Samsung has rights to future, unique Alpha chips

Digital said last night it had granted Samsung a licence allowing the Korean firm to make its own versions of the Alpha processor. The arrangement is an extension of the current working relationship that already gives Samsung access to current Alpha designs.

Samsung said it would create a subsidiary dedicated to Alpha sales and marketing while Digital will work with Samsung to provide marketing and technical support. Under terms of the deal, Samsung gets access to all Alpha intellectual property, including patents and future implementations.

"This agreement further solidifies the future of Alpha for our customers. It means they can choose from a far broader range of Alpha solutions and vendors well into the 21st century," said Harold Copperman, senior vice president and group executive, Digital Products Division, in a prepared statement.