Sources close to Sun Microelectronics said today that while Sun could conceivably tape out UltraSparc III by year end, it likely would be Q2 of 2000 before we see systems. The insider told The Register that Compaq's Alpha chip, now CEO Eckhard Pfeiffer's preferred high end processor over Merced, was on target and would deliver high performance and low price, as already revealed here. Said the insider: "EV67 is already taped out and EV68 will tape out soon after. Sun Microsystems does not have any chance of competing with the type of benchmarks the Alpha is displaying." Sun Micro was not available for comment as we wrote this story. Although we're always interested to hear from them. ®