Issue No. 71
- SPARC INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES NEW MEMBER HITACHI AMERICA, LTD.
- CHECK OUT SI’S NEW WEB SITE
- DATARAM DOUBLES THE MAXIMUM MEMORY OF SUN ENTERPRISE SERVERS
- LYNX AND EMPRESS CHOSEN FOR FRENCH UTILITY UPGRADE
- RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC. EXPANDS INTO THE GLOBAL MARKET
- PORTABLE UNIX LEADER TADPOLE-RDI APPOINTS CONTINENTAL RESOURCES AS KEY RESELLER FOR COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL MARKETS
- COMMAND SOFTWARE SYSTEMS, SISTER COMPANY TO GEAR SOFTWARE, UPDATES ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE VERSION 4.57 EXPANDS PROTECTION; IMPROVES EFFICIENCY
- RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC. NOW OFFERS RED HAT LINUX ON RAVE AXI SYSTEMS FAMILY RED HAT LINUX OR SOLARIS CAN BE OFFERED AS CHOICE OF PRE-LOADED OPERATING SYSTEM
II. SCD CERTIFIED TESTING ADDITIONS IN AUGUST
III. SPARCSHOP
I. SPARC News
I. A. – SPARC INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES NEW MEMBER HITACHI AMERICA, LTD.
Hitachi America, Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi has been a presence in the U.S. since 1959. There are currently 75 Hitachi companies in North America. marketing and manufacturing a broad range of electronics, computer systems and products, semiconductors, and provides industrial equipment and services throughout the U.S.
For more information about Hitachi America Ltd. please visit their web site: http://www.hitachi.com.
I. B. – CHECK OUT SI’S NEW WEB SITE
August 26, 1999 — Santa Clara, CA — Thanks to SI’s innovative webmaster, Sara Achenbach, we are pleased to announce our reconstructed web site. Ease of load time is only one of the changes you will notice when you surf our site.
Everything from what SPARC Members are doing about Y2K, Trademarking information and products that have been Certified SPARC Compliant can be easily accessed in our new site.
Take a moment to check it and let us know what you think! https://sparc.org
I. C. – DATARAM DOUBLES THE MAXIMUM MEMORY OF SUN ENTERPRISE SERVERS
Princeton, NJ — July 21, 1999 — Dataram Corporation [AMEX: DTM] a leading provider of gigabyte-class memory for high-performance workstations and network servers, today announced immediate availability of a 2GB memory option for Sun Microsystems’ 3000-6500 Enterprise-class servers. This groundbreaking technology doubles the maximum memory size of Sun’s flagship server line with capacities now available up to 60GB in the Enterprise 6500. The DRS702/2GB memory option is manufactured exclusively by Dataram. By contrast, Sun’s largest Enterprise memory option, the X7023A, is 1GB capacity.
“Adding memory is the easiest way to boost the performance of any system. Database applications such as Oracle, executing large-scale transaction processing and complex decision support queries will see significant performance gains,” states Alan Sibert, Dataram director of marketing. “Preloading HTML pages into memory dramatically improves response time across the Internet. Dataram’s 2GB option is the optimal solution for improving system performance in Enterprise-class computing environments.”
Until now the only option for adding memory was to purchase additional Sun processor boards and additional 1GB kits. Each 2GB Sun option could cost the user as much as $27,000 and consume precious system slots. Dataram’s list price of $9,775 for the 2GB kit represents savings of over 60% off Sun’s list prices for Sun’s alternative upgrade of a processor board and two 1GB memory kits and enables double the amount of memory to be installed.
“We put this memory through a series of stress tests in a heavy transaction processing environment. We were very pleased with the performance improvement. It has completely altered our server strategy from adding systems to adding memory. The cost savings is quite significant,” claims a vice president of a large New York-based financial services firm.
“We expect a tremendous reception from Sun Enterprise-class users,” states Michael Brown, Managing Director of Computer Global. “Oracle shops are memory-intensive and this memory option opens the window for dramatic improvements in database performance within a given class of machine. Customers who might have considered the Enterprise 10000 before can now purchase the less expensive Enterprise 6500, load it with 60GB of Dataram’s DRS702/2GB kits and, in certain applications, obtain close to the same performance levels.”
Dataram, a Sun licensee, is the only independent memory manufacturer to introduce memory options for every Sun server ever built. Dating back to the 1980s, Dataram has introduced memory for Sun 4/260, 4/280, 4/330, 4/370, 4/390, 4/470, 4/490, 4/670, 4/690, SPARCserver 1000E, 2000E and Ultra Enterprise 3000 through 10000 servers.
In addition to Sun Microsystems, Dataram Corporation is a leading provider of large capacity memory products for workstations and network servers from Compaq, Dell, Digital, HP, IBM, Intel and Silicon Graphics. The company serves users in diverse industries such as manufacturing, financial services, internet service providers (ISPs), government, telecommunications, utilities, research 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. Products are shipped within hours of order placement and are backed by a lifetime warranty and express ship replacements 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 http://www.dataram.com.
I. D. – LYNX AND EMPRESS CHOSEN FOR FRENCH UTILITY UPGRADE
Greenbelt, MD – Lynx Real-Time Systems, Inc. and Empress Software, Inc. today announced they have been selected for a joint project by Electricit de France (EDF) to upgrade existing supervision and control system for hydro-electrical power production in the French power grid. The project, incorporating both the LynxOS real-time operating system and the Empress RDBMS (Relational Database Management System), will provide a secure, flexible and precise management system for the utility.
The two companies beat out competing solutions from Oracle, Sybase, Santa Cruz Operation (SCO) and QNX for the contract on the basis of performance, cost, reliability and ease of installation.
EDF produces more than 450 billion kilowatt hours for 13 million customers in France and abroad making it one of the worlds leading power utility companies. Hydroelectric plants provide 13 percent of its production. Its existing management system runs on SCO/UNIX based PCs with flat memory files that could not provide the flexibility and real-time performance their new specifications required. The new system is a black-box solution for simple and cost-effective installation on a PC-based network that requires no administration. LynxOS provides for precise operations and management in real time while Empress RDBMS offers secure though flexible data management.
The new system allowed EDF to reduce installation time from 6 hours to 15 minutes with no loss of data and little necessity of shutdown. The network upgrade will be complete before the end of the year.
“We were impressed with the results from the combination of LynxOS and Empress RDBMS,” said Georges Picq, Rsponsable de LEquipe MCO Hydraulique of EDF. The two companies delivered a product with a small footprint with a remarkably robust performance and reliability suited to the needs of our application and resulted in significant improvements over our preceding system. We intend to consider Lynx and Empress for the next phase of the upgrade to be implemented in the next 2-3 years.
About Lynx Real-Time Systems
Lynx Real-Time Systems, Inc. provides the foundation software for reliable and high-performance applications in telecommunications, data communications, avionics, automotive, office automation and process control systems. Lynx supplies embedded software products including scalable real-time operating systems, a software framework for high-availability systems, development tools and technical support worldwide. These products are based on such industry standards as POSIX, JAVA and CompactPCI to enable customers to leverage their investments in software and education. Lynx holds two patents for real-time software and has three patents pending. Founded in 1988, Lynx is a privately held company with offices in North America, Europe and Japan, with worldwide headquarters in San Jose, California. Information about Lynx Real-Time Systems is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.lynx.com. About Empress Empress Software, Inc.
Empress Empress Software, Inc.develops and supports the Empress Relational Database Management System. The Empress RDBMS is one of the most powerful and cost effective databases designed especially for embedded systems developers working with UNIX, Windows or real-time environments. Since 1979, Empress has been used successfully worldwide 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 out our website at http://www.empress.comor write to info@empress.com.
I. E. – RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC. EXPANDS INTO THE GLOBAL MARKET
Sterling Heights, MI — August 9,1999 — Rave Computer Association, Inc., a leading Sun Microsystems authorized Master value-added integrator announced today that it will be expanding sales and services into Europe, Asia and Africa in response to growing customer demands.
Rave Computer Association, Inc. provides custom-configured integrated computer systems around Suns board platforms bundled with software, compatible peripherals and other exceptional value-added services. Rave Systems provide the solution for those looking for UNIX systems that allow for performance, scalability, and reliability. Rave Computers UL test facility and ISO-9002 procedures ensure quality products and services. Its partnership with Sun Microsystems allows Rave Computer Association, Inc. the resources to provide the latest in SPARC-related technology and complete technical support.
“Our participation in the global market will now offer customers more choices that were not available before. We look forward to extending our services in providing integrated solutions to the global market,” said Bev LeBoeuf, director of marketing.
The regional office for international sales is strategically based in New York and can be reached via phone at 1-516-929-3700, fax 1-516-929-6600 or e-mail: craig@rave.com. Rave Computers overseas representative comes with more than 9 years of experience with international sales within the UNIX industry.
About Rave Computer Association, Inc.
Now recognized as a Sun Microsystems authorized Master value-added integrator, Rave Computer had since its inception in 1988, established itself as leading distributor of new, and remanufactured Sun workstations and servers. Today Rave Computer manufactures its own family of cost-effective, custom configured SPARC-based systems. Each Rave System is configured with quality components, and is supported by certified engineers, and with many other value-added benefits. More information about Rave Computer Association, Inc., and its Rave Systems can be found on their web site at http://www.rave.net or by calling 1-800-966-7283.
I. F. – PORTABLE UNIX LEADER TADPOLE-RDI APPOINTS CONTINENTAL RESOURCES AS KEY RESELLER FOR COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL MARKETS
Carlsbad, CA — August 23, 1999 — Portable UNIX vendor Tadpole-RDI, Inc., of California today announced the appointment of Continental Resources, Inc. as Key Reseller for its unique ranges of portable HP-UX and Solaris-based workstations and servers. Continental Resources was recently rated 10th in Network Magazine’s annual ranking of the top 100 Value Added Resellers (VARs) in North America.
As a Tadpole-RDI Key Reseller, Continental Resources will hold an inventory of popular configurations of Tadpole-RDI’s three portable UNIX lines UltraBook, VoyagerIIi and PrecisionBook for resale to industrial and commercial customers, as well as other resellers addressing these markets. The Tadpole-RDI range will also be promoted by Continental Resources at key industry events and trade shows, including the 3rd Telecom Business Conference & Expo (New York City, August 23-25, 1999) where “Portable UNIX Brings Value To Your Business” will be the major theme at its booth #387.
Since 1962, Continental Resources has been helping businesses grow and operate more efficiently by selling, renting, leasing, servicing and supporting top-of-the-line networking products, PCs, peripherals, electronic test instruments and software. The company also manufactures XPRO Systems, its own line of commercial and industrial PCs and servers. Continental Resources’ corporate headquarters is located in Bedford, MA and the company operates 10 resource centers strategically situated throughout the United States.
“Clearly, we’re delighted to be a business partner of such prestigious technological innovators as Tadpole-RDI,” says Kevin McCann, Continental Resources’ Executive Vice President. He adds: “In this increasingly mobile world, a portable UNIX strategy is no longer an option for professional markets, but a business-driver.”
Bill O’Neill, Product Manager states “As the largest Sun Reseller in New England, and one of the largest on the East Coast, we are well aware of the value of Unix portability. Tadpole-RDI products, which are all Sun based, complement Sun’s product line by providing a professional, portable solution for computing needs.”
About Tadpole-RDI
Tadpole-RDI, a subsidiary of mobile computing vendor Tadpole Technology Plc, is the global leader in portable UNIX workstations and server systems for Sun and Hewlett-Packard operating systems. 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. Website http://www.tadpolerdi.com
I. G. – COMMAND SOFTWARE SYSTEMS, SISTER COMPANY TO GEAR SOFTWARE, UPDATES ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE VERSION 4.57 EXPANDS PROTECTION; IMPROVES EFFICIENCY
JUPITER, FL — August 18, 1999 — Command Software Systems today released a new version of virus-scanning software that includes protection for documents created in Microsoft PowerPoint, the latest product under virus attack.
The move is significant because viruses targeting Word, Excel and PowerPoint files have accounted for most virus outbreaks since 1997, says the International Computer Security Association.
In addition to its PowerPoint protection, Command AntiVirus Version 4.57 lets users of a variety of platforms scan for viruses more quickly and efficiently.
Like Command Software’s other products, Version 4.57 not only scans for known viruses but also analyzes software for unusual behavior. While other virus-scanning products boast that dual approach, Command’s software was the only one that protected customers last spring during the outbreak of the Melissa virus. Melissa, spread via e-mail, forced companies like Boeing, AT&T and Microsoft to shut down their e-mail systems.
As with all of Command Software’s products, Version 4.57 examines files and compares them against a database of known viruses – a technology that has been tested by independent agencies and proven to be 100 percent effective.
It also uses HoloCheck™, Command’s proprietary heuristic scanner, to sniff out unknown viruses. HoloCheck is the component that enabled Command’s software to detect and stop the spread of the Melissa virus in March – something no other company’s so-called “smart” software was able to do.
Command AntiVirus Version 4.57 is available for a wide variety of platforms including Microsoft DOS; Windows 3.x, 95/98/NT; OS/2 Warp; Novell NetWare, Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Notes. A free demo can be downloaded from the company’s Web site http://www.commandcom.com.
Command Software Systems is based in Jupiter, Fla., and operates offices in Campbell, Calif.; London, England; Eindhoven, Holland; and Melbourne, Australia. The company has distribution agreements with resellers in more than a dozen countries.
For more information about the company, its products and services, visit Command’s Web site or call (800) 423-9147 or (561) 575-3200.
I. H. – RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC. NOW OFFERS RED HAT LINUX ON RAVE AXI SYSTEMS FAMILY RED HAT LINUX OR SOLARIS CAN BE OFFERED AS CHOICE OF PRE-LOADED OPERATING SYSTEM
Sterling Heights, Michigan – August 23, 1999) Rave Computer Association, Inc., a leading Sun Microsystems authorized Master value-added integrator announced today that they will begin to pre-load Red Hat Linux 6.0 on their Rave Axi Systems per customers request.
The Rave Systems AXi family which consists of RackMount-5UAXi, Rackmount-2UAXi and Tower-AXi, utilizes Suns Ultra(tm)AXi motherboard with robust standard features such as upgradable UltraSPARC-IIi processor modules with processing speeds now up to 440MHz, integrated dual-channel Ultra wide SCSI, and 33MHz 32-bit PCI slots.
The Rave Systems Rackmount-5UAXi (RM-5UAXi) has Suns UltraAXi motherboard integrated into an attractive 19″ rackmount 5U enclosure that offers many flexible configurations. The chassis can be configured with shock-mounted drive canisters, hot-swap fans, hot-swap capable disk drives, and hot-swap power supplies. The RM- 5UAXi comes standard with five fans, three 82 CFM fans and two power supply fans, six PCI slots at 33MHz, and 300 Watt power supply.
The Rave Systems RackMount-2UAXi (RM-2UAXi) is Rave Computers newest addition to the Rave Systems AXi family. The RM-2UAXi comes standard in a sleek 19″ 2U form factor chassis with Suns UltraAXi motherboard, 300 Watt auto-ranging power supply, and six cooling fans. The RackMount-2UAXi holds up to 1GB of memory and has two 32-bit PCI slots. The 48 volt power supply is also now available as an option.
Rave Systems Tower-AXi features Sun’s UltraAXi motherboard integrated into a mid-tower chassis that is configured with three 5.25, two 3.5 exposed bays, and 300 Watt power supply. Both the RackMount-5UAXi and Tower-AXi hold up to 1GB of memory and support Creator graphics modules.
The Rave AXi systems provide powerful solutions for the network-intensive industries such as ISP, Telecommunications and Digital Imaging.
About Rave Computer Association, Inc.
Rave Computer Association, Inc. provides custom-configured integrated computer systems around Suns board platforms bundled with software, compatible peripherals and other exceptional value-added services. 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 or by calling 1-800-966-7283.
About Red Hat, Inc.
Founded in 1994, Red Hat is a leader in the development of Linux-based operating system (OS) software and services. Based in Durham, N.C., Red Hat builds the most accessible and advanced server OS available anywhere with technical innovations such as RPM and the disk druid installation tool. Red Hat Linux is available for Intel, Compaq Alpha and Sun SPARC platforms.
II. SCD CERTIFIED TESTING ADDITIONS IN AUGUST
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.
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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.