines running the Unix operating system. The fifth-place ranking on the Transaction Performance Council's TPC-C speed test is an important step in Microsoft's years-long struggle to have its software used not only on PCs and low-end networked "server" computers, but also on high-end machines. Such servers often handle vital corporate computing tasks, such as tracking inventory or managing bank accounts.
Sun has declined to participate in the TPC-C benchmark battle, calling the speed measurement obsolete and encouraging would-be customers to try its actual software instead looking at a generic benchmark. Analysts say Sun may be simply reluctant to spend the millions of dollars necessary to participate, especially if the company can't guarantee a good score.