The Compaq Computer Corporation introduced its first line of work stations here today, with five models priced from $4,300 to $10,200.
Earlier this month it introduced a full line of powerful work stations and servers, the machines that distribute data to desktops in computer networks.
The company also reduced the price on one mid-range model from $77,589, to $70,482, and extended its highest performance graphics accelerator to its complete line of work stations.
I.B.M. plans a new line of work stations for engineers and scientists.
I.B.M. will offer software developed by Next Inc. on a line of work stations and the PS/2 line of personal computers.
Sun and Hewlett-Packard also use the chip in lines of work stations.
Digital introduced its Alpha chip last year and has already been using it in a line of work stations.
Expanding its role as a computer manufacturer, the Intel Corporation will introduce a new line of work stations Monday.
Next week the company plans to introduce its first line of work stations, which are computers used by scientists, designers and others and are more powerful than standard PC's.
Sun, which declined to comment before the announcement, is expected to introduce a new line of work stations that will employ the Super Sparc chip on May 19.