Issue No. 67
A.- 110th TATUNG SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, INC. PRODUCT DECLARED SPARC COMPLIANT
B.- SPARC INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES OUR NEW MEMBER RACKMASTER
E.- ON-LINE ANSWERS FOR SOLARIS AND SUN HARDWARE
II. SCD CERTIFIED AND VERIFIED TESTING ADDITIONS IN APRIL
I. SPARC News
I. A. – 110th TATUNG SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, INC. PRODUCT DECLARED SPARC COMPLIANT
Milpitas, CA–April 16, 1999– Congratulations to Tatung Science & Technology, Inc. (TSTI) in celebrating 10 years of commitment to the SPARC systems market. They just completed testing 48 additional new products at the SCD 2.1 level using O/S Solaris 7 bringing their to total to 110 SPARC Compliant Certified Products. TSTI’s initial testing was performed in August of 1991.
For a complete listing of TSTI’s Certified products go to the “Certified” section on SI’s home page and click onto Tatung.
I. B. – SPARC INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES OUR NEW MEMBER RACKMASTER
Bloomington, MN–Apirl 20, 1999– Rackmaster Systems, Inc. is a manufacturer of durable rack mounted computer systems and peripheral enclosures for applications ranging from telecommunications and network servers to process control. The company recently announced the release of its newly designed FRS (Fault Resilient Series) Ultra AXmp chassis called the “Eclipse FRS”.
This fault tolerant enclosure is designed specially for the high power requirements of the Sun Microsystems SPARCengine Ultra AXmp quad processor motherboard. The chassis comes standard with three robust, hot swappable 400W power supplies to provide a level of redundancy unparalleled in the industry.
Cooling has always been an issue in chassis design. The Eclipse FRS is again unique in providing three 120mm, 90 CFM cooling fans for the chassis and three dedicated 60mm 25 CFM cooling one for each power supply, to improve system durability and MTBF. There is no need to take the system down to remove a failed fan as all fans are a hot swappable card cage design and can be removed through the top cover without the use of tools.
For more information please visit their web site at www.rackmaster.com.
I. C. – TADPOLE’S NEW MOBILE GIS SYSTEM POISED TO REVOLUTIONIZE UTILITIES’ FIELD SYSTEMS AND WORK METHODS
Cambridge, UK–April 26, 1999– Specialist mobile computing vendor Tadpole Technology Plc today launched a revolutionary Java-based field information system that allows the world’s utilities, telecommunications and public service industries to better serve their customers, achieve significant gains in field workforce productivity and optimize growing investments in geographic information systems (GIS).
This unique Java-based mobile computing system allows utilities to better repair, track and manage field assets. Makes field workers more productive and job-responsive, overcomes shortcomings and limitations of hand-held PC-based solutions.
Designated Tadpole-Cartesia, Tadpole’s new enterprise-class Field Information System eliminates at-a-stroke the shortcomings and impracticalities of hand-held or other PC-based systems for data-intensive computing in hostile environments. The system enables utilities to put detailed mapping and job-specific information quickly and cost-effectively into the hands of field workers, track work-in-progress and maintain an accurate database of field assets.
Leveraging Java and internet technologies, Tadpole’s simple-to-use Field Information System brings the full advantages of integrated corporate workflow to the mobile environment. A unique family of spatially-enabled works management tools integrating best-of-breed Java technology providers Fort Software, ILOG and Wind River Systems, Tadpole-Cartesia gives field teams on-line access to corporate databases via digital cellular, wireless radio or conventional telephones from an innovative hand-held, pen-based computer through a server linked to corporate databases.
Tadpole Technology, a specialist vendor of mobile computing solutions for professional markets, is a listed company on the London Stock Exchange. The company comprises two divisions: Tadpole-RDI, global leader in portable UNIX workstations and servers; and Tadpole-Cartesia, pioneer of Java-based field information systems for the utilities, telecommunications and public service industries. Website: www.tadpole.com.
I. D. – ARIES RESEARCH, INC. OFFERS SPARC(R) SYSTEM PLATFORMS AND TOTAL SYSTEM SOLUTIONS FOR CORPORATE INTRANETS
Fremont, CA–April 1, 1999– Aries Research, Inc. offers SPARC(R) system platforms and total system solutions for corporate Intranets. All standard systems are built with system boards from Sun Microsystems. When standard systems do not fit our customers’ needs, we design and manufacture customized systems. For UltraSPARC(R)-based standard systems, we offer systems based on the AXi, Ultra II, Ultra 60 and AXmp system boards.
Marixx US AXi is based on the UltraSPARC(R) AXi system board. It combines Sun Microelectronics’ new 64-bit UltraSPARC? IIi processor, PCI I/O Bus, and graphics options that outperforms the fastest Pentium II class PCs at comparable prices.
Marixx US 60 is a fast dual-processor system based on the Ultra 60 system board. Its robust performance let you do modeling, animation, medical imaging, video effects and more. US 60 supports up to 2GB of memory and two processors and integrates easily with PCs as well as other UltraSPARC(R) workstations.
Marixx US AXmp system utilizes Sun’s AXmp system board. Like Ultra 60 system board, AXmp system board is based on the UltraSPARC? Port Architecture (UPA) with PCI Bus (I/O subsystem design. Unlike the Ultra 60 system board, it has 9 PCI slots versus 4 slots. Specifically designed for demanding industrial control applications, AIN platforms and telecommunications class Internet servers, the US AXmp system offers three times the computing density of comparable office systems.
Marixx US II system is built with Sun’s Ultra II system board. It is also based on the UltraSPARC Port Architecture (UPA) with Sun’s SBus based I/O. Scalable to 400 MHz processor speed, with Sun proprietary memory SIMM, Marixx US II has been the flagship system for SPARC’s desktop engineering application market.
Although SuperSPARC(R)-based systems has been discontinued by Sun, Aries Research still supports Marixx SS5 and Marixx SS20 systems based on Sun’s SS5 and SS20 system boards, respectively. These systems are vital for applications based upon Solaris 1.1.2. The SS5 comes with a single processor and the SS20 is available with single, dual, or quad-processor.
Marixx is a product trademark of Aries Research.For more information please visit Aries web site at www.ariesresearch.com Aries Research, Inc. is located in Fremont, CA, phone + 510 413-0288, fax + 510 226-0781.
I. E. – ON-LINE ANSWERS FOR SOLARIS AND SUN HARDWARE
Waterford, MI–April 22, 1999– SoftTech Solutions recreated the look, feel and attributes of the On-Line! Detective for Sun in version 11.0 as well as adding a significant amount of new content. The Detective is a system support tool for personnel supporting Sun workstations and servers by providing answers and solutions for hardware and Solaris related issues and problems. The product provides critical support for system administrators, field engineers, help-desk personnel and resellers of Sun equipment. Specifically, the Detective covers troubleshooting, all Sun and third-party part numbers (including compatibility), root cause resolution, configuration rules and configuration guidelines. The Detective also covers many Solaris issues and problems providing quick and accurate answers and information. This includes Solaris troubleshooting, a breakout and explanation of UNIX commands, defining the Forth Tool Kit, the procedures for upgrading your operating system and many other topics critical to the Sun environment. on.
The On-Line! Detective also includes a site map allowing individuals to quickly find facts and answers to pressing issues. Finding answers fast is a major benefit of the tool. Currently the Detective covers all workstations from the SPARCstation IPC to the Ultra 60. From a server perspective, the product includes the SS1000, SC2000, Enterprise 3000-6000, E3500-E6500, Enterprise 450 and E250. Each system has an overview, configuration rules and requirements, troubleshooting flowcharts and guidelines for all component removal and replacement procedures. The Detective also covers storage arrays including the StorEdge A5000.
The Detective runs on most Sun or Microsoft operating systems. It will load on Sun desktops or servers, as well as PCs and laptops. The tool is sold individually or in multiple-user packs. The Detective now has a demo available that is downloadable from the web. To view the demo or for more information, visit SoftTech Solutions website at www.stsolutions.com or call SoftTech direct at (888) 786-4393 in the US or (248) 738-7738 for international callers.
I. F. – SUN MICROSYSTEMS REPORTS RECORD THIRD QUARTER REVENUES AND EARNINGS. McNEALY REINFORCES COMMITMENT TO THE SPARC TECHNOLOGY
Palo Alto, CA–April 15, 1999– Sun Microsystems, Inc., today reported results for the third quarter which ended March 28, 1999. Revenues for the third quarter were a record $2.936 billion, up 24 percent compared with the third quarter of fiscal 1998. Net income for the third quarter, excluding a charge related to an acquisition, reached an all time high of $291.4 million, an increase of 26 percent from the previous year’s results. Third quarter earnings per share, excluding the charge related to an acquisition, was $.71 (on a pre-split basis, see below), an increase of 20 percent over the corresponding period a year ago.
In this report, Scott McNealy, Chief Executive Officer, stated “Sun remains focused on building the world’s best network computing products, investing about $1.2 billion dollars annually into its core technologies, SPARC®, Solaris(TM), Java(TM) and Jini(TM). In addition, our next generation of full 64 bit systems will be powered by the UltraSPARC III chip, which taped out during the quarter. These investments enable Sun to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.”
I. G. – EIS ROLLS OUT COMPLETE ULTRASPARC SOLUTIONS FOR ISP’S
Moorpark, CA–April 23, 1999– EIS Computers today announced the rollout of a complete set of products and support services targeted to meet the computing needs of Internet Service Providers.
Central to this new product set, EIS introduced a new low profile rack-mount UltraSPARC server, the Fusion-iX/2, and announced a partnership with national system support provider Terix Computer, Inc. Terix will provide help desk and onsite 24/7 service for all EIS Fusion hardware. The new server and the support program was unveiled at ISPON Spring ’99 in Baltimore along with a set of rack-mount accessories and software options including UltraSPARC Linux, which comprises a total solution for ISPs.
The Fusion-iX/2 is the leader in a new breed of rack-mountable servers, built using Sun Microelectronics’s SPARCengine Ultra AXi PCI system board. The Fusion-iX/2 includes dual UltraWide SCSI channels, 100baseT Ethernet, up to 1GB RAM, Sun’s 360MHz UltraSPARC II(i) CPU, up to 4 hard drives, floppy, Tape or CD-ROM, 2 PCI cards, a redundant hot swappable power supply and a rack mountable enclosure that stands only 3.5″ (2 “Rack Units” or 2U) high. This low profile chassis allows ISPs to double the number of servers in existing racks, compared to a traditional 4U or 5U chassis, without compromising on features. EIS will preinstall Solaris or Linux for UltraSPARC processors and offers a variety of software installation options. The Fusion-iX/2 is being offered at the current 4U Fusion-iX server price.
The EIS in partnership with Terix gives Fusion users comprehensive telephone and on-site support. Support packages include round-the-clock on-site support, business week 24-hour on-site support, business week 8-5 on-site support, or technical support and training with next day guaranteed replacement part delivery. Each package includes an option for a full time on-site engineer. EIS will bundle basic support (technical support and training with next day guaranteed replacement part delivery) for two months with every server sold.
Founded in 1994, EIS Computers www.eis.com is an original equipment manufacturer that produces and markets high-performance computer systems, which provide resellers, integrators, Internet Service Providers and small- to mid-size businesses with a streamlined way to acquire Solaris-UltraSPARC or Solaris-Intel based computing.
I. H. – EMPRESS DELIVERS XML SUPPORT IN VERSION 8.20
Greenbelt, MD–April 23, 1999– Empress Software Inc. announces support for XML in the recent release of Empress Hypermedia V8.20, the Internet Applications Development Toolkit powered by the Empress RDBMS. Empress Software’s support for XML is driven by the desire to power the high degree of data interchange within business applications on the Internet, intranets and extranets.
A significant benefit XML delivers to the Empress user is full control in defining tags and the structural relationships between tags in a web document. Unique web documents can be created specifically for the nature of an application and its embedded data managed by the Empress RDBMS. Application developers can define all of the semantics of an XML document, enabling the creation of these highly application-specific web documents.
Data-intensive applications especially utilize the strengths of XML because data can be separated from formatting tags within a web document. This provides a powerful means to extract, mark up, and reuse data. For instance, data can be extracted from an Empress database, altered to suit the developers needs, and then utilized in another application.
Empress Software develops and supports the Empress Relational Database Management System. The Empress RDBMS V8.20 is one of the most powerful and cost effective databases designed especially for embedded systems developers working with UNIX, Windows or real-time environments. Empress is used successfully in many fields, including image and voice management, telecommunications, medical systems, telephony systems, multimedia applications, geographical information systems and network management.
For more information about Empress, please call 301-220-1919. Check their web site at www.empress.com or send email to info@empress.com. You can write to Empress Software, 6401 Golden Triangle Drive, Greenbelt, MD, 20770.
II. – SCD CERTIFIED AND 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.
ADDITIONS (System Products):
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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.
III. SPARCSHOP
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.