Author Archive | SPARC Editor

Issue No. 61

I. SPARC News……………!

II. TESTING ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND PRODUCTS IN PROCESS

III. SPARCSHOP

I. SPARC News

I. A. – AUSPEX SYSTEMS BECOMES A GENERAL MEMBER OF SPARC INTERNATIONAL

Santa Clara, CA–October 22, 1998–Auspex Systems, a world leader in the Network File Server market, has re-joined SPARC International as a General Member. Auspex Functional Multiprocessing(R) architecture is unique in its ability to meet the requirements of today’s enterprise data environment, scaling independently to acommodate additional need for information storage, network bandwidth, and network connectivity.

I. B. – SPARC INTERNATIONAL TESTING OF SYSTEMS FOR SCD GOES OVER THE 800 MARK!!

During the month of October, SPARC International completed a test for SPARC Compliant Definition (SCD) on the Sun Microsystems Ultra 2-2300 Creator, which was the 800th system tested for SCD compliancy. It was also one of the first systems tested utilizing the new Solaris 7 release. Anyone want to guess when we test our 1,000th system?

I. C. FORCE COMPUTERS EXTENDS VMEBUS LINE WITH INDUSTRY’S FASTEST SPARC-BASED HIGH AVAILABILITY SERVER

San Jose, CA–October 1, 1998–Raising the performance bar for high availability VMEbus systems, Force Computers, a Solectron subsidiary (NYSE: SLR), today introduced its dual UltraSPARC IIi single board computer-based teleforce-50 server. A fully redundant system in a single chassis, the teleforce-50 provides intelligent network (IN) equipment manufacturers with a high performance platform for use in such critical telco central office applications as service nodes, service control points, adjunct processors and intelligent peripherals.

Designed to meet stringent Bellcore NEBS criteria for disaster-resistant central office applications, the teleforce-50 features two rugged, independent VMEbus subsystems in a fault-resilient, 19″ rack-mount chassis. Each subsystem is powered by a 333MHz UltraSPARC IIi single board computer, marrying availability protection with the computing power required by advanced telephony processing and database applications. Dual UltraSCSI and dual 100Mbits/sec Ethernet interfaces in each subsystem; hot-swappable power supplies, disk drives and fanmodules; and system surveillance mechanisms round out the high availability package.

I. D. – U S SOFTWARE’S USNET ADDS SUPPORT FOR CS8900 CRYSTALLAN ETHERNET CONTROLLER FROM CIRRUS LOGIC

Hillsboro, OR–October 1, 1998–U S Software today announced that support for CS8900 CrystalLAN(TM) 10 Mbps Embedded Ethernet Controller from Cirrus Logic has been added to its USNET(R) Embedded TCP/IP Protocol Suite.

“The CS8900 is rapidly becoming the industry standard in 10Mbps Ethernet applications, especially in embedded systems where board space is at a premium. Only a transformer is required to implement Ethernet in 1.5 inches of board space. US Software is taking advantage of the CS8900’s strong position in the embedded marketplace by adding a driver to USNET. Now CS8900 users have access to a leading TCP/IP protocol suite that enables fast development of embedded systems. We see this type of cooperation as important, since it enhances the ability of our customers to get to market quickly,” said Mike Press, marketing manager at Cirrus Logic.

“Crystal thought quite a bit about how this device would be programmed and used. Initialization is straightforward and data transfer is efficient. Our device driver takes advantage of the flexibility offered by the chip by providing a selection for operation in I/O mode or Memory mode,” commented Elizabeth Schneider, software engineering manager at U S Software.

USNET is a ROMable and reentrant TCP/IP protocol suite that provides drop-in support, full source code, and a suite of applications and test programs for most popular microprocessors. USNET is also processor independent and includes: clients/servers (BOOTP, DHCP, TELNET, FTP, TFTP), and protocols (TCP, UDP, IP, ICMP, ARP, RARP). SNMP and an Internet Access Package (IAP), which includes an embedded HTTP Web Server, are optionally available for USNET. U S Software’s USNET including the CS8900 driver is available immediately. For on-line information about USNET, look at U S Software’s web site at www.ussw.com.

I. E. – FORCE ANNOUNCED THE CENTELLIS CT 16523, THE INDUSTRY’S FIRST COMPACTPCI-BASED SPARC SYSTEM

San Jose, CA–October 1, 1998–Taking aim at the high-performance embedded systems and computer telephony markets, Force Computers, a Solectron subsidiary (NYSE: SLR) today introduced the industry’s first CompactPCI-based UltraSPARC system platform — the Centellis CT 16523. The Centellis CT (for Computer Telephony) 16523 is an entry-level UltraSPARC IIi system designed and priced for large-scale deployment in a broad range of Customer Premise Equipment applications, or for such compute- and I/O-intensive applications as an Intelligent Peripheral (IP) Switching Host. The newest member to the award-wining Centellis 16000 product line, the Centellis CT 16523 delivers outstanding performance through the use of a 300MHz UltraSPARC IIi processor. This high performance is complimented by the stability of Sun’s Solaris operating system, and the durability and easy maintainability of the CompactPCI bus architecture. The CompactPCI architecture provides hot swappable boards for minimal downtime, a rugged Eurocard form factor, and superior cooling characteristic for high reliability.

The CompactPCI architecture positions the Centellis CT 16523 to handle critical applications that would sorely tax traditional industrial workstations, yet it remains competitively priced for all its robust features,” said Chris Williams, vice president of marketing at Force Computers.

The Centellis CT 16523 also supports a PCI bandwidth of 132 Mbytes per second per CompactPCI bus segment, enabling it to deliver the high-speed throughput required by computer telephony applications. In addition, its main memory is expandable up to a full gigabyte.

For more information visit Force Computers at www.forcecomputers.com. Force’s corporate headquarters is located in San Jose, California. Force’s European headquarters is located in Munich, Germany, and the company’s Japanese headquarters is located in Tokyo, Japan. Force Computers is a subsidiary of Solectron Corporation of Milpitas, California.

I. F. – INSIGNIA SOLUTIONS POISED TO DELIVER EMBEDDED VIRTUAL MACHINE TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE JAVA PLATFORM

Fremont, CA–October 13, 1998–Insignia Solutions(R) ), a leading provider of virtual machine/emulation technology, today announced it will formally introduce JENE(TM), Insignia’s implementation of Java(TM) specifically designed for embedded systems, at the Embedded Systems Conference in San Jose, California on November 3, 1998. As its cornerstone technology, JENE includes the highly efficient Embedded Virtual Machine(TM) (EVM(TM)), and qualified developers can sign up to receive beta shipment of this and other key technologies later this quarter. JENE (pronounced “gene”) is scheduled to ship in the first quarter of 1999. Insignia will hold a press conference to reveal technical details and features to press and analysts on November 3. In addition, financial analysts and press are invited to participate in the company’s earnings release conference call on October 22, 1998 in which more detail will be provided. Analysts can call 719/457-2625 at 2:00 PM Pacific Time.

Insignia Solutions is a leading provider of virtual machine/emulation technology that dynamically optimizes the use of available system resources. JENE, Insignia’s implementation of Java specifically designed for embedded systems, allows developers to create reliable, efficient and predictable embedded devices that are enabled by the company’s Embedded Virtual Machine. The company’s PC emulation products, SoftWindows™ and RealPC™, enable Windows® and DOS applications to run on UNIX(R) desktops. The publicly held company’s US headquarters are in Fremont, California, and its main R&D facilities are in High Wycombe, England. For additional information on Insignia and its products, call 800/848-7677 or visit the company’s Web site at www.insignia.com.

I. G. – ANDATACO AND GADZOOX(R) NETWORKS SIGN STRATEGIC SALES AND MARKETING AGREEMENT FOR BEST-OF-BREED STORAGE AREA NETWORKING (SAN) SOLUTION

San Diego and San Jose, CA–October 14, 1998–ANDATACO, a leading manufacturer and integrator of RAID and RAID-ready storage solutions for UNIX and Windows NT customers, and Gadzoox Networks, Inc., the industry leader in Gigabit- speed Fibre Channel SAN products, today announced the signing of a strategic sales and marketing agreement. This agreement allows customers to access SAN solutions leverag-ing both ANDATACO’s Application-Specific Architecture approach for implementing flexible high performance storage solutions, and Gadzoox’ industry-leading SAN infra- structure products. Terms of the agreement allow ANDATACO to resell Gadzoox’ full line of managed Fibre Channel SAN hubs and the Denali switch.

“ANDATACO is the only storage provider ready to offer a fully integrated SAN solution today. We are aggressively testing and integrating industry-leading components offering our customers best-of-breed solutions for a SAN environment” said W. David Sykes, president of ANDATACO. “Combining our GigaRAID storage series with quality components from companies like Gadzoox, allows us to design more robust and full featured SANs.”

About ANDATACO

ANDATACO designs, manufacturers and distributes storage solutions based on its Application-Specific Architecture for UNIX environments. The company’s products include SCSI and Fibre Channel RAID and RAID-ready disk storage, tape backup and restore products and storage management software. World-class technical support and service back the company’s products and customized professional services programs. The company distributes internally developed products, and selected products from other manufacturers through a network of nationwide sales offices and through business affiliates in Europe, Asia, Latin America, Canada and Australia. Access ANDATACO information at www.andataco.com.

I. H. TADPOLE TECHNOLOGY ACQUIRES RDI COMPUTER CORPORATION OF CALIFORNIA

Cambridge, UK–October 16, 1998–Computing innovator Tadpole Technology Plc today named the management team of its new flagship subsidiary Tadpole-RDI, now global leader in the design and manufacture of portable UNIX workstations and servers for Sun and Hewlett-Packard professionals. The subsidiary has been created following Tadpole’s acquisition of its main competitor, RDI Computer Corporation of California, and the subsequent merging of the two vendors UNIX operations.

Appointed President of Tadpole-RDI is Carl Baldini, previously Chief Operating Officer of RDI Computer Corporation. Other key management appointments comprise Philip Gioia as Senior Vice-President of Operations, Martin Greasley as Vice-President of Finance, Una Richens as Vice-President Marketing and Business Development, Frank Smaldino as Vice-President of Sales and Paul Sweere as Vice-President of Product Development.

With headquarters plus ISO-9001 certified manufacturing and engineering operations in Carlsbad, California and European operations in Cambridge, England, Tadpole-RDI is now the global leader in portable workstations for Sun and Hewlett-Packard professionals. Prominent lines are the UltraBook, SPARCbook and PrecisionBook offering remarkable processor power and optimised performance, up to 15GB removable disk capacity, 3D graphics and connectivity, large LCD screens and an impressive array of hot-networking features.

Also included in the vendor’s product portfolio is the much-acclaimed UltraSPARC-IIi based VoyagerIIi system for the Sun/Solaris environment, which brings notebook technology to the UNIX server market for the first time. The unique VoyagerIIi system offers the equivalent performance of Sun’s 44-lbs Ultra 10S static system, but in a rugged, easily-portable aluminum frame the size of a business directory and weighing about a fifth of its bulky cousin.

About Tadpole

Tadpole Technology Plc is the global leader in portable UNIX workstations and systems for Sun and Hewlett-Packard professionals and 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 to generate reductions in IT costs and gains in mobile workforce productivity.

For further information, please contact: Bernard Hulme, Chief Executive Tel: +44 1223 278200 Tadpole Technology Plc.

I. I. – SUN DELIVERS CORNERSTONE OF SOFTWARE STRATEGY – SOLARIS 7 UNVEILED

New York, NY–October 27, 1998–Emerging as a software powerhouse, Sun Microsystems, Inc. further distinguished itself by announcing its next-generation flagship software product line: the new Solaris(TM) 7 software environment for SPARC(TM) and Intel computers. Unlike competitors, Sun is delivering today the highly scalable and reliable, 64-bit environment based on Internet standards that companies like Microsoft are promising its customers in the future. Sun also announced that it is extending its Solaris 7 software with specific new features to address the needs of departmental and data center environments, as well as Internet Service Providers (ISPs). The combination of today’s announcement, along with Sun’s Jini(TM) and Java(TM) software technologies and recent acquisitions of NetDynamics, Chorus, Redcape Policy Software and i-Planet, uniquely position Sun to deliver an architecture of the caliber necessary to meet the demands of its anywhere, anytime vision of computing.

Sun believes that, with Solaris 7, it continues to outdistance itself from those in the UNIX operating system camp, and has established a huge lead by establishing what a network computing software environment should be. Combining attributes common in mainframe-class systems with ease-of-use found on PCs, Sun will now move Solaris both “up” into the data center and “deeper” into departments, gaining new market share at the expense of the MVS mainframe, UNIX and Microsoft Windows NT operating environments.

Highlights of the Solaris 7 product line include: (1) an enormous increase in capacity which removes limitations in handling extremely large data sets and complex computation, and opens the door for a new class of applications; (2) mainframe-class reliability features to minimize planned and unplanned downtime; (3) complete PC interoperability, so that customers can connect and manage their Windows NT environments with Solaris; and, (4) new PC-style ease-of-administration features for dramatically simplified installation and administration.

Sun also revealed an aggressive road map for the future versions of Solaris 8 and Solaris 9 that will accelerate the technology gap between Solaris and other operating systems. With each new release, Sun will redefine the state-of-the-art and incorporate more and more technologies, e.g., advanced clustering and Java technologies, into the base operating system – elevating customers’ expectations of what an operating system should deliver.

About Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision, “The Network Is The ComputerTM,” 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 $10 billion in annual revenues, Sun can be found in more than 150 countries and on the World Wide Web at www.sun.com.

I. J. – WORLD CLASS SUN SUPPORT WITH THE ON-LINE DETECTIVE

Waterford, MI–October 28, 1998–World Class Sun Support: Servicing and providing solutions for Sun equipment is made easy by accessing the On-Line! Detective for Sun. The Detective provides “World Class support for Sun workstations and servers. Users of the tool enhance their ability to detect and resolve O/S and hardware related problems and issues.

The On-Line! Detective also allows Sun Microsystems, Inc. to outdistance other UNIX providers by improving system service and support. “The Detective provides a competitive edge for Sun in the service industry, states Paul Violassi, CEO of SoftTech Solutions. “It allows end-users to reduce the cost of ownership, mitigate system downtime and reduce the time and costs associated with O/S and hardware problems. The Detective complements any Sun or third-party maintenance agreement. The suite of the On-Line! Detective covers the spectrum of Sun systems. This includes the Enterprise 450, Enterprise servers (3000-6000), SPARC(R)1000 and SPARC2000, SPARC Ultras (1, 2, 30, 5, 10, and 60) and most of the older SPARC architecture.

The Detective is updated three times per year with interim updates available from the web. These updates include new systems, added modules and mission critical information. Current customers of the On-Line! Detective include DEC/Compaq, HP, GTE, GE, Lockheed Martin, Lucent Technologies, AT&T and many government agencies. The format is very intuitive and pictographic allowing even first time users to successfully navigate the tool and locate pertinent information.

The software covers a wide range of topics including part numbers (Sun and third-party), configuration rules and requirements, and the most advanced troubleshooting and problem resolution techniques. The Detective runs on most Sun systems. It will load on Sun desktops or servers, as well as PCs and laptops. 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.

II. TESTING ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND PRODUCTS IN PROCESS

To view the master list, please access our web site at www.sparc.org or send email to info@sparc.org.

ADDITIONS (System Products):

DELETIONS: None at this time SYSTEMS IN PROCESS: Company Product Name None at this time ADDITIONS (Semiconductor Products): None at this time. DELETIONS: None at this time. SEMI-CONDUCTOR IN PROCESS: NOTE: At times, unannounced systems (“in process” or “certified”) may not be included in this report at the request of the vendor.

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. 60

I. SPARC News……………!

II. SPARC VERIFIED ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND PRODUCTS IN PROCESS

III. SPARCSHOP

I. SPARC News

I. A. – SPARC INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES GREEN HOUSE CO., LTD

Tokyo, Japan–September 3, 1998–Green House Co, Ltd., a growing third party manufacturer of memory for SPARC and most major computers, has joined SPARC International as an IHV Member.In addition to its memory business, Green House also markets network-related products.In the near future Green House will be submitting its memory to the Peripheral Verification Test (PVT) program for certification.

I. B. – SUN UNVEILS COMPREHENSIVE SPARC™ ROADMAP

San Jose, CA–September 1, 1998–Sun Microsystems, Inc., today disclosed the roadmap with frequency estimates for its three series of high-performance 64-bit UltraSPARC(TM) processors. Sun is one of teh first microprocessor suppliers to publicly unveil its current roadmap into 2002. This roadmap provides a detailed overview of the future processor performance for an industry-leading architecture, while maintaining binary compatibility. In the roadmap, the UltraSPARC V is estimated to reach 1.5 gigahertz (GHz) early in the year 2002.

This roadmap shows that Sun’s UltraSPARC processor family will be among the performance leaders well into the next millennium and represents the company’s ongoing commitment to the SPARC(TM) processor family. As a result, customers can rely on Sun to provide a steady delivery of high performance processors, which maintain binary compatibility, while also spanning to four times the current clock speeds and more than eight times the performance of current offerings.

Sun’s UltraSPARC processor roadmap includes all three lines of the UltraSPARC family. The first line is the scalable or “S” series, which is designed to provide industry-leading performance for scalable workstations and servers. For the “S” series, the roadmap shows 480 MHz UltraSPARC IIs microprocessors shipping in 1999. For the UltraSPARC IIIs, it lists 600 MHz and 750 MHz versions, as well as 1 GHz versions of the UltraSPARC IVs. Early in 2002, Sun expects the UltraSPARC Vs to be available at 1.5 GHz.

The integrated or “I” series that integrates many system functions onto the processor and provides a more cost-effective offering for single processor 480 MHz versions of the UltraSPARC IIi shipping in 1999. Additionally, it shows the plans for 600 MHz and 700 MHz versions of the UltraSPARC IIIi. In 2001, it also lists the UltraSPARC IVi at 1 GHz.

The embedded or “E” series processors provide an optimal price-performance point for embedded applications that need the performance of UltraSPARC such as thin clients, as well as network interface, control and line cards. For the “E” series processors 300 MHz, 400 MHz and 500 MHz versions are disclosed.

A graphical representation of the UltraSPARC processor roadmap is available on the web at www.sun.com/microelectronics/roadmap/.

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 www.sun.com.

I. C. KANAMOTO MEMORY SPARC VERIFIED

Santa Clara, CA–September 14, 1998–Kanamoto Co, Ltd. of Sapporo Japan has earned the SPARC Verified Brand after successfully completing the Peripheral Verification Testing(PVT) at SPARC International for five different Memory Modules. The Modules include:

Kanamoto is the leading rental company for Sun Computers in Japan.

I. D. – EMPRESS’S C++ INTERFACE UNLEASHES THE POWER OF
OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING

Greenbelt, MD–September 15, 1998– Empress‘s C++ Interface Unleashes The Power of Object-Oriented Programming.

Empress’s C++ Interface: Ease, speed and efficiency in creating and managing objects.

Greenbelt, MD A new Empress C++ Interface option is now available for users of the Empress RDBMS V8.10. Empress’s C++ Interface provides the capability of calling kernel-level mr and mx routines from C++ programs in order to perform high-speed Empress database manipulations. Moreover, the extended functionalities of C++, along with Empress’s new Persistent Stor ed Modules, provide an ideal object-oriented application development environment.

Working in an object-oriented environment allows programmers to define both the data type and data functions as one entity: the object. This can greatly simplify information management as well as make many other capabilities such as inheritance and encapsulation possible, states Ivor Ladd, Vice President of Technology.

Empress Software develops and supports the Empress Relational Database Management System. The Empress RDBMS V8.10 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.

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

I. E. – ANDATACO ANNOUNCES INDUSTRY’S FIRST ULTRA2 SCSI LOW
VOLTAGE DIFFERENTIAL (LVD) RAID-READY STORAGE SYSTEM

San Diego–September 21, 1998–ANDATACO, Inc. (Nasdaq SmallCap: ANDA), a global leader in application specific storage solutions, introduced today the industry’s first Ultra2 SCSI LVD RAID-ready storage system. This technological breakthrough offers best-of-class performance, industry-leading investment protection and is engineered with five ground-breaking product features. The GigaRAID/8000 LVD provides customers 100% scalability, superior flexibilty and the most aggressive total cost of ownership on the market today.

The GigaRAID/8000 LVD is the foundation for ANDATACO’s award winning GigaRAID product line, designed to offer storage-hungry users industry-leading reliability, simplified installation and operations, and long-term investment protection. The GigaRAID/8000 LVD meets the demand for external storage that is customer replaceable and performs at consistent rates of 70-80 MB/sec. In addition, the GigaRAID/8000 LVD stands alone in offering OEM channels tailor made or custom-configured enclosures fully certified for every disk drive currently available on the market. ANDATACO will be shipping the GigaRAID/8000 LVD next month in volume.

Five First To Market Features:

• First with high speed cableless technology.
• Flexible Chassis Interface Adapter Cards (CIAs): ANDATACO offers one solution for all SCSI requirements. Through chassis interface adapters, customers can connect to Ultra2 SCSI LVD, Ultra SCSI single-ended and Ultra SCSI high voltage differential.
• Offers industry’s only JBOD storage management software: ANDATACO’s Web Storage Management (WSM) provides service, configurations and environmental monitoring with audible alerts written in Java and C++.
• First to support all available disk drives.
• Ultra 3 compliant LVD: First LVD designed to be Ultra3 compliant. “SCSI technology, including the GigaRAID/8000 LVD, gives our customers what they need today and a cost effective product migration path to meet future storage needs.

GigaRAID/8000 LVD incorporates the next generation of ANDATACO’s award-winning Enterprise Storage Packaging (ESP) . The multi-platform GigaRAID/8000 LVD is the first through-and-through Ultra2 LVD solution, with chassis, controllers and drives all capable of Ultra2 LVD speeds of 80MB/sec. This RAID-ready system is easily expandable to software or hardware RAID.

Access ANDATACO information at www.andataco.com.

I. F. – TATUNG TAKES SERVER PERFORMANCE TO NEW HEIGHTS WITH
PCI-BASED QUAD-PROCESSING SYSTEM

MILPITAS, CA–Sept. 22, 1998–Tatung Science & Technology, Inc. (TSTI), celebrating more than 10 years of commitment to the SPARC systems market, today introduced the COMPstation U4MP Series Model 4360, a powerful new server that utilizes four, 360 MHz UltraSPARC-II processors. The COMPstation 4360 expands Tatung’s use of the PCI I/O bus as an integral new design component of the company’s SPARC-based workstations and servers, which are installed at tens of thousands of user sites throughout North America.

Equipped with 4 MB of external cache per processor, the COMPstation 4360 enables users to leverage four-way UltraSPARC-II chip technology to achieve system performance of 16 SPECint_95 and 23 SPECfp_95

• per CPU.

The server is available in a 19-inch rack-mountable chassis design that fits into existing ISP server banks and adapts easily to OEM, communications, commercial and industrial requirements. With a footprint that is 8.75 inches high, 17.25 inches wide, and 26 inches deep, the COMPstation 4360’s space-saving design allows for easy vertical stacking.

The system comes pre-installed with Solaris 2.6, which includes an enhanced Common Desktop Environment for ease-of-use and intuitive operation. In addition, customers can maintain full binary compatibility with the application software they now use with their existing 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.

The COMPstation 4360 suppports two 66 MHz, 64-bit PCI devices and four 33 MHz, 64-bit PCI devices. Standard configurations include four, 360 MHz UltraSPARC-II processors; one GB RAM; and 9 GB of hard disk storage. The compact system features up to six drive bays suitable for four, 5-1/4″ slots and two, 3-1/2″ slots. Other standard features consist of dual Ultra wide SCSI channels; two serial ports; one parallel port; and a 10/100 BaseT Ethernet interface.

Options include up to 2 GB of RAM; up to 80 GB or more of hard disk storage; ATM connectivity and Ultra Wide SCSI. In addition, Tatung offers optional storage solutions, such as the COMP-raid 3000, which support its entire server line, including the COMPstation 4360. The COMP-Raid 3000 is a high-performance disk-array controller available in a small rack-mountable cabinet (7″H x 17.25″W x 18″D). Offering up to 144 GB of capacity or more, the device supports any mix of RAID configurations including RAID 0, 1, 0+1, 3 and 5. Pricing and Availability.

The COMPstation 4360 is available for immediate delivery. Suggested list pricing starts at $38,290.

Tatung Science & Technology, Inc., a U.S. subsidiary of the over $4 billion, multi-national Tatung Co., is the leading provider of SPARC-compatible workstations and servers and 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; mkt@tsti.com; web site: www.tsti.com.

I. G. – ACSL ANNOUNCES STORAGESEARCH.COM

Baughurst, Tadley, England–September 22, 1998–SPARC International member ACSL, publisher of SPARCproductDIRectory.com, the “SPARC(R) Bible on the Net”, announces Storagesearch.com, its’ newest web directory, www.STORAGEsearch.com. It will include computer storage products and systems for the main computer platforms. Although still under development, companies in the SPARC marketplace are invited to preview the site, comment, or submit articles.

I. H. – RED HAT ESTABLISHES ENTERPRISE COMPUTING DIVISION
FOR ITS LINUX OS

San Jose, CA–September 29, 1998–Today at ISPCON Fall `98, SPARC International member, Red Hat Software, Inc., a leading distributor of the Linux operating system, announced that Netscape, Intel and venture capital firms Greylock and Benchmark Partners have taken minority equity positions in the company. Red Hat builds, maintains and provides technical support for the Red Hat operating system. Linux runs on SPARC, Intel and Alpha platforms.

Additionally, the firm announced it is establishing an Enterprise Computing Division, according to Red Hat president, Robert F. Young. The new division will offer enterprise grade products and services to support global, mission-critical applications. “As the growing number of users demonstrates, the Linux operating system is ready for enterprise-wide applications,” Young said. “Red Hat intends to further extend its Linux leadership into the enterprise.”

“Our investment in Red Hat demonstrates the technological value of the open source development model for technologies such as operating systems,” stated William S. Kaiser, general partner at Greylock. “They have done a great job of supporting the open source development model and delivering the benefits of that model to a growing number of Linux users.”

“Since July, the five leading providers of database software Oracle, Informix, Computer Associates, Sybase and IBM have all announced plans to support Red Hat’s Linux OS,” stated Young. “We believe that their OS strategies, combined with today’s announced investments, continue to fuel the adoption of Linux as a robust and secure operating system.”

Visit Red Hat on the web at www.redhat.com.

I. I. – SBS BIT 3 OPERATIONS UNVEILS HIGH-PERFORMANCE
FIBER-OPTIC BUS ADAPTER FOR PCI TO VMEbus CONNECTIVITY

St. Paul, MN – September 30, 1998 – SBS Bit 3 Operations has unveiled the Model 618 bus-to-bus adapter that is engineered for demanding applications requiring PCI to VMEbus connectivity and fiber-optic capabilities. The adapter provides real-time, transparent, and deterministic connection between a PCI and VMEbus system; consequently, the PCI computer can function either as a coprocessor or as the only processor on the VMEbus system. Model 618’s fiber-optic features make it ideal for environments requiring noise immunity, high-performance, electrical safety, isolation and long-distance separation.

• Provides benefits of fiber-optics and increases system reliability.
• Allows chassis separation up to 2000 meters Transfers data at sustained rates above 26M Bytes/sec.
• Offers painless migration to fiber-optics and PCI bus for current SBS Bit 3 adapter users.

“Model 618, the next generation of our widely used Model 617 PCI-VMEbus adapter, allows current 617 users painless migration to fiber-optics; upgrading is virtually plug-and-play. Applications written using SBS support software are highly portable,” said Jerry Medley, Vice President of Sales and Marketing of SBS Bit 3 Operations. “For those migrating to PCI from VMEbus platforms, Model 618 provides the means to retain use of VMEbus I/O and special purpose boards.” Model 618 will be available for shipment October 30, 1998 and is priced at $4,350.00.

Features:

• With the adapter, a standard PC or workstation can be used instead of a single board computer.
• Model 618 provides two methods of intersystem communication: memory mapping and Direct Memory Access (DMA).
• Controller Mode DMA and Slave Mode DMA are supported.

> For information on SBS Bit 3 Operations, contact 1284 Corporate Center Drive, St. Paul, MN, 55121-1245; Phone (651) 905-4700; Fax (651) 905-4701; E-mail: info@bit3.com; web site: www.sbs-bit3.com.

II. 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 of SPARC Verified products. To view the master list, please access our web site at www.sparc.org or send email to info@sparc.org.

ADDITIONS:

DELETIONS: None at this time.

IN PROCESS: None at this time.

III. SPARCSHOP

SPARC-related documents are available through SPARC International’s bookstore, SPARCSHOP. Access to SPARCSHOP is available several ways,

1. web SPARCshop
2. email sparcshop@sparc.org
3. 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. 59

I. SPARC News……………!

II. SPARCSHOP

I SPARC News

I. A. – SPARC International Welcomes Two New Members

Sapporo, Japan–August 1,1998–Kanamoto Co.,Ltd joined SPARC International as an IHV member. The Computer and Peripheral Rental Division was established in 1983 as the third operating division of Japan’s leading consruction equipment rental company. Kanamoto will submit its memory products to the SPARC International PVT program for testing next month.

Fremont, CA–August 12, 1998–Insignia Solutions, developer of SoftWindows 95 for UNIX has become an ISV member of SPARC International. SoftWindows 95 for UNIX enables SPARC(R) computers to run Windows 95 applications alongside existing UNIX applications. Files may be easily moved between PC and UNIX file systems. In addition, SoftWindows 95 for UNIX includes PC networking support for UNIX computers in the PC environment and Internet Access capability.

I. B. – EMPRESS’S NEW JDBC INTERFACE DELIVERS JAVA TECHNOLOGY UTILIZING SUN’S AWT

Greenbelt, MD–August 1, 1998–Empress announces support of Suns JDBC API for the Empress RDBMS. Via the Empress JDBC Interface, Web server developers and GUI developers can take advantage of a host of tools and capabilities to display, retrieve and format information residing on Empress relational databases. Web developers can easily create Java servlets and CGI programs to manage Empress databases. GUI developers can utilize the Java platforms freely-distributed Abstract Windowing Toolkit (AWT) as a powerful applet and graphical application development environment.

With the Empress JDBC Interface, programmers have the ability to create servlets and CGI programs using the Internet application development environment provided by Empress Hypermedia.

“Empress offers products well-suited for Internet computing via a robust database and development tools. Fusing both the Internet computing technologies of Empress and the Java platform, the Empress JDBC Interface enables the creation of a powerful applications development environment” states Njai Wong, director of product development.

Furthermore Sun‘s Abstract Windowing Toolkit (AWT) can now be utilized via the Empress JDBC Interface. Sun’s AWT allows you to create buttons, menus, scrollbars, dialog boxes and even entire GUI applications to display Empress information. Moreover, developers using the Empress RDBMS and Sun’s AWT have increased flexibility through the cross-platform functionalities of both products. The AWT is not operating system specific, allowing you to bypass platform-specific windowing issues. Empress also provides for cross-platform functionality between Unix and Windows environments through the Empress ODBC Interface. Moreover, Empress allows users to select from over 1500 popular Unix and Windows operating systems.

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.

Sun, Sun Microsystems, Java and JDBC are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems Inc. in the United States and other countries.

I. C. – CYGNUS SOLUTIONS RELEASES GNU PRO 98rl

Sunnyvale, CA–August 7, 1998–The Cygnus GNUPro™ Toolkit 98r1 is the latest release of an open-source, de facto standard compiler and debugger toolchain for native and embedded software development. For software developers, the Cygnus GNUPro Toolkit provides:

Access to an open-source code base for greatest flexibility during the design cycle,

• Mission-critical support for working at maximum efficiency, and
• A single-source toolchain for easy portability and maximum code reuse. The GNUPro Toolkit 98r1 includes ANSI-conforming C/C++ compilers, a macro-assembler, the Cygnus GNUPro debugger, binary utilities and libraries.

Key Features of the Cygnus GNUPro Toolkit 98r1 include the following:

• Cygnus GNUPro C Compiler – The latest advances in compiler optimization extend the programmer’s ability to optimize code for speed and size.
• Cygnus GNUPro C++ Compiler – The industry-leading C++ compiler, providesenhanced exception handling and more extensive template functionality. Cygnus offers the most comprehensive support for C++ and continues to track the standard.
• Cygnus GNUPro Debugger – A source- and assembly-level debugger, it includes Cygnus’ high-performance graphical user interface that enables users to visualize the gdb debugger through a series of intuitive, easy-to-use windows and menus.

New Host Platforms: AIX4.2, Red Hat Linux 5.0 and Solaris 2.6.

I. D. – AT&T CHOOSES THE ON-LINE! DETECTIVE FROM SOFTTECH FOR SUN SUPPORT

Waterford, MI–August 9, 1998–AT&T purchased the On-Line! Detective for Sun to enhance their ability to support Sun computer systems. The company will outfit their Premises Network Computer Support Division with the Detective to provide technical support for key internal and external Sun end-users.

AT&T purchased the On-Line! Detective for Sun to enhance their ability to support Sun computer systems. The company will outfit their Premises Network Computer Support Division with the Detective to provide technical support for key internal and external Sun end-users.

“AT&T chose the Detective to give us a competitive edge in the service industry”, proclaims Lalo Munoz, AT&T Southern Region Technical Consultant. “The tool provides the power of information to resolve problems or issues on-site, saving significant time and resources. Utilizing the Detective, AT&T expects to deliver the best support for Sun systems in the industry.” AT&T will not only use the Detective to replace the current hardware support they receive from Sun Service but actively pursue third-party maintenance opportunities.

The On-Line! Detective for Sun is a critical knowledge base of information covering hardware and OS related issues. The Detective provides diagnostic, troubleshooting and system support for Sun/SPARC workstations and servers at the click of a mouse. The tool can be deployed via Solaris or Windows operating systems. Using the tool on a laptop gives AT&T technicians’ greater ability to resolve issues out in the field and affords a significant edge over most of the competition.

SoftTech Solutions develops expert systems and on-line technical documentation. The company’s flagship product, the On-Line! Detective for Sun, is ideal for field engineers, system administrators, help-desk centers and Sun computer brokers/resellers. The Detective saves time and frustration in finding and resolving most Sun/SPARC computer problems. Examples include Sun error messages with interpretations, troubleshooting flow-chart diagrams and part number access. The On-Line! Detective supports any company who maintains Sun systems and is the ultimate compliment to any service contract.

For more information about the On-Line! Detective for Sun and other products and services call SoftTech Solutions at +888 786-4393 or visit their web site at www.stsolutions.com.

I. E. – SUN SHIPS ONE-MILLIONTH UltraSPARC MICROPROCESSOR

SAN JOSE, CA–August 19, 1998–Sun Microsystems, Inc. today announced that its Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have shipped systems containing the one millionth UltraSPARC(TM) microprocessor. This achievement, occurring in just over three years, represents one of the shortest amounts of time that any enterprise-class microprocessor architecture has reached this milestone. In addition, the UltraSPARC architecture is the first 64-bit computer architecture to reach this level of market acceptance.

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 found in more than 150 countries and on the World Wide Web at www.sun.com.

I. F. – TATUNG’S NEW HIGH-PERFORMANCE SYSTEMS FEATURE DUAL, 360 MHZ ULTRASPARC-II PROCESSORS

MILPITAS, CALIF. – August 19, 1998 – Tatung Science & Technology, Inc. (TSTI), celebrating more than 10 years of commitment to the SPARC systems market, today introduced the COMPstation? U60-2360, a new Sun Ultra 60-compatible workstation powered by dual 360 MHz UltraSPARC-II microprocessors. The COMPstation U60-2360 broadens Tatung’s use of the PCI I/O bus as an integral new design component of the company’s SPARC-based workstations and servers, which are installed at tens of thousands of user sites throughout North America.

Now available, the new system is offered in both tower and rack-mount configurations. The towers support high-performance graphics and Java-development applications, while the rack-mount models are designed to suit the needs of Internet Service Providers (ISPs), OEMs and industrial, commercial and communications applications. Tatung’s most powerful workstation, the COMPstation U60-2360 leverages the dual 64-bit UltraSPARC-II processors to deliver performance of 15.4 SPECint_95 and 27.8 SPECfp_95*.

The COMPstation U60-2360 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 horizontal UPA slot is available for add-ons such as Creator graphics cards. Standard configurations include two, 360 MHz UltraSPARC-II processors; 128 MB RAM; and 4 GB of hard disk storage. Other standard features consist of Ultra Wide SCSI; two serial ports; one parallel port; and a 100-BaseT Ethernet interface.

The tower configuration is equipped with a PCI graphics card, and it offers up to five drive bays for incorporating two, standard 3-1/2-inch hard drives; a 5-1/4-inch CD-ROM drive; a 4- or 8mm tape drive; and another peripheral, such as a 3-1/2-inch floppy drive or other device that will fit into a 5-1/4-inch slot. The rack-mount configuration, designed to utilize network storage, features slots for two, one-inch, 3-1/2-inch drives. An add-on disk array storage subsystem available from Tatung as an option enables users to add peripherals as needed. With hard disk capacity of 72 GB or more, the disk array makes the COMPstation U60-2360 robust enough to support departmental or small enterprise Internet or Intranet applications. Other options include up to 2 GB of RAM; up to 18 GB or more of hard disk storage; additional PCI graphics cards; Creator 3D Graphics; ATM connectivity; Ultra Wide SCSI; and a wide range of monitors. In addition, TSTI is offering monitors in 17″, 19″, 21″ and 24″ models. Suggested list pricing for the COMPstation U60-2360 starts at $15,990 for a standard tower configuration. The rack-mount system is offered at a suggested list price of $16,270.

Tatung Science & Technology, Inc., a U.S. subsidiary of the over $4 billion, multi-national Tatung Co., is the leading provider of SPARC-compatible workstations and servers. The company’s product line features the broadest range of client/server computing solutions available, from desktops to multi-processing servers. Tatung 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. URL: www.tsti.com.

* Estimated ratings.

I. G. – RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES NEW SYSTEM: RAVE RACKMOUNT-AXMP

Sterling Heights, MI-August 24, 1998–Rave Computer Association, Inc., an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of Sun Microsystems, announces the release of the Rave RM-AXmp system.

In the RM-AXmp, Rave integrates the Sun Microsystems Ultra-AXmp motherboard into a 5U-19 chassis. This new development will allow dual- and quad-processing in a 64-bit UltraSPARC-powered system. The Ultra-AXmp motherboard will support one to four CPUs and up to six PCI slots. The system features a 600-watt power supply, integrated dual Ultra-wide SCSI, and three cooling fans. It also supports a maximum of 2 GB of memory. Rave’s RM-AXmp is specifically designed for the telecommunications and internet service provider markets.

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

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. 58

I. SPARC News……………!

II. SPARC COMPLIANT ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND PRODUCTS IN PROCESS

III. SPARC VERIFIED ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND PRODUCTS IN PROCESS

IV. SPARCSHOP

I SPARC News

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)

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)

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

DELETIONS
None at this time.

IN PROCESS

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. 57

I. SPARC News……………!

II. SPARC COMPLIANT ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND PRODUCTS IN PROCESS

III. SPARC VERIFIED ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND PRODUCTS IN PROCESS

IV. SPARCSHOP

I SPARC News

I. A. – SPARC INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES BELL MICROPRODUCTS

San Jose, CA–June 8, 1998–Bell Microproducts, Inc. joined SPARC International as a VAR member. Bell Microproducts is one of the nation’s largest distributors of semiconductor and computer products and is a growing contract manufacturer serving industrial, OEM commercial and information technology reseller markets. It is one of the few high-technology companies which combines in-house contract manufacturing and integration with value-added distribution of advanced semiconductor and computer products.

I. B. – SPARC INTERNATIONAL MEMBERS CAMPAIGN TO STRENGTHEN THE SPARC COMMUNITY!

We would like to take a minute to acknowledge a “Job Well Done” by our Member Companies who have worked deligently seeing that the appropriate SPARC International Logos and attributions of the SPARC trademarks have been added to their web sites and marketing materials. Your successful efforts continue to strengthen the SPARC Community!

One of the benefits of SPARC International membership is that we have links to each of your own web sites from the SPARC International site. We are still finding members web sites that are not following the SPARC International standards with respect to including the correct logos and attributions of the SPARC Trademarks.

Please check your page located in the membership area sparc/members to be sure that the link is accurately up-to-date. We would appreciate your adding the SPARC International logo to your web site with a link to SPARC International’s home page which would be an added bonus. If any changes are needed to your web page please contact cheryl@sparc.org.

For those of you who have tested product(s) sparc/certified, please have the correct logo displayed next to the tested product(s) (i.e., SPARC Compliant/SPARC Verified/SPARC Architecture, etc.) contact Roger Sack, Program Director at roger@sparc.org, or Karen Anaya, Trademark Coordinator, at karen@sparc.org.

I. C. – LINKON DEMONSTRATES IP TELEPHONY ON THE SUN PLATFORM AT SUPERCOMM

Fairfield, CT–June 8, 1998– Linkon Corporation (OTC BB: LKON) conducted live demonstrations of its voice and fax over Internet Protocol (IP) technology at the Supercomm ’98 trade show (June 8-11), in the Sun Microsystems booth. The demonstration featured Linkon Corporation’s LinkNet^™IP Telephony Gateway designed for Sun Microsystems’ new generation of PCI-bus SPARC^™ chip-based servers, including the Sun Netra^™T 1100 and Sun Enterprise^™ 450 servers.

The demonstration of the LinkNet IP Telephony Gateway features the largest single commercial release of new Linkon technology in the company’s history. Among the new enhancements includes integrated IP voice and fax communications, IP switching, consolidated logging and reporting functions, SS7 (Signaling System 7) protocol support, telco-grade hardware-based echo-cancellation, a robust “QoS” (Quality of Service) and network management feature-set, and enhanced services support for interactive voice response and speech recognition.

The PCI-based, LinkNet Gateway uses Linkon’s new Maestro^™ System communications board for the Sun PCI bus, supporting a full range of computer telephony and IP telephony applications, including Voice over IP, Internet fax, and call center automation. Linkon’s LinkNet IP Telephony Gateway is the winner of the “Best of CTI Expo” award from the recent CTI Spring ’98 Expo, and the company’s Maestro System DSP-based communications board and companion API software toolkit products are winners of CTI Magazine’s 1997 Platinum Editor’s Choice award.

At present, the LinkNet IP Gateway can support from four analog channels to multiple E1/T1 digital circuits, providing up to 90/96 full-duplex digital communications channels. Current LinkNet customers have deployed systems for phone-to-phone communications over satellite networks; for prepaid calling card services; for SS7 network protocol-based applications; in “Thin Client” Call Center applications using Java^™ technology; and in Intranet and Internet-based configurations both domestically and internationally. The LinkNet IP Gateway and the Maestro System technology it employs have been designed to address IP telephony’s most difficult technical issues, including full-duplex communications, scalability, echo cancellation, efficient audio compression, and low delay time (latency).

For more information, visit Linkon’s website at www.linkon.com.

I. D. – nStor LEADS STORAGE INDUSTRY WITH INNOVATIVE nVANTAGE ON-SITE WARRANTY SERVICE PROGRAM

Lake Mary, FL–June 17, 1998–nStor(tm) Corporation, Inc., (AMEX: NSO), a leading worldwide manufacturer of high performance, state-of-the-art high-availability RAID subsystem and information storage solutions, today introduced its innovative nVantageSM on-site warranty service program for nStor storage subsystems in the 48 contiguous United States. nVantage consists of three (3) on-site service plans; each structured to provide the user with a different level of on-site warranty service, depending on individual site requirements. In addition, nStor announced its nVantage Plan 1 on-site support (5×9, next day service) will be included FREE OF CHARGE with all nStor RAID subsystems sold in the 48 contiguous United States. Plan I support is also available as an add-on option for all nStor desktop and Parity+ products. For networks and applications with time-sensitive, mission-critical data, upgrade plans to 5×9, same day service and 7×24 service are also available.

nStor also announced all CR8e subsystems sold in the domestic U.S. since January 1, 1998 are being grandfathered into the nVantage plan, providing these customers with one full year of nVantage Plan I on-site service, free of charge, beginning with the date they register for the plan.

“Dataquest expects that service as a percent of RAID spending will grow from 10% in 1998 to over 17% by 2000. The mission-critical application list has broadened, especially with the growth of NT-based servers. Robust RAID-services is a critical aspect to guarantee the 24×7 access to on-line data,” stated Thomas Lahive, Senior Analyst of Gartner Group’s Dataquest.

About nStor nStor designs, manufactures and markets a full range of cross-platform storage solutions including advanced external RAID subsystems and stand-alone data storage enclosures, tape backup solutions, UNIX-based memory products, digital media management products, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. Previously Conner Storage Systems (prior to being acquired from Seagate Technologies in 1996), nStor leverages more than 11+ years of experience in the area of data storage solutions. Located in Lake Mary, Florida (near Orlando), nStor Corporation, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of nStor Technologies, Inc. (AMEX: NSO). nStor has 12 sales offices located around the U.S. nStor products are marketed through a worldwide network of OEMs, distributors, VARs, system integrators, and corporate accounts. Additional Information about nStor and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at www.nstor.com.

Contact: Diane Weinzierl, Public Relations Manager nStor Corporation Phone +407 829-3624 Fax +407 829-3638 Email: diane.weinzierl@nstor.com.

I. E. – TADPOLE TECHNOLOGY UNVEILS NEW BREED OF PORTABLE, ULTRASPARC™IIi-DRIVEN SYSTEM

Cambridge, UK–June 23, 1998–Specialist computing vendor Tadpole Technology Plc of Cambridge today stretched the accepted technological envelope in mobile Solaris computing with the launch of a new breed of rugged and compact UltraSPARCIIi-driven systems offering unprecedented power, memory, capacity and connectivity features.

A truly portable system/server giving full functionality to Sun Microsystems’ much-acclaimed 300MHz UltraSPARCIIi processor and 100% operating compatibility in the SPARC/Solaris environment, Tadpole’s astonishing new systems provide up to 1GB memory and 20GB removable disk capacity achieved through innovative use of four high-speed Ultra-DMA controllers, each supporting a single 5GB Ultra-IDE disk and arranged as two removable twin packs. They also provide integrated fast-wide SCSI and 10/100 Base T networking, extensive user-installable PCMCIA features and graphics connectivity by an optional range of half-size PCI cards.

Designated the VoyagerIIi series, Tadpole has developed its new computer range to meet global demand for such groundbreaking mobile systems from across-the-board sectors of the established Sun environment markets.

RRP prices start at around 6,000 (under $10,000), exclusive sales tax. Availability: 21 days. Tadpole Technology can be visited on the World Wide Web at where the VoyagerIIi white paper can also be downloaded. Customer enquiries and full documentation from Tadpole on telephone +44 (0)1223 278200 or by Email infoline@tadpole.co.uk.

I. F. – TATUNG INTRODUCES INDUSTRY’S HIGHEST PROCESSING SBUS-BASED DESKTOP WORKSTATIONS

Milpitas, CA–June 29, 1998– Tatung Science & Technology, Inc. has introduced the COMPstation U2360, a new 64-bit desktop workstation that utilizes dual 360 MHz UltraSPARC-II processors to provide a powerful SBus-based computing solution. Now shipping, the new COMPstation U2360 represents the highest processing SBus-based desktop workstation available.

“The new COMPstation U2360 systems demonstrate our commitment to the SBus, even as we are expanding our product line with new PCI-based systems,” said Kam Chan, president of Tatung Science & Technology, Inc. “More importantly, the new workstations provide a powerful computing solution for the installed base of SPARC systems users who want to upgrade to a higher processing level without migrating away from SBus.”

The COMPstation U2360 delivers performance of 15.2 SPECint_95 and 27.5 SPECfp_95.* As part of Tatung’s COMPstation U2MP™ Series of Sun Ultra 2-compatible workstations and servers, the new system offers up to 2GB of memory and features SMP capabilities. SMP, available as a standard feature, distributes the operating system and applications across multiple processors for faster execution.

In addition to providing more processing power in a dual, 360 MHz configuration than Sun, Tatung differentiates its systems from the Sun Ultra 2 line with more drive capacity (up to 18GB), 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.

Standard configurations are offered at suggested list prices starting from $25,230.

Tatung is offering an Ultra 2-compatible upgrade program for those users of Ultra 1 and Ultra 2-compatible systems who would like to obtain 360 Mhz, 64-bit processing capabilities. Current COMPstation U2MP users can replace their existing

About Tatung Science & Technology, Inc.

Tatung Science & Technology, Inc., a U.S. subsidiary of the over $4 billion, multi-national Tatung Co., is the leading provider of SPARC compatible work stations and servers. The company’s product line features the broadest range of client/server computing solutions available, from desktops to servers. Tatung is a founding member of SPARC International.

For more information, contact Tatung Science & Technology, Inc., 1840 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035. Telephone 1-800-659-5902. E-mail: mkt@tsti.com Home Page: www.tsti.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)

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) None at this time.

DELETIONS None at this time.

SEMI-CONDUCTOR IN PROCESS

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

DELETIONS
None at this time.

IN PROCESS
None at this time.

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. 56

I. SPARC News

• A. nSTOR SHOWCASES NEW FIBRE CHANNEL, NETWORK ATTACHED STORAGE, ULTRA2 (LVDS) AND TAPE ARRAY PRODUCTS AT NETWORLD+INTEROP
• B. SUN SLASHES PRICES, BOOSTS PERFORMANCE ACROSS WORKSTATION PRODUCT LINE
• C. RATIONAL UNITES CUSTOMERS FROM ALL PRODUCT LINES AT ANNUAL USER CONFERENCE
• D. RED HAT SOFTWARE BRINGS SECURE, HIGH VALUE SOLUTION TO THE WORLD OF WEB SERVING
• E. 5.1 RELEASE FROM RED HAT SOFTWARE INCLUDES BONUS CD OF LINUX APPLICATIONS AND TOOLS

II. SPARC COMPLIANT ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND PRODUCTS IN PROCESS

III. SPARC VERIFIED ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND PRODUCTS IN PROCESS

IV. SPARCSHOP

I SPARC News

I. A. – nSTOR SHOWCASES NEW FIBRE CHANNEL, NETWORK ATTACHED STORAGE, ULTRA2 (LVDS) AND TAPE ARRAY PRODUCTS AT NETWORLD+INTEROP

Lake Mary, FL–May 4, 1998– nStore ^™ Corporation, Inc., (AMEX: NSO), a leading manufacturer of RAID subsystem and information storage solutions, exhibited their new CR8F and CR18F Fibre Channel storage solutions at the Networld+Interop (N+I) show in Las Vegas, May 5-7, 1998. nStor also displayed several other new cross-platform products including a Network Attached Storage (NAS) module option for the award-winning CR8e and CR8j, the CR8T AIT-based tape array subsystem, the CR8L Ultra2 low voltage differential SCSI (LVDS) RAID subsystem, and their enhanced AdminiStor(tm) Storage Management software.

“The addition of Fibre Channel, LVDS and NAS provides nStor customers with a complete array of storage solutions to offer network administrations the maximum bandwidth, availability, scalability and connectivity they need to meet their storage objectives, regardless of operating system platform or storage technology,” said Steven Paulhus, director of marketing for nStor Corporation. “All of nStor’s products offer users a level of I/O performance commensurate with the processing power found in networked and clustered server environments, making them ideal for multimedia, video, web, and online transaction processing environments.”

ADMINISTOR MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE nStor’s enhanced AdminiStor ^(tm) Management Software, featuring a Java-based applet designed to provide remote monitoring and management capability from anywhere in the world via the Internet, will also be on display. nStor’s storage management philosophy is to provide system administrators with enterprise-wide RAID management and monitoring capabilities with a common interface across multiple platforms, including Novell NetWare, Windows NT, Silicon Graphics-IRIX, and Sun Microsystems Solaris. AdminiStor is included free with all CR8e, CR8L, CR8F and CR18F subsystems.

Additional Information about nStor and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.nstor.com or by calling 1-800-724-3511.

All trademarks or registered trademarks are those of their respective owners.

I. B. – SUN SLASHES PRICES, BOOSTS PERFORMANCE ACROSS WORKSTATION PRODUCT LINE

Palo Alto, CA–May 5, 1998- Less than four months after unveiling its new line of highly successful workstations, Sun Microsystems ^(TM), Inc., is cranking up the heat on the competition by lowering prices by as much as 27% on its Ultra ^(TM)5, Ultra 10 and Ultra 60 workstations and increasing performance up to 43% (1) with a new 360MHz Ultra 60 workstation.

“Sun’s latest price cuts continue the company’s long-standing history of driving prices down in the workstation market,” said Keren Seymour, senior analyst at International Data Corporation.”Today’s announcement, especially the price reductions on the recently-launched Ultra 5 and Ultra 10, enhance their competitive position in both the UNIX TM and NT markets.”

Unlike Windows NT, which is challenged by large data sets required to create complex products, the Ultra 10 and Ultra 60 with the Solaris 2.6 operating environment are capable of handling large models such as Rocketdyne Propulsion and Power’s design for next-generation space shuttle engines.

“At McLaren, reducing design time is critical to maintaining our number one position,”; said Kevin Masterson, Technical Computing Manager at McLaren International, a top Formula One racing team. “We’ve used the Ultra 60 workstation to dramatically reduce the processing time of our computational fluid dynamics work using Star-CD and 3D modeling problems running on CADDS 5. We’re now able to run an analysis that normally took four days, 24 hours per day, to complete and finish it in three [days] with the new 360MHz Ultra 60 workstation.”

Protecting Customer Investment The Solaris operating environment is the only operating system that scales across an entire enterprise – ranging from sub-$2,500 workstations to $1+ million mainframe-class servers – giving customers seamless application compatibility to provide investment protection. Unlike 32-bit personal computers, Sun workstations are 64-bit systems and include a design philosophy that incorporates high-performance networking and graphics into the heart of its systems. Customers can run the more than 12,000 Solaris applications which offer proven UNIX reliability/uptime and can handle larger data sets and deliver faster real-world modeling capabilities than the Windows NT environment.

For more information visit Sun’s website http://www.sun.com.

I. C. – RATIONAL UNITES CUSTOMERS FROM ALL PRODUCT LINES AT ANNUAL USER CONFERENCE

Cupertino, CA–May 11, 1998– SPARC International member, Rational Software Corporation today announced it will hold its annual Rational User Conference in Orlando, Florida June 14-17, 1998, at the Marriott Orlando World Center, attracting customers from all areas of the application development field.

The 1998 conference, titled, “Expanding Horizons,” will offer keynote speeches by industry gurus, Grady Booch, Ivar Jacobson, and James Rumbaugh; a keynote by Gartner Group analyst, Brendan Conway; a partner exhibit hall with almost 40 Rational partners featuring their software development solutions; best software practices keynote sessions; product announcements; development and testing workshops; hands-on Rational products lab; and pre- and post-conference training. The over 130 in-depth conference sessions will cover every aspect of Rational’s software development life-cycle solutions including Requirements Management, Visual Modeling, Automated Software Quality, Software Configuration Management, and Process Automation.

For additional information about Rational’s User Conference, call 888-889-0074 or to register, go to Rational’s registration Web Site at http://www.rational.com/ruc.

Rational Software Corporation (NASDAQ: RATL) is the leading provider of products and services that help companies develop software effectively. Backed by a set of industry best-practices, Rational’s products and services improve the productivity of development teams and individuals by automating the critical activities of requirements management, visual modeling, testing, configuration management, and change management. Rational’s products complement the major development languages and tools on Windows and UNIX platforms. For more information, visit Rational’s Web site at http://www.rational.com.

I. D- RED HAT SOFTWARE BRINGS SECURE, HIGH VALUE SOLUTION TO THE WORLD OF WEB SERVING

Research Triangle Park, NC–May 15, 1998– Red Hat Software, Inc., publisher of the award-winning Red Hat Linux Operating System, today announced the availability of Red Hat Secure Web Server, the out-of the -box answer to your secure web serving needs. Now with RSA key technology, the popular Apache web server is guaranteed to be stable and secure. So users can shop, sell, and conduct business via the web without worry and without risk. And with more and more companies taking their business to the Internet, Red Hat Secure Web Server is just what the future needs.

Said Robert Young, President, Red Hat Software, “The Red Hat Secure Web Server is proof of the stability, security, and success of the Linux development model. The Server comes with source code and gives the user complete control to further ensure the security of his web business and transactions, all at a remarkable value in terms of price and content.”

In addition to the source code, which allows for full customization, Red Hat Secure Web Server comes with a Proxy and cache server, Search Engine, Log Analysis software, Netscape web browser, and a $25 Discount from Thawte Consulting for site certificate. Other benefits of the Red Hat Secure Server are E-Commerce, Virtual Server Support, and Fuctionality and Ease.

I. E- 5.1 RELEASE FROM RED HAT SOFTWARE INCLUDES BONUS CD OF LINUX APPLICATIONS AND TOOLS

May 27, 1998–Research Triangle Park, North Carolina–Red Hat Software, Inc., publisher of Red Hat Linux, announced they will include a Linux Applications CD-ROM with the release of Red Hat Linux 5.1, the latest issue of the award-winning Red Hat Linux OS.

This CD includes only a sampling of the many applications available for Linux–internet tools, Office Productivity Software, CAD, Development tools, Sales Automation Software, Database Management tools, and the list goes on. And that is just on this CD alone! There are so many more Linux applications and tools out there that a lack of apps is no excuse to miss out on the most stable, secure, and multi-tasking operating system available.

Red Hat Linux Product Manager Hilary Stokes agreed. “You wouldn’t believe the applications available for Linux,” said Stokes. “Not only is this CD an added value to customers, it also proves that Linux is a viable operating system solution. From the corporate user to the end-user, Linux has a wide variety of tools for the enterprise.”

For more information about Red Hat Software and Red Hat products and technologies, please call 1-919-547-0012 or visit our web site at http://www.redhat.com. Reviews encouraged.

II. SPARC COMPLIANT ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND PRODUCTS IN PROCESS

Note Additional information, including a complete listing of SPARC Compliant products, is available on the Internet via the World Wide Web. Access www.sparc.org or send email to info@sparc.org.

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)

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

ADDITIONS (Semiconductor Products) None at this time.

DELETIONS None at this time.

SEMI-CONDUCTOR IN PROCESS

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

Note Additional information, including a complete list of SPARC Verified products, is available on the Internet via the World Wide Web. Access www.sparc.org with any web browser or send email to info@sparc.org.

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

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

ADDITIONS

DELETIONS
None at this time.

IN PROCESS
None at this time.

IV. SPARCSHOP

SPARC-related documents are available through SPARC International’s bookstore, SPARCSHOP. Access to SPARCSHOP is available several ways,

Currently available

Architecture Manual Version 8 $43.00

SPARC V8E Supplement $25.00

SPARC Architecture Manual Version 9 $45.00

Implementation Characteristics of Current SPARC V9 based products $15.00

Mbus Interface Specifications (V.1.2) $39.00

SPARC Compliance Definition SCD1.1 $11.00

SPARC Compliance Definition SCD2.1 & 2.1 A $11.00

SPARC Compliance Definition SCD2.2 $11.00

SPARC Compliance Definition SCD2.3 & IS $11.00

SPARC Technical Papers $53.00

SPARC Strategy & Technology $40.00

SPARC Architecture License $99.00

Type 5 Keyboard Interface License $99.00

SPARC-FLASH is distributed by SPARC International. All rights reserved.

– 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.
SPARC, SPARCbook, SPARCcenter, SPARC Compliant, SPARC Compliant SCD & Design, SPARCcompiler, SPARCengine, SPARC International, Inc., SPARC-LINE, SPARClite, SPARCprinter, SPARCserver, SPARCstation, UltraSPARC, UltraSPARC Driven, SPARCstorage, SPARCworks, MircoSPARC, microSPARC, SuperSPARC, ConsumerSPARC, SPARCcompiler, SPARCphone, ftSPARC, hyperSPARC, SPARCluster, SPARCsummit.

Other Trademarks that are in use or Pending Registration include
embedSPARC, SPARC811, SPARCbuilders, SPARCard, SPARC Compatible, SPARC Compliance, SPARC-FLASH, SPARClet, SPARC LT, SPARC64, SPARC 64/OS, SPARCplug, SPARC Product Directory, SPARCshop, SPARC Technology Business, SPARC Top, SPARCV9, SPARC_V9, SPARC Verified, SPARC Verification, SPARCware, SPARKit, TurboSPARC, SPARC PC, UniSPARC, SPARC Power.

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.

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. 55

I. SPARC^® News

II. SPARC^® COMPLIANT ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND PRODUCTS IN PROCESS

III. SPARCSHOP

I SPARC^® News

I. A. – SPARC^® INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES LINKON CORPORATION

Fairfield, CT–April 13,1998– Linkon Corporation joined SPARC International as a VAR member. Linkon designs, manufactures and markets integrated hardware and software products that process voice, data, and image signals for the computer, telecommunications, and Internet industries. The Maestro System(TM) with true “universal port” capability offers call processing, fax, modem, voice compression, speech recognition, and speech synthesis all in a single computer slot. Linkon is the leading producer of open, universal port digital signal processing (DSP) boards for Sun Microsystems(TM).

I. B. – ATTEND THE FOURTH ANNUAL LINUX EXPO CONFERENCE

Research Triangle Park, NC–March 23 1998–The Linux Operating System is making waves in the news. Get ready for the largest gathering of the best and brightest minds in the computer world–all there to discuss Linux! For three business-centered and technology-packed days, May 28-30, the fourth annual Linux Expo, sponsered by SPARC International member, RED Hat Software and other firms, will take over Duke University in Durham, NC.

Make plans now to visit the record number of Expo exhibitors showing the latest in Linux-based hardware, software, and service solutions. And stop in on the business and technical discussions to hear talks by some of the most important names in technology today including Linus Torvalds, the original developer of the Linux kernal and the Expo’s keynote speaker. The Linux Expo has something for everyone. In addition to the hardware, software, component and applications vendors, the Linux Expo will also have a Quake Fest, Games Forum, Editor Wars, and an Email Garden. Tutorial sessions with top Linux developers will also prove to be a large draw at the Expo.

For more information about the Linux Expo or to register for the events of the Expo, please see www.linuxexpo.org or call + 919-547-0028.

I. C. – OPEN CONCEPT INTERNATIONAL RELEASES OPENQUOTE, THE PREMIERE JAVA QUOTATION PACKAGE

Edmonton, Alberta–March 30, 1998– Open Concept International releases openQuote, the Premiere Java quotation package. No more lost paperwork, duplicated quotes or wasted time. The versatility of this program allows corporate sales forces to reduce the amount of time spent on generating, filing, and searching for paper quotations. Finding quotations for callback, updates or ordering is as easy as clicking the mouse. Duplicated, lost or misplaced quotations are a thing of the past.

Behind the friendly graphical user interface is a powerful centralized SQL database. Quotations are stored in one location that can be accessed by authorized users via local ethernet or remotely via the World Wide Web. The database is password protected against unauthorized users. Access to administrative functions is set in the user administration module. Your data is kept safe and secure, yet quickly available to those who need access to it.

Use on any computer – Windows (95 or NT) PC, Javastation, Solaris, MAC OS, AIX, Ultrix.

To make this program truly useful, there are many ways to deliver your quotations. Professional PostScript output forms are created with your company information and logo. Email output in both text and HTML or FAX directly to you customers.

Open Concept International, Inc. is a supplier of computer hardware, software, and peripherals. OCI specializes in advanced server products, networking and internetworking solutions in a client-server environment. OCI is an authorized value-added reseller of products manufactured by Sun Microsystems.

For more information visit Open Concept web site at www.ocii.com. Open Concept International, Inc, 3324 Parsons Road, Edmonton, Alberta, T6N 1B5, Canada. Phone: + 403 434-2363, fax: + 403 438-2941.

I. D- nSTOR SHOWCASES FIBRE CHANNEL PRODUCTS AT NAB

Lake Mary, FL–April 3, 1998– nStor(TM) Corporation, Inc., (AMEX: NSO), a leading manufacturer of RAID subsystem and information storage solutions, showcased their new Fibre Channel storage solutions at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show in Las Vegas, April 6-9, 1998. nStor displayed their recently announced CR8F and CR18F Fibre Channel subsystem enclosures in the Fibre Channel Loop Community (FCLC) booth, located in the Sands Convention Center.

“The addition of Fibre Channel products provides nStor customers with a complete array of storage solutions to offer network administrators the maximum bandwidth, availability, scalability and connectivity they need to meet their storage objectives, regardless of operating system platform or storage technology,” said Steven Paulhus, director of marketing for nStor Corporation. “Both enclosures offer users a level of I/O performance commensurate with the processing power found in networked and clustered server environments, making them ideal for multimedia, video, web, and online transaction processing environments.”

I. E- nSTOR SIGNS DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT WITH PTG, INC.

Lake Mary, FL–April 20, 1998– nStor(TM) Corporation, Inc., a leading manufacturer of high availability, high performance RAID and information storage solutions, today announced the signing of a distribution agreement with Peripheral Technology Group, Inc., (PTG), an international distributor that specializes in providing enterprise networking technology solutions. PTG is located in Chanhassen, Minnesota.

“PTG has a well-earned reputation for being a premier technical distributor in North America who specializes in providing “solution-oriented” sales,” said Craig Ringuette, vice president of worldwide sales for nStor Corporation. “Their unique sales approach, as well as their ability to successfully develop and market leading-edge storage management products will enable them to play a significant role in nStor’s strategic distribution plans.”

I. F- SUN REORGANIZES BUSINESS STRUCTURE

Mountain View, CA–April 22, 1998– Sun Microsystems yesterday detailed a reorganization of its famous independent operating companies into divisional units. Sun executives claim the reorganization, which includes the creation of two new divisions, will better coordinate product development, customer service, and other operations.

“In the past, we had people from several divisions calling on a customer, and it seemed like several companies were calling,” says John Loiacono, Sun’s VP of brand marketing. Now, “one sales force will call on a customer.” The same concept will be brought to other areas of the company, Loiacono adds, such as product development.

Sun has turned SunSoft into the Solaris software division, headed by president John McFarlane, and JavaSoft into the Java software division, headed by Alan Baratz. Masood Jabbar now heads the computer systems division, Mel Friedman leads the microelectronics division, and Lawrence Hambly is in charge of the customer-services division. Division heads will continue to report to chief operating officer Ed Zander, who took over that post in January. Chief technology officer Greg Papadopoulos also reports to Zander.

The two new divisions will be networked storage and consumer/embedded products. The former, headed by Janpieter Scheerder, will concentrate on providing customers with hardware and software for mass storage. The latter, headed by Mark Tolliver, will focus on the software and core Java technology in network-based consumer applications such as set-top boxes, automobiles, and telephones.

I. G – nSTOR ACQUIRES BORG ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. ACQUISITION PAVES THE WAY FOR NEXT GENERATION RAID PRODUCTS

Lake Mary, FL–April 23, 1998 — nStor(TM) Corporation, Inc., a leading manufacturer of RAID and information storage solutions, today announced it has strengthened its disk array product offerings with the acquisition of Borg Adaptive Technologies, Inc. Located in Boulder, Colorado, Borg Adaptive Technologies is the developer of Adaptive (RAID, a patented next-generation RAID technology that offers complete fault tolerance and data protection, along with the highest performance possible by dynamically determining the optimal RAID level and eliminating write penalties. The real power of Adaptive RAID is its ability to improve disk array performance while simplifying RAID administration and setup.

R. Daniel Smith, president and CEO of nStor Corporation commented, “With this acquisition, nStor continues to position itself as a dominant player and leading-edge technology provider in the RAID marketplace. This technology is not only powerful, but very flexible in terms of implementation. We are actively pursuing a variety of implementations utilizing this new technology, including single and shared server storage applications, storage area networking (SAN) and network attached storage (NAS) solutions.”

nStor also announced the formation of a new engineering facility, based in Boulder, Colorado. The Boulder Development Center (BDC) will oversee the design and implementation of nStor’s line of next-generation RAID products utilizing this new technology. The BDC facility will operate under the leadership of David Stallmo, former president of Borg Adaptive Technologies.

For more information visit nStor’s web site at www.nstor.com. nStor, 450 Technology Park, Lake Mary, Florida 32746. Phone: +800 724-3411, fax: +407 829-3638, email: sales@nstor.com.

I. H- DATABASE OF RED HAT TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROVIDERS IS NOW ONLINE

Research Triangle Park, NC–April 28, 1998–Red Hat Software, Inc., publisher of the award-winning Red Hat Linux Operating System, today announced that a searchable online database for its global commercial Support Program is now up and running. Available at <www.redhat.com/commercial-support/> this website helps you sort through a worldwide network of authorized commercial Support Partners that currently spans three continents so that your support needs are best met.

Said Robert Hart, Manager of Support Services, Red Hat Software, “Telephone technical support is extremely important to us. Red Hat Linux is a secure, stable and high performance operating system, and organizations who run their mission critical operations on Red Hat Linux want assurance that Red Hat Software stands behind them. And our global Support Network allows us to this 100%.”

For more information on Red Hat Linux commercial support options, please see www.redhat.com/commercial-support or email: com-supp@redhat.com.

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.

For more information about Red Hat Software and Red Hat products and technologies, please call 1-919-547-0012 or visit our web site at www.redhat.com. Reviews encouraged.

I. I – SUN SHAKES UP MIDRANGE SERVER MARKET

Palo Alto, CA–April 29, 1998— Sun Microsystems, Inc. today announced its new midrange enterprise server line up — the Sun(TM) Enterprise(TM) 3500, 4500, 5500 and 6500 servers — aimed at a range of applications, including enterprise resource planning (ERP), datawarehousing, decision support, internets/intranets, customer management systems, high-performance computing (HPC) and more. The new server line uses the 336 MHz UltraSPARC(TM) processor, and offers up to 43 percent better performance than Sun’s midrange servers did only a few months ago, according to SPECint_rate95 results. Further, they are the first midrange servers with DR and AP features for online repair and configuration of system resources and I/O, which minimizes system downtime. With the exception of Sun’s high-end Starfire(TM) servers, mainframes, and some proprietary fault-tolerant systems — which can cost many times more than one of the new Sun Enterprise systems — no other server vendor offers these advanced availability features. In fact, high-availability features on current-generation Sun(TM) servers have enabled Sun to experience 99.99 percent uptime on its own corporate network since 1996.

The new Sun Enterprise systems scale from one to 30 processors in a single SMP server, offering customers industry-leading scalability and performance. The new servers provide exceptional performance via 336 MHz UltraSPARC(TM) II processors and Sun’s 84 MHz to 100 MHz interconnect called the Sun Gigaplane(TM) system bus.

The Sun Enterprise 3500 system offers up to eight CPUs in a single SMP server. The server offers 33 percent more power than the Sun Enterprise 3000 server it replaces, yet maintains the same footprint. Sun’s entry-level server for the midrange offers internal fibre channel disk drives with dual port connections leading to higher I/O performance and availability.

The Sun Enterprise 4500 server is the line’s most compact package for those with space concerns, with eight system slots providing capacity for up to 14 CPUs in a flexible package. The Sun Enterprise 5500 has the same capacities, but in a datacenter-compatible cabinet. The new server line is anchored at the high end by the Sun Enterprise 6500 server, which offers up to 30 CPUs and 16 system slots. Both the Sun Enterprise 5500 and 6500 systems come in 68-inch cabinets, supporting up to half a terabyte of internal Sun(TM) StorEdge(TM) A5000 dual fibre channel arrays, together with a tape library all in a single footprint. Both save on expensive datacenter real estate.

Like the Sun Enterprise 3000 to 6000 server family, the new servers share many common components among each other and among the earlier systems, providing customers with a high level of investment protection. The new Sun Enterprise server family also supports both S-Bus and PCI-bus I/O products. The new Sun Enterprise 3500 to 6500 servers are available immediately. The DR and AP features for I/O will be available in June, and the DR feature for CPUs will be available later this year. The price for an entry-level Sun Enterprise 3500 system with two 250-MHz UltraSPARC II CPUs, 256 MB of memory, 9.1 GB of disk and a CD-ROM is U.S.$49,700.

About Sun Microsystems, Inc. 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.

II. SPARC^® COMPLIANT ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND PRODUCTS IN PROCESS

Note Additional information, including a complete listing of SPARC^® Compliant products, is available on the Internet via the World Wide Web. Access www.sparc.org or send email to info@sparc.org.

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)

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

ADDITIONS (Semiconductor Products) None at this time.

DELETIONS None at this time.

SEMI-CONDUCTOR IN PROCESS

NOTE At times, unannounced systems (“in process” or “certified”) may not be included in this report at the request of the vendor.

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. 54

I. SPARC^® News

II. SPARC^® COMPLIANT ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND PRODUCTS IN PROCESS

III. SPARCSHOP

I SPARC^® News

I. A. – SPARC^® INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES MEMORY CARD TECHNOLOGY

Aarhus, Denmark–March 10, 1998– Memory Card Technology A/S joined SPARC^® International as an IHV member. This publicly traded company on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange, is the leading European broadline designer and manufacturer of memory upgrades and PC Card products. Its corporate offices, design center, and manufacturing facilities are in Aarhus, Denmark, with ten sales offices Worldwide.

I. B. -81 PRODUCTS DECLARED SPARC^® COMPLIANT DURING MARCH!

Santa Clara, CA–March 1998–SPARC^® International, Inc. had a record breaking month conducting SPARC^® Compliance Definition (SCD) testing on new and upgraded system products. Between Member Companies, Hal Computer Systems, Sun Microsystems and Ross Technology, the introduction of 81 products has been added to the ever growing SPARC Certified Products list WHICH NOW TOTALS 698 SYSTEMS.

For a complete listing of these products visit our “Certified Products” section of our website at https://sparc.org.

For more information on how your company products can be Certified as SPARC^® Compliant contact Ghassan Abbas at emailabbas@sparc.org.

I. C. – SUN MICROSYSTEMS ANNOUNCES MEL FRIEDMAN AS NEW PRESIDENT OF SUN MICROELECTRONICS

Palo Alto, CA–March 4, 1998– Sun Microsystems, Inc. today announced Mel Friedman, formerly Vice President of Worldwide Operations for Sun Microsystems Computer Company, will replace Chet Silvestri as President of Sun Microelectronics. Silvestri has announced he will leave SME to pursue other opportunities outside of Sun. Friedman will report directly to Edward J. Zander, who was recently promoted to Chief Operating Officer of Sun Microsystems, Inc.

In his nine year tenure at Sun, Friedman has spent the last two as Vice President of Worldwide Operations for SMCC. In this role, he has led the team that has directed Sun’s worldwide manufacturing and distribution strategy and is responsible for the leadership Sun has attained in high quality, cost effective product delivery. Additionally, Friedman and his team have driven a number of key initiatives focused on market competitiveness and customer satisfaction including Sun’s configure to order capability and short predictable lead times.

“As Vice President of Worldwide Operations, Mel has been instrumental in driving our manufacturing and product delivery strategies. Mel and his team have delivered one of the best inventory turns and operational efficiency records in the industry,” said Edward J. Zander, COO Sun Microsystems, Inc. “Mel’s combination of broad based business abilities and high technology industry experience make him an ideal choice to lead Sun Microelectronics.”

Since joining Sun in 1989, Friedman has held positions as Vice President of West Coast Operations and Vice President of Supply Management. Prior to his tenure at Sun, Friedman held senior positions at Prime Computer, Apollo Computer, and Polaroid where he was granted 13 patents. He was cofounder of Tabor Corporation, a disc drive company.

Friedman holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from City College of New York and did his graduate work in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

I. D- PHENOMENAL GROWTH RATE REPORTED IN RED HAT SOFTWARE’S 1997 SURVEY OF THE LINUX MARKET

Research Triangle Park, NC–March 10, 1998– Red Hat Software, Inc., publisher of the award-winning Red Hat Linux Operating System, today published the second edition of their “Sizing the Linux Market” analysis. An often cited source of Linux usage numbers, Red Hat’s “Sizing the Linux Market” article is compiled by Red Hat Software’s President, Robert Young, and is based on data culled from magazine surveys by magazines such as Dr. Dobbs and UNIX Review, independent analyst reports such as Datapro’s “1997 International User Ratings Survey of UNIX and NT,” and Red Hat’s own user data.

As anyone who has ever tried to quantify the market of Linux knows, the freely distributable nature of the Linux OS makes it nearly impossible to know how many people are using it. “One of the great mysteries of Linux usage is that there is no way to know the number of Linux users who download the product by anonymous FTP,” said Young. “We do know that off of Red Hat Software’s FTP site alone, there were 100,000 copies of Linux downloaded in the last 12 months.”

According to the report, Linux use has grown from 1,500,000 million machines to 7,500,000 between 1995 and March of 1998.

In summary, says Young, based on our methodology of studying magazine data, customer surveys, and our own rough feel for Linux users, we estimate, to within a margin of error of +/-25%, that there are between 4,500,000 and 10,500,000 active Linux users.

About Red Hat Software, Inc. Founded in 1994, Red Hat Software, Inc. is based in Research Triangle Park, NC, where it builds and maintains the Red Hat Linux distribution of the Linux operating system for Intel, DEC Alpha(TM), and Sun SPARC^® platforms. Working in cooperation with a huge development team of research, academic, and commercial software developers over the Internet, Red Hat’s goal is to build the most accessible and advanced operating system available anywhere. It’s working.

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.

For more information about Red Hat Software and Red Hat products and technologies, please call 1-919-547-0012 or visit our web site at http://www.redhat.com, emailmelissa@redhat.com, Melissa Trenkle, Reviews encouraged.

I. E- VisiCom PROVIDES DISPLAY CONTROLLERS TO SIEMeNS MEDICAL SYSTEMS

San Diego, CA–March 18, 1998– VisiCom announced today it has received a $200,000 order from Siemens Medical Systems (Forchheim, Germany) to provide a three-year supply of display controller boards for Siemens DigiScan X-Ray system. VisiCom VS15 SBus Display Controller has been successfully deployed in the DigiScan system for over six years.

The continued strong demand for Siemens DigiScan system has created a need for additional VS-15 display controllers, which provide an operator interface between the embedded Sun Microsystems SPARCstation(R) 5 and the Planar ElectroLuminescent flat panel display used in the DigiScan system. VisiCom will begin delivery of the boards in April, 1998.

This latest order from Siemens reflects the type of long-term support VisiCom is being asked to provide more frequently to its customers. The products developed by VisiCom are incorporated into complex, real-time applications such as Siemens DigiScan, which are often sold for 10 years or more. Key to customers like Siemens is a product continued availability and its ability to remain reliable and consistent, with little or no down-time. Once developed, these systems must also adhere to stringent standards and safety testing, such as that required by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). A long term, uninterrupted supply of tested products therefore becomes critical to help companies satisfy market demands.

Corporate Background VisiCom is a $40M, closely held private company dedicated to providing real-time, open architecture embedded solutions for industry and government computing worldwide. VisiCom develops innovative hardware and software products, provides systems engineering services and serves as a value-added reseller for complex systems. VisiCom is headquartered in San Diego, CA and has offices in Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, Virginia, Washington and the United Kingdom. For more information visit their web site at http://www.visicom.com.

I. F-TATUNG OFFERS NEW DUAL PROCESSING ULTRASPARC PCI SYSTEMS

Milpitas, CA–March 23, 1998–The COMPstation U60-2300 is a powerful, new dual-processing, Sun Ultra 60-compatible workstation/server that expands Tatung’s new PCI based product line. The high-performance COMPstation U60-2300 delivers the sophisticated functionality and complex graphics required by geophysicists, CAD designers, animators and other high-end graphics users. It is particularly suited to 3-D modeling and full digital prototyping. With a level of speed and performance that can dramatically impact graphics computing in the workplace, the COMPstation U60-2300 speeds tasks and shortens development times. And the PCI I/O bus allows users to leverage the wide range of PCI devices available, while enabling further performance and price advantages. With two 300MHz , 64-bit UltraSPARC II(R) processors produced by Sun Microelectronics, this dual-processor system delivers a SPECint95 of 13.0 and a SPECfp95 of 23.5* when both processors are equipped with 2 MB of L2 cache. TheCOMPstation U60-2300 supports three 33MHz, 32-bit PCI devices and one 66 MHz, 64-bit PCI device. An additional 64-bit horizontal UPA slot is designed for add-ons such as Creator graphics cards. Standard configurations include two, 300 MHz UltraSPARC II processors; 2 MB of external cache; a PCI graphics card; 128 MB RAM (up to 2 GB of memory is available); and a 20-inch color monitor. The COMPstation U60-2300’s five drive bays can be outfitted with two, standard 3-1/2″ hard drives; a 5-1/4″ CD-ROM drive; a 4- or 8mm tape drive; and an additional 5-1/4″ slot for another peripheral or a 3-1/2″ floppy drive. Other standard features consist of a 64-bit slot for Creator graphics cards; Ultra Wide SCSI; two serial ports; one parallel port; and a 100-BaseT Ethernet interface.Options include up to 2 GB of RAM; up to 18 GB or more of hard disk storage; additional PCI graphics cards; Creator 3D Graphics; ATM connectivity; and Ultra Wide SCSI.

For more information visit Tatung’s web site at http://www.tsti.com.

I. G-SUN’S ULTRASPARC-IIi MICROPROCESSOR UNLEASHED AT 333 MHz

Chicago, Il-March 31, 1998–Sun Microsystems, Inc. today announced the newest member of its 64-bit UltraSPARC(TM) family, the 333 MHz UltraSPARC-IIi microprocessor, enabling new levels of SPARC(TM) and Solaris(TM) operating environment performance in the embedded compute and entry-level workstation and server markets.

“The 300 and 333 MHz UltraSPARC-IIi microprocessors demonstrate the scalabilty and robustness of the UltraSPARC architecture,” said Jeff O’Neal, Sun Microsystems Group Marketing Manager for SPARC^® Products. “The 333 MHz UltraSPARC-IIi module, with 2MBytes dedicated external cache continues to out perform volume offerings from the competition and gives our customers affordable SPARC^® and Solaris operating environment solutions at industry-leading performance levels. Our OEM customers need the on-chip integration of the UltraSPARC-IIi processor that shortens design cycle times and improves time-to-market.”

The UltraSPARC-IIi processor, based on the SPARC^® V9 superscalar architecture, builds on the strength of the 64-bit UltraSPARC microprocessor family and adds the functionality of memory and PCI controllers to deliver a tightly integrated single-chip solution. All members of the UltraSPARC-IIi processor family are sold both in a single chip and module solution with dedicated external cache. The immediate benefits for system designers who integrate the UltraSPARC-IIi family, is reduced system cost along with superior overallsystem performance and improved ease of design.

At 333 MHz, with 2MBytes external cache, the UltraSPARC-IIi processor-based module provides an estimated SPECint95 of 14.2 and SPECfp95 of 16.9. The UltraSPARC-IIi processor supports four PCI devices at up to 66 MHz. An optional Advanced PCI Bridge is available from Sun to expand the number of PCI devices supported to a total of 32 devices at 33 MHz. The UltraSPARC-IIi processor provides optimum I/O, memory and compute performance for typical uniprocessor systems. This leads to a well balanced price/performance solution that delivers the power and features needed by high-end embedded applications, such as Sun’s new Ultra AXi motherboard.

In addition to its many other features, the UltraSPARC-IIi processor takes full advantage of Sun’s VIS instruction set for applications in accelerating multimedia, image processing, and networking.

The entire UltraSPARC-IIi microprocessor and module family is available today. In volume quantities at 333 MHz, the UltraSPARC-IIi microprocessor sells for $720, while the module, with 2MBytes external cache, sells for $1,250. The Advanced PCI-to-PCI Bridge (APB) sells for $50. The processors are available in a ceramic LGA package and the APB is available in a plastic BGA package. For further information about UltraSPARC-IIi processors contact Sun Microelectronics Sales at (650) 960-4200 or visit our website at <http://www.sun.com/microelectronics>.

About Sun Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision, “The Network Is The Computer(TM),” has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc. (NASDAQSUNW) to its position as a leading provider of 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://www.sun.com.

II. SPARC^® COMPLIANT ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND PRODUCTS IN PROCESS

Note Additional information, including a complete listing of SPARC^® Compliant products, is available on the Internet via the World Wide Web. Access www.sparc.org or send email to info@sparc.org.

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)

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:

SEMI-CONDUCTOR IN PROCESS:

NOTE
At times, unannounced systems (“in process” or “certified”) may not be included in this report at the request of the vendor.

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. 53

I. SPARC News

II. SPARC COMPLIANT ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND PRODUCTS IN PROCESS

III. SPARC VERIFIED ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND PRODUCTS IN PROCESS

IV. SPARCSHOP

I SPARC News

I. A. – SPARC INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES EIS COMPUTERS

Moorpark, CA–February 19, 1998– EIS Computers joined SPARC International as VAR member. EIS Computers is an integrator of Solaris-based technology. EIS utilizes Sun board-level products in a line of UltraSPARC® PCI platforms named “Fusion”. They develop custom solutions for customers in a variety of sectors, including telecommunications, medical, government, education, Internet and enterprise management.

I. B. -THEMIS COMPUTER INTRODUCES ULTRASPARC® STRIKEFORCE FAMILY OF ULTRASPARC VME AND CPCI SINGLE BOARD COMPUTERS

Fremont, CA–February 1, 1998– Themis Computer, leading manufacturer of SPARC®-based, Sun Workstation compatible single board computers, has announced its new UltraSPARC® StrikeForce family of VME and CompactPCI single board computers (SBCs) designed around Sun’s most advanced new UltraSPARC processors and modules. UltraSPARC StrikeForce is the Industry’s most comprehensive family of UltraSPARC engines for the embedded market and offers the highest performance and I/O flexibility available on any embedded SPARC platform.

UltraSPARC StrikeForce includes the new USPIIi-cPCI, Themis Computer’s first CompactPCI offering, the new USP-2, the Industry’s first dual-processor UltraSPARC 1 VME engine, and the USPIIi-1V and USPIIi-3V, the Industry’s first UltraSPARC IIi-based VME engines that set new standards for performance and I/O flexibility. Themis’ new UltraSPARC StrikeForce family will bring the unmatched price/performance and scalability of UltraSPARC IIi and the power of dual UltraSPARC processing with demanding embedded applications. As a technology partner of Sun Microelectronics, division of Sun Microsystems, Themis Computer has been able to bring Sun’s latest technology and bring it to the embedded market world-wide. The UltraSPARC StrikeForce product family is a result of the strength of Themis’ long-standing relationship with Sun Microelectronics.

THEMIS Computer is a world-wide supplier of both VMEbus and SBus products, including; Single Board Computers, Communications Controllers, Industrial I/O, and Memory. The Company provides board and system level solutions, including software and support.

For more information visit their web site at www.themis.com, THEMIS COMPUTER US, 3185 Laurelview Court, Fremont, California 94538. Phone +510 252-0870. Fax +510 490-5529. Email sales@themis.com.In Europe contact THEMIS COMPUTER EUROPE Headquarters, 1, Rue Des Essarts Z.I., De Mayencin 38610 Gieres, France. Phone +33.76.59.60.61. Fax +33.76.63.00.30.

I. C. – CAMINTONN MEMORY SPARC VERIFIED

Santa Clara, CA–February 5, 1998– Camintonn Corp., of Irvine CA has earned the SPARC® Verified Brand for its ULTRA1-128MB memory modules for UltraSPARC® computers after successfully completing the Peripheral Verification Test(PVT) program at SPARC International. Camintonn Corp. also operates a facility in Oxford, England.

I. D- SOFTECH SOLUTIONS ONLINE! DETECTIVE

Waterford, MI–February 6, 1998– SoftTech Solutions develops expert systems and on-line technical documentation. The company’s flagship product, the On-Line! Detective for Sun, is ideal for field engineers, system administrators, help-desk centers and Sun computer brokers/resellers.

The Detective helps save time and frustration in finding and resolving most Sun/SPARC computer problems. Examples include Sun error messages with interpretations, troubleshooting flow chart diagrams and part number access. The On-Line! Detective supports any company who maintains Sun systems and is the ultimate compliment to any service contract.

SPARC International member, Rave Computer, a leading independent ISO 9002 Certified manufacturer of custom-built Sun and SPARC-compatible products, includes On-Line! Detective with its systems. The Detective complements Rave’s broad range of SPARC solutions and differentiates its line of SPARC-compatible computers from other SPARC based systems.

Paul Violassi, CEO at SoftTech Solutions says, “The On-Line! Detective for Sun is a unique product in the Sun market, providing unparalleled support and information. We see our relationship with Rave as mutually beneficial and respect the character and vision of their fine employees.”

SoftTech Solutions looks to extend the Detective line of products into additional UNIX platforms and other respective industries. For more information about the On-Line! Detective for Sun call SoftTech Solutions at (888) 786-4393 or visit their web site at www.stsolutions.com.

I. E- ANDATACO UNVEILS GigaRAID FIBRE CHANNEL LINE WITH APPLICATION-SPECIFIC ARCHITECTURE FEATURES

San Diego, CA–February 10, 1998– ANDATACO today announced it has started shipping Fibre Channel solutions for its GigaRAID product line for users who need superior performance, high availability, and maximum capacity within server-based enterprise network environments. Available in both RAID and JBOD configurations, the new GigaRAID/FC Series features the flexibility and scalability of the company’s Application-Specific Architecture (ASA), integrated with Fibre Channel’s complete redundancy, multi-platform support and transparent upgrade path to hardware-based RAID. ANDATACO’s Fibre Channel solutions serve as the lynchpin of ANDATACO’s overall strategy to offer the highest performing SCSI and Fibre products for its targeted market segments-oil and gas exploration, technology development, video, data warehouse and OLTP/Database environments.

* The GigaRAID /FC Series consists of three distinct models, starting with the GigaRAID/FC 3400/3500, the successor to the first active/active SCSI RAID product on the market.

* The GigaRAID/FC 5000 is the capacity building block for the GigaRAID/FC family, providing up to 10 dual-ported, high-performance, highly available Fibre Channel disk drives in a modular chassis.

* The GigaRAID/FC 5400/5500 is the performance building block, utilizing one or two storage processors to deliver hardware RAID protection plus excellent data through out for sequential applications and high random I/O performance for transaction processing.

* The GigaRAID/FC Series includes support for Sun, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Silicon Graphics and Windows NT servers.

ANDATACO, headquartered in San Diego, California, manufactures and distributes storage solutions based on its Application-Specific architecture for Windows NT and UNIX environments. The Company’s open architecture solutions include RAID and RAID-ready disk arrays; tape backup and restore products; and storage management, data sharing, remote mirroring and disaster recovery software. The Company distributes internally developed products, and products from other manufacturers, through a network of 23 sales offices worldwide, and through business affiliates in Europe, Asia, Latin America, Canada and Australia.

Windows NT is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Sun, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, and Silicon Graphics are trademarks of their respective companies.

I. F-nSTOR ENHANCES ADMINISTOR™ STORAGE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE RAID GUI CONFIGURATION UTILITY FOR SUN NOW AVAILABLE

Lake Mary, FL–February 10, 1998– nStor(TM) Corporation, Inc., a leading manufacturer of high availability, high performance RAID and information storage solutions, today announced the immediate availability of its AdminiStor(TM) UNIX Utilities for Sun, designed for use with its award-winning CR8e subsystem and the Ultra SCSI-to-SCSI (S2S) RAID controller. These enhanced software utility components provide system administrators with an easy-to-use graphic user interface (GUI) for installing, configuring and monitoring RAID systems in a Solaris or Sun OS environment. The UNIX Utilities are an add-on option to nStor’s robust AdminiStor Storage Management Software Suite, the first and only enterprise software package to provide cross-platform configuration, management and monitoring capabilities across Windows NT, NetWare, Sun Solaris, and SGI IRIX platforms.

“Traditionally, the installation and configuration of RAID systems in the UNIX environment has been time consuming and difficult using operating system provided character-based utilities,” said Steven Paulhus, director of marketing at nStor Corporation. “Utilizing nStor’s easy-to-use AdminiStor UNIX Utilities, system administrators now have a user-friendly drag-and-drop GUI storage management solution similar to those found in other environments that allows for quick and easy RAID setup, configuration and alert notification of fault-tolerant disk arrays.”

nStor Corporation is located in Lake Mary, Florida. For more information visit their web site at www.nstor.com. Phone +407 829-3500 or + 800 724-3411 Fax + 407 829-3638. Email sales@nstor.com

I. G-RED HAT LINUX 5.0 OPERATING SYSTEM RECEIVES MORE ACCOLADES FROM INDUSTRY PUBLICATIONS

Research Triangle Park, NC–February 17, 1998–Just two weeks after Red Hat Linux 5.0 was named the Network Operating System Product of the Year by InfoWorld Magazine, Red Hat Software, Inc., publisher of Red Hat Linux, announced that Red Hat Linux 5.0 has received a “Productivity Award” from Software Development Magazine.

The sudden industry recognition of Linux is not so much sudden as it is indicative of the growing desire of computer users to control their system. Software that comes with source code and is not restricted by any license terms, as with Red Hat Linux, gives the user unlimited freedom and potential. “The principal and common benefit of the Red Hat Linux operating system to our customers is the control that cooperatively developed, freely distributable software gives them over their computer systems,” said Robert Young, president of Red Hat Software. “Other OS’s that are published under restrictive licenses simply limit the innovation of the product.”

Announced during the 1998 Software Development trade show that ran from February 10-12 in San Francisco, Software Development Magazine’s Jolt Awards are designed to recognize computer innovations that “jolt” the computer world. Indeed, Linux is making waves. Not only was Red Hat Linux 5.0 named the InfoWorld’s Network OS Product of the Year, but InfoWorld also gave a Technical Support Award to the Linux community for their timely, accurate, and devoted support of the Linux OS.

Coming on the heels of Netscape’s announcement to join the world of cooperatively-developed software, to which Red Hat Software is committed, these industry accolades bring focused attention, legitimacy, and commercial success, as well as deserved praise, to both the users and developers of the Linux Operating System.

ABOUT LINUX

Linux is the freely distributable, cooperatively-developed POSIX-based, multi-user, multi-tasking operating system used worldwide in commercial, academic, and development organizations. 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, Inc. is based in Research Triangle Park, NC, where it builds and maintains the Red Hat Linux distribution of the Linux operating system for Intel, DEC Alpha(TM), and Sun SPARC platforms. Working in cooperation with a huge development team of research, academic, and commercial software developers over the Internet, Red Hat’s goal is to build the most accessible and advanced Linux operating system. 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 our web site at www.redhat.com . Reviews encouraged.

I. H-ANDATACO APPOINTS ARUN K. TANEJA SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING

San Diego, CA–February 17, 1998– ANDATACO (NASDAQ/SMALLCAPIPLS) today announced the appointment of Arun K. Taneja as senior vice president of marketing. Taneja will be responsible for developing and executing the company’s worldwide strategy for marketing ANDATACO’s comprehensive storage products, storage management software and professional services product lines. Taneja comes to ANDATACO with extensive marketing and senior management experience. His career includes senior management positions at Data General Corporation, his role as director of marketing for the Workstations Systems Group of Sun Microsystems, Inc., and most recently, his position as vice president of marketing for Invincible Technologies Corporation.

For more information visit ANDATACO’s web site located at www.andataco.com .

I. I-SUN MICROSYSTEMS UNVEILS NEW SPARCENGINE COMPACTPCI FAMILY OF EMBEDDED-BOARD COMPUTERS

Stuttgart, Germany–February 18, 1998– Sun Microsystems, Inc. today announced the SPARCengine® CP 1200 and CP 1500, two embedded-board computers for mission critical telecom and industrial computing applications. These new boards are an extension of Sun’s offerings in the telecom and industrial computing markets and represent Sun’s first CompactPCI (cPCI) based offering.

The Sun(TM) SPARCengine CP family of cPCI board computers is designed for OEM customers with demands for High Availability embedded processing platforms that must perform under extreme conditions or meet difficult environmental specifications. The CP family delivers the advantages of an industry standard-based offering, with a high performance PCI-based solution to companies such as telecommunications and networking equipment providers, who previously depended on proprietary bus architectures. The CP 1500 is a high-performance, single-slot cPCI board that will initially be available with Sun’s 270 MHz, 64-bit UltraSPARC ®-IIi microprocessor and will follow with future speed upgrades. The CP 1500 takes full advantage of the VISTM extended instruction set, which delivers the industry’s best networking and software application acceleration capabilities. The high level of integration in the microprocessor, including on-board memory controller and dual channel PCI interface, gives OEMs an immediate realization of lower total system cost while providing high performance.

The CP 1500 is a high-performance, single-slot cPCI board that will initially be available with Sun’s 270 MHz, 64-bit UltraSPARC-IIi microprocessor and will follow with future speed upgrades. The CP 1500 takes full advantage of the VISTM extended instruction set, which delivers the industry’s best networking and software application acceleration capabilities. The high level of integration in the microprocessor, including on-board memory controller and dual channel PCI interface, gives OEMs an immediate realization of lower total system cost while providing high performance.

The SPARCengine CP 1200 board is now sampling with volume production within the second calendar quarter of 1998. Individual boards sell for less than $1,500 in quantities of 500. The CP 1500 CPCI board, with a 64MB memory module, is scheduled to sample in April, with volume availability mid-year, and sells for less than $7000 in quantities of 500. For further information about Sun’s CPCI products contact Sun Microelectronics Sales at (650) 960-4200. For more information visit our Web site at www.sun.com/microelectronics.

Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision, “The Network Is The Computer(TM),” has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc. (NASDAQSUNW) to its position as a leading provider of 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 www.sun.com.

I. J-VISICOM FINALIZES RASTERFLEX PRODUCT ACQUISITION FROM CONNECTWARE AND ANNOUNCES RASTERFLEX FOR SOLARIS 2.6 TIMES

San Diego, CA–February 23, 1998– VisiCom announced today that it has finalized the purchase of Connectware Inc. RasterFlex Sbus graphics accelerator boards for Sun SPARC and Sun compatible workstations. VisiCom now has exclusive rights to manufacture, market, sell and support the RasterFlex-32 and RasterFlex-HR products, which are used extensively in systems operating in domestic and international financial institutions.

“RasterFlex provides VisiCom with a highly successful Sbus graphics card line to support integrators developing mission-critical applications for the financial market”, stated Gene Kennon, vice president of sales and marketing at VisiCom. “RasterFlex has gained wide acceptance in the financial arena as an efficient, reliable, easy to install solution to support multiple monitors and live program windows in full color. As the Sun market migrates from Sbus to PCI, VisiCom is developing appropriate technology that will allow our customers to seamlessly move their products from one bus architecture to another. Our recently introduced VigraVision imaging product will provide the core technology to ease this transition and move developers forward in the coming years.”

RasterFlex has been used successfully in a wide variety of financial institutions including Reuters, Merrill Lynch, JP Morgan, Barclays Bank, CitiBank, Morgan Stanley, and Fidelity Investments. The product is also extensively used in a variety of international financial centers such as Switzerland, Germany, Japan, and England.

VisiCom is headquartered in San Diego, CA and has offices in Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, Virginia, Washington and the United Kingdom. For more information visit their web site at www.visicom.com, phone +619 457-2111, and fax +619 457-0888. Karen Johnson, Manager, Marketing Communications, VisiCom, Email kj@visicom.com.

I. K- TATUNG INTRODUCES INDUSTRY’S FIRST SUN ULTRA 10-COMPATIBLE DESKTOPS

Milpitas, CA–Feb. 23, 1998– Tatung Science & Technology, Inc. (TSTI), celebrating its tenth year of commitment to the SPARC® systems market, today introduced the COMPstation U10-300, a new line of desktop workstations that represents the industry’s first Sun Ultra 10-compatible systems. Scheduled to ship in March, the COMPstation U10-300 also marks an important milestone as the first Tatung workstation to feature the PCI I/O bus.

The new workstation features the new 300MHz UltraSPARCIIi PCI processor from Sun Microelectronics. Providing a SPECint95 of 12.1 and SPECfp95 of 12.9* when equipped with 512KB of external cache, this 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.

Standard COMPstation U10-300 configurations include 512KB of external cache; 64MB of memory (expandable to 1GB); one 4.3GB hard drive and one 1.44MB floppy drive; and a PCI graphics card. Prices start at $4,995, (not including monitor). The COMPstation U10-300 is designed for users of high-end applications in engineering, medical research, animation, geophysics, finance and other markets.

While incorporating the PCI I/O bus, the COMPstation U10-300 also maintains full binary compatibility with the application software customers now use with their existing 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.

For more information, contact Tatung Science & Technology, Inc., 1840 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035. Telephone 1-800-659-5902. Email mkt@tsti.com. Home Page www.tsti.com.

II. SPARC COMPLIANT ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND PRODUCTS IN PROCESS

Note Additional information, including a complete listing of SPARC Compliant products, is available on the Internet via the World Wide Web. Access www.sparc.org or send email to info@sparc.org.

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) None at this time.

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

ADDITIONS (Semiconductor Products) None at this time.

DELETIONS None at this time.

SEMI-CONDUCTOR IN PROCESS:

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

Note Additional information, including a complete list of SPARC Verified products, is available on the Internet via the World Wide Web. Access www.sparc.org with any web browser or send email to info@sparc.org.

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

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

ADDITIONS

DELETIONS None at this time.

IN PROCESS None at this time.

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. 52

I. SPARC News

II. SPARC COMPLIANT ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND PRODUCTS IN PROCESS

III. SPARC VERIFIED ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND PRODUCTS IN PROCESS

IV. SPARCSHOP

I SPARC News

I. A. – SPARC INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES TWO NEW MEMBERS

Santa Clara, CA–January 8,1998– Hi-Tech USA of Milpitas, CA recently joined SPARC International as a VAR Member. Established in 1990, Hi-Tech USA has focused on Single Board Computers, Rackmount Systems, RAID Sub-Systems, and UNIX/NT Servers in turnkey custom solutions. The firm has recently introduced a line of SPARC-based workstations.

San Diego, CA–January 30,1998- TruSOLUTIONS, Inc. of San Diego, has become a VAR Member of SPARC International. Known as “your Rackmount Computer Company”, TruSOLUTIONS designs and manufactures UltraSPARC rackmount servers for OEM customers. The TruSERVER family of 2U and 4U systems is customized for specific customer requirements

I. B. -NEW DARWIN LINE OF WORKSTATIONS OUTPERFORMS PCS

Palo Alto, CA–January 13, 1998– Sun Microsystems, Inc. today introduced two new low-priced, power desktop systems aimed at aggressively capturing share in the growing market for high-end PCs, or personal workstations. The Ultra(TM) 5 and Ultra 10 workstations, also called the Darwin line, combine the best of high-performance Sun(TM) workstations, eye-popping graphics, and the productivity applications, pricing and manufacturing style of the PC industry. Sun also announced web-based ordering services to let customers configure, purchase and view order status of the new Darwin line.

Starting at just $2,995[1], this new pricing allows Sun to aggressively pursue the growing number of performance-hungry users who want PC prices and compatibility with the most popular PC applications, but also want more than they are getting from high-end NT PCs. They want SPARC(R) Solaris(TM) workstation power, sophisticated applications and precision graphics. Sun’s new Darwin line of workstations is available in two models. The Ultra 5 workstation is aimed at the price-conscious user who wants workstation performance at a low, PC price. The entry-level Ultra 5 workstation is equipped with a 270MHz UltraSPARC(TM) IIi RISC processor;256KB external cache; 64MB of memory (expandable up to 512MB); a 4.3GB hard drive and 1.44MB floppy drive; 8-bit accelerated graphics; and three PCI I/O slots. Starting at just $2,995, the Ultra 5 desktop is less expensive and delivers up to 31 percent better performance than either a Compaq PW 5100 or Hewlett-Packard Kayak XA system, both running a 266MHz PentiumII processor. The Ultra 10 workstation is designed for users who need more performance, more powerful graphics and more room for expansion than is afforded by the Ultra 5 system. The Ultra 10 Creator workstation is equipped with a 300MHz UltraSPARCIIi processor; 512KB of external cache; 64MB of memory (expandable to 1GB); one 4.3GB hard drive and one 1.44MB floppy drive; Creator graphics; and four PCI slots. Prices start at $6,395[2].

An Ultra 10 Elite3D m3 system delivers a CDRS benchmark of 74 and handles up to 3.0 million triangles per second at a price of only $12,495. In contrast, the top-of-the line SGI Octane/ MXI system sells for $44,495[3], yet has a CDRS rating of only 48.6 and handles less than 2 million triangles per second, making the Ultra 10 Elite3D m3 system 52 percent faster at about one fourth the price. Both the Ultra 5 and Ultra 10 workstations are available immediately.

Footnotes

1.Without monitor
2.Without monitor
3.Pricing based on International Data Corporation as of 1/8/98

I. C. – ULTRASPARC-IIi PROCESSOR TARGETS WORKSTATION, SERVER AND EMBEDDED MARKETS

San Francisco, CA–January 13, 1998– Sun Microsystems, Inc. today announced the availability of the new 300 MHz, 64-bit UltraSPARC(TM)-IIi microprocessor. The UltraSPARC-IIi provides the processing power behind Sun Microsystems’ new Darwin workstations, the Ultra 5 and Ultra 10, enabling these systems to deliver workstation performance at PC prices. The UltraSPARC-IIi, a highly integrated, PCI-based processor, was designed for entry-level workstations and servers as well as the high-performance embedded market, including communications, networking, and imaging applications.

The UltraSPARC-IIi processor builds on the strength of the 64-bit UltraSPARC microprocessor family and adds the functionality of memory controllers and PCI bridge chips to deliver a tightly integrated single-chip solution. The UltraSPARC-IIi processor is sold both in a single chip and module solution with 512Kbytes dedicated external cache. The immediate benefit for system designers is reduced system cost along with superior overall system performance and ease of design.

“System designers are continuously looking for ways to produce smaller, faster and less expensive products,” said Jeff O’Neal, Sun’s SPARC(TM) group marketing manager. “The UltraSPARC-IIi microprocessor provides a major step toward achieving this goal. Not only are we offering customers the performance benefits of the 64-bit SPARC architecture, but we are also taking full advantage of the PCI industry infrastructure.” At 300 MHz with 512Kbytes external cache, the UltraSPARC-IIi processor-based module provides a SPECint95 of 12.1 and SPECfp95 of 12.9. The UltraSPARC-IIi processor supports four PCI devices at up to 66 MHz and an optional Advanced PCI Bridge is available to increase connectivity and support demand for PCI I/O bandwidth for up to eight devices at 33 MHz. The UltraSPARC-IIi processor provides optimum I/O, memory and compute performance for typical uniprocessor systems. This means a balanced price/performance solution that delivers the power and features needed by high-end applications, such as optimized power utilization, supporting manufacturability, and ease-of-design.

The integration of the UltraSPARC-IIi microprocessor and the Advanced PCI Bridge allows designers to add UltraSPARC architecture price-performance levels to a broad range of embedded and desktop designs. This CPU-Bridge combination not only optimizes embedded designs that require maximum processing power, but also drives desktop applications supporting connections to a wide array of PCI-compatible devices up to 66 MHz (directly) and 33 MHz (across the bridge). The UltraSPARC-IIi processor is optimized for the telecommunications, high-performance networking and imaging markets, for use in applications such as adjunct communication processors, switched routers and multifunction printers and photocopiers.

In addition to its many other features, the UltraSPARC-IIi processor takes full advantage of the VIS(TM) instruction set for applications in accelerating multimedia, image processing, and networking. The VIS instruction set continues to be the highest-performance and most robust set of multimedia extensions available today. UltraSPARC microprocessor customers have expanded the breadth of VIS applications to include media intensive applications, such as 3D medical imaging.

The 300 MHz UltraSPARC-IIi microprocessor is available today as both a single processor and module with 512Kbytes external cache. In volume quantities, the new processor sells for $470, while the module sells for $890. The Advanced PCI-to-PCI Bridge (APB) sells for $50. The processor is available in a ceramic LGA package and the APB is available in a plastic BGA package. For further information about the UltraSPARC-IIi processor contact Sun at (650) 960-4200 or visit our website at http://sun.com/sparc.

Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision, “The Network Is The Computer(TM),” has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc. (NASDAQSUNW) to its position as a leading provider of hardware, software and services for establishing enterprise-wide intranets and expanding the power of the Internet. With more than $8.5 billion in annual revenues, Sun can be found in more than 150 countries and on the World Wide Web at http://sun.com.

I. D- HAGIWARA SYS-COM MEMORY EARNS SPARC VERIFIED BRAND

Santa Clara, CA–January 16th,1998– Hagiwara Sys-Com Co.,Ltd. of Aichi, Japan has been awarded the SPARC Verified Brand for its HSC-WS128 memory modules for UltraSPARC(TM) 1 computers, after sucessfully completing the Peripheral Verification Test (PVT) program at SPARC International. Hagiwara also maintains a facility in San Diego, CA.

For more information call +81-052-223-1301 (Japan) or visit their web site at www.cgc.co.jp/syscom/.

I. E- EMPRESS INTERNET TOOLKIT DELIVERS NEW FEATURES INCLUDING PERL AND TCL/TK

Greenbelt, MD–January 16, 1998– Empress announces the availability of Empress Hypermedia V3, an Internet applications development toolkit for the Empress RDBMS user. New features take advantage of the latest advances in Internet technologies. Additionally, Empress Hypermedia V3 includes enhanced Perl and Tcl/Tk interfaces for connecting these popular scripting languages to Empress RDBMS.

Empress Software develops and supports the Empress Relational Database Management System. Empress RDBMS V6.10 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 technical fields including image and voice management, space exploration, flight simulation, telecommunications, medical 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 sales@empress.com. You can write to us at Empress Software, 6401 Golden Triangle Drive, Greenbelt, MD, 20770.

I. F-TruSOLUTIONS INTRODUCES A RACKMOUNT UltraSPARC-IIi

San Diego, CA–January 30, 1998– TruSOLUTIONS today announces the availability of the TruSERVER 4U AXi an UltraSPARC(TM) II AXi-powered server based on the UltraAXi(TM) board from Sun Microelectronics using load sharing, dual, hot swap AC or 48VDC power supplies. The TruSERVER 4U AXi utilizes a 270MHz UltraSPARC-II(TM) CPU running Solaris(TM) 2.6 Unix from SunSoft. The system is enclosed in a ruggedized steel chassis with shock mount drive bays. Two 300W power supplies are removable from the front. In the case of a power supply failure, an alarm sounds, and the offending power supply can be removed and replaced without interrupting the system operation. The power supply options allow operation from a 100VAC/230VAC or -48V DC source. DC voltage is common in many telecommunications applications.

A variety of peripherals are available with the TruSERVER 4U AXi. A 1.44M floppy disk drive is standard along with a 32X CD-ROM drive with a removable cartridge.

Hard disk drive capacities range from 4.5G to 27G bytes. A performance oriented SCSI ultra-wide interface is used and there is an option for removable drives. Memory options vary from 64M bytes up to 1G bytes of DRAM. Other standard features include a 100Mbit ethernet port, PS/2 style keyboard and PS/2 style mouse ports, a parallel port and a serial port. Low cost PC type keyboards and mice can be used. ATI graphics cards provide video for a standard SVGA type monitor. The systems can be run head-less, without monitor or keyboard. Another unique feature of this system not found on most Sun workstations is the presence of six PCI slots. These are used in place of the typical SBUS slots to enable the use of less expensive PCI add-in cards commonly found in PC systems. Finally, a fan bank with three 120mm fans generates 250 cubic feet per minute of airflow more than enough to keep the system components cool. The TruSERVER 4U AXi is ideal for companies looking for the capabilities of the new Sun Microsystems Darwin product in a rackmount chassis.

TruSOLUTIONS, founded in 1996, is a dynamic manufacturer of rackmount UltraSPARC(TM), Pentium(TM), and Pentium II(TM) based servers. The company is currently offering its products directly to OEM customers and through resellers. For more information call +619 642-6800 (San Diego, CA) or visit their web site at www.trusolutions.com.

II. SPARC COMPLIANT ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND PRODUCTS IN PROCESS

Note Additional information, including a complete listing of SPARC Compliant products, is available on the Internet via the World Wide Web. Access www.sparc.org or send email to info@sparc.org.

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)

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) None at this time.

DELETIONS None at this time.

SEMI-CONDUCTOR IN PROCESS

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

Note Additional information, including a complete list of SPARC Verified products, is available on the Internet via the World Wide Web. Access <> with any web browser or send email to <info@sparc.org>.

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 access our web site at <> or send email to <info@sparc.org>.

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 access our web site at <> or semail to <info@sparc.org>.

ADDITIONS: Hagiwara HSC-WS128(128MB 200PIN SIMM) 16JAN98
DELETIONS: None at this time.
IN PROCESS: None at this time.

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.