Are Sparc workstation clones needed (opinions please)

[pcinews!observer at cs.utexas.edu]

In the coming months several workstation makers are expected to announce
Sun Sparcstation-compatible machines. These machines are expected to offer
users competitive performance at low prices. Assuming all this is true, is
there a market for a low cost Sparc- based Sun-compatible workstation? Or,
for perhaps $1,000 - $2,000 extra per machine, is it worth it for Sun
users to have a fully compatible Sun machine for easier system
administration -- the genuine article?  Solbourne obviously has taken the
"high road" and is adding value with multi-processors and OS enhancements.
However, is there a need on the other end of the scale?  You opinions
requested.

Janet A. Allen
The Sun Observer
observer at pcinews.lonestar.org