Author Archive | SPARC Editor

Issue No. 82

I. SPARC NEWS

1. NEW BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S REPRESENTATIVE FROM DATARAM CORPORATION

2. REBEL.COM INTRODUCES EXPANDED INTERNET SECURITY CAPABILITIES IN NETWINDER OFFICESERVER 2.0

3. FORCE ANNOUNCES THE ‘RUNNING WITH FORCE’ THIRD-PARTY ALLIANCE PROGRAM

4. THEMIS COMPUTER’s UltraSPARC USPIIi-1V TAKES 40 G’S PASSING A SERIES OF SHOCK AND VIBRATION TESTS, EXCEEDING Mil STANDARD 810E REQUIREMENTS!

5. RAVE ANNOUNCES THEY WILL MANUFACTURE, INTEGRATE, AND SUPPLY LINUX SOLUTIONS ON SPARC PLATFORM

6. RAVE COMPUTER ENJOYS INCREASED SALES REVENUE IN SECOND QUARTER

7. DATARAM UNVEILS MEMORY FOR SILICON GRAPHICS ^TM NEWEST WINDOWS ^TMNT AND LINUX ^TM WORKSTATIONS

II. V-9 ARCHITECTURE CERTIFIED TESTING ADDITIONS IN JULY

III.SPARCSHOP

I. SPARC News

I. A. – NEW BOARD OF DIRECTOR’S REPRESENTATIVE FROM DATARAM CORPORATION

July 25, 2000–SPARC International is pleased to announce the position of Paul Tarantino from Dataram Corporation on our Board of Directors. Paul’s participation in the SPARC International Board will give him and Dataram the opportunity to make a real contribution in promoting SPARC(R) as the industry’s most successful microprocessor architecture.

Paul Tarantino, a native of West Windsor, NJ, received his degree in Philosophy from Villanova University in 1993. After graduation, Paul spent 3 years as a volunteer working for various charity and non-profit organizations throughout the world. His work experience lead him to remote regions of South America, the Caribbean, Europe and a Navajo reservation in Arizona. For the last 5 years he has worked for Dataram Corporation as Account Manager and his most recent position, Marketing Manager.

Dataram [NASDAQ: DRAM] is a publicly traded company founded in 1967, with revenues of $109 million for the fiscal year 2000. Dataram is a leading provider of gigabyte memory products for netwrok servers, including Sun Microsystems. For more information about Dataram visit their web site located at; www.dataram.com.

I. B. – REBEL.COM INTRODUCES EXPANDED INTERNET SECURITY CAPABILITIES IN NETWINDER OFFICESERVER 2.0

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada–July 13, 2000–Rebel.com Inc., a leading supplier of business networking technologies and solutions, today announced the availability of NetWinder OfficeServer 2.0. This all-in-one Internet server appliance now offers customers virtual private networking (VPN) for both remote users and distributed or branch offices. VPN software encrypts the data being sent from a remote computer to the NetWinder OfficeServer over the Internet. This ensures that any corporate e-mails, file transfers, and other data cannot be read by other people on the Internet. With VPN software, users can go anywhere in the world, connect to an ISP, and securely access their company’s Local Area Network (LAN), right over the Internet.

“NetWinder OfficeServer 2.0 is an extremely comprehensive upgrade from previous versions of our OfficeServer product,” said Michael Mansfield, president of Rebel.com. “We have greatly improved the security capabilities of the product, have included VPN capabilities from top-of-the-line partners, and have incorporated a firewall generator which is very easy for customers to manage. In short, we have ensured that this product includes all of the features which small and medium sized businesses are looking for in an Internet server appliance product.”

NetWinder OfficeServer 2.0 meets a comprehensive range of e-business needs such as, Internet security, Web site hosting, business-class Internet and e-mail access, and the ability to share computing resources. For more information contact Rebel.com’s Santa Clara, California location and ask for Todd Bablinskas, Email: todd.bablinskas@rebel.com, Phone: 408-748-8402 or 7648, Fax: 408-748-9777.

Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, Rebel.com is a leading provider of business networking technology and solutions. CEO, Mac Brown has been a member on SPARC International’s Board of Directors since 1998. For more information visit their web site www.rebel.com.

I. C. – FORCE ANNOUNCES THE ‘RUNNING WITH FORCE’ THIRD-PARTY ALLIANCE PROGRAM

Partnership with Key Embedded Systems Vendors Offers Faster Time-to-Market, Broadest Range of Solutions for Communications Equipment Manufacturers

San Jose, CA–July 31, 2000–Force Computers, a wholly owned subsidiary of Solectron Corporation’s technology solutions business unit (NYSE:SLR) and a leader in embedded computing, today announced the “Running with Force” third-party alliance program to supply communications equipment manufacturers with the broadest range of embedded solutions and to speed time-to-market. This Force program will enable OEMs to obtain products from major industry vendors to streamline implementations. “Force proactively partners with leading software and hardware vendors to provide customers with the widest range of configuration options available,” said Torsten Ballentin, Force’s corporate director of strategic marketing. “Proactive partnering is essential to ensuring seamless integration of embedded solutions and speeding time-to-market. We have established the Running with Force program to align ourselves with key embedded systems vendors to provide these solutions to our customers.”

Compatible technologies and seamless integration across a wide array of products
Customers of Force will benefit from this new program by having the peace of mind that hardware and software offered by the company and its partners provide compatibility and seamless integration across a wide array of products. Force hardware partners include leading vendors of CompactPCI-, VME-, PCI-, PCI/ISA- and PMC-compatible networking cards, DSPs and graphics cards, allowing Force to concentrate on its strengths in powerful single board computers and robust chassis. The company also partners with all leading embedded operating system (OS) vendors including LynuxWorks, Microsoft, MontaVista, Sun and Wind River Systems. Other key partners include Trillium Digital Systems for telecommunications protocol software and Natural MicroSystems Corp. (Nasdaq:NMSS) and Dialogic for computer telephony solutions. All Force partners can be viewed at www.forcecomputers.com/3rdparty.htm. “Natural MicroSystems recognizes the broad range of integrated capabilities and time-to-market advantages that the Running with Force program imparts to communications equipment manufacturers,” said Allen Carney, vice president of marketing, Natural MicroSystems. “We look forward to partnering with Force in this ground-breaking alliance for OEMs.”

Bringing innovation to embedded applications
Through the Running with Force program, communications OEMs have access to cutting-edge technology for embedded applications. Force was an early adopter of the Linux operating system for embedded systems and in partnership offers it as an option to its customers. For example, Force and embedded Linux OS provider MontaVista Software Inc. partnered in 1999 to bring open-source software to the embedded market. “Force clearly demonstrates its technological leadership by recognizing the value that open-source Linux brings to the embedded community,” said James Ready, president of MontaVista. “By partnering with Force, we can deliver open-source software solutions to the worldwide embedded market.”

Teamwork leverages specialized capabilities of partner companies
Force has gathered some of the most influential companies in the embedded computing market under one banner-the Running with Force pennant-including Trillium Digital Systems. Through this program, customers tap a valuable reservoir of complementary, leading-edge technologies, which provides a more powerful solution for embedded applications than they could gather alone. By teaming with the Running with Force program, customers receive the specialized services of alliance member companies, allowing them to leverage core competencies and rely on outsource partners for tasks that can be done more efficiently and effectively than in-house, such as custom board design. “Trillium and Force have a tradition of working together on synergistic software/hardware solutions for the embedded market,” said Frank Morese, vice president -marketing, Trillium Digital Systems. “For example, Force’s revolutionary StackWare(tm) telecommunications protocols were based on our protocol software. By joining Force’s third-party alliance, we’ll work together more closely to offer value-added products.”

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.

All brands are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

I. D. – THEMIS COMPUTER’s UltraSPARC USPIIi-1V TAKES 40 G’S PASSING A SERIES OF SHOCK AND VIBRATION TESTS, EXCEEDING Mil STANDARD 810E REQUIREMENTS!

Fremont, CA–July 5, 2000–Themis Computer announces that its USPIIi-1V UltraSPARC 440 MHz single board VMEbus computer successfully passed high-level shock and vibration tests.

Testing to the military standard 810E method 514.4, the USPIIi-1V has performed under shock and vibration loads that exceed the requirements for basic transportation and ground mobile environments. The shock tests included powered up, functional tests performed to flight and ground equipment standards, subjecting the USPIIi-1V to shock loads in excess of 40g’s on three axis, for a duration of 11 ms.

These tests were exercised under both non-operating and operating conditions, three or more times in both directions, along each of three orthogonal axis. The transportation tests simulate product vibrations resulting from the interaction of vehicle suspension and structures with road and surface discontinuities, when products are transported from manufacturer to user installation. The ground based mobile tests simulate the vibration spectrum of a helicopter, exposing the USPIIi-1V to increased levels of vibration, at higher frequencies.

Once again Themis Computer leads the way with mission critical compute engines with proven ruggedization to withstand extreme conditions and provide the most powerful UltraSPARC processor performance for the most demanding applications.

THEMIS COMPUTER is the leading world-wide supplier of both UltraSPARC VMEbus single board computers and rugged systems. The company provides total solutions, including software and technical support for all products.

For more information, please contact THEMIS COMPUTER US, 3185 Laurelview Court, Fremont, California 94538. Phone. (510) 252-0870. Fax: (510) 490-5529. Email: sales@themis.com. WWW: www.themis.com. In Europe contact, THEMIS COMPUTER EUROPE, 20, rue du Tour de l’Eau, 38400 Saint Martin d’Heres, France. Phone: 33.476.59.60.46 Fax: 33.476.63.00.30.

I. E. -RAVE ANNOUNCES THEY WILL MANUFACTURE, INTEGRATE, AND SUPPLY LINUX SOLUTIONS ON SPARC PLATFORM

Sterling Heights, MI–July 11, 2000–Rave Computer Association, Inc., announced at the ISPCom Conference in Orlando, Florida, that they will integrate SPARC based platforms for customers building a Linux operating environment. Rave Computer now sells its Rave Systems workstations and servers through their established U.S. market. Rave continues to offer customers Sun’s Solaris operating environment.

“Rave Computer Association allows Linux customers to take advantage of the reliability, scalability, and performance offered by a SPARC processor-based system at an affordable price,” says Bev LeBoeuf, director of marketing for Rave Computer Association. “In certain applications where customers have used Linux, education and Internet service, they can now run on the 64-bit UltraSPARC processor.”

Rave Computer offers three platform solutions of Sun’s SPARCengine Ultra AX family with Linux as an operating system. The SPARC driven systems are integrated at Rave’s ISO-9002 registered facility. Both hardware and software support services are provided through Rave’s technical support program.

Rave Computer Linux server platforms are now available.

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. Rave’s custom-built systems offer robust processing performance, flexibility, and reliability. Rave Computer’s 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. Contact: Meghan Thueme, Marketing Administrative Assistant, Phone: 800-966-7283 ext. 336, Fax: 810-939-7431.

I. F. – RAVE COMPUTER ENJOYS INCREASED SALES REVENUE IN SECOND QUARTER

Sterling Heights, MI–July 25, 2000–Rave Computer Association, Inc., a privately held original equipment manufacturer of SPARC systems, reported a record increase in sales revenue of up to 45% from the previous year-end. Rave Computer’s increased sales momentum continues to be strong and third quarter is already expected to exceed from last years’ quarterly report as well.

Most of Rave Computer’s increased sales revenue has come from their privately labeled Rave Systems product line. Rave Systems provide custom built SPARC system solutions to customers who have unique application specifications that cannot be met by off-the-shelf configured hardware. The Rave Systems product line, manufactured at Rave Computer’s facility in Sterling Heights, Michigan, has surpassed earlier corporate projections.

I. G. – DATARAM UNVEILS MEMORY FOR SILICON GRAPHICS™ NEWEST WINDOWS™NT AND LINUX™ WORKSTATIONS

Delivering Unparalleled Performance and Power to Windows and Linux Operating Systems.

Princeton, NJ-July 11, 2000-Dataram Corporation [NASDAQ: DRAM] a leading provider of gigabyte-class memory for high-performance network servers, today announces immediate availability of memory products for Silicon Graphics 230 and 330 workstations. Marrying state-of-the-art Intel architecture with Dataram memory and SGI visualization subsystems, this collective effort sets a new standard for graphics performance on Windows and Linux operating systems.

Rejuvenating its strategy in the windows-based workstation market, SGI’s 230 and 330 newest models aim to leverage industry-standard, off-the-shelf components with an improved focus on Linux. The new workstations feature Intel Pentium III 667, 733, or 800MHz processors. Model 230 is a single processor-based system while the Model 330 can support up to two. In addition, both the 230 and 330 support a minimum of 128MB to a maximum of 1.5GB of memory using 133MHz ECC SDRAM DIMMs.

Dataram is offering 256MB and 512MB capacities.
“Dataram remains committed to SGI’s Intel-based workstation marketplace and is pleased to offer these new products for the 230 and 330 workstations”, states Jeff Goldenbaum, Dataram’s product manager. “Adding our memory is a perfect way to extend the capacity and performance of these new systems.”

SGI’s 230 and 330 family is the company’s first workstation offering for Linux users, and the industry’s first workstation family designed from the ground-up to accelerate OpenGL 3D graphics in hardware on the Linux operating system, providing an ideal platform for graphics software developers and users.

Dataram Corporation is a leading provider of gigabyte memory for network servers, specializing in the manufacture of large-capacity memory products for Compaq, Digital, HP, IBM, Intel, SGI and Sun computers. The company serves users in diverse industries as financial services, internet service providers, aerospace, petroleum, graphics, automotive, telecommunications, utilities and education. Dataram is registered with the International Standards Organization, having met the internationally recognized ISO 9001 quality assurance standard for design/development, production, installation and service. Dataram memory is a cost-effective alternative to purchasing memory directly from the system manufacturer and is priced up to 50% less. Products can usually be delivered within 24 hours of order placement and are backed by a lifetime warranty and an advanced replacement program.

Dataram is headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey and is celebrating its 33rd year in the computer industry. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.dataram.com. Contact: Kimberly Brahmann Dataram, Marketing kbrahmann@dataram.com 609-799-0071

II. V-9 ARCHITECTURE CERTIFIED TESTING ADDITIONS IN JULY

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

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

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

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.:

Other Trademarks that are in use or Pending Registration include:

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.

Issue No. 79

I. SPARC NEWS

1. SPARC INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES NEW MEMBER VIRTIUM

2. RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC., ANNOUNCES A NEW RACKMOUNT CHASSIS FOR SUN UltraAXi SPARCengine

3. TADPOLE’S PORTABLE WORKSTATION UltraBookIIi BECOMES MOBILE BUSINESS HUB OF LEADING E-BUSINESS VENDOR BROADVISION

4. NEW RUGGED ENTERPRISE SERVER FROM THEMIS COMPUTER BOLDLY GOES WHERE OTHER MILITARY SPARC SYSTEMS CANNOT

5. RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC. FEATURES RAVES INTEGRATED RACKMOUNT-ULTRA60

II.SPARCSHOP

I. SPARC News

I. A. – SPARC INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES NEW MEMBER VIRTIUM

Irvine, CA–April 21, 2000–Virtium Technology joins SPARC International. Virtium Technology designs and manufactures high-density and high-performance memory for Sun SPARC® and other specific applications. We offer a wide range of memory products that are in full compliance with latest industry standards. Our products are designed for specialized applications: Industrial Automation Computers, Telecommunications, Scientific and Embedded systems.

For more information visit their web site at virtium.com.

I. B. -RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC., ANNOUNCES A NEW RACKMOUNT CHASSIS FOR SUN UltraAXi SPARCengine

Sterling Heights, Michigan–April 12, 2000–Rave Computer Association, a leading Sun Microelectronics Master Value-added Integrator announces a new 2U storage accessible chassis for Suns UltraAXi motherboard. Rave Systems RackMount2U-AXi-C (RM2U-AXi-C) provides four (4) front exposed removable 3.5 low profile drive bays, one (1) 3.5 and one (1) 5.25 drive bay for media such as floppy, 4mm DAT or CD-ROM. The chassis also has four (4) 80mm fans; one (1) 60mm fan and one fan in the power supply area to provide exceptional cooling levels.

Raves new storage enhanced server has been developed to meet critically tight space requirements without sacrificing performance or reliability in any compute intensive environments. Rave Systems RM-2U-AXi-C features original Sun robust UltraAXi motherboard powered by upgradable UltraSPARC-IIi processor, with integrated dual channel Ultra wide SCSI, three (3) PCI slots, and up to 1GB of memory. The system is designed for Ultra3 compatibility, and can be configured for RAID.

Rave Systems enhanced RM2U-AXi-C provides real world solutions for many of our industries space requirements. Because of its size, the system can be considered as field replaceable units in network intensive situations. Unparalleled performance and reliability with storage are the strengths of this system.

Pricing and Availability: Rave Systems RackMount2U-AXi-C will be ready for distribution in mid-May. Contact a Rave representative for pricing and availability at 1-800-966-7283.

I. C. – TADPOLE’S PORTABLE WORKSTATION UltraBookIIi BECOMES MOBILE BUSINESS HUB OF LEADING E-BUSINESS VENDOR BROADVISION

Carlsbad, CA–April 20, 2000-Tadpole-RDI, Inc., the hardware business unit of m-business computing specialist Tadpole Technology plc (EPIC TAD), today announced that e-business applications vendor, BroadVision, Inc. (Nasdaq BVSN, Neuer Markt BVN) has selected the recently-released UltraBookIIi family of portable Unix workstations as the hub of its worldwide customer demonstration and training strategy.

Tadpole’s UltraBookIIi is a unique portable computing system that’s making increasing numbers of Sun Microsystems’ customers more productive and effective in the field at less cost. Weighing just 7.5 lbs and housed in frames the size of a business directory, UltraBookIIi workstations are built to track Sun Microsystems’ road maps for its UltraSPARC-IIi processor and Solaris operating environment.

As the hub of its mobile business computing strategy, BroadVision’s global sales teams will be equipped with UltraBookIIi workstations to give live, fully-functional customer demonstrations of a suite of personalized e-business applications. Built for delivery via the Web and wireless devices, the applications enable companies in the financial services, electronics, telecommunications, manufacturing, retail and travel industries to launch e-commerce, self-service and enterprise information Web sites for personalized interactions and transactions with consumers, partners, suppliers and employees.

Julie Stephens, BroadVision’s director of field engineering, comments: “With UltraBookIIi, BroadVision’s sales teams can work faster, smarter, and leaner. We’ve turned the page in lugging around or bearing the high-costs of transporting bulky desktops from site-to-site to give live customer demonstrations.”

Una Richens, vice president of sales and marketing of Tadpole-RDI, adds: “One of the fundamental roles of portable Unix is helping enterprise software vendors like BroadVision to get their products better understood in the marketplace, in the shortest timeframe, where it counts in front of the customer.”

The real world benefits of increased productivity and lower operating costs associated with portability for Sun customers are laid out on Tadpole-RDI’s website, www.tadpolerdi.com further information from sales@tadpolerdi.com, or by telephone at 760-929-0992.

One hundred percent binary compatible with Sun desktops, UltrabookIIi can be configured with all the features needed to get the job done. Powered by 400MHz UltraSPARC-IIi/ 2Mbyte E-cache processors (SPECint:17,9-SPECfp: 22.7), standard ECC memory is 256MB and can be extended to a 1GB. Hard drive capacity can range from 8GB to 24GB through innovative use of UltraBookIIi’s three removable disk slots. Graphic options are PCI-based ATI cards or Sun Creator 3D buffered 24-bit graphics for demanding CAD/CAM applications.

UltraBookIIi’s 14.1-inch TFT active matrix LCD has resolutions up to 1024 x 768 pixels with a contrast ratio of 150:1; its power consumption is some 70% below that of bulky, energy-demanding CRT monitors. With a full-travel 97-key keyboard and 3-button integrated trackpad, UltraBookIIi is built with a full complement of PCMCIA ports, including connectivity ports for external fax/modems, floppy disk drives, monitors, and Sun compatible mouse/keyboards, for example.

UltraBookIIi is shipped with Solaris 7, 2.6, 2.5.1 as operating system, together with OpenWindows 3x, AutoNET software tools plus NTP, NIS+, DHCP, NFS and DNS, as well as Java tools – Java virtual machine and HotJava browser. The portable workstation complies with leading national and international regulations for safety and EMC, including UL and ITE-FCC Part 15.

I. D. – NEW RUGGED ENTERPRISE SERVER FROM THEMIS COMPUTER BOLDLY GOES WHERE OTHER MILITARY SPARC SYSTEMS CANNOT

Fremont, CA–April 26, 2000–Themis Computer announced that the second member of its Rugged Enterprise Server (RES) family is now available. This Sun-based enterprise class server family has been designed from the ground up to withstand military and aerospace service requirements. Based on Sun’s E4500 Server technology, Themis’ RES-1400s compliments and extends the capabilities of Sun’s highly successful enterprise Server. Themis redesigned the system to provide a suitable platform for demanding federal and aerospace markets, including expanded I/O in an open, modular system.

“Sun chose to work with us because of our strong UNIX and systems design capabilities. And, we’re 100% focused on UltraSPARC technology,” explained Bill Kehret, president of Themis.

The RES-1400s is a shorter version of the Themis RES-1400. Like the RES-1400, the RES-1400s chassis can withstand up to 15G’s of shock. All machined and welded mechanical structures have natural vibration modes exceeding 28 Hz. Additionally, all critical electronic components are designed to sustain high shock loads, while heat sinks have been redesigned to minimize unsupported mass and moment of inertia. The 14 U rack-mountable enclosure features heavy-duty tiltable rack slides and an articulated cable support system for ease of maintenance.

Running Sun’s Solaris Operating System with advanced real-time features, the Open Systems Architecture-based RES can be configured with up to 14 UltraSPARC II processors with clock rates to 400 MHz, and up to 14 GB memory. It supports SMP and a 100 MHz UPA bus.

Themis uses a configurable I/O bay that supports standard interfaces such as VME. Even when fully configured with 14 processors, the I/O bay can support up to eleven 6U form factor slots.

RES availability features include automatic system recovery and dynamic reconfiguration. It features four hot swap N+1 power supplies, including separate power grids for the processor complex and the I/O bay, allowing complete power isolation. Sun’s Symon management environment handles total systems management.

The RES-1400s was designed to operate in environments which have tighter temperature control, than the RES 1400.

RES Primary Features:

• Rugged, Integrated Implementation of advanced UltraSPARC E4500 Technology
• Open Systems Architecture
• Sun’s Solaris Operating System with advanced Real Time features
• UltraSPARC-II SMP computing platform
• Industry Standard I/O: VME, cPCI, and PCI
• Up to 14 Ultra-II Processors with clock rates to 400MHz
• Up to 14 GB memory *100 MHz UPA Bus
• Modular I/O Bay, Up to eleven 6U
• Modular I/O Connector Panel Operating temperature up to 40c
• Shock up to 15G and Vibration from 4 to 28 Hz.
• Solaris 7/8
• Built-in CDROM *18.2 GB Ultra SCSI System Disk
• Hot-Swap N+1 Power Supply
• Built-in heavy duty tiltable Rack Slides and
• Articulated cable handling mechanism

Pricing and Availability:- the Rugged Enterprise Server 1400s will begin shipping in quantity in July 2000. Prices for entry configurations begin at $95K.

For more information visit their web site at www.themis.com

I. E. – RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC. FEATURES RAVES INTEGRATED RACKMOUNT-ULTRA60

Sterling Heights, MI–April 13, 2000–Rave Computer Association, Inc., an authorized Sun Master value-added System Integrator, now offers customers a 4U-rackmountable solution for the SPARCengine Ultra60.

Rave Computer integrates Suns dual processing Ultra60 motherboard into a 4U-rackmountable chassis. Raves rackmount chassis allows for a total of nine peripherals-three external 5.25 drive bays, three external 3.5 hot-swap capable drive bays, and three internal 3.5 drive bays.

The Ultra60 features up to 2 GB of memory, onboard Fast Ethernet, dual Ultra SCSI busses, four PCI slots, three at 33MHz and one at 66Mhz , and two UPA graphic slots. The Ultra60 supports one or two UltraSPARC II processor modules ranging from 300MHz to 450MHz with variable cache sizes, providing binary compatibility with Solaris operating environment applications.

Rave Computers RackMount-U60 is ideally suited for computing applications in telecommunications, medical imaging, graphical imaging, data analysis and networking. All of Rave Computers integrated systems come with a one-year warranty.

Rave Computer Association, Inc., provides a range of system solutions built to customers specifications. Rave Computers relationship with Sun Microelectronics and Sun Solaris software, both divisions of Sun Microsystems Inc., provides Rave Computer access to new technology and product support. Rave Computers other services include hardware depot and maintenance services, technical phone support and private-labeling services. Rave Computer also offers flexible leasing programs through its sister company, Rave Financial Services, Inc.

About Rave Computer Association, Inc. Rave Computer Association, Inc., provides quality-configured systems around Sun’s SPARC technology with software, compatible peripherals, and exceptional value-added services. Rave’s Signature and integrated systems offer robust processing performance, flexibility, and reliability. Rave Computer’s 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

II. 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

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.:

Other Trademarks that are in use or Pending Registration include:

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.

Issue No. 78

I. SPARC NEWS

1. RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC. FEATURES RAVE’S INTEGRATED RACKMOUNT-ULTRA60

2. ON-LINE! DETECTIVE RELEASE 13.0 BIGGER BETTER

3. ANOTHER US FEDERAL AGENCY FINDS PORTABLE UNIX SEMPER FI

4. REPLACE SUN FE HANDBOOKS

II. SCD CERTIFIED & PVT VERIFIED TESTING ADDITIONS IN MARCH

III.SPARCSHOP

I. SPARC News

I. A. – RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC. FEATURES RAVE’S INTEGRATED RACKMOUNT-ULTRA60

Sterling Heights, MI–March 9, 2000–Rave Computer Association, Inc., an authorized Sun Master value-added System Integrator, now offers customers a 4U-rackmountable solution for the SPARCengine Ultra60.

Rave Computer integrates Suns dual processing Ultra60 motherboard into a 4U-rackmountable chassis. Rave’s rackmount chassis allows for a total of nine peripherals-three external 5.25 drive bays, three external 3.5 hot-swap capable drive bays, and three internal 3.5 drive bays.

The Ultra60 features up to 2 GB of memory, onboard Fast Ethernet, dual Ultra SCSI busses, four PCI slots, three at 33MHz and one at 66Mhz and two UPA graphic slots. The Ultra60 supports one to two UltraSPARC II processor modules ranging from 300MHz to 450MHz with variable cache sizes, providing binary compatibility with Solaris operating environment applications.

Rave Computers RackMount-U60 is ideally suited for computing applications in telecommunications, medical imaging, graphical imaging, data analysis and networking. All of Rave Computers integrated systems come with a one-year warranty.

Rave Computer Association, Inc., provides a range of system solutions built to customers specifications. Rave Computers relationship with Sun Microelectronics and Sun Solaris software, both divisions of Sun Microsystems Inc., provides Rave Computer access to new technology and product support. Rave Computers other services include hardware depot and maintenance services, technical phone support and private-labeling services. Rave Computer also offers flexible leasing programs through its sister company, Rave Financial Services, Inc. Visit their web site at: www.rave.com.

I. B. – ON-LINE! DETECTIVE RELEASE 13.0 BIGGER BETTER

Waterford, MI–March 29, 2000–Version 13.0 of the On-Line! Detective for Sun is filled with new benefits to the end-user. New features include a global search engine, hundreds of new part numbers and X-options, detailed Solaris 7 information, a break out of SunVTS and much more. “The search engine was user driven and definitely enhances the value of the tool by providing quicker access to information,” states Al Hoskins, CTO at SoftTech Solutions. “The 10,000 plus pages of the Detective are much more manageable with this enhanced search engine.”

The On-Line! Detective is a software package benefiting those who interface with Sun equipment. Key users of the Detective include system administrators, field engineers, help desk personnel and resellers of Sun systems. The Detective saves time in finding answers or resolving problems, maximizes Sun system uptime and reduces the long-term cost of owning and upgrading Sun equipment.

The Detective has enhanced its troubleshooting information for memory and disk drives. The Detective’s new “Memory Troubleshooting” guides users through a complete troubleshooting flowchart to make sense of complex memory errors. This module also defines and explains “Catastrophic/Correctable” memory errors and provides troubleshooting tips and techniques. In like fashion, the Detective has a troubleshooting module for Disk Drives. This offers tips for determining and resolving disk problems, retrieving data from a problematic drive and a comprehensive flowchart that quickly flushes out problems and determines the root cause.

The Detective continues to provide more value to system administrators by adding information to its Solaris module. Additional content includes: Solaris 7 Installation: installation methods, installation issues/bugs, patch analyzer, and troubleshooting/error messages. Solaris 7 Overview: Answerbook2, network management, and O/S information.

Panic: panic causes, bad traps, panic routine, capturing system crash information, core file analysis, hardware diagnosis/repair, and bug reports. File System: constructing the UNIX file system (UFS), disk partitions, organization, RAID, and backup information.

To receive information about the On-Line! Detective for Sun or to view a demo, access their website at www.sundetective.com or call (248) 738-7738.

I. C. – ANOTHER US FEDERAL AGENCY FINDS PORTABLE UNIX SEMPER FI

Cambridge,UK–March 16, 2000–M-business computing specialist Tadpole Technology plc of Cambridge today announced that its Tadpole-RDI hardware computing business unit has won its first portable Unix orders valued at over $1.5 million from the US Marine Corps (USMC).

The orders were secured by Government Technology Services Inc. (GTSI), one of Tadpole-RDI’s principal resellers for the US Federal Market, and include a $700,000 contract to supply its Sun-Solaris range of portable servers VoyagerIIi for use in C41 systems of the Marine Corps.

Bernard Hulme, group chief executive of Tadpole Technology plc, comments: “Federal agencies are now focused on the use of commercially-available computing solutions in operational command centres, and the small footprint and lightweight features of VoyagerIIi servers are proving winning features.”

About VoyagerIIi The size of a business directory and weighing around 10 lbs, Tadpole-RDI’s unique range of VoyagerIIi systems are powered by Sun Microsystems’ UltraSPARC-IIi processors and run in the 64-bit Solaris operating environment. They have all the features of large servers, with memory and removable disk capacity to 1GB and 32GB respectively.

About Tadpole-RDI Tadpole-RDI, Inc. www.tadpolerdi.com, a business unit of m-business 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 the world’s first range of rugged Java-enabled pen computers. 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. D. – REPLACE SUN FE HANDBOOKS

SoftTech Solutions has developed a new tool to compete directly with Sun Field Engineer Handbooks. The On-Line! Detective for Sun – Standard Edition provides everything found in the handbooks and more. The Standard Edition offers a complete breakout of each Sun system. This includes full-colored photographs of individual systems and components, configuration rules and guidelines, all part numbers that are compatible with specific architecture and basic troubleshooting information. The Detective also includes information on the different Storage Arrays.

Included in the Standard Edition are all Sun part numbers with a cross-reference to the X-options or Sun’s marketing numbers. This reference is particularly helpful to those who are ordering or purchasing Sun parts. In addition, older part numbers are not purged, making it easy to find that obsolete item. There is also a complete listing of SCSI information including configuration rules, jumper setting, diagrams and compatibility tables.

If you are a current user of the Sun FE handbooks, you will appreciate the information found in the Detective. The Standard Edition of the Detective includes more information and better access to information, all at a lower price. A single user license of the Standard Edition is priced at $695. More information including a comparison chart between the two products can be found on SoftTech Solutions’ website at www.sundetective.com/products/comparison.htm.

SoftTech Solutions is a leading software developer of on-line support tools servicing the UNIX marketplace. SoftTech also provides customized UNIX training and CBT courses. The Professional Edition of the On-Line! Detective provides additional content specifically targeting system administrators and those supporting large Sun populations. The Professional Edition provides information on system tuning, Panics, system log interpretation, unique troubleshooting routines and diagnostics and a complete Solaris module. To receive information on either of the Detective products or to view a demo, access their website at www.sundetective.com or call (248) 738-7738.

II. SCD CERTIFIED & PVT VERIFIED TESTING ADDITIONS IN MARCH

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, please access our web site at www.sparc.org or send email to info@sparc.org.

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

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.:

Other Trademarks that are in use or Pending Registration include:

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.

Issue No. 77

I. SPARC NEWS

1. SPARC INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES NEW CHAIRMAN AND CEO
2. SPARC INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES NEW MEMBER TRANSTEC
3. SPARC MACHINES WITH PREINSTALLED LINUX GET SUN NOD
4. INTEL, SUN IN RIFT OVER INTEL’S ITANIUM CHIP
5. TADPOLE-RDI INCREASES SELLING AND FIELD TRAINING CAPABILITIES OF SUN COMPUTING SOFTWARE AND E-COMMERCE VENDORS
6. TATUNG UNVEILS NEW LINE OF 450 MHZ ULTRA SPARC, QUAD-PROCESSING SERVERS
7. RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC., PROVIDES QUALITY CUSTOM INTEGRATION SERVICES FOR SPARC INDUSTRY FEATURING INTEGRATED TOWER-ULTRA60
8. TADPOLE-RDI AIMS TO HELP FORSYTHE’S HEWLETT-PACKARD AND SUN MICROSYSTEMS CUSTOMERS “WORK SMARTER, INVEST BETTER”
9. RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC. ANNOUNCES RAVE STORAGE SOLUTIONS

II. SCD CERTIFIED TESTING ADDITIONS IN FEBRUARY

III. SPARCSHOP

I. SPARC News

I. A. – SPARC INTERNATIONL WELCOMES NEW CHAIRMAN AND CEO

Santa Clara, CA–February 1, 2000–The SPARC International (SI) Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Karen Anaya as the new Chairman and CEO.

Ms. Anaya has been with SPARC International for over 10 years, serving as Trademark Coordinator, Testing & Branding Program Administrator, SPARCFLASH Editor & Chief, and Web Editor.

“I look forward to serve our over 100 members of SPARC International, many of whom have been members when I first joined SPARC International over 10 years ago. My goal is to grow our membership list and provide even more information to our membership by leveraging the internet economy” said Ms. Anaya.

Ms. Susan Kunz, SI Board member representing Sun Microsystems said, “Ms. Anaya was the obvious choice for Chairman and CEO. Not only, is she intimately familiar with the operations of SPARC International, but she brings incredible enthusiasm and commitment to the job. This is good for SPARC.”

I. B. – SPARC INERNATIONAL WELCOMES NEW MEMBER TRANSTEC

Wegbeschreibung, Germany–February 8, 2000–Transtec joined SPARC International.

Transtec is one of the leading computers vertreiber direct in Europe. For almost 20 years we have produced quickly, flexible and individually systems, computer and storage solutions. Network components, accessories and periphery devices round off our offer for Windows NT and UNIX. Next to the headquarters in Germany (Wegbeschreibung), we are also in Austria, Switzerland, France, Great Britain, that Netherlands Sweden represent and in Belgium.

For more information visit their web site at

www.transtec.de.

I. C. – SPARC MACHINES WITH PREINSTALLED LINUX GET SUN NOD

Suggested: SPARC systems will ship with Linux — but not Sun brand name

By Dominique Deckmyn and Robin Robinson 02/07/2000 Sun Microsystems Inc. made another cautious move into the Linux market at the LinuxWorld show last week, announcing that Bell Microproducts Inc. in San Jose will start shipping Linux servers based on Sun hardware.

The rack-mountable servers won’t bear the Sun brand name, but instead will feature the “UltraSPARC Driven” logo that already appears on a variety of devices such as printers (but thus far, no computers) that have embedded Sun UltraSPARC processors.

Linux already runs on SPARC systems, but until now there was no officially sanctioned channel to buy systems with Linux preinstalled. The system boards aren’t the same design as those used in Sun’s own servers. Pricing starts at $2,099.

I. D. – INTEL, SUN IN RIFT OVER INTEL’S ITANIUM CHIP

Palm Springs, CA (Reuters) – Intel Corp. and Sun Microsystems Inc. are in a rift over Sun’s commitment to Intel’s forthcoming Itanium chip.

Earlier on Tuesday, the San Jose Mercury News reported that the two Silicon Valley companies are involved in a quiet dispute over Sun’s commitment to a new version of its Solaris operating system that runs on Intel’s new Itanium processor, which is expected to be launched in the second half of 2000.

“We don’t see the momentum in terms of support,” Paul Otellini, an Intel executive vice president and general manager of Intel’s architecture business group, said at a press briefing, when asked about the Mercury News report.

Palo Alto, Calif.-based Sun is one of several companies developing versions of their operating systems to run on Intel’s new 64-bit processor, called Itanium. Other companies include Microsoft Corp. , International Business Machines Corp. , and several companies working on a 64-bit version of Linux in an effort called the Trillian Group.

The Itanium chip is expected to be initially targeted to high performance servers running Web sites, conducting transactions and other corporate server applications. The chips will also be targeted to the engineering workstation market, all of which are Sun’s key target markets for its own line of servers and workstations that run its Sparc processor and Solaris. Solaris is Sun’s version of the Unix operating system.

“They are just giving it a half-hearted effort,” said Ron Curry, director of marketing for Intel’s microprocessor products group. “They are not out there driving the ISVs (independent software developers), they are not out there promoting Solaris on IA-64 (Intel’s new architecture).”

A Sun Microsystems spokesman said he does not agree with Intel.

“I would disagree with the comments that we are not committed to the program,” said David Harrah, a Sun spokesman. ”That is entirely untrue.” He also note that Solaris was one of the first operating systems to boot up on the first test systems that ran the first Itanium chips last August. “We are pushing ahead on the whole thing.”

Harrah also noted that many software developers are downloading Solaris on Intel from Sun’s Web site, since the company made the source code available to developers. “There are a lot of people out there taking it, looking at it, kicking it around.”

I. E. – TADPOLE-RDI INCREASES SELLING AND FIELD TRAINING CAPABILITIES OF SUN COMPUTING SOFTWARE AND E-COMMERCE VENDORS

With 440MHz UltraSPARC(R)-IIi processors to power VoyagerIIi portable servers, software vendors can demonstrate more compute-intensive enterprise applications and solutions in the field at minimum cost Carlsbad, CA–February 9, 2000–Tadpole-RDI, Inc., today announced a twenty-two percent increase in computing power for its Sun-compatible range of portable VoyagerIIi servers. The upgrade of Tadpole’s portable server range takes effect immediately. Now powered by 440MHz UltraSPARC-IIi processors, Sun computing software vendors equipped with the latest VoyagerIIi specification will be able to demonstrate more compute-intensive enterprise Solaris applications and solutions at customer premises and trade shows at minimum cost. VoyagerIIi servers powered by 360MHz UltraSPARC-IIi processors will continue to be sold by the vendor. “Providing Sun Microsystems customers with increasingly powerful and effective tools that help them work smarter in the field and improve their profitability is a fundamental role of this business,” says Una Richens, vice president of sales and marketing at Tadpole-RDI. She adds: “The addition of the 440MHz UltraSPARC-IIi processor to the VoyagerIIi range is further demonstration of our commitment to Sun’s technologies and Tadpole-RDI’s vision in extending the mobile applications of 64-bit Solaris computing.”

I. F. – TATUNG UNVEILS NEW LINE OF 450 MHZ, QUAD-PROCESSING SERVERS

Milpitas, CA–February 14, 2000–Tatung Science & Technology, Inc. (TSTI), celebrating more than 10 years of commitment to the SPARC(R) systems market, today introduced the COMPstation U4MP Series Model 4450, a high-end server that unleashes new levels of power, supporting up to four 450 MHz UltraSPARC-II processors and 4 GB of memory. The new system expands Tatung’s use of the PCI I/O bus as an integral design component of the company’s SPARC-based workstations and servers, which are installed at tens of thousands of user sites throughout North America.

As Tatung’s highest-performing quad-processing system to date, the COMPstation 4450 is now shipping in both rack mount and tower configurations. The compact, rack mount servers meet the demanding needs of Internet Service Providers (ISP), OEMs and industrial, commercial and communications applications.

Tatung has also announced a price reduction on the COMPstation U60-2450 series which is equipped with a new motherboard that supports up to 4 GB of memory and dual UPA graphics. Both features make the system ideal for Internet, industrial and graphics-intensive applications such as CAD or MCAD/MCAE design. The COMPstation U60-2450(1) shares these features – support of up to 4 GB of memory and dual UPA graphics slots – with Sun Microsystem’s recent announcement, the Ultra 80 system, but boasts a space-saving design at a more attractive price.

For more information, contact Tatung Science & Technology, Inc., 1840 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035. Toll Free: 1-800-659-5902; Email: mkt@tsti.com Web site: www.tsti.com.

I. G. – RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC., PROVIDES QUALITY CUSTOM INTEGRATION SERVICES FOR SPARC INDUSTRY FEATURING INTEGRATED TOWER-ULTRA60

Sterling Heights, MI–February 2, 2000– Rave Computer Association, Inc., an authorized Sun(R) Master value-added System Integrator, announces its expanded hardware integration services for the SPARC industry worldwide.

Rave Computer Association, Inc., currently integrates Sun Microelectronics dual processor Ultra60 board into a mid-tower chassis. The mid-tower chassis allows for two internal drive bays, one external 5.25 drive bay and two external 3.5 drive bays, and a 350-Watt power supply.

The Ultra60 features up to 2 GB of memory, onboard fast Ethernet and ultra SCSI interfaces, four 64-bit PCI slots, three at 33MHz and one at 66MHz, and two 100/120MHz UPA graphic slots. The Ultra60 supports from one to two UltraSPARC-II processor modules ranging from 300MHz to 450MHz with variable cache sizes, providing binary compatibility with Solaris operating environment applications.

The Ultra60 is ideally suited for computing applications in telecommunications, medical imaging, graphical imaging, data analysis and networking systems. All of Rave Computer integrated systems feature a one-year warranty.

I. H. – TADPOLE-RDI AIMS TO HELP FORSYTHE’S HEWLETT-PACKARD AND SUN MICROSYSTEMS CUSTOMERS “WORK SMARTER, INVEST BETTER”

Tadpole-RDI’s new channel partner, Forsythe Solutions Group, launching first nationwide portable Unix campaign to improve operational efficiency and returns on IT investments of customers

Carlsbad, CA–17 February 2000–Tadpole-RDI, Inc., the mobile hardware business unit of Tadpole Technology plc, today announced the appointment of Forsythe Solutions Group, Inc. of Skokie (IL) as a channel partner for its ranges of portable Unix workstations and servers.

The appointment signals the launch of Forsythe’s nationwide “work smarter, invest better through portable Unix” campaign aimed at making anytime-anywhere computing professionals at its fifteen hundred plus Hewlett-Packard and Sun Microsystems corporate customers more productive. Forsythe also aims to show its customers how portable Unix can be a generator of better returns on future IT investments.

Forsythe’s campaign addresses the computing needs and practices of numerous groups within an enterprise. A particular focus will be system administrators, software and e-commerce application developers and network managers, whose roles are increasingly field-based or undertaken outside corporate offices, such as at home. Traditional Hewlett-Packard or Sun Microsystems desktops are ill-suited for the increasing mobility and round-the-clock availability required of these Unix computing professionals desktops are too bulky to carry, require too much space for home use, and, being unable to withstand the rigors and demands of “field” computing, incur regular maintenance costs. The small footprint, reliability and low weight of designed-to-travel portable Unix hardware resolve these issues.

The trend towards increasing mobility of workforces is a subject high on the corporate agenda; a recent Gartner Group study suggested that the proportion of a corporation’s workforce undertaking tasks outside office walls will rise from its current fifteen percent to some forty percent by 2002.

For more information visit their web site at www.tadpolerdi.com.

I. I. – RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC. ANNOUNCES RAVE STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Sterling Heights, MI–February 9, 2000–Rave Computer Association, Inc. today announces Rave Storage Solutions designed to provide storage systems connectivity and complete storage solutions for the growing information storage requirements of its customers. Rave Storage products offer tape back up, RAID, and JBOD sub-systems configuration solutions. Fiber channel connectivity and interoperability support will be provided for all products from its partnered suppliers and for its own Rave family of custom-configured systems. By leveraging partnership resources with its own Rave Storage solutions, will provide virtually any state of the art configuration of JBOD, RAID or tape automation for Network Application Support (NAS) or Storage Area Networks (SAN) storage solutions.

Rave Computers partners include alliances with component manufacturers for fiber channel connectivity, enclosures, RAID controllers, disk and tape drives, and RAID and tape automation sub systems. As client/server concepts continue to gain popularity, customers are asking for more sophisticated solutions for storage, storage retrieval, and data backup. With the diverse growth of applications and increased demands for high availability storage solutions, Rave Computer is uniquely positioned with the right product mix and technical knowledge.

In the years to come, the demand for storage will intensify. Technology will evolve into being automated with superior data management capabilities, said Bev LeBoeuf, director of marketing for Rave Computer Association, Inc., Rave will continue to offer the latest solutions that our customers can build upon for their computing and storage requirements.

More information about Rave Computer Association, Inc., and Rave Systems can be found on the worldwide web at www.rave.net or by calling 1-800-966-7283.

II. SCD CERTIFIED TESTING ADDITIONS IN FEBRUARY

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, please access our web site at www.sparc.org or send email to info@sparc.org.

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

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.:

Other Trademarks that are in use or Pending Registration include:

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.

Issue No. 76

I. SPARC NEWS

1. RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC. OFFERS MOST POWERFUL RANGE OF PORTABLE WORKSTATIONS FOR SPARC(R) CUSTOMERS
2. SUN DEBUTS SOLARIS[TM] 8 OPERATING ENVIRONMENT, THE ONLY OPERATING ENVIRONMENT THAT MARRIES DATACENTER AND DOTCOM REQUIREMENTS
3. TADPOLE-RDI LAUNCHES ITS MOST POWERFUL RANGE OF PORTABLE WORKSTATIONS FOR SUN MICROSYSTEMS CUSTOMERS
4. RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC., ANNOUNCES NEW RACKMOUNT CHASSIS FOR SUN ULTRA AX-MP MOTHERBOARD
5. EMPRESS DATABASE NOW AVAILABLE ON FREE, OPEN-SOURCE OPERATING SYSTEM, FREE BSD

II. PVT CERTIFIED TESTING ADDITIONS IN JANUARY

III. SPARCSHOP

I. SPARC News

I. A. – RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC. OFFERS MOST POWERFUL RANGE OF PORTABLE WORKSTATIONS FOR SPARC(R) CUSTOMERS

Sterling Heights, MI–January 26, 2000–Rave Computer Association, Inc., a leading North America Tadpole-RDI reseller, announces the availability of most powerful range of portable workstations for SPARC customers.

Designated UltraBookIIi, the power, performance and features of the new workstations underline Tadpole-RDI’s leadership in the specialty field of portable Sun-Solaris computing.

Tadpole-RDI’s UltraBook workstations are more practical for mobile use than traditional desktop hardware, and are aimed at making Sun-Solaris computing users in industry and government more productive and cost-effective.

UltraBookIIi is shipped with Solaris 7 as operating system, together with OpenWindows 3x; AutoNET software tools plus NTP, NIS+, DHCP, NFS and DNS, as well as Java tools – Java virtual machine and HotJava browser. The portable workstation complies with leading national and international regulations for safety and EMC, including UL and ITE-FCC Part 15.

Rave Computer Association Inc. based in Michigan, located at 36960 Metro Court, Sterling Heights, MI 48312. or more information, contact Rave Computer at 1-800-966-7283 or email to info@rave.com.

I. B. – SUN DEBUTS SOLARIS™ 8 OPERATING ENVIRONMENT, THE ONLY OPERATING ENVIRONMENT THAT MARRIES DATACENTER AND DOTCOM REQUIREMENTS

With Free Solaris Source and End-User Binary Programs, Industry’s First-of-Its-Kind System Admin Portal and a Wealth of Critical Features, the Solaris 8 Operating Environment Emerges as the Dotcom Operating Environment

Palo Alto, CA–January 26, 2000–Sun Microsystems Inc. today unveiled the Solaris[tm] 8 Operating Environment, the first to satisfy the convergent requirements of enterprises adapting to the Internet age and of dotcoms adopting the disciplines of the datacenter. Sun also announced free access to the Solaris source and end-user binary code to foster innovation and ubiquity.

The Solaris 8 Operating Environment is available for both the SPARC[tm] and Intel platforms. In addition to the operating system software, the Solaris Operating Environment includes a comprehensive co-package of software from Sun, iPlanet[tm] E-Commerce Solutions[tm], Oracle and others. Already the hands-down leader in customer satisfaction, new features in Solaris 8 software drive the five critical requirements for Internet-based systems — scalability, availability, manageability, security and connectivity — to new heights.

In addition, Sun guarantees application compatibility with earlier versions of the Solaris Operating Environment through verification testing, unlike other operating systems that require major recompiling and recoding. “CEOs tell me that their No. 1 business worry is that the Internet is stressing traditional IT infrastructures. This past holiday season, they saw firsthand how service levels can make or break a dotcom business,” said Edward J. Zander, president and COO, Sun Microsystems. “The Solaris 8 Operating Environment delivers service levels that meet the new requirements, while also reducing cost and risk.”

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

I. C. – TADPOLE-RDI LAUNCHES ITS MOST POWERFUL RANGE OF PORTABLE WORKSTATIONS FOR SUN MICROSYSTEMS CUSTOMERS

New generation of portable Sun-compatible workstations for enterprise software and e-business application vendors, network service providers, and forward military command centers for ground and airborne information-processing units.

Carlsbad (CA), January 14, 2000 – Tadpole-RDI, Inc., a business unit of mobile computing specialist Tadpole Technology plc, today announced the launch of its most powerful range of portable workstations for Sun Microsystems customers.

Designated UltraBookIIi, the power, performance and features of the new workstations underline Tadpole-RDI’s leadership in the specialist field of portable Sun-Solaris computing.

Tadpole-RDI’s UltraBook workstations are more practical for mobile use than traditional desktop hardware, and are aimed at making Sun-Solaris computing users in industry and government more productive and cost-effective. Threefold productivity gains are achieved frequently.

The real world benefits of increased productivity and lower operating costs associated with portability for Sun customers are laid out on Tadpole-RDI’s website www.tadpolerdi.com/tco/index.html.

UltraBookIIi is shipped with Solaris 7, 2.6, 2.5.1 as operating system, together with OpenWindows 3x, AutoNET software tools plus NTP, NIS+, DHCP, NFS and DNS, as well as Java tools – Java virtual machine and HotJava browser. The portable workstation complies with leading national and international regulations for safety and EMC, including UL and ITE-FCC Part 15.

Tadpole-RDI, Inc.’s headquarters are based in Carlsbad, California and European operations in Cambridge, England. For more information visit their web site at www.tapolerdi.com

I. D. – RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC., ANNOUNCES NEW RACKMOUNT CHASSIS FOR SUN ULTRA AX-MP MOTHERBOARD

Sterling Heights, MI–January 21, 2000–Rave Computer Association, Inc., an authorized Sun Master value-added System Integrator, announces a new 4U form factor rackmount chassis for the UltraAXmp.

Rave Computer Association, Inc. integrates Sun’s UltraAXmp motherboard into a 4U 19-inch rackmountable chassis. The UltraAXmp is a scalable 64-bit UltraSPARC multi-processing motherboard with a unique Ultra Port Architecture (UPA) that enables the CPU bus bandwidth to be increased to 3.2 gigabytes per second via a custom cross bar switch. This large processor bandwidth enables scaling of up to four UltraSPARC-II microprocessor modules (currently shipping at 400MHz with 4MB cache). The motherboard supports up to 4 GB of memory, features integrated dual-channel Ultra-wide SCSI, and six PCI slots, four at 33MHz and two at 66MHz. The 4U standard chassis configurations include three 5.25 half-height exposed drive bays, two 3.5 low profile hidden bays, three removable load-sharing 300-Watt power supplies, and three 93-CFM cooling fans.

The 4U-AXmp can be pre-installed with Solaris 2.7 and is binary compatible with the broad array of current SPARC applications. Red Hat Linux 6.1 is offered as an optional operating system for the UltraAXmp. All of Rave Computer integrated systems feature a one-year warranty.

The powerful multiprocessing features found in the UltraAXmp provides an ideal solutions for telecommunication servers, ISP applications or specialized commercial and financial applications.

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. Email inquiries can be sent to: info@rave.com.

I. E. – EMPRESS DATABASE NOW AVAILABLE ON FREE, OPEN-SOURCE OPERATING SYSTEM, FREE BSD

Greenbelt, MD–January 26, 2000–Empress Software, developers of the EMPRESS Relational Database Management System, announces the immediate availability of the EMPRESS RDBMS on FreeBSD, the freely distributed, open source code UNIX operating system. Empress hi-tech data management software features the ANSI-SQL EMPRESS RDBMS, an Internet application development toolkit, JDBC Interface, ODBC server and other companion products for rapid development of database applications. EMPRESS on FreeBSD delivers performance, scalability, and reliability designed to build E-commerce, Web, embedded and other scientific and engineering applications.

EMPRESS RDBMS operating in a FreeBSD environment optimizes performance and reliability. For data intensive applications, EMPRESS easily stores and retrieves heavy loads of information. The fast, robust database engine supports high volume electronic commerce Web sites with constant traffic and gigantic downloads. And EMPRESS on FreeBSD offers solid reliability for Internet service providers and developers building traffic intensive Web sites.

Empress Software develops and supports the Empress Relational Database Management System. The EMPRESS RDBMS is one of the most powerful and cost-effective development databases especially designed for developers operating on UNIX, Windows or real-time environments. Empress has been utilized successfully in diverse fields including image and voice management, telecommunications, medical systems, telephony systems, geographical information systems and network management.

For more information about Empress, please call 301-220-1919. Check our web site at www.empress.com or send e-mail to info@empress.com. You can write to us at Empress Software, 6401 Golden Triangle Drive, Greenbelt, MD, 20770.

II. PVT CERTIFIED TESTING ADDITIONS IN JANUARY

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, please access our web site at www.sparc.org or send email to info@sparc.org.

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

Additional information about SPARC International, its members and its certification programs is available via the World Wide Web www.sparc.org or via email 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.:

Other Trademarks that are in use or Pending Registration include:

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.

Issue No. 75

I. SPARC NEWS

1. AMDAHL CORPORATION CHOOSES THE ON-LINE! DETECTIVE

2. RAVE SYSTEMS RACKMOUNT-AXMP NOW FEATURES FOUR-WAY MULTI-PROCESSING POWERED BY 400MHZ ULTRASPARC-II WITH 4MB CACHE AND 4 GIGABYTE OF MEMORY.

II. SCD CERTIFIED TESTING ADDITIONS IN DECEMBER

III. SPARCSHOP

I. SPARC News

I. A. – AMDAHL CORPORATION CHOOSES THE ON-LINE! DETECTIVE

Detroit, MI – Amdahl Corporation, a Sun MicrosystemsTM Preferred Service provider, has chosen the On-Line! Detective® for Sun, to bolster its Sun field support.

Amdahl’s field service organization has recently deployed the On-Line! Detective for Sun throughout the country. The Detective will raise the level of Sun expertise among Amdahl’s staff, while simultaneously minimizing the time it takes to resolve critical troubleshooting issues. “The Detective is an excellent troubleshooting and teaching tool for our technicians,” states Lanny Jennings, Amdahl Regional Director. “System Administrators will find it a great tool for diagnosing Sun problems.”

Amdahl is a manufacturer of SPARC® imbedded products and one of the few organizations authorized to support the Sun Ultra Enterprise 10000 Server.

SoftTech Solutions is a leading software developer of on-line support tools servicing the UNIX marketplace. SoftTech’s On-Line! Detective for Sun provides hardware diagnostics, configurations, and troubleshooting information for Sun Microsystems hardware, software and peripherals. To receive information on the Detective or to view a demo, access their website at www.stsolutions.com, or call Mike Neff (248) 738-7738.

I. B. – RAVE SYSTEMS RACKMOUNT-AXMP NOW FEATURES FOUR-WAY MULTI-PROCESSING POWERED BY 400MHZ ULTRASPARC-II WITH 4MB CACHE AND 4 GIGABYTE OF MEMORY.

Sterling Heights, MI–December 17, 1999–Rave Computer Association, Inc, announces that its Rave Systems RackMount-AXmp now features more memory for exceptional processing performance. The memory capacity of the AXmp system has been scaled from maximum of 2 gigabyte of memory to a maximum of 4 gigabyte of memory.

The Rave Systems RackMount-AXmp is a powerful multi-processing server designed for todays highly compute-intensive server challenges. Rave Computer Association, Inc., an authorized Sun value-added system integrator, integrates Suns UltraAXmp motherboard into a ruggedized 5U 19 inch rackmount chassis. The UltraAXmp is a scalable 64-bit UltraSPARC multi-processing motherboard with a unique Ultra Port Architecture that enables the aggregate CPU bus bandwidth to be increased to 3.2 gigabytes per second via a custom cross bar switch. This large processor bandwidth enables scaling of up to four UltraSPARC-II microprocessor modules (currently shipping at 400Mhz with 4MB cache). The system also has integrated dual-channel Ultra-wide SCSI and six PCI slots, four at 33Mhz and two at 66Mhz. The Rave Systems RackMount-AXmp standard chassis configurations feature four 5.25 shock-mounted drive bays, a 600-Watt power supply and three 90-CFM cooling fans.

Rave Systems RackMount-AXmp also comes pre-installed with Solaris 2.7 and is binary compatible with the broad array of current SPARC applications. Rave Computer provides a one-year warranty on all of its Rave Systems.

The powerful multiprocessing features found in Rave Systems RackMount-Axmp makes it an ideal solution for telecommunication servers, ISP applications or specialized industrial applications.

More information about Rave Computer and Rave Systems can be found on the worldwide web at www.rave.net or by calling 1-800-966-7283.

II. SCD CERTIFIED TESTING ADDITIONS IN DECEMBER

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, please access our web site at www.sparc.org or send email to info@sparc.org.

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

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.:

Other Trademarks that are in use or Pending Registration include:

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.

Issue No. 74

I. SPARC News!

1. MEMBERS BANNER AD PROGRAM

2. BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP IN SPARC INTERNATIONAL, INC.

3. PREMIER MULTIPROCESSOR HITS ELITE MARKET

4. SOLARIS CENTRAL IS 1 YEAR OLD

5. U S SOFTWARE RELEASES CD-ROM DRIVER AND ISO9660 FILE SYSTEM FOR USFILES(R) FILE SYSTEM

6. RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC., AWARDS WINNER A RAVE SYSTEMS RACKMOUNT-2UAXI AT FALL ISPCON 99

7. SUN MICROSYSTEMS, INC. ANNOUNCED SOLARIS™ 7

II. SCD CERTIFIED TESTING ADDITIONS IN NOVEMBER

III. SPARCSHOP

I. SPARC News

I. A. – MEMBERS BANNER AD PROGRAM

SPARC International is pleased to announce a new marketing program for our members. This program — Banner Advertising — provides our members wishing to participate, a very cost effective way of augmenting their marketing efforts. By placing your banners on selected pages on our web site the number of impressions, or “adviews” as they are now called, will be logged daily with statistics provided on a monthly basis or as often as you request. The “click throughs” will be those who click on your banner and thereby go directly to your site.

Having expanded our web site readership with cooperative programs,other service oriented organizations and increasing the current news from the SPARC Community, we are able to offer this focused market service for the following prices;

It should be noted that the readership of our web site is growing each month with over triple the readership since the beginning of this year.

All you need to do is send us a purchase order via fax, mail or email along with your banner in either “gif” or “jpeg” format to; chery@sparc.org

That’s all it takes to have you up and running! You may update your banners as often as you wish. If you have any questions or need additional information please contact us. We look forward to your participation in this program!

I. B. – BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP IN SPARC INTERNATIONAL, INC.

It’s that time, once again, to remind our members of the benefits of membership in SPARC International. Following is a list set forth to remind you of what is included in your membership package;

1. Use of SI Member Logo.

The Member Logo represents a visible emblem of each member Company’s “corporate identity”. Our members are viewed with high standards of quality, technological leadership, management character, and even corporate personality that make members distinctive entities in the electronics industry and allied fields. This business credibil ity represents a powerful sales tool in the marketplace.

We furnish your marketing department with all of the information needed to properly attribute our world famous SPARC mark including recommendations to use our Member Logo for;

• Booth Signage at Trade Shows (Member signs are available for booth display)

• Corporate Press Releases Letterhead

• Newspaper or Magazine Articles/Advertisements

• Corporate Brochures, Business Cards, Advertisements

• Promotional Items such as Buttons & Sweatshirts, etc.

2. Company page in the SPARC Intl. Website, <<a href=”http://sparc.org”>www.sparc.org> linked to your Company Website.

Potential sales leads resulting from this added exposure speaks for itself. SI’ web site activity has increased three times the amount since the beginning of 1999 alone. Web hit counts are provided upon request.

3. Use of the SPARC Driven(SM) Servicemark on your web site.

4. SPARC-FLASH Monthly Electronic Newsletter

Product announcements, and Press releases may be placed in SPARC-FLASH if received no later than the 28th of each and any month.

SPARC-FLASH’s ever growing list of over 1500 is a focused mailing to those with particular interest in the SPARC market and is distributed worldwide.

Are you utilizing your benefits? Need help? Contact us: <<a href=”mailto:nev@sparc.org”>nev@sparc.org> <<a href=”mailto:cheryl@sparc.org”>cheryl@sparc.org>, <<a href=”mailto:karen@sparc.org”>karen@sparc.org>

I. C. – PREMIER MULTIPROCESSOR HITS ELITE MARKET

Palo Alto, CA–November 2, 1999–Sun Microsystems, Inc. is aiming directly at the sweet spot of the high-end workstation market with its new premier multiprocessor capable workstation. The new Ultra[tm] 80 workstation, which can be configured with up to four processors and 4GB of memory, runs the most advanced graphics applications and today’s larger datasets easily, and provides investment protection via support for Sun’s next two generations of graphics. Technical computing users in the EDA, earth sciences, satellite imagery, MCAD and financial services industries can harness the raw power of this system to build, view and manipulate increasingly complex models, datasets and simulations. In addition, Sun continues to drive value by reducing prices on its popular Ultra 60 workstation by up to 18 percent and by building new features into the Solaris[tm] Operating Environment desktop software.

“Customers such as those in the EDA space are demanding as much memory and processor power as we can send their way,” said Ken Okin, vice president and general manager of Workstation Products, Sun Microsystems, Inc. “From the Ultra 5 to the Ultra 80 workstation, Sun’s workstation lineup enables users to select the best desktop for their needs. The new Ultra 80 model solidifies Sun’s position in the elite high-performance graphics and compute-intensive markets.”

I. D. – SOLARIS CENTRAL IS 1 YEAR OLD

Sun Microsystems started its first internet news service way back in 1988. It was called the Florida SunFlash and was distributed by email. In fact many of the news services which cover the Sun market also started pre-web including SPARC International’s SPARC-FLASH. During the last few years many independent news services have appeared on the web covering various aspects of the computer systems market. Because I talk to manufacturers directly, often before they write their press releases, I was never very interested in these news sites. But a year ago, I was contacted by Duane Gran who was setting up Solaris Central – an independent site for Sun related software news. I never had enough time to look at the software side of this market. I liked what I saw in Solaris Central, and got hooked. Solaris Central recently passed its first 12 months anniversary. In that short time, it has eclipsed all other sites with the quality and presentation of Sun related software market news for busy readers. Duane is a modest guy and doesn’t say too much about his background on the site so I asked him some questions to share with his readers. To read about this interview go to <<a href=”http://www.sparcproductdirectory.com/solcent-1.html”>www.sparcproductdirectory.com/solcent-1.html>.

I. E. – U S SOFTWARE RELEASES CD-ROM DRIVER AND ISO9660 FILE SYSTEM FOR USFILES(R) FILE SYSTEM

USFiles is a DOS/Win95 compatible file system that has been designed to target processor and RTOS independent. USFiles can operate in a stand-alone mode and because it is reentrant, it supports multitasking RTOSs such as our SuperTask! and uITRON compliant TronTask! products. USFiles also supports standard ANSI C file I/O function calls. Source code is included and there are no royalties.

USFiles for CD-ROM includes ATAPI CD-ROM driver and ISO9660 compliant file system. It enables embedded developers to add CD-ROM drive and ISO9660 CD-ROM file system very easily.

“The demand for embedded file systems is growing so rapidly. This will continue as PCs become more pervasive, requiring embedded applications to exchange data with PCs seamlessly.” says Tomoyuki Uda, Product Marketing Manager with U S Software.

“Today’s embedded applications require a variety ofvarious storage media such as CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CompactFlash and so on, but after all, data transparency between storage devicesthem and the PC is most important. We can sasisfysatisfyssily those needs by delivering USFiles for CD-ROM and other up-and-coming upcoming new drivers.”

USFiles is unique in a way that it can be used with any CPU and RTOS. The embedded file system market has grown significantly over the last two years, making the file system one of the most critical software components in the embedded software. USFiles already supports hHard disk, floppy disks, RAM disk and CompactFlash driver, and U S Software will keep adding new storage devices to offer bring the complete file system solutions.

“At U S Software, we’ve earned a reputation for providing reliable products that are compact, extremely fast, and easy to implement. For over twenty years we have provided solutions for thousands of embedded applications. Our products, which support all major embedded microprocessors, include: SuperTask!(R) real-time operating system, TronTask!(R) multitasking kernel compatible with ITRON, SuperPeg portable embedded GUI, USNET(R) embedded TCP/IP protocol suite, Embedded Web Server small footprint HTTP web server, NetPeer embedded desktop interface and distributed operating environment, USFiles(R) processor and RTOS independent Win95/DOS compatible file system, GOFAST(R) floating point libraries, Soft-Scope(R) remote-target debugger, CSi-Mon” target-resident monitor, and USLink(R) embedded application linker/locator.”

USNET, SuperTask!, TronTask!, USFiles, GOFAST, USLINK, and Soft-Scope are registered trademarks of United States Software Corporation. NetPeer and CSi-Mon are trademarks of United States Software Corporation. All other trademarks belong to their respective holders.

For more informatin contact U S Software; Phone: Phone: (800) 356-7097, (503) 844-6614, Fax: (503) 844-6480 Email: <<a href=”mailto:info@ussw.com”>info@ussw.com>.

I. F. – RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC., AWARDS WINNER A RAVE SYSTEMS RACKMOUNT-2UAXI AT FALL ISPCON 99

Sterling Heights, MI–November 23, 1999–The multitude of attendees who visited Rave Computer Association’s booth during the Fall ISPCON 99 show held at the San Jose Convention Center, San Jose, California during the week of October 26th through 28th, received an opportunity to register to win a Rave Systems RackMount-2UAXi.

At the show, Rave Computer Association, Inc., a Sun authorized Master value-added integrator, displayed a Rave Systems RackMount-2UAXi inside booth 2043. Rave Systems RackMount-2UAXi featured Sun UltraAXi motherboard integrated into Raves’ sleek 19 inch 2U rackmount chassis. Suns UltraAXi motherboard has many robust features such as integrated dual-channel Ultra-wide SCSI, single ungradable UltraSPARC-IIi processors with processing speeds up to 440MHz, and two 33MHz/32-bit PCI Slots. Raves’ system supports up to 1GB of memory and has two exposed drive bays, and can accommodate up to three internal low profile 7,200 RPM or 10,000 RPM disk drives or two half height drives. Internally the chassis has six cooling fans and a 300-Watt auto-sensing power supply.

Rave Systems RackMount-2UAXi is manufactured at Rave Computer’s headquarters based in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

On the last day of the Fall ISPCON show, Rave Systems RackMount-2UAXi was awarded to Mr. Robert Haskins of Lowell, Massachuesetts. Mr. Haskins received a Rave Systems RackMount-2UAXi with the following configurations: original UltraAXi motherboard integrated into Raves customized 19 inch 2U rackmount with a 300MHz UltraSPARC-IIi processor, 256 MB of memory, one 9.0 GB hard drive, ATI 3D charger videocard, 1.44 floppy and pre-loaded with Solaris 2.7

More information about Rave Computer Association, Inc., and its Rave Systems can be found on their web site at: < www.rave.net> or by calling 1-800-966-7283.

I. G. – SUN MICROSYSTEMS, INC. ANNOUNCED SOLARIS™ 7

Palo Alto, CA–November 2, 1999–Sun Microsystems, Inc., today announced the availability of the Trusted Solaris™ 7 Operating Environment, an enhanced version of Sun’s scalable Solaris 7 Operating Environment that incorporates heightened security features for commercial and government applications. Trusted Solaris 7, the follow-on to the Trusted Solaris 2.5.1 environment, delivers 64-bit capabilities and supports the full line of SPARC™ and Intel architectures, including the Sun Enterprise[tm] 10000 server, providing enhanced performance, capacity and scalability.

“Trusted Solaris 7 reinforces Sun’s commitment to providing a secure operating environment across the enterprise,” said Thomas Kreidler, president of Sun Microsystems Federal, Inc. “We are delivering what our customers have requested: an advanced 64-bit technology that maintains complete binary compatibility with 32-bit applications in a security-enhanced environment. The Trusted Solaris 7 Operating Environment provides the computer security our customers need to secure their firewalls, communications gateways, web and commerce servers, guards and databases.”

The Trusted Solaris 7 Operating Environment Mandatory Access Control (MAC) feature allows organizations, including banks and financial institutions, to process information at multiple-sensitivity levels. MAC labels correspond to the sensitivity levels of information, allowing data to be maintained separately in a single system according to each user’s need to know. Therefore, a bank internal system can be configured using Trusted Solaris 7 so a bank clerk may view a customer balance while a loan officer can access only the credit record.

“We are very pleased the commercial banking and finance community has embraced the Trusted Solaris 7 Operating Environment as the foundation of their e-commerce solutions. We have several customers who rely on this environment to protect their customers’ most sensitive information during e-commerce transactions,” said Chris Hurst, vice president of global sales operations for Sun Microsystems, Inc.

The Trusted Solaris 7 Operating Environment uses the Common Desktop Environment (CDE) and can be customized to satisfy various security policy requirements. It offers advanced multithreading and support for symmetric multiprocessing, giving organizations moving to Web-based computing the ability to handle an increased number of network transactions. This environment also supports the Sun line of hardware based on PCI architecture as well as new transmission mediums, including Sun ATM™, Sun FDDI™, Token Ring and Gigabit Ethernet.

Trusted Solaris offers users a trusted operating system with distributed client-server computing, along with the ease of use, power and system management available from Sun’s scalable line of products. Information can be shared throughout the entire enterprise with strict security maintained. Customers can implement a consistent enterprise-wide security policy, relying on protection within the Trusted Solaris Operating Environment, including NIS+, Trusted NFS™ and secure networking. Selected features can be enabled or disabled to configure a system that meets any site’s security and usability requirements. The Trusted Solaris 7 Operating Environment supports all UltraSPARC [tm] processor-based machines as well as a wide range of x86 based machines.

For more information vistit our web site at www.sun.com

II. SCD CERTIFIED TESTING ADDITIONS IN OCTOBER

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.

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

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.:

Other Trademarks that are in use or Pending Registration include:

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.

Issue No. 73

I. SPARC News!

1. SPARC INERNATIONAL WELCOMES MEMBER ATP ELECTRONICS!
2. TATUNG SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, INC. ANNOUNCES NEW RACK MOUNTABLE SYSTEM IN 2U FORM FACTOR
3. SUN DETECTIVE OFFERS MULTIMEDIA TRAINING CD
4. RED HAT AND COMPAQ PARTNER TO PROVIDE WORLDWIDE ENTERPRISE SUPPORT FOR OFFICIAL RED HAT LINUX OPERATING SYSTEM
5. TADPOLE ACQUIRES UTILITY SOFTWARE DEVELOPER CONIC SYSTEMS, CREATES ENLARGED BUSINESS UNIT FOR UTILITIES AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS MARKETS

II. VERIFIED TESTING ADDITIONS IN OCTOBER

III. SPARCSHOP

I. SPARC News

I. A. – SPARC INERNATIONAL WELCOMES MEMBER ATP ELECTRONICS!

Sunnyvale, CA–October 20, 1999–ATP Electronics joined SPARC International. ATP Electronics, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of top-performance memory products specializing in the design and manufacturer of high-end, high-density memory modules for servers, workstations, desktops,notebooks, networking and embedded systems. We pride ourselves in a highly trained engineering department capable of addressing your most sophisticated memory needs. With ATP’s expertise in the DRAM business, we’re committed to building long term business relationship with our customers by providing top-quality products and value-added services. For more information visit their web site at www.atpusa.com.

I. B. – TATUNG SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, INC. ANNOUNCES NEW RACK MOUNTABLE SYSTEM IN 2U FORM FACTOR

Milpitas, CA–Oct. 11, 1999–Tatung Science & Technology, Inc. (TSTI), celebrating more than ten years of commitment to the SPARC systems market, today unveiled the COMPstation U10-440R2U. This new Sun Ultra 10-compatible system features the 440 MHz UltraSPARC-IIi chip. Housed in a compact 2U enclosure, the rack mountable server is ideal for Web hosting, telecommunications, industrial and e-commerce environments where space is critical.

“The COMPstation U10-440R2U is specially designed for users who demand a system that can meet tight space requirements, without sacrificing performance or speed,” said Dr. Kam Chan, president of TSTI. “The server’s small chassis form factor enables users to take advantage of limited real estate by accommodating more systems in a given space.”

Compact Rack Mount Systems Designed to Meet the Needs of ISPs and OEMs

The new rack mountable, Ultra 10-compatible COMPstation U10-440R2U is configured to meet the requirements of ISPs, OEMs and industrial and communications applications. Tatung designed the system to easily and cost effectively accommodate memory and peripherals expansion.

Equipped with 2 MB of external cache, the U10-440R2U delivers a system performance of 18.7 SPECint_95* and 21.1 SPECfp_95*. The 64-bit, 440 MHz UltraSPARC-IIi processor supports two 32-bit PCI devices at 33 MHz to provide plenty of system flexibility.

The U10-440R2U features a rack mountable chassis design that conveniently fits into existing ISP server banks and adapts easily to OEM configurations. With a small footprint that is 3.5″ high x 17.25″ wide x 20″ deep, the system’s space-saving design allows for easy vertical stacking. Front panel access to CD-ROM and floppy drives facilitate upgrades and routine maintenance tasks for administrators.

The COMPstation U10-440R2U supports four drive bays suitable for two, 3.5″ hard drives (one inch thick), a 5.25″ CD-ROM drive and a 3.5″ floppy drive. Standard features consist of 128 MB of RAM, 9 GB hard drive, dual-channel Ultra-Wide SCSI built into the motherboard, two serial ports, one parallel port, Solaris 7 and a 10/100-BaseT Ethernet interface. Suggested list pricing starts at $4390 for a standard configuration.

While the COMPstation U10-440R2U comes pre-installed with Solaris 7, it also provides support for the Linux open source operating system, Apache Web Server and many other applications running on the UltraSPARC platform.

Optional features on the new server include up to 1 GB of memory, 36 GB or more of hard disk capacity and 24-bit PCI graphics.

Optional Rack Mountable RAID Storage Subsystem Increases Disk Capacity
Another option available from Tatung is an add-on disk array storage subsystem that increases hard disk capacity to 250 GB or more and makes the COMPstation U10-440R2U servers robust enough to support departmental or small enterprise Internet or Intranet applications.

Tatung Science & Technology, Inc. is the leading provider of SPARC-compatible workstations and web servers and a U.S. subsidiary of the over $4 billion, multi-national Tatung Co. Backed by more than ten years of commitment to the SPARC systems market, TSTI workstations and servers are installed at tens of thousands of user sites throughout North America. TSTI is a founding member of SPARC International.

For more information, contact Tatung Science & Technology, Inc., 1840 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035. Toll Free: 1-800-659-5902; e-mail: mkt@tsti.com, Web site: www.tsti.com.

I. C. – SUN DETECTIVE OFFERS MULTIMEDIA TRAINING CD

Waterford, MI–October 1, 1999–SoftTech Solutions announces a new multimedia automated demo for the On-Line! Detective for Sun. The demo is and excellent marketing and training tool providing individuals a quick overview of the key features and benefits of the product. The Detective is a system support software package for everyone who interfaces with Sun equipment. It provides quick and accurate information for locating and resolving Sun problems in a very intuitive fashion. The tool uses a number of navigational techniques to put information at the point of need. Key users of the Detective include system administrators, field engineers, help desk personnel and resellers of Sun equipment.

The new demo uses both sound and graphics to highlight each module of the Detective. Users receive a quick tour (each module is 1-4 minutes in length), outlining key information on specific systems, troubleshooting, part number information, and configuration rules and guidelines. The demo is instrumental in bringing new customers up-to-speed in utilizing the Detective. Individuals who spend a few minutes reviewing the demo have a very strong grasp of the benefits and functional attributes of the product.

“One of the challenges of any software company is training”, states CEO Paul Violassi, “coupling this new training tool with the On-Line! Detective, individuals raise their level of Sun competence in a very short period of time.” This has become particularly important with large corporations, such as StorageTek, AT&T, Department of Defense and others deploying the Detective throughout their service organizations.

The new demo is also providing a tremendous benefit in the marketing arena. “Technical and economic buyers are able, in a very short period, understand the features of the full Detective and make a decision on whether it is right for their organizations”, offers Michael Neff, Director of Marketing at SoftTech. SoftTech recently sent out 17,000 demo CDs through PCI’s, SunServer magazine. “The feedback and early response is very encouraging”, replies Neff.

Currently the automated demo is PC based. An interactive demo is available on SoftTech’s website at www.stsolutions.com that is downloadable on both Windows and Solaris. SoftTech is currently working on a Solaris automated demo. If you have access to a PC with a sound card, the new demo is worth a look. To contact SoftTech Solutions call (248) 738-7738 or (888) 786-4393.

I. D. – RED HAT AND COMPAQ PARTNER TO PROVIDE WORLDWIDE ENTERPRISE SUPPORT FOR OFFICIAL RED HAT LINUX OPERATING SYSTEM

Durham, N.C.—October 18, 1999—Red Hat, Inc., the leading provider of open source Linux-based operating system (OS) solutions and Compaq Computer Corp. (NYSE: CPQ) today expanded their strategic partnership to provide call center support for enterprise users worldwide of the Official Red Hat Linux OS.

Under the agreement, Compaqs Customer Services organization, which serves hundreds of thousands of organizations in more than 100 countries worldwide, will escalate the most advanced support issues to Red Hats services and support organization. As Compaq modifies and optimizes the Red Hat Linux OS during the support process, Red Hat will evaluate and test these changes, make them available in future revisions of the OS and deliver them freely to the entire open source community under the GNU General Public License (GPL).

Compaq has one of the most powerful, worldwide call center support operations. This agreement combines Compaqs hardware and networking expertise and Red Hats superior development expertise in open source software solutions, said Bob Young, chair and CEO of Red Hat, Inc. At the same time, Compaq and its customers some of the most innovative users in the world will be contributing to the growth and development of Linux-based operating systems under the open source model. This is a perfect example of how commitments to open source by major software and hardware vendors like Compaq and Red Hat can further propel the benefits of Linux-based operating systems to enterprise organizations worldwide.

The agreement expands the relationship between Red Hat and Compaq, which included an equity investment earlier this year from Compaq and joint marketing, development and certification to maximize compatibility and interoperability with Compaqs Tru64 Unix OS and Alpha Server and Proliant server and workstations. More information on Red Hats partnership with Compaq can be found on the Web at www.redhat.com/about/1999/press_compaq.html and www.redhat.com/about/1999/press_industryleaders.html.

To support our customers ever-increasing deployment of Red Hat Linux into business critical environments, Compaq will introduce its suite of services for Red Hat Linux, said Peter Mercury, Vice President of Compaq Customer Services. With this agreement, a key building block is in place for Compaq to support customers deploying Red Hat Linux in Internet, high performance technical computing and other applications where non stop availability is required. Additionally, joint support from Compaq and Red Hat Linux will eliminate many of the finger-pointing problems customers typically face between hardware and software vendors.

Red Hat is based in Durham, N.C. and has offices worldwide. Visit Red Hat on the Web at www.redhat.com. For investor inquiries, please contact Lippert/Heilshorn at (212) 838-3777.

LINUX is a trademark of Linus Torvalds. RED HAT is a registered trademark of Red Hat, Inc. All other names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

I. E. – TADPOLE ACQUIRES UTILITY SOFTWARE DEVELOPER CONIC SYSTEMS, CREATES ENLARGED BUSINESS UNIT FOR UTILITIES AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS MARKETS

Carlsbad, CA–October 6, 1999–With the goal of becoming the mobile computing vendor of choice for the world’s utilities and telecommunications industries, Tadpole Technology today strengthened its position through the strategic acquisition of the business and certain assets and liabilities of Texas based Conic Systems Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary Scottish based Conic Systems Limited for a total consideration of $1.25 million in cash.

The acquisition of Conic enables Tadpole to further extend its mobile software product offerings for the utilities and telecommunications markets, add significant new companies to its customer base, access more geographies through Conics extensive partner network, and enhance its technical skills and market coverage.

Founded in 1991, Conic is a software developer of mobile geographical information systems (GIS) and mapping solutions. Headquartered in Edinburgh, the companys customer base comprises over fifty gas, water, cable, telecommunications, national mapping and government industries, including BC Hydro (Canada), CME (Brazil), EDP (Portugal), First Energy and Texas Utilities (USA), Ordnance Survey, Scottish and Southern Energy and Northern Electric (UK). Conic has approximately 20 business partners across Europe, North America and Australasia.

Tadpole announced its Cartesia and J-Slate product family for the utilities and telecommunications markets in late April this year – a unique Java-based suite of hardware and software that allows detailed maps and job-management data to be downloaded from corporate servers via GSM or conventional phones to field workers using hand-held, diskless pen computers. With the acquisition of Conic Systems, Tadpole has extended its range of mobile computing software platforms and solutions by enabling field workers to access a wider range of GIS and CAD data allowing the utility industries to maximize their business potential from field operations, notably through improved works management, asset exploitation and inspection.

Conic’s core product is Conic GIS, which enables field workers to access, collect, verify and update spatially-related information and provides levels of customization ranging from configuration of the user interface through to tailor-made applications using Visual Basic and other tools. Conic GIS provides four graduated levels of functionality: Conic View as a map display and navigation tool, Conic Redline to redline and sketch facilities, Conic Query for database review and update, and Conic Capture to add full graphic interaction and provide the ability to link to external instrumentation and perform data analysis.

Tadpole-RDI Inc., global leader in protable UNIX workstations and servers for applications of Sun operating systems; Tadpole-Cartesia, leader in field information systems for the utilities, telecommunications and public service industries. Website: www.tadpole.com.

II. VERIFIED TESTING ADDITIONS IN OCTOBER

The SPARC Verified brand, awarded by SPARC International, assures end users that the peripherals they want to use will work on the SPARC Compliant systems they target. This list, updated monthly, includes changes made to the master list of SPARC Verified products. To view the master list, please go to SPARC.certified.

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

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.:

Other Trademarks that are in use or Pending Registration include:

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.

Issue No. 72

I. SPARC News……………!

1. NEW MARKETING PROGRAMS FROM SPARC INTERNATIONAL
2. SPARC INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES TWO NEW MEMBERS!
3. SCSL JUST IN TIME FOR Y2K INNOVATIONS!
4. TATUNG’S NEW DUAL-PROCESSING SYSTEMS REACH 450 MHZ.
5. FUJITSU GP7000F AIMS FOR TOP OF THE CLASS
6. US SOFTWARE ANNOUNCES NETPEER
7. EIS COMPUTERS INTRODUCES NEW HIGH PERFORMANCE, VERY LOW PROFILE SERVER FOR INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS
8. RAVE SYSTEMS RACKMOUNT-2UAXI TO BE DEMONSTRATED AT ISPCON FALL RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC.
9. EMPRESS RDBMS HOT SWAP REPLICATION FOR EMBEDDED SYSTEMS
10. RED HAT ANNOUNCES RED HAT LINUX 6.1, LATEST VERSION OF LEADING OPEN SOURCE SERVER OPERATING SYSTEM

II. SCD CERTIFIED TESTING ADDITIONS IN SEPTEMBER

III. SPARCSHOP

I. SPARC News

I. A. – NEW MARKETING PROGRAMS FROM SPARC INTERNATIONAL

Santa Clara, CA–September 30, 1999–SPARC International announces two new programs to assist our members in expanding their marketing programs.

First, we are now offering banner advertisements on our home and index pages which will direct prospects and existing customers directly to your home page. Just discussing the possibility with some members has resulted in two pre-announcement orders for this valuable service. As you probably know, this method of advertising has been shown to be a far more cost effective means as opposed to those in the print media since it is directed to a specific audience. Please contact Nev Griffin; nev@sparc.org for details.

Secondly, SPARC International has secured a substantial number of web site addresses which include the words “SPARC” as well as additional ones with “Linux”, etc. These are now available to our members at a nominal cost that can serve as a home site for a specific product line offering. Once again, contact Nev Griffin for details.

I. B. -SPARC INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES TWO NEW MEMBERS!

Oragne, CA–September 9, 1999–Transcend Information Inc. was founded in 1988 and is a leading international brand name for memory and motherboard products. Transcend develops quality, solution-driven memory upgrades that meet industry specifications – and customer expectations. Transcend designs and manufactures all upgrades in-house, allowing total quality control from conception to product delivery. All Transcend design and manufacturing is ISO 9001/9002 certified, around the globe.

Eagan, MN–September 13, 1999–North America Systems International (NASI) was established in 1993 and is a premeir provider of integrated solutions to the midrange computer marketplace. Offerings include Business Partner alliances and value added solutions for the IBM AS/400 and RS/6000, the Hewlett Packard 9000, Sun Microsystems, and Silicon Graphics.

Graphic Systems International, a division of NASI, specializes in gigabit networking and server solutions for the prepress industry.

I. C. – SCSL JUST IN TIME FOR Y2K INNOVATIONS!

Sun’s Community Source Licensing (SCSL) initiative is a new model for licensing intellectual property. It was designed to provide a more flexible process for gaining access to technology that allows tool vendors, chip designers, commerical OEMs, universities and research organizaions access to the picoJava(TM), SPARC(TM) V8 and V9 microprocessor source files without fees during the initial evaluation and development phases. Community members can help each other refine, extend, and improve picoJava(TM) and SPARC(TM) technologies by sharing information and test-driving the technologies without the barrier of up-front fees. Making intellectual property readily available for evaluation and early-stage development will increase the rate of innovation, allowing new products to be developed more quickly.

For detailed information regarding the SCSL program, go to our web site at www.sparc.org then follow the links below:
Program Overview
Principles
PicoJava and SPARC Technology
Licensing

I. D. – TATUNG’S NEW DUAL-PROCESSING SYSTEMS REACH 450 MHZ.

Milpitas, CA–Sept. 14, 1999–Tatung Science & Technology, Inc. (TSTI), celebrating more than 10 years of commitment to the SPARC systems market, today introduced its fastest dual-processing system to date, the COMPstation U60-2450. This new PCI-based, Sun Ultra 60-compatible system leverages the 450 MHz UltraSPARC-II microprocessor.

Tatung offers the system in both tower and rack-mount configurations. The tower supports high-end graphics and Java development applications, while the rack-mount models deliver a break through solution to the challenges experienced by today’s Internet Service Providers, OEMs, industrial, commercial, and e-commerce users.

The COMPstation U60-2450 is equipped with two 64-bit UltraSPARC-II processors, boasting impressive system performances of 19.7 SPECint_95* and 32.7 SPECfp_95*.

U60-2450: Tower Model Delivers High-Performance Graphics Support
The desktop offers sophisticated functionality and high-performance graphics, making it the preferred choice among geophysicists, CAD and MCAD/MCAE designers, animators and other graphics intensive users. The U60-2450 is especially suitable for users working with complex, interactive graphics applications where performance is critical, such as 3D modeling, medical imaging or full digital prototyping.

The desktop supports high functionality graphics and imaging APIs including Sun’s XIL, an imaging API for delivering powerful VIS (Visual Instruction Set) accelerated imaging and video functionality to applications and application developers. Users can also take advantage of OpenGL, the popular 3D graphics API for advanced graphics visualization applications.

Tatung offers flexible configurations on the COMPstation U60-2450 to meet diverse application requirements. Components and peripherals can be easily customized based on user’s requirements. Standard configurations include dual 450 MHz UltraSPARC-II processors, 128 MB of RAM, 9 GB of hard disk storage, PCI graphics card and the Solaris 7 operating system pre-installed.

The COMPstation U60-2450 supports one 33 MHz, 32-bit PCI device, two 33 MHz, 64-bit PCI devices, and one 66 MHz, 64-bit PCI device. A 64-bit UPA slot is available for add-ons such as Creator or Elite3D graphics cards. Other standard features consist of Ultra Wide SCSI, two serial ports, one parallel port, and a 100-BaseT Ethernet interface.

The tower model offers up to five drive bays for incorporating two, standard 3-1/2″ hard drives, a 5-1/4″ CD-ROM drive, a 4- or 8 mm tape drive and another device that will fit into a 5-1/4″ slot.

U60-2450R: Rack-Mount System Offers a Space-Saving Solution
The desktop offers sophisticated functionality and high-performance graphics, making it the preferred choice among geophysicists, CAD and MCAD/MCAE designers, animators and other graphics intensive users. The U60-2450 is especially suitable for users working with complex, interactive graphics applications where performance is critical, such as 3D modeling, medical imaging or full digital prototyping.

The desktop supports high functionality graphics and imaging APIs including Sun’s XIL, an imaging API for delivering powerful VIS (Visual Instruction Set) accelerated imaging and video functionality to applications and application developers. Users can also take advantage of OpenGL, the popular 3D graphics API for advanced graphics visualization applications.

Tatung offers flexible configurations on the COMPstation U60-2450 to meet diverse application requirements. Components and peripherals can be easily customized based on user’s requirements. Standard configurations include dual 450 MHz UltraSPARC-II processors, 128 MB of RAM, 9 GB of hard disk storage, PCI graphics card and the Solaris 7 operating system pre-installed.

The COMPstation U60-2450 supports one 33 MHz, 32-bit PCI device, two 33 MHz, 64-bit PCI devices, and one 66 MHz, 64-bit PCI device. A 64-bit UPA slot is available for add-ons such as Creator or Elite3D graphics cards. Other standard features consist of Ultra Wide SCSI, two serial ports, one parallel port, and a 100-BaseT Ethernet interface.

The tower model offers up to five drive bays for incorporating two, standard 3-1/2″ hard drives, a 5-1/4″ CD-ROM drive, a 4- or 8 mm tape drive and another device that will fit into a 5-1/4″ slot.

U60-2450R: Rack-Mount System Offers a Space-Saving Solution
Available in a rack-mount version, the COMPstation U60-2450R features a 19-inch rack-mountable chassis design that conveniently fits into existing ISP server banks and adapts easily to OEM, telecommunications and industrial configurations. With a small footprint that is 7 inches high, 17.25 inches wide, and 18-inches deep, the server’s design allows for easy vertical stacking and provides a solution for space-restricted environments.

Standard configurations are the same as the tower model and include dual 450 MHz UltraSPARC-II processors, 128 MB of RAM, 9 GB of hard disk storage, and the Solaris 7 operating system pre-installed. The COMPstation U60-2450R supports one 33 MHz, 32-bit PCI device, two 33 MHz, 64-bit PCI devices, and one 66 MHz, 64-bit PCI device. A 64-bit UPA slot is available for add-ons. Other standard features consist of Ultra Wide SCSI, two serial ports, one parallel port and a 100-BaseT Ethernet interface.

The COMPstation U60-2450R uses network storage and features slots for two, one-inch, 3-1/2″ drives. An optional add-on disk array storage subsystem available from Tatung, enables users to add peripherals as needed. With hard disk capacity of more than 250 GB, the disk array makes the COMPstation U60-2450R robust enough to support departmental or small enterprise Internet or intranet applications.

Available options on the rack-mount server include up to 2 GB of RAM, up to 18 GB of hard disk storage, ATM connectivity, Ultra Wide SCSI and a wide range of monitors. The U60-2450R is offered at suggested list prices starting at $16,800 for a standard rack-mount configuration.

For users who need extra storage space, Tatung also offers the COMPstation U60-2450R in other rack-mount cabinet configurations which provide support for more storage devices.

For more information, contact Tatung Science & Technology, Inc., 1840 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035. Toll Free: 1-800-659-5902; email:mkt@tsti.com Web site:www.tsti.com.

I. E. – FUJITSU GP7000F AIMS FOR TOP OF THE CLASS

Tokyo,–September 30, 1999–Fujitsu Limited today announced the global deployment of the first high availability, Integrated Data Center servers in its GP7000F Unix server range. The new GP7000F Model 2000 scales to 64 SPARC64(TM) GP processors, while the new Model 1000 scales to 32 processors. The new servers are expected to be able to achieve around 150,000 transactions per minute, with plans in the next iteration to aim for about three times this performance. All GP7000F models run the Solaris™7 operating system and provide levels of RAS (reliability availability and serviceability) normally associated with corporate mainframe systems. In addition, the larger systems will include dynamic system reconfiguration and hardware redundancy to support 24×7 operation.

Both new models introduced today enhance Fujitsu’s strategic support and commitment to the Solaris operating system while expanding the existing GP7000F series to a fully scalable server range from two-processor systems all the way to 64 processors. But the scalability will not stop there. The next step will be a 128-processor GP7000F server.

These additions to the GP7000F series pave the way for ever larger systems that will be required to service the demands of Business to Business and Business to Customer networked applications, server farms and corporate server consolidation expected to take hold in the early years of the 21st century.

Fujitsu has incorporated its own unique performance enhancement developments in these GP7000F systems. The SPARC64(TM) GP processor has higher levels of internal cache and more error detection and correction technology than previous SPARC processors. This can significantly reduce both the time processors have to wait for instructions from memory and the possibility of system failure due to parity errors. When memory and processors need to talk, they use Fujitsu’s world leading cross bar switch bus technology that runs at 40.96GB/sec. The future 128 processor systems will be able take advantage of Fujitsu’s leading edge R&D in 0.18 micron copper wire CMOS, which will soon lift this bus bandwidth to 51.2GB/s running at 200MHz.

GP7000F system compatibility with Sun UltraSPARC processors and Sun’s software development and sourcing strategy means that Fujitsu will not be developing a rival set of software tools and services. Rather it will be leveraging and promoting Sun’s software sets, and it aims to maximize their adoption as the strategic products of choice across the Fujitsu customer base.

Fully compatible with the Solaris operating system, GP7000F systems are ideal for use with major vendor products such as Oracle’s relational database, data warehousing and financial systems. This has resulted in Oracle and Fujitsu entering into a strategic alliance for the promotion and delivery of combined Oracle and GP7000F solutions.

These very large and robust SPARC64(TM) GP Solaris servers have adopted many of the important large system features of previous mainframe technology. But they also are very flexible and can be configured in both partitioned and non-partitioned modes. Fujitsu’s highly enforced partitioning functions in particular provide lower TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) when used for server consolidation purposes.

For more information contact Fujitsu at www.fujitsu.com.

I. F. – EIS COMPUTERS INTRODUCES NEW HIGH PERFORMANCE, VERY LOW PROFILE SERVER FOR INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS

Camarillo, CA–Sept. 15, 1999–EIS Computers today introduced the VerteX 400-2U, a server designed and optimized for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that can be installed and easily maintained in rack environments.

Featuring a configuration that supports one or two of the latest Intel Pentium-III processors and large hard drive capacity, the VerteX 400-2U is considered the highest performance solution for the ISP, according to David Van Beveren, EIS CEO. The server can be delivered with the customer’s choice of Windows NT 4.0, Red Hat Linux 6.0 or Solaris 7 for Intel processors. The VerteX 400-2U features a specially engineered 19-inch rack-mount enclosure that allows easy access for maintenance and upgrade. Its mission critical capabilities include hot-swappable power supplies, fans and a locking front door to prevent unauthorized access to the system.

Van Beveren noted that up to 24 of the new 2U units can be stacked in standard racks used by many ISPs.

He added that first shipments of the new product are scheduled for October 1999, and they will be demonstrated at ISPCon in San Jose, Oct. 26-28, 1999.

The VerteX 400-2U has a Pentium-III Intel motherboard capable of operating with single or dual 600 MHz processors and up to two GB of PC-100 RAM. The integrated motherboard includes two Ultra-2 LVD SCSI disk channels, 10/100 base-T Ethernet and a 2MB SVGA video port, all onboard. The 2U enclosure can hold up to six hard drives, providing over 200GB total storage. Options include a hardware RAID controller, CDROM or tape drive, and it is designed to allow customers to add up to two additional PCI cards for further expansion.

EIS offers a similar 2U server built using the same enclosure, and driven by a Sun UltraSPARC PCI system board, which supports Solaris 7 and Red Hat Linux 6.0 operating systems.

Whether configuring a system around the UltraSPARC or Intel 2U server, EIS pre-installs the customer’s choice of operating system, as well as Zeus Technology’s High Performance Clustered Web server, Sun’s Internet mail or ISP server, Web Caching applications and C and Java development tools. Rack-mountable accessories include a 1U Keyboard-Video-Mouse tray, combined with an eight- or 16-port integrated console switch to control a complete rack of servers. In addition, there is a MasterSwitch AC Power manager to manage power via a Web browser; and rack-mountable LVD, FibreChannel and RAID storage subsystems. EIS offers a two-year warranty and an optional on-site support program with every server package.

EIS can be reached at www.eis.com and (800) 351-4608.

I. G. – RAVE SYSTEMS RACKMOUNT-2UAXI TO BE DEMONSTRATED AT ISPCON FALL RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC.

Sterling Heights, MI–October 1, 1999–Rave Computer Association, Inc., will be present at ISPCON Fall to demonstrate Rave Systems RackMount-2UAXi. ISPCON Fall, hosted by Boardwatch, will be held at San Jose Convention Center from October 26 to 28, 1999.

Rave Computer Association, Inc., a Sun Microsystems authorized Master value-added integrator, will display the capabilities and features of Rave Systems RackMount-2UAXi inside booth 2043. Rave Computer has integrated Sun Microsystems UltraAXi motherboard into Raves sleek 19 inch 2U rackmount chassis. The UltraAXi motherboard has many robust features such as integrated dual-channel Ultra-wide SCSI, single upgradeable UltraSPARC-IIi processors and two 33MHz/32-bit PCI slots. The system can hold up to 1 GB of memory and can be pre-loaded with Solaris 2.6. or Red Hat Linux 6.0. The chassis comes standard with two exposed drive bays, and can accommodate up to three internal low profile 7,200 or 10,000 RPM disk drives or two half height drives. Internally the chassis has six cooling fans and 300 Watt auto-sensing power supply.

Rave Systems RackMount-2UAXi is manufactured at Rave Computers headquarters based in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Other members of the UltraAXi family manufactured by Rave Computer are Rave Systems RackMount-5UAXi and Rave Systems Tower-AXi.

The base price of Rave Systems RackMount-2UAXi begins at $2,750. The compact size of the system reduces rack space requirements and allows compute-intensive users to deploy a series of powerful UltraAXi servers at its sites.

Rave Systems provide the ideal solution for those looking for UNIX systems that allow for robust performance, scalability, 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 Rave Systems can be found on their web site at: www.rave.net or by calling 1-800-966-7283.

I. H. -US SOFTWARE ANNOUNCES NETPEER

Hillsboro, OR–September 27, 1999–US Software, a leading developer of real-time embedded-application products, today announced the release of NetPeer, a Distributed Operating Environment and Embedded Desktop Interface. NetPeer allows users to create dynamic interfaces for their workstation applications. The product was developed because almost every embedded application requires an interface for status and diagnostic abilities, control and configuration. Product development coincides with the increased demand for remote and distributive computing capabilities. Currently, competitive products offer only static displays and passive connections and are limited by large code sizes. Workstations and embedded systems cooperate in a simple manner to create interconnected distributed applications.

NetPeer provides an embedded target application with a client, a server and a broad, flexible real-time interface to remote services over a network with or without an RTOS. Additionally, NetPeer provides a multi-user GUI so many users can simultaneously connect to the same target. Or, multiple targets may interface with a single workstation.

NetPeer’s embedded target module is a C library requiring less than 16k of code space and 2k of RAM. This library can be built for many different processors and tool chains. TCP/IP, IrDA, RF, Ethernet and PPP are among the vast array of supported protocols. NetPeer operates in most embedded application and workstation environments. On the target, NetPeer is RTOS and TCP/IP stack independent. On the workstation, NetPeer is a complete stand-alone application operating in many environments including Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows CE, Windows NT, Linux, Solaris, Mac, and UNIX.

In addition to serving as an interface, NetPeer is a catalyst for new embedded applications in heavy industry, healthcare and the small office/home office markets. For example, in a hospital setting, electrocardiogram monitors with embedded systems can notify nursing stations under predetermined emergency settings.For typical applications, NetPeer pricing starts at $7500.

Since 1975, US Software, located in Hillsboro, OR, has developed, marketed and supported real-time development components for embedded applications. Additional information may be found at www.netpeer.com.

I. I. – EMPRESS RDBMS HOT SWAP REPLICATION FOR EMBEDDED SYSTEMS

Greenbelt, MD–September 10, 1999–Empress Software introduces hot swap replication to Empress RDBMS V8.60. Hot swap replication enhances database performance by delivering data where and when it is needed and providing for swappable masters for maximal uptime. It accelerates data access and protects a companys valuable data because multiple copies of database objects exist within a distributed network as well as multiple copies of the master database. Via hot swap replication, Empress RDBMS users benefit from improved database performance, secure protection of database integrity, and back-up resources in case a principle database server fails or becomes unavailable.

Hot swap replication results in significant performance improvements with faster, more efficient access to data. Data access time is shortened since different applications can call different sources such as a primary database server or local data replicas to get the same piece of data. Network system resources are conserved by reducing the amount of network traffic to any given source, resulting in an overall speed up in data retrieval and throughput.

Empress RDBMS hot swap replication is the answer for demanding 24 x 7 embedded systems, states Njai Wong, Empress Softwares Director of Product Development. Hot swap replication puts information next to those who really need it. It provides fall back copies of not only replicated data but the master database as well.

Loss of access to corporate data even for a few hours can be paralyzing to a company. Hot swap replication helps to secure continuous access to data by providing one or more back-ups in case a primary database server fails. Local database replicas can be accessed while a primary database is down. Moreover, with Empress RDBMS hot swap replication, a specified replica table can serve as a master table of other replica tables when the principle master database is not available. Priorities can be set in order to determine which database replica will take over as the master of other replicated databases.

Empress Software develops and supports the Empress Relational Database Management System. The Empress RDBMS is one of the most powerful and cost-effective development databases especially designed for embedded systems developers operating on UNIX, Windows or real-time environments. Empress has been utilized successfully in many fields including image and voice management, telecommunications, medical systems, telephony systems, geographical information systems and network management.

For more information about Empress, please call 301-220-1919. Check our web site at www.empress.com or send e-mail to info@empress.com. You can write to us at Empress Software, 6401 Golden Triangle Drive, Greenbelt, MD, 20770.

I. J. – RED HAT ANNOUNCES RED HAT LINUX 6.1, LATEST VERSION OF LEADING OPEN SOURCE SERVER OPERATING SYSTEM

Durham, NC–October 4, 1999–Red Hat, Inc., a leading provider of open source solutions, today announced the release of a suite of Official Red Hat Linux 6.1 products. The latest release of the award-winning Red Hat Linux operating system incorporates easy installation, software update information and access, and improved system management capabilities. These new features enable users to harness the power of open source software in the demanding enterprise and Internet applications that run the day-to-day business of companies worldwide.

Users can move quickly through installation with graphic-based directions, choosing from GNOME, KDE, server or custom interface settings, with seamless integration of software RAID configurations to safeguard critical data and application availability. Additionally, the PXE 2.0 technology (part of the Wired for Management Baseline 2.0) enables Red Hat Linux 6.1 installations to be done across the network, with no need for local media.

Red Hat Linux 6.1 also provides customers with fast access to the latest software technology from Red Hat through the Red Hat Update Agent, an online customer service application for retrieval and management of software updates. Red Hat has combined the RPM package management technology with the Internet capabilities of Red Hat Linux to seamlessly enable customers to take advantage of the continuous technology improvements offered from the open software development community. Red Hat Linux 6.1 combines the power, stability and flexibility of Linux-based open source operating systems with tools and services to handle critical business applications that ensure the peace of mind for corporate users.

Red Hat Linux 6.1 applies many advances in the 2.2.12 Linux kernel and the collaboration of the open source community, including improvements for high availability Internet server clustering and new Web or email-based configuration support for the Apache Web server.

Red Hat is based in Durham, N.C. and has offices worldwide. Visit Red Hat on the Web at www.redhat.com.

II. SCD CERTIFIED TESTING ADDITIONS IN SEPTEMBER

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, please access our web site at www.sparc.org or send email to 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.

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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.