Archive | 1999

Issue No. 65

I. SPARC News……………!

II. SCD CERTIFIED AND VERIFIED TESTING ADDITIONS IN FEBRUARY

III. SPARCSHOP

I. SPARC News

I. A. – RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC. TO EXHIBIT AT EMBEDDED SYSTEMS CONFERENCE SPRING

Sterling Heights, MI–February 12, 1999–Rave Computer Association, a leading Sun OEM and authorized value-added system integrator announced today that they will be exhibiting at the upcoming Embedded Systems Conference Spring, to be held at McCormick Place South, Chicago, during the first week of March 1-4, 1999.

Rave Computer Association, Inc., will be present in Sun Microsystems booth to demonstrate two rackmount systems with remote monitoring capabilities. Both systems are integrated with Sun Microsystems newest and latest SPARC technology and will be operating on Solaris 2.7. The Rave Systems RackMount-AXi (RM-AXi) features redundant power supplies, hard drives, auto-compensating fans, up to 360MHz CPU, and the optional intelligent system control board for remote monitoring capabilities. RM-AXi integrates Sun Microsystems Ultra AXi motherboard in an attractive 19″ 5U black rack-mountable chassis. The fault resilient AXi system highlights many robust features like up to 1GB memory, 10/100 bit Ethernet, six 33MHz/32-bit PCI slots, and integrated Dual-channel Ultra-wide SCSI.

The second system, Rave Systems RackMount-AXmp (RM-AXmp) features the newest Sun Microsystems Ultra AXmp motherboard that supports single to quad-processing capabilities in a 64-bit UltraSPARC-powered system. The Rave Systems RM-AXmp supports the full UltraSPARC I and II family of processor modules with level 2 cache, and up to six PCI slots, four at 33MHz and two at 66MHz, and maximum memory of up to 2GB. The optional intelligent system control board is built into the 19″ 5U rack-mountable chassis for remote monitoring capabilities. The powerful system also features a 600-watt power supply, integrated dual-channel Ultra-wide SCSI, and three cooling fans.

For more information about Rave Systems or about Rave Computer Association, Inc, call 1-800-966-7283, fax:810-939-8230; send e-mail to: info@rave.com. Or visit our web site at www.rave.net.

I. B. – APPLIED COMPUTER SCIENCE LIMITED (ACSL) ANNOUNCES A SPECIAL PROMOTION FOR SPARC INTERNATIONAL MEMBERS

Since 1992,–ACSL has been the publisher of the most complete guide to SPARC based systems ans suppliers. ACSL offers free listings for manufacturers of SPARC based computers, SPARC supported PCI cards, SBus cards and SPARC compatible RAM and resellers worldwide. For those companies wishing to augment their marketing programs, the company offers an web advertising program which reaches over 21,000 readers per month.

Since 1992, the SPARC Product Directory published by Applied Computer Science Limited (ACSL) has been the most complete guide for SPARC based systems and suppliers. Many of our members have been advertising in the Directory as it is one of the most cost effective ways of getting products before SPARC system buyers.

As another benefit of membership in SPARC International, ACSL is offering to new and renewing members a $150 discount on the price of its web advertising package, both classified and banner packages suited to resellers or manufacturers.

To obtain this discount, SPARC International members must order the advertising package within 3 months of the membership order during the qualifying period of January 1, 1999 to December 31, 1999. Only one $150 discount for any company in any year.

Advertising on SPARCproductDIRectory.com provides one of the most cost effective ways of getting your products seen by tens of thousands of SPARC systems buyers at the time when they are looking for products and suppliers.

QUALIFYING PERIOD: – SI Members who order or reorder membership from January 1, 1999 up to December 31, 1999.

HOW DO I CLAIM MY DISCOUNT? – Tell ACSL, the publisher, that you are claiming this discount when you place your advertising order. ACSL will contact SI to confirm that you have ordered membership in the qualifying period, and will deduct $150 off the amount quoted on your invoice. That’s it.

Contact ACSL today to discuss your options. Phone: +44 (0)118 9820 880, fax: +44 (0)118 9820 445, email: info@SPARCproductDirectory.com, web www.sparcproductdirectory.com .

I. C.- SUN TO SUPPORT LINUX ON SPARC

Palo Alto, CA–February 24, 1999– Sun Microsystems has decided to help system integrators build low-cost boxes running the Linux operating system (OS) on Sun SPARC-based platforms. Sun has traditionally supported its Solaris flavor of Unix but not Linux.

In one of the first hardware-level support announcements to come from traditional Unix-oriented systems firms, Sun said its support will be in the form of SPARCengine Ultra AXi processor boards that are designed to run the upstart, freely distributed Linux OS. Sun said the board will permit high-performance platforms for Linux, which was originally written to be able to run on low-end and even obsolete Intel-based systems.

Since Sun joined Linux International last May, it has worked with the Linux open source software (OSS) community to port Linux to the UltraSPARC platform. System integrators can now download a free version of Linux for the UltraSPARC platform from various sites on the World Wide Web. Many are listed at sun.com/software/linux.

One industry segment targeted by the Sun-Linux effort is small and mid-sized Internet service providers (ISPs) that install servers with the SPARCengine Ultra AXi boards powered by UltraSPARC-IIi processors. The ISP market is one area where Linux has boomed, according to market studies.

Donovan Systems Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-based manufacturer and provider of SPARC compatible systems and redundant array of independent disks (RAID) subsystems, was the first system integrator to demonstrate a SPARCengine AXi based system using Linux.

For information visit Sun’s web site at www.sun.com.

I. D. TATUNG UNLEASHES MAXIMUM POWER WITH NEW 400 MHZ, QUAD-PROCESSING SERVERS

Milpitas, CA–February 9, 1999– Tatung Science & Technology, Inc (TSTI), celebrating more than 10 years of commitment to the SPARC systems market, today launched the COMPstation U4MP Series Model 4400, a new high-end server that employs four, 400 MHz UltraSPARC-II processors. The COMPstation 4400 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.

Tatung offers the COMPstation 4400 in both rack-mount and tower configurations. Now shipping, the compact, rack-mount models are designed to cater to the demanding needs of Internet Service Providers (ISPs), OEMs and industrial, commercial and communications applications.

Equipped with 4 MB of external cache per processor, the COMPstation 4400 enables users to leverage four-way UltraSPARC-II chip technology to accomplish a system performance of 17.7 SPECint_95* and 25.3 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 4400R’s space-saving design allows for easy vertical stacking.

“The COMPstation 4400 leverages faster processing capability to produce higher throughput, which in turn will reduce bottlenecks for users,” said Kam Chan, president of TSTI. “This powerful, four-way processing system, with increased storage space and a variety of configuration options, proves to be an unparalleled server for multi-tasking, compute-intensive or enterprise-wide business applications.”

The system comes pre-installed with Solaris 7, which includes an enhanced Common Desktop Environment for ease-of-use and intuitive operation. In addition, customers can maintain 100 percent 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.

Beyond the Solaris 7 operating system and related software that comes standard with the new COMPstation 4400, Tatung also offers three modular software extensions – Solaris Easy Access Server, Solaris Enterprise Server and Solaris ISP Server – all available as options.

Easy Access Server is a software suite that equips corporate users with tools for improved system performance; remote connectivity and security; and network services and systems management. Solaris Enterprise Server delivers extended capabilities to users of enterprise-wide business applications, data warehousing and e-commerce solutions, while Solaris ISP Server offers a robust base for the quick launching of value-added services and effective operations management.

Rack-Mount Systems and Tower Cabinet Present a Variety of Features
The COMPstation 4400 supports two 66 MHz, 64-bit PCI devices and four 33 MHz, 64-bit PCI devices to provide multiple options for peripherals and add-ons. Standard configurations include four, 400 MHz UltraSPARC-II processors; one GB RAM; and 9 GB of hard disk storage. Other standard features consist of dual Ultra wide SCSI channels; two serial ports; one parallel port; and a 10/100 BaseT Ethernet interface.

The rack-mount server features up to six drive bays suitable for four, 5-1/4″ slots and two, 3-1/2″ slots. 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 4400. 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.

The tower cabinet can fit 14 or more drive bays to provide extra drive capacity. Four durable wheels are mounted on the bottom for added mobility. Redundant power supplies, available as a standard feature, provide added protection against power module failure.

For more information, contact Tatung Science & Technology, Inc., 1840 McCarthy Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035; Toll Free: 1-800-659-5902; email: mkt@tsti.com; Web-site: www.tsti.com.

I. E. RED HAT AND IBM ANNOUNCE ALLIANCE FOR ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS ON LINUX

Research Triangle, NC–February 18, 1999– Red Hat Software, Inc. announced today that it has entered an alliance with IBM to deliver, via IBM Business Partners, high-performance IBM systems running Official Red Hat Linux.

Red Hat and IBM will work collaboratively to optimize IBM personal system hardware for running Red Hat Linux, providing customers with powerful and reliable enterprise and e-business solutions on the Red Hat Linux platform. Both companies will work together to provide enterprise-level technical support and will conduct joint marketing to enterprise customers. As a first demonstration of high performing e-business solutions based on Red Hat Linux and IBM hardware, several high traffic Red Hat web sites will be powered by the award winning Netfinity line of servers.

More than 10 million users currently run the Linux operating system. According to IDC Research, Linux was the fastest-growing server operating environment in 1998, capturing more than 17 percent of all server operating system shipments. A new survey in Linuxworld showed that 74 percent of those polled cite Red Hat as the most recognized Linux vendor.

For more information about Red Hat Software and Red Hat products and technologies, please call 1-888-REDHAT1 or visit our web site at www.redhat.com.

I. F. -VIRTUAL TECHNOLOGY ANNOUNCES DEPLOYMENT/EQUIPMENT ROLLOUT SERVICES

Why “Hire and Fire” for Short Term Equipment Deployment Projects?
Why stress out your existing people, facility and process for short-term?
Equipment roll-out projects?

Many organizations are turning to Virtual Technology, a specialist in Computer equipment deployment, worldwide. The benefits are many;

1. Improves employee moral. (Who wants to spend time on a “one-time project?)
2. Reduce variable facility/materials/furniture/testing equipment costs.
3. Eliminate acquisition /logistics/packaging/inventory management efforts.

Virtual Technology can save your organization money, while doing the work for you as well! We execute custom deployment packages for you who can include any or all of the following options;

– Hardware acquisition utilizing our purchasing power and vendor relationships.
– Physical storage of all of your items required for the upgrade.
– Professional “kit building” per your specifications including hardware/software integration.
– Testing on multiple hotbeds for quality assurance.
– Custom packaging and installation support materials.
– Complete management reporting for purchases, inventory and deployment via WWW.

Virtual Technology is pleased to review your equipment roll-out requirements for quotation and your Review. Please contact Mike Dolik, Deployment Services Group at (248) 524-0952. You may also visit their web site at www.virtualtechnology.com.

I. G. – INSIGNIA WORKS WITH SUN TO REVISE BRAND STRATEGY FOR JENE

Fremont, CA–February 25, 1999– Insignia Solutions®, announced today the upcoming launch of Jeode(TM) (pronounced “Jee-ode”), its implementation of Sun’s Java technology for embedded systems. Jeode was introduced at the Embedded Systems Conference last fall under the name Jene(TM). The company anticipates customer shipments of Jeode by the end of March.

Insignia signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sun Microsystems recently, which could set the stage for success of Jeode in the embedded marketplace. “We’re very excited to be working in partnership with Sun,” stated Rick Noling, president and CEO of Insignia. “When Sun formally announced its JINI technology in December, we recognized the possibility of confusion by the similarity between the two names. In order to avoid confusing potential customers, we are changing the name to Jeode prior to the official release of the product in March.”

Insignia Solutions is a leading provider of virtual machine technology that dynamically optimizes the use of available system resources. Jeode, Insignia’s implementation of Sun’s Java(TM) technology 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 publicly held Company’s US headquarters are in Fremont, California, and its main R&D facilities are in High Wycombe, England. Sales and Marketing departments are located in Fremont and High Wycombe. For additional information on Insignia and its products, call 800/848-7677 in the United States and +44(0)1628 539 570 in Europe, or visit the Company’s Web site at www.insignia.com.

I. H. – EIS COMPUTERS SERVERS UPGRADED TO UTILIZE NEWEST ULTRASPARC PROCESSORS

Moorpark, CA–February 16, 1999– EIS Computers, manufacturer of Solaris UltraSPARC hardware and software solutions, today announced the immediate availability of the 360 MHz, 2MB cache UltraSPARC II(i) on its Fusion-iX platform, and the 400 MHz, 4 MB cache UltraSPARC II on its Fusion-MX platform. The new CPUs represent the latest generation of Sun Microsystems’ high performance processors for the mid-range server market.

The EIS Fusion-iX platform is configured with a 4.5, 9 or 18GB UltraSCSI disk, 64MB-1GB of RAM, and a choice of operating systems preinstalled, including Solaris 2.6, Solaris 7 and UltraSPARC Linux.

Available with one to four CPUs, the Fusion-MX offers a level of I/O bandwidth and CPU speed demanded by today’s fast growth ISPs. Fusion-MX delivers 128MB-2 GB of RAM, and uses a 576-bit data path, compared to typical 64-bit Pentium data path. Built-in Fusion-MX features make it an ideal platform for a multi-site web server, or a busy web-database web application.

All Fusion servers are available with features specifically needed by ISPs. These include rack-mountable chassis, redundant hot-swappable power supplies, hot-swappable drives, remote management features and RAID disk subsystems.

Founded in 1994, EIS Computers, www.eis.com, is an original equipment manufacturer that produces and markets high-performance computer systems which provide resellers, integrators, ISPs and small to mid-size businesses with a streamlined way to acquire Solaris-UltraSPARC or Solaris-Intel based computing. EIS’ Solaris-compatible workstations and servers use genuine Sun Microsystems and Intel board-level products as the basis of its customized platforms. Offerings include the UltraSPARC-based Fusion Series and the Intel-based VerteX Series, both driven by Sun’s Solaris operating system. EIS also provides custom hardware and software integration services, and a wide range of off-the-shelf applications and utility software packages, available separately through EIS’ Solaris WebStore.

For additional information vist EIS Computers, Inc. web site at www.eis.com, email info@eis.com, address 207 W. Los Angeles Ave, #303, Moorpark, CA 93201, phone +805 383-1466, Fax +805 383-1470.

II. – SCD CERTIFIED AND VERIFIED TESTING ADDITIONS IN FEBRUARY

The SPARC Compliant brand, awarded by SPARC International, assures end users that systems so branded will work with any other product branded to the same level of the “SPARC Compliant Definition (SCD).” This list, updated monthly, includes changes made to the master list of SPARC Compliant products.

ADDITIONS (System Products):

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.

ADDITIONS (Peripheral Verification Tested Products):

SPARC International has verified to the best of its ability all of the product information contained in this newsletter. Information in this newsletter has been provided by the vendors. SPARC International has not reviewed claims made about product features or functions, and is not responsible for the accuracy of such claims. Users may want to obtain references, documentation, and/or demonstrations before purchasing any products or services. No vendor is authorized to act as an agent of SPARC International, or to make any representations or warranties on SPARC International’s behalf.

III. SPARCSHOP

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

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. 64

I. SPARC News……………!

II. SCD 1.1/2.1 TESTING ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND PRODUCTS IN PROCESS

III. SPARCSHOP

I. SPARC News

I. A. – SPARC INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES THREE NEW MEMBERS

Troy, MI–January 20, 1999–Virtual Technology, a division of Unix Technology, Inc., joined SPARC International as a VAR member. Virtual Technology specializes in providing value based products and services exclusively for the Sun market.

Santa Clara, CA–January 22, 1999–MemoryX, a manufacturer and distributor of memory for Sun SPARC(R) computers and other workstations, has joined SPARC International as an IHV. MemoryX also markets Sun SPARC CPUs and peripherals as well.

Holliston, MA–January 25, 1999–SPARC International welcomes Intraserver Technology, Inc. as an IHV member. ITI offers a complete line of pci(TM) SCSI and Network Host adapters for Sun Ultra AX and other systems. The company also produces Ultra Wide RAID subsystems and storage arrays, as well as providing engineering and consulting services.

I. B. – SPARC INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES NEW CEO

Santa Clara, CA–January 28, 1999–The SPARC International Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Neville Griffin as the new Chairman and CEO to replace the retiring Ted Atlee. Atlee, who joined SPARC International in 1996, said,”Nev is an excellent choice to head-up the organization. He is a proven leader and someone I look forward to working with and supporting during the transitional period”.

Griffin brings 35 years of computer industry experience with such companies as IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Toshiba and, most recently, as a consultant to a broad range of companies including UNIX and SPARC-based systems manufacturers. During the start up phase of SPARC International back in 1989, Griffin served as Vice President of Marketing for three years and is the perfect candidate to take over Mr. Atlee’s position.

“The opportunity to directly serve again the growing SPARC community, representing over 100 members and serving thousands of end-users and developers, was too good to pass up,” said Mr. Griffin. “SPARC International is and will continue to be an important, standards-focused organization in the mainstream of the high-tech world.”

I. C.- PORTABLE UNIX LEADER TADPOLE-RDI WINS PLUS $1 MILLION ORDERS FROM PLATINUM AS BUSINESS SOFTWARE LEADER STRENGTHENS ITS PORTABLE UNIX COMPUTING STRATEGY

Carlsbad, CA–January 25, 1999–Portable UNIX workstation and server leader Tadpole-RDI, a subsidiary of mobile computing vendor Tadpole Technology Plc, today announced orders valued at over one million dollars from blue-chip software corporation PLATINUM technology, inc.. The orders cover the supply of Tadpole-RDIs top-of-the-range UltraSPARC-driven portable UNIX workstation UltraBook.

Says Una Richens, Tadpole-RDI’s vice president of marketing and business development: “Growing numbers of major enterprises and government agencies now recognize the pressing need to redefine their mobile UNIX computing strategies and these latest orders from PLATINUM are indicative.” She adds: “Tadpole-RDIs portable UNIX workstations and servers today offer the equivalent power, capacity and features of their static desktop cousins. In mobile computing scenarios, they are more reliable, lead to enhanced productivity of sales teams and total cost of ownership (TCO) is substantially lower.”

Richens’ remarks on ownership costs are made in the backdrop of studies undertaken by PLATINUM comparing portable UNIX workstations with their static equivalents. The study showed Tadpole-RDIs portable UNIX solutions offering PLATINUMs field sales teams threefold productivity gains for on-site customer demonstrations and training, and lower ownership costs up to 600% over a three year write-off period.

About Tadpole-RDI Tadpole-RDI, a subsidiary of Tadpole Technology Plc, is the global leader in portable UNIX workstations and server systems for Sun and Hewlett-Packard operating systems. Its North American headquarters are based in Carlsbad, California and European operations in Cambridge, England. Tadpole-RDI is certified ISO-9001 and operates through a global network of specialist distribution channels providing applications in industry, commerce and government. Website: www.tadpolerdi.com.

About Tadpole Technology Plc Tadpole Technology is a listed company on the London Stock Exchange and also pioneer of mobile Java solutions called Cartesia for the world’s utilities and related industries. Leveraging developments in Java and intranet technology, Cartesia brings the full advantages of integrated corporate workflow to the mobile environment allowing utilities to deploy the first set of truly location-independent, platform-neutral business tools that generate reductions in IT costs and gains in mobile workforce productivity.

I. D. RAVE COMPUTER INTRODUCES A NEW PRODUCT AS A SUPPLEMENT TO RAVE SYSTEMS RACKMOUNT PRODUCTS. PAGEMATE: A REMOTE ERROR NOTIFICATION SYSTEM

Sterling Heights, MI–January 4, 1999–Rave Computer Association, Inc. has designed and developed Pagemate, a remote error notification system designed exclusively to interface with Rave Systems rackmount products such as Rave Systems RackMount-AXi, and Rave Systems Disk Array.

Pagemate works in perfect tandem with Raves optional intelligent system control board integrated into Rave systems chassis, and Pagemate continuously monitors the status of power supplies, cooling fans, and internal chassis temperature, all independent of the system motherboard. When an error is detected, an integral 2400 baud modem dials out immediately, informing key personnel.

Remote dial-in access gives the user the ability to monitor up to eight systems connected to Pagemate. This remote connection gives continuous periodic real-time updates of each system status. While you are online with Pagemate, if a component fails or is being replaced, you will know it instantly.

Pagemate is a stand-alone, firmware-driven device with its own AC power adaptor. DC versions are available as well. With Rave’s unique combination of redundant power systems, and Intelligent System Control board with auto-compensating fans, Pagemate can practically eliminate catastrophic downtime due to power failure or over-temperature.

More information about Rave Computer Association, Inc. can be found on their web site at: www.rave.net or by calling 1-800-966-7283.

I. E. SUN MICROSYSTEMS INC. CHOOSES RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC. AS A SUN PARTNER

Sterling Heights, Michigan–January 5, 1999–In December 1998, Rave Computer Association, Inc. was selected as a Sun Authorized Partner. Rave’s selection for this honor, as one of six integration companies in North America, is recognition in the highest form.

This partnership enables Rave Computer Association, Inc. to provide its customers a broad strategic focus. By staying current, Rave will be able to keep its customers informed of the latest in SPARC technology; it also allows Rave to select beta sites for new products. By offering the early adoption program for beta sites, Raves customers are allowed to test products for development before products are released into the market.

Rave is very proud of its 1998 accomplishments. Early February of 1998, Rave became an authorized UL test facility. Then in March 1998, Rave introduced a line of SPARC-based computers. In April 1998, Rave became an ISO-9002 registered company. In the following month, May 1998, Rave celebrated ten years in business. At the end of December 1998, Sun Microsystems, Inc. announced its selection of Rave Computer Association, Inc. as a Sun Authorized Partner. Today Rave looks forward to 1999 providing its customers the best in service and quality products that they have come to expect.

I. F. – RAVE SYSTEM RACKMOUNT-AXMP IS NOW POWERED BY 400MHZ ULTRASPARC-II MICROPROCESSOR

Sterling Heights, Michigan–January 21, 1999–Rave Computer Association, Inc., leading Sun OEM and authorized Sun partner announces that their Rave Systems RackMount-AXmp now features 400MHz UltraSPARC II microprocessor with 4MB of cache.

Rave Systems RackMount-AXmp is a 64-bit UltraSPARC powered rackmount system featuring powerful and flexible configurations such as one to four CPUs utilizing either UltraSPARC I or II processor modules, six PCI slots with four running at 33MHz and two at 66MHz; and up to 2GB of memory. The RackMount-AXmp comes complete in a 19″ 5U Rackmount chassis with a 600 Watt power supply, two integrated dual-channel Ultra-Wide SCSI Buses, and three cooling fans.

Rave Systems RackMount-AXmp comes pre-loaded with Solaris 2.6 or later and has an option of being integrated with an intelligent system control board which provides both audible and visual warnings should a fault occur with temperature, power supplies, or fans in conjunction with Raves newest product development, Pagemate. Pagemate is a remote error notification system designed exclusively to interface with Rave Systems rackmount products such as Rave Systems RackMount-AXi, Rave Systems Disk Array, and Rave Systems RackMount-AXmp. All Rave Systems feature original Sun motherboards.

I. G. – TATUNG BREAKS 400 MHZ BARRIER WITH NEW DUAL-PROCESSING SYSTEMS

Milpitas, CA–January 11, 1999–The COMPstation(r) U60-2400 is a new PCI-based, Sun Ultra 60-compatible system that utilizes two, 400 MHz UltraSPARC-II microprocessors from Sun Microsystems. As Tatung’s highest-performing dual-processing system, the U60-2400 is now shipping in both tower and rack-mount configurations. The tower supports high-performance graphics and Java-development applications, while the rack-mount models are tailored to meet the demanding needs of Internet Service Providers (ISPs), OEMs, and industrial, commercial and communications applications.

The COMPstation U60-2400 supports one 33 MHz, 32-bit PCI device; two 33 MHz, 64-bit PCI devices; and one 66 MHz, 64-bit PCI device. A 64-bit UPA slot is available for add-ons such as graphics cards. The system supports both Creator3D and Elite3D graphics technology to meet the complex needs of today’s MCAD/MCAE, EDA, software development, and high-end financial services markets.

Standard configurations include dual 400 MHz UltraSPARC-II processors; 128 MB of RAM; 9 GB of hard disk storage; and the Solaris 7 operating system pre-installed. Other standard features consist of Ultra Wide SCSI; two serial ports; one parallel port; and a 100-BaseT Ethernet interface. Tatung also offers the option of an add-on disk array storage subsystem on the COMPstation U60-2400RM. With hard disk capacity of 126 GB or more, this disk array makes the U60-2400RM robust enough to support departmental or small enterprise Internet or intranet applications.

The COMPstation(r) U2400 is a new SBus-based, Sun Ultra 2-compatible workstation that takes advantage of the newly released 400 MHz UltraSPARC-II microprocessor from Sun Microsystems. As part of Tatung’s COMPstation U2MP(tm) Series of Sun Ultra 2-compatible systems, the U2400 offers up to 2 GB of memory and features SMP capabilities. SMP, available as a standard feature, distributes the operating system and applications across multiple processors for faster execution. The COMPstation U2400 leverages the dual 64-bit UltraSPARC-II processors to deliver a performance of 17.7 SPECint_95* and 29.5 SPECfp_95*. The U2400 offers sophisticated functionality and high-performance graphics.

The COMPstation U2400 supports Creator3D graphics applications and gives users easy access to high functionality graphics and imaging APIs including Sun’s XIL, an imaging API for delivering powerful VIS (Visual Instruction Set) accelerated imaging and video functionality to applications and application developers. Users can also take advantage of OpenGL, the popular 3D graphics API for advanced graphics visualization applications.

Standard configurations include dual 400 MHz UltraSPARC-II processors; 128 MB of RAM; 9 GB of hard disk storage; the Solaris 7 operating system pre-installed; and Turbo GX graphics. Optional features consist of a 64-bit slot for Creator graphics cards; four SBus slots; two serial ports; one parallel port; a 10/100-BaseT Ethernet interface; and Fast-Wide SCSI. In addition to providing more processing power in a dual, 400 MHz configuration than Sun, Tatung differentiates its Ultra 2 systems from Sun’s with more drive capacity (up to 18 GB), which is made possible by four drive bays available for expansion peripherals. The bays can be outfitted with two, standard 3-1/2″ hard drives; one 5-1/4″ CD-ROM drive; and one 5-1/4″, 14 GB tape drive, or a 3-1/2″ floppy disk drive.

II. – SCD 1.1/2.1 TESTING ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND PRODUCTS IN PROCESS

The SPARC Compliant brand, awarded by SPARC International, assures end users that systems so branded will work with any other product branded to the same level of the “SPARC Compliant Definition (SCD).” This list, updated monthly, includes changes made to the master list of SPARC Compliant products. To view the master list, please access our web site at www.sparc.org or send email to info@sparc.org.

ADDITIONS (System Products):

DELETIONS:
None at this time

SYSTEMS IN PROCESS:
None at this time

SPARC International has verified to the best of its ability all of the product information contained in this newsletter. Information in this newsletter has been provided by the vendors. SPARC International has not reviewed claims made about product features or functions, and is not responsible for the accuracy of such claims. Users may want to obtain references, documentation, and/or demonstrations before purchasing any products or services. No vendor is authorized to act as an agent of SPARC International, or to make any representations or warranties on SPARC International’s behalf.

III. SPARCSHOP

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

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.