The June 2000 Monthly Bulletin For Users Of SPARC Based Products

June 30, 2000

Issue No. 81

I. SPARC NEWS

  1. RAVE’S SPARC SYSTEMS EXTEND WARRANTY TO TWO YEARS

  2. TADPOLE-RDI JOINS SUN MICROSYSTEMS’ GLOBAL STAROFFICE NOW INITIATIVE

  3. FORCE COMPUTERS SHIPS HIGH AVAILABILITY COMPACT PCI MANAGEMENT SERVERS TO ALCATEL

  4. TADPOLE PARTNERS WITH POINTBASE TO ENHANCE ITS JAVA-BASED OFFERINGS FOR MOBILE MARKETS

  5. KINGSTON EXPANDS MEMORY MODULE MANUFACTURING CAPABILITIES TO INCLUDE BACK-END ASSEMBLY OF CHIPS FROM WAFERS

  6. POINTBASE AND TADPOLE TEAM UP AT JAVAONE WITH MOBILE WIRELESS DEVICE

  7. RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC., ANNOUNCES A 6U RACKMOUNT CHASSIS FOR THE SUN ULTRA AXMP MOTHERBOARD

  8. VIVENDI’S THREE VALLEYS WATER FLOWS WITH TADPOLE – TADPOLE-CARTESIA WINS $1.2 MILLION FIELD INFORMATION SYSTEMS CONTRACT

  9. ARIES ANNOUNCES THE NEW SAPHIRE RED(TM) CLASS OF AXI CPU MODULES @ 360,400, AND 480MHZ

  10. ENTERPRISE COMPUTING – TADPOLE’S J-SLATE DEVICE NOMINATED FOR BEST MOBILE WIRELESS SOLUTION AWARD AT JAVAONE DEVELOPER CONFERENCE

  11. NEW AND STRENGTHENED INDUSTRY RELATIONSHIPS FORCE ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC INITIATIVES WITH ALCATEL, TRILLIUM AND SERVERWORKS

  12. WEB IT, WAP IT, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, ANYPLACE – TADPOLE EXTENDS TECHNOLOGY FOR WAP PHONES AND WEB-ENABLED DEVICES

II. SCD CERTIFIED TESTING ADDITIONS IN JUNE

III.SPARCSHOP


I. SPARC News

I. A. – RAVE’S SPARC SYSTEMS EXTEND WARRANTY TO TWO YEARS

Sterling Heights, MI–June 27, 2000–Rave Computer Association Inc., implemented a two-year warranty program for all Rave Systems of Sun SPARC technology. Raves two-year warranty provides users with a year extension from a standard one-year program. Rave Computers equipment is warranted from defects in workmanship and materials applicable during the warranty period. Raves technical support provides help desk information, with a toll free number (800-966-7283) and on-line information through e-mail support@rave.com. Raves phone support operates during normal business hours (8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. EST) Monday through Friday.

An extended warranty can be purchased from two to three years at the time of purchase. Rave Computer also provides third party services for on-site support.

About Rave Computer Association, Inc.
Rave Computer Association, Inc., provides quality-configured systems around Sun’s SPARC technology with software, compatible peripherals and other exceptional value-added services. Raves custom-built systems offer robust processing performance, flexibility, and reliability. Rave Computers UL test facility and ISO-9002 procedures ensure quality products and services. More information about Rave Computer Association, Inc., and its integration services can be found on their web site at: www.rave.net or by calling 1-800-966-7283. E-mail inquiries may be sent to info@rave.com.

I. B. – TADPOLE-RDI JOINS SUN MICROSYSTEMS’ GLOBAL STAROFFICE NOW INITIATIVE

Carlsbad, CA–June 15, 2000–Tadpole-RDI, Inc., the hardware business unit of m-business computing specialist Tadpole Technology plc (LSE-TAD), today announced that it has joined Sun Microsystems’ StarOffice NOW program. A global initiative, the program allows Sun partners and integrators to provide the StarOffice software productivity suite free-of-charge to their customers.

Tadpole-RDI will now distribute StarOffice software with future shipments of its unique ranges of portable workstations and servers, respectively its UltraSPARC® IIi-based UltraBookIIi and VoyagerIIi offerings, which are helping Sun Microsystems customers on the move to work faster, smarter, and leaner.

Available free of charge, StarOffice software is web-ready, and delivers seamless access to applications and files. A cross-platform personal productivity suite, StarOffice software runs on the Solaris operating environment, Microsoft Windows, Linux and OS/2 platforms and is available in eight languages. It has a fully-integrated set of applications that provides compatible word processing, spreadsheet, graphic design, presentations, HTML editor, mail/news reader, scheduler, and database functions and contains filters for importing other file formats.

Una Richens, Tadpole-RDI’s vice president of sales and marketing, comments: “Joining the StarOffice NOW program strengthens Tadpole’s strong strategic alliance with Sun Microsystems – with StarOffice software available on our Solaris-based offerings, the core brand values of UltraBookIIi workstations and VoyagerIIi servers are further enhanced.”

“With the addition of the StarOffice Suite to its unique UltraSPARC lli-based range of portable Solaris workstations and servers, Tadpole further demonstrates its commitment in bringing timely e-business solutions to mobile corporate environments,” said Tony Hampel, director of marketing, Webtop and Application Software, Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Portable Unix Value
One hundred percent binary compatible with Sun desktops and servers, the real world benefits from increased productivity and lower operating costs. All are explained in detail on Tadpole-RDI’s website, www.tadpolerdi.com further information from sales@tadpolerdi.com, or by telephone at 760-929-0992.

About Tadpole-RDI
Tadpole-RDI, Inc., a business unit of mobile computing vendor Tadpole Technology plc (LSE -TAD), is the global leader in portable UNIX workstations and servers for Sun and Hewlett-Packard operating systems and innovator of J-Slate, a new breed of Java-enabled wireless Internet devices. Its headquarters are based in Carlsbad, California and European operations in Cambridge, England. Tadpole-RDI is certified ISO-9001 and operates through a global network of specialist distribution channels providing applications in industry, commerce and government.

I. C. – FORCE COMPUTERS SHIPS HIGH AVAILABILITY COMPACT PCI MANAGEMENT SERVERS TO ALCATEL

Force’s Embedded Cluster Platform to be Used as Carrier-Grade Management Server in Alcatel’s Next-Generation of Core IP Terabit Routers

Atlanta, GA–June 6, 2000–Force Computers, a wholly owned subsidiary of Solectron Corporation’s technology solutions business unit (NYSE:SLR) and a leader in embedded computing, announced at SUPERCOMM 2000 that it shipped the first of its High Availability, CompactPCI(R) management servers to the Alcatel Carrier Data Division in Antwerp, Belgium. The servers will be integrated into Alcatel’s new family of next-generation IP core routers and will perform mission-critical system management functions. Designed for ease of maintenance and to endure the rigors of telecom environments, the Force CompactPCI server leverages key technologies from the award-winning Centellis(R) CO (Central Office) 88520 embedded cluster platform. In addition to designing, manufacturing and supporting the server, Force will also assist Alcatel in obtaining NEBS(TM) Level 3 certification for the management server.

High Availability, CompactPCI and UNIX clustering The CompactPCI server designed for Alcatel borrows key technologies and core features from Force’s embedded cluster platform, the Centellis CO 88520. The Centellis CO is a carrier grade, UNIX(R)-based High Availability server in a NEBS-tested CompactPCI chassis. Combining dual nodes for cluster failover, hot-swappable components and a fault-resilient architecture, it delivers “five nines” uptime for critical telecommunications and networking applications. Shared high-performance hard disk drive array and intelligent DC power input and distribution designs were critical to meeting Alcatel’s management server requirements. “The Centellis CO 88520 is an embodiment of the engineering skill set of Force Computers for designing High Availability, NEBS-tested platforms,” said Chris Williams, vice president, Force Computers. “This skill set empowered us to meet, and in some cases exceed, Alcatel’s product and time-to-market requirements.”

Alcatel: world, market and technology leader Alcatel is a global telecommunications carrier vendor for terrestrial and submarine networks and has a proven record in data communications solutions. It is the world, market and technology leader in SONET and ADSL products. Alcatel also offers digital/optical cross-connect equipment and DWDM solutions for the metro and over the long haul for IP-intensive applications, handling voice and data traffic from any-to-any access point over ATM and core IP backbone networks.

The Alcatel R&D labs in Antwerp are working on the development of a highly sophisticated, flexible and extremely scalable optical terabit router ranging in capacity from 640 Gbps in one frame to multiple terabits in one node. Interface support covers speeds from OC3 to OC192, including GbE and 10GbE with an option to provide 40Gbit/s at wire speed in the future. This product exhibits a completely distributed processing and management intelligence and offers true carrier class reliability in both hardware and software.

“Force Computers matched our selection criteria by offering a complete server solution and meeting our aggressive time lines,” said Jan Van Tetering, chief engineer, Alcatel. “Force has enabled our project to rapidly move forward, accelerating the adoption of our next-generation technology in worldwide telecommunication networking applications.”

About Alcatel
Alcatel builds next-generation networks, delivering integrated end-to-end voice and data networking solutions to established and new carriers, as well as enterprises and consumers worldwide. With 120,000 employees and sales of EURO 23 billion in 1999, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries.

About Force Computers
Force Computers www.forcecomputers.com was founded in 1981 and is a leading designer and worldwide supplier of standard and custom systems and board-level computer platforms and services for the embedded market. The processor-independent company helps its customers develop embedded applications based on Alpha, MIPS, Pentium(R), PowerPC(TM), PowerQUICC(TM), SPARC(R), StrongARM and 68K(TM) technologies, for embedded UNIX(R), Linux(TM), Windows NT(R) and real-time applications. Force supports VME, CompactPCI(R), PCI, PCI/ISA and PMC bus architectures, as well as custom form factors. An ISO 9001 certified company, Force Computers practices Total Quality Management principles in all phases of the company’s global operations. The company, along with its parent company, Solectron Corporation, is the 1997 winner of the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for Manufacturing. Force’s corporate headquarters and Asia Pacific headquarters is located in San Jose, California. Force’s European headquarters is located in Munich, Germany.

I. D. -TADPOLE PARTNERS WITH POINTBASE TO ENHANCE ITS JAVA-BASED OFFERINGS FOR MOBILE MARKETS

“Pointbase’s partnership with Tadpole will open up opportunities in new markets for us by introducing our technology to industries that are building next-generation apps on Java,” says Bruce Scott, president of Pointbase and co-founder of Oracle.

Carlsbad, CA–May 2, 2000–Tadpole-RDI, Inc., the California-based hardware business unit of mobile business computing specialist Tadpole Technology plc, today announced that it has formed a strategic partnership with PointBase to offer its embedded Java database with Tadpoles J-Slate pen computer, a new breed of wireless internet device. PointBase, Inc. is the leader in mobile wireless and 100% Pure Java data management products.

The addition of the PointBase database enables Tadpole to provide J-Slate users with the ability to store local extracts from enterprise databases and to automatically synchronize any changes with the originating database.

The Pointbase database and data management tools also ensures that J-Slate users will never have to worry about losing data – PointBase transparently manages the synchronization of data transfers to and from the J-Slate ensuring that even when wireless reception is intermittent all data integrity is preserved.

Tadpole selected PointBase technology because its 100% Pure Java databases can interface with all major enterprise database on any computing platform that supports Java.

Bernard Hulme, president of Tadpole-RDI and CEO of Tadpole Technology, plc, comments: “Enterprises are looking for an efficient way to let mobile workers use wireless devices to tap into corporate applications and databases and to automatically update them without losing data, even when wireless reception is intermittent.” He adds: “PointBase technology increases J-Slate’s overall value to customers because it delivers a very easy-to-use, easy-to-manage solution to the complex problem of data synchronization over wireless networks.”

“Tadpole’s commitment to deliver world-class mobile Java solutions to enterprise customers complements our passion in bringing the benefits of Java-based data management to mobile users,” adds Bruce Scott, president and CEO of PointBase, Inc., who also co-founded Oracle Corporation. “Pointbase’s partnership with Tadpole will open up opportunities in new markets for us by introducing our technology to industries that are building next-generation apps on Java.”

About Tadpole’s J-Slate
The J-Slate is the world’s first mobile wireless internet device that is optimized to run Java based web and internet applications in vertical markets. Designed from the ground up for workers who need a simple-to-use, rugged hand-held pen computer, the J-Slate runs Java applications either standalone or via a Web browser, and shields users from the complexity of an operating system.

By standardizing on Java, the J-Slate has a completely open development environment that allows customers to target applications and deploy solutions that meet their specific requirements. In target markets for the J-Slate, most customers need connectivity to enterprise class databases such as IBM DB/2, Lotus Notes, Microsoft SQL*Server, Oracle, Sybase, etc. Pointbase will provide this connectivity.

Developer Applications For J-Slate
PointBase supports all of the important standards for data management, such as SQL, and Internet connectivity, such as HTML and HTTP. This allows developers to create applications for the J-Slate which can be integrated quickly and easily with enterprise applications which typically rely heavily on SQL and have global reach through the Internet.

The synergy of PointBase and J-Slates long battery-life, large bright color display, instant-on and wireless connectivity provides a full work shift of usage in most environments.

I. E. – KINGSTON EXPANDS MEMORY MODULE MANUFACTURING CAPABILITIES TO INCLUDE BACK-END ASSEMBLY OF CHIPS FROM WAFERS

Fountain Valley, CA–June 12, 2000–Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the world’s leading memory module provider, announced today additional service offerings to their current supply chain management model. Dubbed “The Payton Project”, Kingston’s expanded capabilities – housed in a newly built $100+ million facility – offers DRAM manufacturers and other semiconductor companies a complete Build-to-Order (BTO) memory module manufacturing solution within the United States for the first time. These services now encompass all production processes from the receipt of silicon wafers to the shipment of completed memory modules, and is supported by Kingston’s new facilities in Fountain Valley, Calif. and in Taiwan.

Historically, Kingston’s memory module production began with the receipt of DRAM chips from semiconductor companies. Every module manufactured would be placed through rigorous testing to insure reliability, compatibility and integrity of its design specified by the DRAM companies. In turn, Kingston would either warehouse or ship the completed modules back to the DRAM companies or their customers.

The “one-stop” service of the Payton Project begins with the receipt of silicon wafers, followed by die cutting, packaging, and chip testing. Payton’s chip packaging services will link with Kingston’s current model of building and testing memory modules according to specifications. The new supply chain process timeframe – from silicon wafers to memory modules – has been reduced by as much as eight weeks.

Today, DRAM companies as well as their customers – computer and electronic equipment manufacturers – will benefit from shorter manufacturing cycle times with Kingston’s one-stop service. The shorter cycle times will virtually eliminate product mix issues and simplify forecasting and planning.

Kingston is making the announcement today at its campus in Fountain Valley, Calif. via a live press conference and simultaneous, worldwide webcast at 10:00 a.m., PDT. Honored guests from Toshiba Corporation and Intel Corporation will be on hand to participate in the momentous occasion. Immediately following the press conference, attendees will be given on-sitetours as webcast viewers watch a virtual tour of Kingston’s new facility. The webcast will be available for viewing at www.videonewswire.com/KINGSTON/061200/ until September 12, 2000.

About Kingston Technology Company, Inc. offers a complete line of memory, storage, networking and PC enhancement products. With strictly regulated ISO-registered facilities in the United States (ISO 9001), Ireland (ISO 9002), Malaysia (ISO 9002) and Taiwan (ISO 9002), Kingston markets its products through an extensive worldwide network of distributors, major reseller chains and independent dealers. For additional information on Kingston products, please contact Kingston Technology at +1 (800) 337-8410, www.kingston.com.

I. F. – POINTBASE AND TADPOLE TEAM UP AT JAVAONE WITH MOBILE WIRELESS DEVICE

Mountain View and Carlsbad, CA–June 6, 2000–One exhibit at this year’s JavaOne developer conference in San Francisco that seems poised to take pole position in the race for the post-PC mobile computing space is J-Slate, a new breed of “instant-on, instant-off” wireless Internet devices.

A breakthrough in enterprise computing, the simple-to-use, Java-enabled device can visualize and manipulate files with rich graphical content and has a cost of ownership that’s one-third less than classic laptops and tablets. By embedding PointBase’s award-winning data management and synchronization technology, it transparently synchronizes data transfers to and from the J-Slate across complex network and system environments.

Designed for anywhere-anytime mobile computing, J-Slate is a pen computer built by California-based Tadpole-RDI, the hardware business unit of mobile computing specialist Tadpole Technology plc. Tadpole-RDI, also the global leader in portable Unix workstations and servers, is a strategic partner of PointBase.

With its bright, 10.4-inch color display, and ability to run graphical-rich applications when disconnected or connected to corporate networks, the integrated wireless J-Slate device also has a gamut of configuration options including user accessible PCMCIA sockets, cellular phone, radio and GPS, as well as modem and Ethernet connections.

Running 100% Pure Java, PointBase Mobile Edition and PointBase UniSync (universal synchronization), J-Slate stores local extracts from enterprise databases, and automatically synchronizes any changes with the originating database. The tools also transparently manage the synchronization of data transfers to and from the J-Slate ensuring data integrity even when wireless reception is intermittent.

JavaOne Demos
Specialists from both PointBase and Tadpole-RDI will be available throughout the JavaOne conference to give live demonstrations of J-Slate’s technological edge and capabilities. Developers planning to visit PointBase’s booth #819 can book appointments for a demonstration with the booth receptionist at the PointBase booth.

More On Tadpoles J-Slate
J-Slate is the world’s first mobile wireless Internet device optimized to run Java-based web applications. Designed from the ground up for corporate workforces needing a simple-to-use, rugged hand-held pen computer, the J-Slate runs Java applications either standalone or via a Web browser, and shields users from the complexity of an operating system.

By standardizing on Java, the J-Slate has a completely open development environment allowing customers to target applications and deploy solutions that meet their specific requirements. In target markets for the J-Slate, most customers need connectivity to enterprise class databases such as IBM DB/2, Lotus Notes, Microsoft SQL*Server, Oracle and Sybase. PointBase provides this connectivity.

Developer Applications For J-Slate
PointBase supports all of the important standards for data management, such as SQL, and Internet connectivity, such as HTML and HTTP. This allows developers to create applications for the J-Slate which can be integrated quickly and easily with enterprise applications which typically rely heavily on SQL and have global reach through the Internet. The synergy of PointBase and J-Slates long battery-life, large bright color display, instant-on and wireless connectivity provides a full work shift of usage in most environments.

About PointBase
PointBase, the leader in mobile wireless data management, creates the technology for extending and synchronizing enterprise data among wireless devices, Internet appliances, mobile applications, PDAs, and networked servers. The companys 100% Pure Java products solve the problem of managing data for applications deployed globally across a diversity of platforms.

PointBase was established in 1998 by Bruce Scott, co-founder of Oracle Corporation and Gupta/Centura Software, and Jeff Richey, one of the key developers of the Sybase SQL database server. The management team includes industry veterans from IBM, Oracle, Sybase, Hewlett-Packard and Sun Microsystems. For additional information on PointBase and its products, please send an email to info@pointbase.com, call 1-877/238-8798 (U.S. and Canada) or 650/230-7200 (International) or visit the compan’s website at www.pointbase.com.

I. G. – RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC., ANNOUNCES A 6U RACKMOUNT CHASSIS FOR THE SUN ULTRA AXMP MOTHERBOARD

Sterling Heights, MI–May 31, 2000–Rave Computer Association, Inc., an authorized Sun Master value-added System Integrator announces a new 6U Rackmount chassis for the Ultra AXmp.

Rave Computer Association, Inc. integrates Suns Ultra AXmp motherboard into a 6U 19-inch rackmountable chassis. The Ultra AXmp is a scalable 64-bit Ultra SPARC multi-processing motherboard with a unique Ultra Port Architecture (UPA) that enables the CPU bus bandwidth to be increased to 3.2GB per second via a custom cross bar switch. This large processor bandwidth enables scaling of up to four UltraSPARC-II microprocessor modules (currently shipping 450MHz with 4MB cache). The motherboard supports up to 4GB of memory and features integrated dual-channel Ultra Wide SCSI, six PCI slots, four at 33MHz and two at 66MHz. The 6U standard chassis includes three hot swap 400-Watt power supplies, two 3.5-inch upper drive bays, two 5.25-inch upper bays, nine 5.25-inch lower bays, and three 93 CFM cage fan modules. Optional features are CD-Rom, 1.44MB Floppy Drive, up to 73GB HardDisk Drive, 4mm or 8mm tape drives, and a lower locking front panel.

The 6U-AXmp can be pre-installed with Solaris 7 and is binary compatible with the broad array of current SPARC applications. Linux 6.1 is offered as an optional operating system for the Ultra AXmp. All of Rave Computers integrated systems feature a two-year warranty.

The powerful multiprocessing features found in the Ultra AXmp provides ideal solutions for communication servers, data warehousing applications, or specialized commercial and financial applications.

About Rave Computer Association, Inc.
Rave Computer Association, Inc. provides quality-configured systems around Sun’s SPARC technology with software, compatible peripherals and other exceptional value-added services. Raves custom-built systems offer robust processing performance, flexibility, and reliability. Rave Computers UL test facility and ISO-9002 procedures ensure quality products and services. More information about Rave Computer Association, Inc., and its integration services can be found on their web site at: www.rave.net or by calling 1-800-966-7283. E-mail inquiries may be sent to info@rave.com.

I. H. – VIVENDI’S THREE VALLEYS WATER FLOWS WITH TADPOLE – TADPOLE-CARTESIA WINS $1.2 MILLION FIELD INFORMATION SYSTEMS CONTRACT

Carlsbad, CA–June 9, 2000–Mobile business (m-business) computing specialist Tadpole Technology plc today announced that its field information systems business unit, Tadpole-Cartesia, has been awarded a contract valued at $1.2 million by Three Valleys Water of the Vivendi Group, the world’s largest grouping of water suppliers.

The contract calls for Tadpole-Cartesia to deliver a state-of-the-art field information system based on its thin-client Java Cartesia software product suite running J-Slate, a new breed of wireless Internet devices developed by Tadpole for rugged mobile computing applications.

Aimed at supporting Three Valley’s drive on field worker productivity gains, and to achieve reductions in the cost of field operations, Tadpole’s system will provide the utility’s field operatives with real time access to task critical information from corporate systems at any time, in any location within any working area designated by the company.

The order covers supply of two hundred software licenses and J-Slate pen computers with an option for further licenses and hardware.

About Three Valleys
Based in Hatfield, Three Valleys Water (www.3valleys.co.uk) supplies up to 700 million litres of water each day to 2.3 million customers in a 3,000 square kilometer area covering the northern Home Counties and part of north London. The region covered serves three London airports – Heathrow, Luton and Stansted.

About Tadpole-Cartesia
Tadpole-Cartesia, a business unit of Tadpole Technology plc www.tadpole.com , is an emerging leader in enterprise-class mobile information systems for the world’s utilities, telecommunications and public service industries. Its unique range of mobile business solutions open new vistas for better management and productivity of field workers, improve customer service, reduce operational costs, and enable user industries to fully capitalize their investments in corporate GIS and CAD data. Further information on Tadpole’s businesses on 760-929-0992, or by email sales@tadpole.com.

I. I. – ARIES ANNOUNCES THE NEW SAPHIRE RED(TM) CLASS OF AXI CPU MODULES @ 360,400, AND 480MHZ

AXi is the latest addition to our uni-processing product family. The design is based on the new UltraSPARC(TM) Port Architecture with PCI Bus (UltraSPARCTMIIi) motherboard, and UltraSPARCTMIIi processor, the new 64-bit CPU manufactured by Sun Microelectronics.

Marixx AXi presents a technology breakthrough for workstation computing. Specifically designed for demanding CAD, CAM, CAE, and image processing applications, it supports video compression and decompression, as well as 2D and 3D graphics options. It supports 1 GB-memory and 200GB internal storage. It also has internal and external Ultra SCSI controller on-board, providing more than enough computing power bandwidth for simulation and modeling applications. Marixx AXi outperforms the fastest Pentium II PCs at comparable prices, making it the best value workstation.

In addition, the AXi is a stand-alone workstation. It is also available as rackmount solutions for server applications and custom configured systems.

Available solutions are ATX deskside, 7″ (height) rackmount, and 3.5″ (height) rackmount. The ISO 9002-certified Marixx AXi, as on all of our systems, come with free technical support and 18-month warranty.

For more information visit our web site at www.ariesresearch.com.

I. J. – ENTERPRISE COMPUTING – TADPOLE’S J-SLATE DEVICE NOMINATED FOR BEST MOBILE WIRELESS SOLUTION AWARD AT JAVAONE DEVELOPER CONFERENCE

Carlsbad, CA–June 16, 2000–“Clearly, we’re delighted with this nomination, which recognizes amongst thousands of Java solutions, the technological edge of our J-Slate thin-client wireless Internet device,” says Bernard Hulme, group chief executive of mobile computing specialist, Tadpole Technology.

Hulme’s comment was made following the announcement that Tadpole’s unique J-Slate pen computer, a new breed of rugged wireless Internet device for mobile corporate workforces, had been nominated for the Best Java Solutions Mobile/Wireless Application award at last week’s JavaOne developer conference.

Tadpole’s J-Slate has the profile to meet the anytime-anywhere enterprise computing needs of the spectrum of vertical markets. Just last week, the firm announced a groundbreaking contract from Vivendi’s Three Valleys Water utility to deliver a state-of-the-art field information system based on its thin-client Java Cartesia software product suite running J-Slate pen computers.

Vivendi is the world’s largest grouping of water suppliers and Tadpole’s system will provide the utility’s field engineers with real time access to task critical information from corporate systems at any time, in any location, within any designated working area.

Java Solutions Awards are planned and executed by Java Pro magazine and Sun Microsystems, Inc., and are made to recognize significant achievements in the applied use of Java technology. Each year, seven categories of innovative Java applications are defined with the offerings of three companies selected as finalists for each. The finalists are selected by a panel of independent editors representing the consensual views of developers, research firms, and industry experts.

About Tadpole’s J-Slate
J-Slate is the world’s first mobile rugged wireless internet device optimized to run Java-based web and Internet applications in vertical markets. Designed from the ground up for corporate workforces needing a simple-to-use, hand-held pen computer, the J-Slate runs Java applications either standalone or via a Web browser, and shields users from the complexity of an operating system.

I. K. -NEW AND STRENGTHENED INDUSTRY RELATIONSHIPS FORCE ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC INITIATIVES WITH ALCATEL, TRILLIUM AND SERVERWORKS

In late May and early June, Force made and participated in several key industry announcements with embedded systems partners and customers. On June 6, Force coordinated an announcement with Alcatel concerning the shipment of High Availability management servers to the company’s Carrier Data Division in Antwerp, Belgium. The announcement coincided with Alcatel’s major press conference at the SUPERCOMM trade show in Atlanta. The servers will be integrated into Alcatel’s new family of next-generation IP core terabit routers and will perform mission-critical system management functions within the router.

The management server is based on the core technology found in the Centellis(tm) CO 88520, meeting Alcatel’s requirements for “five nines” system availability, hot-swappable components and NEBS(tm) Level 3 (Force will assist Alcatel in NEBS certification).

In addition to the Alcatel announcement, Force was featured prominently in releases put out by some of our industry partners. On May 24, Trillium Digital Systems publicly unveiled that company’s partner program with select embedded systems vendors. Force appeared in the release along with some of our own partners, including LynuxWorks and Wind River Systems. The Trillium partner program provides OEMs the opportunity to leverage the synergies of integrated software/hardware solutions to accelerate time-to-market and reduce development costs and risks. Force is working with Trillium to more fully integrate our respective solutions, providing confidence that customers can realize substantial benefits.

Another release put out by chip set producer ServerWorks concerned a new alliance between that company and Force. The two companies will cooperate to make multi-processor boards for the embedded market based on various ServerSet(tm) III chip sets. This is the first time plans have been publicly made to use this leading-edge technology in embedded applications, and Force is proud to be the first company in the space to offer it. The ServerWorks’ chip sets will be used with Pentium III boards in CompactPCI(r) and PCI form factors slated to be introduced in the fall by the Custom Boards and Systems division.

For more on these announcements and other Force news, link to www.forcecomputers.com/press/press.htm.

I. L. -WEB IT, WAP IT, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, ANYPLACE – TADPOLE EXTENDS TECHNOLOGY FOR WAP PHONES AND WEB-ENABLED DEVICES

Cambridge and Carlsbad (CA), June 20, 2000 – “Its a new and better way for the growing population of WAP-enabled phone users and web-enabled devices to do business on the move,” says Bernard Hulme, group chief executive of mobile business computing specialist, Tadpole Technology plc.

He adds: “MagiWAP software transforms the mobile phone into a smart remote controller that can access, read, email, move, fax, or print documents stored on a desktop, laptop, or palmtop, whatever their location, without first downloading data or documents to the device.”

Hulme’s comments followed the announcement that Endeavors Technology, Inc., Tadpole’s recently-acquired web technology software business unit, had today launched the second release of its innovative open-source Magi tool suite. Called MagiWAP, it joins Endeavors’ authoring plugin, MagiDAV.

The latest software extends Magi architecture to WAP-enabled mobile phones. For the first time, they can be used as a remote control device to fax a business letter from a distant home PC to a customer, or to print a business plan located on a trusted co-workers PC to any networked printer. MagiWAP also allows mobile phone users to read and check the contents of a quotation on their office PCs, to then email it to a customer, or to move a proposal from a home PC to a trusted co-workers PC in their office – all accomplished via any number of commercially-available WAP phones, without having to sign on to an intermediate service, and without the document having to be downloaded to or from the phone.

“MagiWAP blazes a trail towards the next generation of mobile Web applications.” says Rohit Khare, CEO of KnowNow, Inc. and 4K Associate

Forrester predicts there will be 41 million mobile Internet users in the UK alone by 2005. More than two-thirds will have multiple Internet-enabled devices – handhelds, desktop computers, Internet TVs, and portable computers, for example. Endeavors’ MagiDAV technology gives the web-enabled population controlled, two-way Internet access to documents on all disparate Internet devices, as well as to documents on devices of trusted workgroups.

MagiWAP takes MagiDAV a stage further and gives real-time, up-to-date access to all business data, or that of trusted colleagues, from a WAP phone (or from Magi-enabled computers or laptops), wherever its located and the technology to move it to the right hands whether beside your computer, away from your desk, or on the other side of the world where your documents are located.

Instead of just using WAP phones to read public broadcast information, such as stock prices, weather, business news, and sports scores, MagiWAP allows phone users to securely obtain “private broadcast information” – business plans, price lists, research documents, quotations – as well as those of colleagues within a trusted workgroup. It allows the mobile user to read, move, email, fax, or print these documents, all from a WAP phone.

The latest Magi release is now available on-line, and can be downloaded freely from website http://magi.endeavors.org

About Magi
Magi is a global, open source initiative for developers building and deploying Internet-scale, business-to-business applications and is based on such web standards as the Apache Web Server, Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning protocol (WebDav), XML, JAVA and HTTP. With Microsoft Office 2000 being WebDAV-enabled, a practical example of MagiDAV’s power is its ability to provide any Microsoft Office 2000 user with the ability to read, write and publish directly to or from a variety of locations (home, office, or on the move), and now also from a mobile phone.

Endeavors’ MagiDAV architecture addresses the mounting problem of managing and processing uncoordinated, unsynchronized information scattered randomly on web-enabled devices. It allows an individual to get at and work on any information held within that individuals desktop computer, laptop computer, or palmtop handheld device from any online remote wireless web-enabled device, anywhere. Once that information has been worked upon, the individual can also share it, simply, directly and dynamically, with defined groups of colleagues or collaborators, identified as “buddies”, without needing intermediate servers or services requiring time consuming and complex interactions.

About Endeavors Technology
Endeavors Technology, Inc., acquired by Tadpole in March 2000, was founded in 1998 out of research undertaken at the University of California, Irvine, into the use of the World Wide Web to support wide area wireless e-processes and e-services across mobile workforces and multiple organizations. Endeavors’ founders and technical advisory board have an unrivalled pedigree in developing Internet infrastructure having co-authored many of the Web’s most commonly used protocols and software.

About Tadpole
Tadpole Technology plc www.tadpole.com is a listed company on the London Stock Exchange (EPIC-TAD) with plants and offices in Cambridge, Edinburgh, Bristol (UK), and Irvine and Carlsbad (California). Its Tadpole-RDI hardware business unit is the global leader in portable UNIX workstations and servers and innovator of the world’s first Java-enabled rugged pen computer. Its Tadpole-Cartesia software business unit is an emerging leader in enterprise-class mobile information systems for the world’s utilities, telecommunications and public service industries that open new vistas for better management and productivity of field workers, lead to improved customer service and reduced operational costs, and enable user industries to fully capitalize their investments in corporate GIS and CAD data. Further information on Tadpole’s businesses on telephone +1 760-929-0992 (USA), telephone +44 1223 428200 (UK), or by email sales@tadpole.com.

II. SCD CERTIFIED TESTING ADDITIONS IN JUNE

The SPARC Compliant brand, awarded by SPARC International, assures end users that systems so branded will work with any other product branded to the same level of the “SPARC Compliant Definition (SCD).” This list, updated monthly, includes changes made to the master list of SPARC Compliant products. To view the master list go to certified or send email to info@sparc.com

COMPANYPRODUCTOSSCD DATE
SunSun Ultra 5 (PGX24 360Mhz)Solaris 8-Update 12.1 06-20-00

 

Sun Sun Enterprise Ultra 5S (PGX24 360Mhz) Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00
Sun Ultra 10 (PGX24 440Mhz) Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00
Sun Ultra 10 (Creator 440Hhz) Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00
Sun Ultra 10 (Creator3D 440Mhz) Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00
Sun Ultra 10 (Elite3D m3 440Mhz) Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00
Sun Ultra 10 (Elite3D m6 440mHz) Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00
Sun Ultra 60 (2360 Creator3D 360Mhz) Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00
Sun Ultra 60 (2360 Elite3D m3 360Mhz) Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00
Sun Ultra 60 (2360 Elite3D m6 360Mhz) Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00
Sun Ultra 60 (2450 Creator3D 450Mhz) Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00
Sun Ultra 60 (2450 Elite3D m3 450Mhz) Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00
Sun Ultra 60 (2450 Elite3D m6 450Mhz) Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00
Sun Ultra 80 (4450 Creator3D 450Mhz) Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00
Sun Ultra 80 (4450 PGX32 450Mhz) Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00
Sun Ultra 80 (4450 Elite3D m6 450Mhz) Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00
Sun Ultra Enterprise 2 (1400 400Mhz) Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00
Sun Sun Eterprise 250 400Mhz Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00
Sun Sun Enterprise 3500 400Mhz Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00
Sun Sun Enterprise 4500 400Mhz Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00
Sun Sun Enterprise 5500 400Mhz Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00
Sun Sun Enterprise 6500 400Mhz Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00
Sun Netra T100 360Mhz Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00
Sun Netra T105 360Mhz Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00
Sun Netra T100 440Mhz Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00
Sun Netra T105 440Mhz Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00
Sun Netra T1120 295Mhz Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00
Sun Netra T1125 295Mhz Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00
Sun Netra T1120 295Mhz Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00
Sun Netra T1125 195Mhz Solaris 8-Update 1 2.1 06-20-00

III. SPARCSHOP

SPARC-related documents are available through SPARC International’s bookstore, SPARCSHOP. Access to SPARCSHOP is available several ways;

  1. email sparcshop@sparc.org
  2. phone us at 1-408-748-9111 x240

Currently available

The SPARC Architecture Manual, Version 8 $50.00
SPARC-V8E Embedded Supplement to SPARC-V8 $25.00
The SPARC Architecture Manual, Version 9 $55.00
Implementation Characteristics of Current SPARC-V9 based products $25.00
Mbus Interface Specification (Version 1.2) $40.00
SPARC Compliance Definition (SCD 1.1) $20.00
SPARC Compliance Definition (SCD 2.1 & 2.1A) $20.00
SPARC Compliance Definition (SCD 2.2) $20.00
SPARC Compliance Definition (SCD 2.3 & IS) $20.00
SPARC Compliance Definition (SCD 2.4 & IS) $40.00
SPARC Compliance Definition (SCD 2.4.1 & IS) NEW!! $40.00
Type 5 Keyboard Interface License $99.00



Please contact SPARC International’s SPARC Shop at <<a href=”mailto:sparchop@sparc.org”>sparcshop@sparc.org> or Tel: 408 748-9111 x240 for lead times on the manuals. Thank you.


SPARC-FLASH is distributed by SPARC International. All rights reserved.

– Managing Editor –

Cheryl Hostetler

Direct Inquiries To – sparc-flash-request@sparc.org

Additional information about SPARC International, its members and its certification programs is available via the World Wide Web <<a href=”http://sparc.org”>www.sparc.org> or via email <<a href=”mailto:info@sparc.com”>info@sparc.org>.


SPARC International promotes the design, development and application of SPARC to computer and peripheral products; establishes hardware and software standards; enables compatibility across SPARC-branded products; and provides, promotes and protects SPARC and SPARC-related brand names.

SPARC International has verified to the best of its ability all of the product information contained in this newsletter. Information in this newsletter has been provided by the vendors. SPARC International has not reviewed claims made about product features or functions, and is not responsible for the accuracy of such claims. Users may want to obtain references, documentation, and/or demonstrations before purchasing any products or services. No vendor is authorized to act as an agent of SPARC International, or to make any representations or warranties on SPARC International’s behalf.

The following are Registered® Trademarks of SPARC International, Inc.:

SPARC® SPARCbook® SPARCenter® SPARC Compliant®
SPARC Compliant SCD & Design® embedSPARC® SPARC International® SoundSPARC®
SPARClite® SPARCprinter® SPARCserver® SPARCstation®
UltraSPARC® UltraSPARC Driven® SPARC Storage® SPARCworks®
MicroSPARC® microSPARC® SuperSPARC® SPARC (Stylized)®
SPARCcompiler® SPARCphone® ftSPARC® hyperSPARC®
SPARCluster® SPARCsummit® SPARC64® SPARC64/OS®
SPARCengine® SPARC LT® SPARC O/S® SPARC PC®
SPARCluster 1® SPARCplug® SPARCtop® SPARK®
TurboSPARC® UltraSPARC Driven & Design® UltraSPARC Driven & Design (Logo)® UniSPARC®

Other Trademarks that are in use or Pending Registration include:

SPARCstation SPARC811 SPARCbuilders SPARCard
SPARC Compatible SPARC Compliance SPARC-FLASH SPARC Technology
SPARClet SPARCtop SPARC V9 SPARCbuilders
SunSPARC SPARC Product Directory SPARCshop SPARC Technology Business
SPARC Verification SPARCware SPARKit SPARC Power
SPARC64-GP SPARC Driven SPARC-Line SPARC-Line
ConsumerSPARC SPARCV9 SPARC_V9 SPARC Verified
SPARC Verification SPARCware SPARKit EuroSPARC

Products bearing SPARC trademarks are based on an architecture developed by Sun Microsystems, Inc. UNIX is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries, licensed exclusively through X/Open Company, Ltd. All other product names, trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.