The Monthly Bulletin For Users Of SPARC Based Products

Issue No. 52

I. SPARC News

A. SPARC INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES TWO NEW MEMBERS

B. NEW DARWIN LINE OF WORKSTATIONS OUTPERFORMS PCS

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

D. HAGIWARA SYS-COM MEMORY EARNS SPARC VERIFIED BRAND

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

F. TruSOLUTIONS INTRODUCES A RACKMOUNT UltraSPARC-IIi

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

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 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.

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