The May 1999 Monthly Bulletin For Users Of SPARC Based Products

May 31, 1999

Issue No. 68

I. SPARC News……………!

II. SCD CERTIFIED AND VERIFIED TESTING ADDITIONS IN MAY

III. SPARCSHOP


I. SPARC News

I. A. – SPARC INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES NEW MEMBER NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

Aurora, OH–May 7, 1999– SPARC International welcomes Network Technologies, Inc. (NTI). NTI manufactures keyboard/video/mouse (KVM) switches, splitters and cables; PS/2, VGA and Sun monitors switches featuring on-screen, display; along with other products for sharing multi-platform, multi-user interfaces; including PC, MAC and SUN.

I. B. – REBEL.COM CERTIFIES 65TH PRODUCT AS SPARC COMPLIANT®

Santa Clara, CA–May 21, 1999–Congratulations! to Rebel.com this month for successfully completing the SPARC Compliance Definition (SCD) 2.1 level using Solaris 7 O/S, which brings their total Compliance list to 65 SPARC® Certified Products.

Earlier this month Hardware Canada Computing, a leading supplier of Linux, UNIX and windows NT hardware and personal computer systems, unveiled its new name and corporate identity – Rebel.com. The company’s name change is accompanied by the unveiling of its new visual identity and website – www.rebel.com.

For the complete article dated May 3, 1999, please visit Rebel.com’s web site and click onto “News”.

I. C. – RAVE COMPUTER ASSOCIATION, INC. INTRODUCES RAVE SYSTEMS RACKMOUNT-2UAXi

Sterling Heights, MI–May 12, 1999– Rave Computer Association Inc., a leading Sun Microsystems value-added system integrator, is proud to announce its newest addition to the family of Rave Systems RackMount-2UAXi.

Rave Systems RackMount-2UAXi has been introduced into Raves family of embedded SPARC® systems late in April 1999. The RM-2UAXi takes advantage of Sun’s Ultra AXi motherboard which has robust features such as upgradable UltraSPARC® -IIi processor modules with current processing speeds of up to 360Mhz, integrated dual-channel Ultra-wide SCSI, two 33MHz/32 bit PCI slots and integrated 10/100 Mb Ethernet.

The Rave Systems RackMount-2UAXi comes standard with a 1.44MB floppy drive and has one exposed 5.25″ half height slot for CD-ROM, tape or removable disk drive. It can accommodate up to three internal low profile 7,200 or 10,000 RPM disk drives or two half height drives.

The Rave Systems RackMount-2UAXi is integrated into a customized, sleek 19 inch 2U steel enclosure with six fans, 300 Watt auto-ranging power supply and weighs 20.5 pounds. The compact size of the chassis reduces rack space requirements and allows users to deploy a series of powerful AXi servers at its sites.

Rave Computer Association. Inc. is an authorized Sun Microsystems value-added system integrator. More information about Rave Computer Association, Inc. can be found on their web site at: www.rave.com or by calling 1-800-966-7283.

I. D. – EMPRESS RDBMS PROVIDES THE DATABASE SOLUTION TO LEVERAGE 64-BIT COMPUTING TECHNOLOGY

Greenbelt, MD–May 21, 1999– Empress Software Inc. announces the availability of its latest release V8.20 on several major 64-bit platforms. Empress RDBMS provides developers with the leverage to manage VLDB (Very Large Database) applications in a 64-bit computing environment. For such intense data applications, a 64-bit platform combined with a high-performance database like the Empress RDBMS provides a solid solution; application developers can provide rapid data retrieval, address large amounts of memory, handle substantially larger files and process complex computations faster.

The ability to address large amounts of memory improves the performance of database operations. Large portions of an Empress database can be directly cached into memory via Empresss shared memory feature. Application developers can also choose to configure the entire RDBMS as an in-memory databases management system. This ability to store such vast data in-memory translates into much faster data access times since memory access is much quicker than disk access.

Empress application developers have always had a strong presence in the diverse fields that gain a great deal from proceeding into the 64-bit environment arena, states John Kornatowski, President of Empress Software. The powerful Empress RDBMS within a robust 64-bit operating environment significantly surpasses the capabilities of 32-bit computing especially in applications dealing with simulation and scientific data analysis, multimedia web application development, geographical information services, data warehousing and high-resolution graphics management.

Furthermore, in a 64-bit environment, much larger files can be handled. For example, hundreds of DVD videos can be stored. This capability, combined with Empresss ability to efficiently store and retrieve a variety of complex data types, makes Empress ideal for any application that requires the fast handling of a various multimedia. In addition, the maximum number of records per Empress database table and the maximum size of each record significantly increases via a 64-bit platform.

Higher precision calculations within Empress database applications can also be performed via a 64-bit computing environment. With such accurateness in mathematical calculations, application developers can perform calculations that produce sharper and better defined images. Therefore, with Empress, not only can large images be stored with efficiency and speed, but they can be rendered with a higher degree of precision.

Currently, Empress RDBMS is available on several major 64-bit UNIX operating systems. They are Compaqs TRU64 UNIX, Hewlett Packards HP-UX, SGI IRIX, and Sun’s Solaris 7.

Empress Software develops and supports the Empress Relational Database Management System. The Empress RDBMS V8.20 is one of the most powerful and cost-effective development databases especially designed for embedded systems developers operating on UNIX, Windows or real-time environments. Empress has been utilized successfully in many fields including image and voice management, telecommunications, medical systems, telephony 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 info@empress.com. You can write to us at Empress Software, 6401 Golden Triangle Drive, Greenbelt, MD, 20770.

I. E. – COMMAND ANTIVIRUS AUTOMATICALLY DETECTS MELISSA VIRUS IN FILES BEARING .RTF EXTENSIONS

Jupiter, FL–May 27, 1999– Command Software Systems (sister company to GEAR SOFTWARE), makers of award-winning Command AntiVirus, denounces the claim by Symantec that the new Melissa virus now using an .RTF extension may not be detected by any anti-virus software programs, including Symantec’s. Instead, the tested and proven detection and disinfection power of Command AntiVirus automatically scans .RTF files by default, once again disabling Melissa’s ability to wreak havoc.

This new emergence of Melissa (W97M.Melissa.A), now actively spreading via e-mail transmission in Word documents with an .RTF extension, does not constitute a new variant of Melissa, rather it’s merely a Word document whose extension has been renamed from a .DOC extension to an .RTF extension. When Word opens the document, the macro virus will still be present.

According to Dyan Dyer, Chairman and CEO of Command, “It’s evident that our competitor’s users are again vulnerable to Melissa’s disruption. Melissa posed no threat to Command AntiVirus users, however. Command AntiVirus was the only anti-virus product to detect Melissa as an unknown virus when it first appeared- preventing users from accessing the file and becoming infected. Command AntiVirus prevents infection from Melissa’s latest incarnation as well, scanning .RTF files by default. It’s surprising to hear that some anti-virus products don’t scan for .RTF files by default, since WM/CAP.A is a common virus with the .RTF extension that has been it In the Wild for some time.”

“People using Microsoft Word and e-mail should act with caution when opening .RTF files and they should be sure to run an effective anti-virus program on their computers,” Dyer further noted. “We offer a free trial copy of Command AntiVirus via our Web site at www.commandcom.com and we encourage everyone not running our award-winning anti-virus software on their computers to experience the peace of mind that our users have come to expect. “

Command Software, makers of Command AntiVirus (formerly F-PROT Professional ®) has earned Checkmark Level Two certification from West Coast Labs. This means that Command AntiVirus has been independently tested and proven to detect 100% of viruses “in-the-wild” (Level One certification), plus employ the industry-leading capability of 100% disinfection of these same viruses (Level Two certification).

For more information about Command Software and its award-winning anti-virus solution, visit our Web site at www.commandcom.com.

II. – SCD CERTIFIED AND VERIFIED TESTING ADDITIONS IN MAY

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):

Company & Product Name O/S SCD Certified
Rebel.com/Horizon UP1-333 7 2.1 21 MAY 99
Rebel.com/Horizon UP1-333-Creator 7 2.1 21 MAY 99
Rebel.com/Horizon UP1-333-Creator3D 7 2.1 21 MAY 99
Rebel.com/Horizon UP1-333-PGX32 7 2.1 21 MAY 99
Rebel.com/Horizon UP1-300 7 2.1 21 MAY 99
Rebel.com/Horizon UP1-300-Creator 7 2.1 21 MAY 99
Rebel.com/Horizon UP1-300-Creator3D 7 2.1 21 MAY 99
Rebel.com/Horizon UP1-300-PGX32 7 2.1 21 MAY 99
Rebel.com/Horizon U2-1400 7 2.1 21 MAY 99
Rebel.com/Horizon U2-1400-Creator 7 2.1 21 MAY 99
Rebel.com/Horizon U2-1400-Creator3D 7 2.1 21 MAY 99
Rebel.com/Horizon U2-2400 7 2.1 21 MAY 99
Rebel.com/Horizon U2-2400-Creator 7 2.1 21 MAY 99
Rebel.com/Horizon U2-2400-Creator-3D 7 2.1 21 MAY 99
Sun Microsystems Inc./Ultra 5 Creator3D (360) 7 3/99 2.1 26 MAY 99
Sun Microsystems Inc./Ultra 5 Elite3D m3 (360) 7 3/99 2.1 26 MAY 99
Sun Microsystems Inc./Ultra 5 Elite3D m6 (360) 7 3/99 2.1 26 MAY 99
Sun Microsystems Inc./Ultra 10 Creator3D (440) 7 3/99 2.1 26 MAY 99
Sun Microsystems Inc./Ultra 10 Elite3D m3 (440) 7 3/99 2.1 26 MAY 99
Sun Microsystems Inc./Ultra 10 Elite3D m6 (440) 7 3/99 2.1 26 MAY 99
Sun Microsystems Inc./Ultra Enterprise 3500 (400) 7 3/99 2.1 26 MAY 99
Sun Microsystems Inc./Ultra 2 Creator3D (400) 7 3/99 2.1 26 MAY 99
Sun Microsystems Inc./Ultra 2 Elite3D m3 (400) 7 3/99 2.1 26 MAY 99
Sun Microsystems Inc./Ultra 2 Elite3D m6 (400) II 7 3/99 2.1 26 MAY 99
Sun Microsystems Inc./Ultra 2 Elite3D m6 (400) II (x2) 7 3/99 2.1 26 MAY 99
Sun Microsystems Inc./Ultra 5 Creator3D (360) 7 3/99 2.1 26 MAY 99
Sun Microsystems Inc./Ultra 5 Elite3D m3 (360) 7 3/99 2.1 26 MAY 99
Sun Microsystems Inc./Ultra 5 Elite3D m6 (360) 7 3/99 2.1 26 MAY 99
Sun Microsystems Inc./Ultra 10 Creator3D (440) 7 3/99 2.1 26 MAY 99
Sun Microsystems Inc./Ultra 10 Elite3D m3 (440) 7 3/99 2.1 26 MAY 99
Sun Microsystems Inc./Ultra 10 Elite3D m6 (440) 7 3/99 2.1 26 MAY 99
Sun Microsystems Inc./Ultra 60 1450 Creator3D (450) 7 3/99 2.1 26 MAY 99
Sun Microsystems Inc./Ultra 60 1450 Elite3D m3 (450) 7 3/99 2.1 26 MAY 99
Sun Microsystems Inc./Ultra 60 1450 Elite3D m6 (450) 7 3/99 2.1 26 MAY 99
Sun Microsystems Inc./Ultra 60 2450 Creator3D (450) 7 3/99 2.1 26 MAY 99
Sun Microsystems Inc./Ultra 60 2450 Elite3D m3 (450) 7 3/99 2.1 26 MAY 99
Sun Microsystems Inc./Ultra 60 2450 Elite3D m6 (450) 7 3/99 2.1 26 MAY 99
Sun Microsystems Inc./Sun Enterprise 250 (400) II 7 3/99 2.1 26 MAY 99
Sun Microsystems Inc./Sun Enterprise 250 (400) II (x2) 7 3/99 2.1 26 MAY 99

The SPARC Verified brand, awarded by SPARC International, assures end users that the peripherals they want to use will work on the SPARC Compliant systems they target. This list, updated monthly, includes changes made to the master list of SPARC Verified products.

III. SPARCSHOP

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

  1. email sparcshop@sparc.org
  2. phone us at 1-408-748-9111 x240

Currently available

The SPARC Architecture Manual, Version 8 $50.00
SPARC-V8E Embedded Supplement to SPARC-V $25.00
The SPARC Architecture Manual, Version 9 $55.00
Implementation Characteristics of Current SPARC-V9 based products $25.00
Mbus Interface Specification (Version 1.2) $40.00
SPARC Compliance Definition (SCD 1.1) $20.00
SPARC Compliance Definition (SCD 2.1, 2.1A) $20.00
SPARC Compliance Definition (SCD 2.2) $20.00
SPARC Compliance Definition (SCD 2.3/2.3 IS) $20.00
SPARC Compliance Definition (SCD 2.4) $40.00
SPARC Technical Papers Manual $56.00
SPARC Strategy and Technology Catalog $39.00

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® SPARCenter® SPARC Compliant®
SPARC Compliant SCD & Design® embedSPARC® SPARC International® SoundSPARC®
SPARClite® SPARCprinter® SPARCserver® SPARCstation®
UltraSPARC® UltraSPARC Driven® SPARC Storage® SPARCworks®
MicroSPARC® microSPARC® SuperSPARC® SPARC (Stylized)®
SPARCcompiler® SPARCphone® ftSPARC® hyperSPARC®
SPARCluster® SPARCsummit® SPARC64® SPARC64/OS®
SPARCengine® SPARC LT® SPARC O/S® SPARC PC®
SPARCluster 1® SPARCplug® SPARCtop® SPARK®
TurboSPARC® UltraSPARC Driven & Design® UltraSPARC Driven & Design (Logo)® UniSPARC®

Other Trademarks that are in use or Pending Registration include:

SPARCstation SPARC811 SPARCbuilders SPARCard
SPARC Compatible SPARC Compliance SPARC-FLASH SPARC Technology
SPARClet SPARCtop SPARC V9 SPARCbuilders
SunSPARC SPARC Product Directory SPARCshop SPARC Technology Business
SPARC Verification SPARCware SPARKit SPARC Power
SPARC64-GP SPARC Driven SPARC-Line SPARC-Line
ConsumerSPARC SPARCV9 SPARC_V9 SPARC Verified
SPARC Verification SPARCware SPARKit EuroSPARC


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.