Issue No. 58
A. nSTOR TO FOCUS UPON ROLE AS STORAGE TECHNOLOGY LEADER
C. ADTEC MEMORY SPARC VERIFIED
D. RATIONAL ANNOUNCES NEW UNIX DEVELOPMENT TOOLS
F. SUN DREAMS OF JINI TO PROVIDE MAGIC COMPUTING FABRIC
G. TATUNG INTRODUCES NEW 333 MHZ PCI WORKSTATIONS NEW RACK-MOUNTABLE SYSTEMS ALSO ANNOUNCED
II. SPARC COMPLIANT ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND PRODUCTS IN PROCESS
III. SPARC VERIFIED ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND PRODUCTS IN PROCESS
I. A. – nSTOR TO FOCUS UPON ROLE AS STORAGE TECHNOLOGY LEADER
Lake Mary, FL–July 1, 1998– nStor Technologies, Inc. (AMEX: “NSO”) today announced that its operating subsidiary, nStor Corporation, will strategically focus upon its historic strengths as an innovative leader in storage technology. As a result, nStor is executing an orderly transition to phase out all non-storage-related businesses, including its memory division and its Integrated Systems Division (ISD).
“When nStor was formed in 1996, it acquired a well-established RAID storage product and an engineering team with a strong reputation for leading-edge technology in the fault-tolerant storage industry,” commented Lawrence F. Steffann, president and CEO of nStor Corporation. “Since that time, nStor has developed a number of innovative products, such as its award-winning CR8e RAID subsystem, which is unique in its ability to support today’s storage technology, and such future technologies as clustering, Ultra2 and Fibre Channel, all of which are forecast to show significant growth this year.
“nStor has already established itself as a leader in hardware technology, and our AdminiStor(tm) management software is first in its class,” continued Steffann. “We firmly believe that next-generation products designed around our patented Adaptive(tm) RAID technology will position nStor as a premiere force in the information storage industry. To achieve our objectives, management must focus primarily upon opportunities involving storage technology, and we have decided to phase out of activities which could distract us from that focus. We are confident that our decision will enhance nStor’s position in the marketplace and our ability to increase sales and enhance profitability over the long term.”
This press release includes statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements, usually containing the words “believe”, “estimate”, “project”, “expect” or similar expressions. These statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, continued acceptance of the Company’s products in the marketplace, competitive factors, dependence upon third-party vendors, and other risks detailed in the Company’s periodic report filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. By making these forward-looking statements, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release.
Additional information about nStor and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at www.nstor.com or by calling +800 724-3511.
I. B. – SUN GIVES HOPE TO SGI CUSTOMER BASE: NEW SUN WORKSTATIONS OFFER BETTER PERFORMANCE AT ONE-FOURTH THE PRICE
Palo Alto, CA–July 8, 1998– Sun Microsystems, Inc. today announced a 333MHz version of its popular Ultra(TM) 10 workstation as well as the new, four-way Ultra 450 workstation, providing a wider selection of systems to meet the increasingly broad and varied needs of users in high-performance graphical computing. These new systems offer performance improvements and attractive pricing that will be of particular interest to workstation customers demanding performance and reliability who have been paying higher prices for similar workstations. Sun’s new workstations offer superior performance to comparable SGI systems at about one-fourth the price(1), reinforcing Sun’s reputation as a workstation market leader.
The new Ultra 10 workstation comes with the powerful Sun Elite3D(TM) m3 graphics accelerator. In addition to the faster UltraSPARC(TM) IIi microprocessor, this system has four times the cache of the original Ultra 10 and twice the cache size of Compaq’s or Hewlett- Packard’s best offerings. This not only makes the new 333MHz system the most affordable power graphics machine Sun has ever offered, but also an optimal point of entry to Sun’s high-performance graphics line.
The Ultra 450 is Sun’s first workstation to provide up to 4GB of memory, allowing customers to manipulate extremely large data sets with unparalleled ease. In addition to this memory scalability, Sun’s Ultra 450 offers Sun’s highest levels of processor and I/O expandability, allowing customers to grow and tailor the system to address specific application requirements.
The new 333MHz Ultra 10 workstation is available at a starting price of 11,095 and includes one Sun Elite3D m3 graphics card, one 333MHz UltraSPARC IIi processor, 2MB of cache, 128MB of DRAM, a 4.3 GB hard drive and a 19-inch monitor. The Ultra 450 workstation is available at a starting price of $32,865 and includes one Sun Elite3D m6 graphics card, two 300MHz UltraSPARC II processors, 512MB of memory, two 9 GB hard drives and a 21-inch monitor.
Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision, “The Network Is The Computer(TM),” has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc. (NASDAQ: SUNW) to its position as a leading provider of high quality hardware, software and services for establishing enterprise-wide Intranets and expanding the power of the Internet. With more than $9 billion in annual revenues, Sun can be found in more than 150 countries and on the World Wide Web at http://sun.com.
I. C. – ADTEC MEMORY SPARC VERIFIED
Santa Clara, CA–July 17th, 1998– Adtec Corporation of Tokyo, Japan has earned the SPARC Verified Brand after successfully completing the Peripheral Verification Testing(PVT) program at SPARC International for eight different Memory Modules. The modules include: ADS-256MUE for Sun Enterprise 3000-6000; ADS-1GUE for Sun Enterprise 3000-6000; ADS-64MUXV for Sun Ultra 5/10; ADS-128MUXV for Sun Ultra 5/10; ADS-256MUXV for Sun Ultra 5/10; ADS-512MUXV for Sun Ultra 5/10; ADS-1GU2 for Sun Enterprise 450; ADS-512MU1 for Sun Enterprise 450. Adtec has been a very active participant in the PVT program since shortly after its founding in 1995.
I. D. – RATIONAL ANNOUNCES NEW UNIX DEVELOPMENT TOOLS
Cupertino, CA–July 6, 1998–ISV member, Rational Software Corporation today announced new releases of several application development tools for the UNIX development environment. These tools include: Rational Rose 98 for UNIX, the market-leading visual modeling tool, and Quantify, for Java performance optimization. Rational also announced Rational Apex 3.0, the latest release of its Ada-based programming environment now providing Ada 95 support. Today’s announcements are the first in a series of new product releases for the UNIX platform.
“Rational is committed to providing its customers with tools that support all the major languages developers employ on the UNIX platform,” said Pamela Roussos, vice president of product marketing for Rational’s Visual Programming business unit. “Enterprise computing environments require tools which can interoperate between all supported platforms–Windows and UNIX–to ensure the consistency and effectiveness of development teams.”
Rational Rose 98 for UNIX features multi-language capabilities, enterprise development enhancements, including integration with ClearCase, Rational’s multi-platform software configuration management (SCM) solution, enhancements to the Rose Extensibility Interface for extending and customizing the Rational Rose 98 environment, and the industry’s most comprehensive support for the Unified Modeling Language (UML) v1.1.
Quantify
In a separate release, Rational today announced the latest release of Quantify, its powerful performance profiler that helps developers optimize the performance of their Java applications on UNIX. As part of Rational’s solution for UNIX developers, Quantify helps developers improve the quality of their applications.
Rational’s UNIX Lifecycle Solution
Rational’s solution of software development tools for the UNIX platform also includes SoDA, for automated documentation, ClearCase, for software configuration management (SCM), ClearDDTS, for change request management, and TestMate, Rational’s integrated testing environment. Together, these tools help increase team productivity, maximize reuse and enhance the iterative development process.
About Rational Software
Rational Software (nasdaq: ratl), creator of the unified modeling language (uml), is the leading provider of a solution that unifies proven software development principles, tools, and services to improve the productivity of project teams and individuals. Rational’s products span the critical activities of requirements management, visual modeling, testing, and configuration and change management. For more information, visit Rational’s web site at www.rational.com.
I. E. – EMPRESS DELIVERS NEXT GENERATION DATABASE EMPRESS RDBMS V8.10: PERSISTENT STORED MODULES, C++ INTERFACE, JDBC INTERFACE FOR JAVA
Greenbelt, MD–July 7, 1998– Empress announces the availability of Empress RDBMS V8.10, a new comprehensive database application development solution. Spanning business to engineering applications, Empress provides one management system capable of handling multiple, diverse data types. In addition, a host of options which allow the database developer to expand the functionalities of Empress are now available. These include object technologies such as Persistent Stored Modules; a C++ host language Interface; and an Empress JDBC Interface.
As the information world evolves, database developers are calling for next generation products that are primed to meet the challenges of the future, states Njai Wong Director of Product Development. Our answer is the Empress RDBMS V8.10, a new breed of application development software designed for fast, flexible and efficient data management. In addition to object-relational technologies, Version 8 delivers powerful Web tools, flexible Java capabilities and other exciting innovations.
The C++ Interface is an optional component for Empress RDBMS V8.10 that provides the capability of calling database manipulation routines from C++ programs. Empresss code is optimized for the fast storage and retrieval of objects. Moreover, the C++ Interface is located directly at kernel-level, the fastest level within Empresss solid, multi-level architecture.
For Java developers, a new optional Empress JDBC Interface is provided. Users may write Java programs, to display, retrieve and format information residing on Empress databases. Web developers can easily create Java-based Web servlets, and CGI programs to manage Empress databases. In addition, developers can utilize Javas freely-distributed, platform-independent Abstract Windowing Toolkit (AWT) as a powerful applet and graphical application development environment.
For more information about Empress, please call 301-220-1919. Check out their 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. F. – SUN DREAMS OF JINI TO PROVIDE MAGIC COMPUTING FABRIC
New York Times–July 15, 1998– Sun Microsystems has announced a product called Jini, which uses Sun’s Java programming language to allow “distributed computing” across potentially millions of digital computing devices, including palm-size computers, mainframes, telephones, TVs, stereos, kitchen appliances, automobiles, heating and air conditioning systems, etc., etc. University of Pennsylvania computer scientist David Farber says: “We now have all the ingredients to build a distributed computing fabric which approaches science fiction. You will be able to sit with your laptop, and it will be able to reach out across the network. And for the moments you need the power, it will become the largest supercomputer in the world.”
I. G. – TATUNG INTRODUCES NEW 333 MHZ PCI WORKSTATIONS NEW RACK-MOUNTABLE SYSTEMS ALSO ANNOUNCED
Milpitas, CA–July 20, 1998– Tatung Science & Technology, Inc. (TSTI), celebrating more than ten years of commitment to the SPARC(R) systems market, today introduced the COMPstation(TM) U10-333, a new line of desktop workstations powered by the recently released 333 MHz UltraSPARC-IIi microprocessor from Sun Microsystems. In addition, TSTI announced new rack-mountable systems designed to suit the needs of Internet Service Providers (ISPs), OEMs and industrial and communications applications.
With 2MB of external cache, the 333 MHz UltraSPARC-IIi microprocessor propels the COMPstation U10-333 system performance to a SPECint95 rating of 14* and a SPECfp95 rating of 17*.
“This type of performance – combined with the flexibility offered by the system’s PCI bus and the advantages of the Solaris operating environment – produces a workstation/server that will compete very well in the marketplace,” said Kam Chan, president of TSTI. “Our aggressive pricing on the COMPstation U10-333 will also appeal to our corporate customers.”
The 64-bit processor supports five 32-bit PCI devices at 33 MHz to provide plenty of system flexibility. An additional 64-bit UPA slot is designed for vertical add-ons such as Creator graphics cards. While incorporating the PCI I/O bus to offer users access to a host of peripherals, the COMPstation U10-333 also maintains full binary compatibility with the application software customers now use with their existing, Sbus-based SPARC systems. No application changes are required in order for customers to continue to use the thousands of software programs available for the SPARC platform.
With industry standard components, the COMPstation U10-333 is designed so that memory and peripherals expansion is both easy and cost-effective. This suits the changing needs of users as well as OEMs.
New Rack-Mountable Systems Support ISPs, OEM s, Industrial/Commercial Apps.
Tatung has also introduced a new rack-mountable, Ultra 10-compatible system designed to meet the needs of ISPs, OEMs and industrial and communications applications. The new COMPstation U10-333RM features a 333 MHz UltraSPARC-IIi CPU and is available in a 19-inch rack-mountable chassis design that fits into existing ISP server banks and adapts easily to OEM configurations. With a footprint that is 7″ high x 17.25″ wide x 18″ deep, the system’s space-saving design allows for easy vertical stacking. Front panel access to CD-ROM and floppy drives enables administrators to simplify upgrades and routine maintenance tasks.
Tatung Science & Technology, Inc. (TSTI) 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 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. Telephone +800 659-5902. E-mail: mkt@tsti.com. Home Page: www.tsti.com.
* Estimated ratings.
I. H. – TOP VENDORS THROW WEIGHT BEHIND LINUX OPERATING SYSTEM
Research Triangle Park, NC–July 23, 1998– Red Hat Software, Inc., publisher of the award-winning Red Hat Linux Operating System, has announced that leading database vendors, Oracle, Computer Associates, and Informix will join vendors such as Netscape, Corel Computer Corporation, Interbase, and Cygnus in support of the Linux Operating System.
Support for Linux has been growing ever since Netscape made its initial announcement of support for the Development model of Linux–freed source code and a license that gives the user complete control. Netscape recently announced that it will support Red Hat Linux as a platform for its server software.
Now other top vendors are following suit. Oracle Corporation, the leading supplier of software for information management, will support the Red Hat Linux 5.1 OS. They have announced plans to port Oracle8(tm) and Oracle8.1, which are scheduled to ship by year’s end, to Linux on the Intel platform by early 1999.
Robert Young, President of Red Hat Software, said, “When you have top tier database vendors validating the strength of the Linux Operating System, it truly serves as a catalyst for the wide-scale adoption of Linux in the Enterprise market.”
With the support of Oracle and Netscape, as well as the support of other leading vendors such as Informix, Computer Associates, Interbase, Corel, and Cygnus, Red Hat Linux has the applications that today’s industry demands from its technology. For a multi-tasking, multi-user, well-supported OS near you, check out Linux.
ABOUT LINUX
Linux is the freely distributable, cooperatively-developed POSIX-based, multi-user, multi-tasking operating system used worldwide. Linux is used as a high value, fully-functional UNIX workstation for applications ranging from Internet Servers to reliable work group computing.
ABOUT RED HAT SOFTWARE, INC.
Founded in 1994, Red Hat Software is based in Research Triangle Park, NC, where it builds and maintains the award-winning Red Hat Linux operating system. Red Hat Linux for Intel, DEC Alpha(TM), and Sun SPARC platforms continues to gain recognition in the computer industry: From 1996 to the present, Red Hat Linux was twice named InfoWorld’s Product of the Year, was given a Productivity accolade in Software Development’s “Jolt” Awards, and was named an Environment/Desktop finalist in the Ziff-Davis European Excellence Awards. Red Hat Software also publishes and maintains commercial applications for Linux including OSF Motif, CDE, and the Applixware Office Suite.
For more information about Red Hat Software and Red Hat products and technologies, please call +919 547-0012 or visit their web site at www.redhat.com.
II. SPARC COMPLIANT ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND PRODUCTS IN PROCESS
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 at SPARC Compliant Products by Vendor. For additional information send email to: info@sparc.org.
ADDITIONS (System Products)
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2.1 | 14 JUL 98 | |||||||||
| TSTI COMPstation U10/300R | 2.1 | 14 JUL 98 | |||||||||
| TSTI COMPstation U10/333 | 2.1 | 14 JUL 98 | |||||||||
| TSTI COMPstation U10/333R | 2.1 | 14 JUL 98 | |||||||||
| TSTI COMPstation U60/1360 | 2.1 | 14 JUL 98 | |||||||||
| TSTI COMPstation U60/1360R | 2.1 | 14 JUL 98 | |||||||||
| TSTI COMPstation U2 MP U1360 | 2.1 | 14 JUL 98 | |||||||||
| TSTI COMPstation U60/2360 | 2.1 | 14 JUL 98 | |||||||||
| TSTI COMPstation U60/2360R | 2.1 | 14 JUL 98 | |||||||||
| TSTI COMPstation U2 MP U2360 | 2.1 | 14 JUL 98 |
Please Note “*C”; indicates “Conditional SPARC Compliance”. This means that certain waivers have been temporarily granted. A list of these waivers can be obtained upon request to the above named companies. Waivers must be resolved prior to the expiration dates shown by the declared Certification date.
SYSTEMS IN PROCESS
None at this time
ADDITIONS (Semiconductor Products)
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DELETIONS
None at this time.
SEMI-CONDUCTOR IN PROCESS
None at this time.
NOTE: At times, unannounced systems (“in process” or “certified”) may not be included in this report at the request of the vendor.
III. SPARC VERIFIED ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND PRODUCTS IN PROCESS
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 at SPARC Verified Products by Vendor. For additional information send email to: info@sparc.org.
ADDITIONS
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DELETIONS
None at this time.
IN PROCESS
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SPARC-related documents are available through SPARC International’s bookstore, SPARCSHOP. Access to SPARCSHOP is available several ways,
- email sparcshop@sparc.org
- phone us at 1-408-748-9111 x240
Currently available
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– Managing Editor –
Cheryl Hostetler
Direct Inquiries To – sparc-flash-request@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.:
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Other Trademarks that are in use or Pending Registration include:
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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.