Issue No. 64
A.- SPARC INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES THREE NEW MEMBERS
B.- SPARC INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES NEW CEO
E.- SUN MICROSYSTEMS INC. CHOOSES RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC. AS A SUN PARTNER
F.- RAVE SYSTEM RACKMOUNT-AXMP IS NOW POWERED BY 400MHZ ULTRASPARC-II MICROPROCESSOR
G.- RAVE SYSTEM RACKMOUNT-AXMP IS NOW POWERED BY 400MHZ ULTRASPARC-II MICROPROCESSOR
II. SCD 1.1/2.1 TESTING ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND PRODUCTS IN PROCESS
I. SPARC News
I. A. – SPARC INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES THREE NEW MEMBERS
Troy, MI–January 20, 1999–Virtual Technology, a division of Unix Technology, Inc., joined SPARC International as a VAR member. Virtual Technology specializes in providing value based products and services exclusively for the Sun market.
Santa Clara, CA–January 22, 1999–MemoryX, a manufacturer and distributor of memory for Sun SPARC(R) computers and other workstations, has joined SPARC International as an IHV. MemoryX also markets Sun SPARC CPUs and peripherals as well.
Holliston, MA–January 25, 1999–SPARC International welcomes Intraserver Technology, Inc. as an IHV member. ITI offers a complete line of pci(TM) SCSI and Network Host adapters for Sun Ultra AX and other systems. The company also produces Ultra Wide RAID subsystems and storage arrays, as well as providing engineering and consulting services.
I. B. – SPARC INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES NEW CEO
Santa Clara, CA–January 28, 1999–The SPARC International Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Neville Griffin as the new Chairman and CEO to replace the retiring Ted Atlee. Atlee, who joined SPARC International in 1996, said,”Nev is an excellent choice to head-up the organization. He is a proven leader and someone I look forward to working with and supporting during the transitional period”.
Griffin brings 35 years of computer industry experience with such companies as IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Toshiba and, most recently, as a consultant to a broad range of companies including UNIX and SPARC-based systems manufacturers. During the start up phase of SPARC International back in 1989, Griffin served as Vice President of Marketing for three years and is the perfect candidate to take over Mr. Atlee’s position.
“The opportunity to directly serve again the growing SPARC community, representing over 100 members and serving thousands of end-users and developers, was too good to pass up,” said Mr. Griffin. “SPARC International is and will continue to be an important, standards-focused organization in the mainstream of the high-tech world.”
I. C.- PORTABLE UNIX LEADER TADPOLE-RDI WINS PLUS $1 MILLION ORDERS FROM PLATINUM AS BUSINESS SOFTWARE LEADER STRENGTHENS ITS PORTABLE UNIX COMPUTING STRATEGY
Carlsbad, CA–January 25, 1999–Portable UNIX workstation and server leader Tadpole-RDI, a subsidiary of mobile computing vendor Tadpole Technology Plc, today announced orders valued at over one million dollars from blue-chip software corporation PLATINUM technology, inc.. The orders cover the supply of Tadpole-RDIs top-of-the-range UltraSPARC-driven portable UNIX workstation UltraBook.
Says Una Richens, Tadpole-RDI’s vice president of marketing and business development: “Growing numbers of major enterprises and government agencies now recognize the pressing need to redefine their mobile UNIX computing strategies and these latest orders from PLATINUM are indicative.” She adds: “Tadpole-RDIs portable UNIX workstations and servers today offer the equivalent power, capacity and features of their static desktop cousins. In mobile computing scenarios, they are more reliable, lead to enhanced productivity of sales teams and total cost of ownership (TCO) is substantially lower.”
Richens’ remarks on ownership costs are made in the backdrop of studies undertaken by PLATINUM comparing portable UNIX workstations with their static equivalents. The study showed Tadpole-RDIs portable UNIX solutions offering PLATINUMs field sales teams threefold productivity gains for on-site customer demonstrations and training, and lower ownership costs up to 600% over a three year write-off period.
About Tadpole-RDI Tadpole-RDI, a subsidiary of Tadpole Technology Plc, is the global leader in portable UNIX workstations and server systems for Sun and Hewlett-Packard operating systems. Its North American 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: www.tadpolerdi.com.
About Tadpole Technology Plc Tadpole Technology is a listed company on the London Stock Exchange and also pioneer of mobile Java solutions called Cartesia for the world’s utilities and related industries. Leveraging developments in Java and intranet technology, Cartesia brings the full advantages of integrated corporate workflow to the mobile environment allowing utilities to deploy the first set of truly location-independent, platform-neutral business tools that generate reductions in IT costs and gains in mobile workforce productivity.
I. D. RAVE COMPUTER INTRODUCES A NEW PRODUCT AS A SUPPLEMENT TO RAVE SYSTEMS RACKMOUNT PRODUCTS. PAGEMATE: A REMOTE ERROR NOTIFICATION SYSTEM
Sterling Heights, MI–January 4, 1999–Rave Computer Association, Inc. has designed and developed Pagemate, a remote error notification system designed exclusively to interface with Rave Systems rackmount products such as Rave Systems RackMount-AXi, and Rave Systems Disk Array.
Pagemate works in perfect tandem with Raves optional intelligent system control board integrated into Rave systems chassis, and Pagemate continuously monitors the status of power supplies, cooling fans, and internal chassis temperature, all independent of the system motherboard. When an error is detected, an integral 2400 baud modem dials out immediately, informing key personnel.
Remote dial-in access gives the user the ability to monitor up to eight systems connected to Pagemate. This remote connection gives continuous periodic real-time updates of each system status. While you are online with Pagemate, if a component fails or is being replaced, you will know it instantly.
Pagemate is a stand-alone, firmware-driven device with its own AC power adaptor. DC versions are available as well. With Rave’s unique combination of redundant power systems, and Intelligent System Control board with auto-compensating fans, Pagemate can practically eliminate catastrophic downtime due to power failure or over-temperature.
More information about Rave Computer Association, Inc. can be found on their web site at: www.rave.net or by calling 1-800-966-7283.
I. E. SUN MICROSYSTEMS INC. CHOOSES RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC. AS A SUN PARTNER
Sterling Heights, Michigan–January 5, 1999–In December 1998, Rave Computer Association, Inc. was selected as a Sun Authorized Partner. Rave’s selection for this honor, as one of six integration companies in North America, is recognition in the highest form.
This partnership enables Rave Computer Association, Inc. to provide its customers a broad strategic focus. By staying current, Rave will be able to keep its customers informed of the latest in SPARC technology; it also allows Rave to select beta sites for new products. By offering the early adoption program for beta sites, Raves customers are allowed to test products for development before products are released into the market.
Rave is very proud of its 1998 accomplishments. Early February of 1998, Rave became an authorized UL test facility. Then in March 1998, Rave introduced a line of SPARC-based computers. In April 1998, Rave became an ISO-9002 registered company. In the following month, May 1998, Rave celebrated ten years in business. At the end of December 1998, Sun Microsystems, Inc. announced its selection of Rave Computer Association, Inc. as a Sun Authorized Partner. Today Rave looks forward to 1999 providing its customers the best in service and quality products that they have come to expect.
I. F. – RAVE SYSTEM RACKMOUNT-AXMP IS NOW POWERED BY 400MHZ ULTRASPARC-II MICROPROCESSOR
Sterling Heights, Michigan–January 21, 1999–Rave Computer Association, Inc., leading Sun OEM and authorized Sun partner announces that their Rave Systems RackMount-AXmp now features 400MHz UltraSPARC II microprocessor with 4MB of cache.
Rave Systems RackMount-AXmp is a 64-bit UltraSPARC powered rackmount system featuring powerful and flexible configurations such as one to four CPUs utilizing either UltraSPARC I or II processor modules, six PCI slots with four running at 33MHz and two at 66MHz; and up to 2GB of memory. The RackMount-AXmp comes complete in a 19″ 5U Rackmount chassis with a 600 Watt power supply, two integrated dual-channel Ultra-Wide SCSI Buses, and three cooling fans.
Rave Systems RackMount-AXmp comes pre-loaded with Solaris 2.6 or later and has an option of being integrated with an intelligent system control board which provides both audible and visual warnings should a fault occur with temperature, power supplies, or fans in conjunction with Raves newest product development, Pagemate. Pagemate is a remote error notification system designed exclusively to interface with Rave Systems rackmount products such as Rave Systems RackMount-AXi, Rave Systems Disk Array, and Rave Systems RackMount-AXmp. All Rave Systems feature original Sun motherboards.
I. G. – TATUNG BREAKS 400 MHZ BARRIER WITH NEW DUAL-PROCESSING SYSTEMS
Milpitas, CA–January 11, 1999–The COMPstation(r) U60-2400 is a new PCI-based, Sun Ultra 60-compatible system that utilizes two, 400 MHz UltraSPARC-II microprocessors from Sun Microsystems. As Tatung’s highest-performing dual-processing system, the U60-2400 is now shipping in both tower and rack-mount configurations. The tower supports high-performance graphics and Java-development applications, while the rack-mount models are tailored to meet the demanding needs of Internet Service Providers (ISPs), OEMs, and industrial, commercial and communications applications.
The COMPstation U60-2400 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 graphics cards. The system supports both Creator3D and Elite3D graphics technology to meet the complex needs of today’s MCAD/MCAE, EDA, software development, and high-end financial services markets.
Standard configurations include dual 400 MHz UltraSPARC-II processors; 128 MB of RAM; 9 GB of hard disk storage; and the Solaris 7 operating system pre-installed. Other standard features consist of Ultra Wide SCSI; two serial ports; one parallel port; and a 100-BaseT Ethernet interface. Tatung also offers the option of an add-on disk array storage subsystem on the COMPstation U60-2400RM. With hard disk capacity of 126 GB or more, this disk array makes the U60-2400RM robust enough to support departmental or small enterprise Internet or intranet applications.
The COMPstation(r) U2400 is a new SBus-based, Sun Ultra 2-compatible workstation that takes advantage of the newly released 400 MHz UltraSPARC-II microprocessor from Sun Microsystems. As part of Tatung’s COMPstation U2MP(tm) Series of Sun Ultra 2-compatible systems, the U2400 offers up to 2 GB of memory and features SMP capabilities. SMP, available as a standard feature, distributes the operating system and applications across multiple processors for faster execution. The COMPstation U2400 leverages the dual 64-bit UltraSPARC-II processors to deliver a performance of 17.7 SPECint_95* and 29.5 SPECfp_95*. The U2400 offers sophisticated functionality and high-performance graphics.
The COMPstation U2400 supports Creator3D graphics applications and gives users easy access to 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.
Standard configurations include dual 400 MHz UltraSPARC-II processors; 128 MB of RAM; 9 GB of hard disk storage; the Solaris 7 operating system pre-installed; and Turbo GX graphics. Optional features consist of a 64-bit slot for Creator graphics cards; four SBus slots; two serial ports; one parallel port; a 10/100-BaseT Ethernet interface; and Fast-Wide SCSI. In addition to providing more processing power in a dual, 400 MHz configuration than Sun, Tatung differentiates its Ultra 2 systems from Sun’s with more drive capacity (up to 18 GB), which is made possible by four drive bays available for expansion peripherals. The bays can be outfitted with two, standard 3-1/2″ hard drives; one 5-1/4″ CD-ROM drive; and one 5-1/4″, 14 GB tape drive, or a 3-1/2″ floppy disk drive.
II. – SCD 1.1/2.1 TESTING 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 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.
ADDITIONS (System Products):
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DELETIONS:
None at this time
SYSTEMS IN PROCESS:
None at this time
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.
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.