I don't think that's even close to the real reason.
I suspect the real story is that they figured out what a boo-boo they made
when they soldered in the 166 MHz processors in the original model of the
Multia (VX40) so they can't be upgraded. They wound up with a warehouse
of overstocked 166 MHz units. People that really want Multias to run NT are
buying the 233 MHz model.
Both the UDB and the Easy Web Server were done as quick attempts to clear out
the warehouse without losing too much money. I suspect that they have
discovered that the Easy Web Server is easier to sell and more profitable.
Either that, or they have finally emptied the warehouse of 166 MHz machines.
But there's no indication that the Easy Web Server is discontinued. Of course,
if it sells well they will migrate it to 233 MHz.
The part of the story I don't understand is the recent "fire-sale" pricing
on the UDB ($1199 list!), followed almost instantly by the discontinuation.
If the warehouse was almost empty, they wouldn't have needed a fire-sale.
OTOH, if they had lots of them the fire-sale would have taken longer than
this to dump them. Oh, well. I guess that's why I'm an engineer and not a
businessman.
I'm disappointed that they aren't offering a 233 MHz UDB. I guess the
commitment to low-end Linux/Alpha systems which I praised them for a few
days ago isn't so strong after all. Sigh.
I'm still waiting for that 21164A-based Multia. Perhaps a VX-43?
Eric