Hummingbird Brings X Windows To Personal Computers At California State University

A Hummingbird eXceed Application Story

Network computing has emerged as the computing paradigm of the 1990s. It is radically changing how organizations implement enterprise computing technologies, and how they bring information to the desktop. Many universities are seeking technology solutions that will allow them to leverage their investment in legacy computer systems, like the PC; while crossing over into the network computing paradigm. One of the most powerful enterprise computing technologies facilitating network computing today is the X Window System.

California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State L.A.) has recently embarked on a project to integrate PCs with its heterogeneous computing environment. The university serves approximately 20,000 students from the metropolitan Los Angeles area, and has 1000 PCs, of which approximately 500 are networked via twisted pair and/or thin wire Ethernet to Sun Sparc servers. The core technologies and products facilitating this integration are based on relatively new computer technologies such as graphical user interfaces(GUIs), workstations, the TCP/IP network protocol suite and the X Window System.

The Academic Technology Support Division of Cal State L.A. has designed the Systems Software Suite (S3) for PC integration. S3 is a suite of interface and connectivity software designed to connect PCs with UNIX and X based computer systems. In addition to Hummingbird PC X server software, S3 employs the Microsoft Windows graphical user interface, and SunSelect's PC-NFS, TCP/IP and Network File system (NFS) for file and print services. The S3 solution provides a comprehensive PC to UNIX - X Windows connectivity solution for students and staff throughout the university.

Microsoft Windows Integration Provides Point and Click Access To Network Applications and Information

eXceed/W provides students and staff with access to a wide variety of X Windows applications including, Arc/Info, CADkey, email, FrameMaker, SAS and Mathlab on network based computers supporting the X Window System. Hummingbird eXceed's integration as an MS-Windows application eases the user's transition to network citizen, and allows interchangeable cutting and pasting of information between Windows-DOS-UNIX and X.

Colin Campbell, Supervisor of Technology Services at the university, stated "Hummingbird's eXceed/W and eXceed/Xpress provide us with the performance, ease of use and installation that our user's demand. Hummingbird has also provided us with prompt support, and the compatibility within our computing environment needed by our technical support staff."

Campbell continued, "More importantly, Hummingbird offers pricing and licensing terms that fit within today's tight educational budgets."

After an extensive evaluation of PC X server software, Cal State L.A.'s decision to purchase Hummingbird products was based on a wide variety of factors including the software's:

  • Superior performance
  • Ease of use and installation
  • Prompt support and service
  • Compatibility with Sun's Open Windows and X Windows applications
  • Seamless integration with Microsoft Windows
  • Attractive educational pricing and licensing

    Dialing-Up X Based Computer Systems With eXceed/Xpress

    eXceed/Xpress, Hummingibird's dial-up PC X server software, allows university staff with home based PC, and/or notebook or laptop users, to remotely access the university's network, using a modem, or via direct RS/232 serial connection. This has proven especially valuable to MIS staff members who are responsible for maintaining the network, and to professors who need access to the university's data bases, or their files on desktop workstations.

    PC Based X Application Development

    Universities also find added value in the full set of X libraries that are included with eXceed for Windows. The X Window System Development Libraries allow students to develop X applications on PCs, rather than expensive workstations.

    Cal State L.A. is one of many universities around the world that have recognized the technical superiority and quality of the eXceed family of PC X servers and PC X Windows products. More importantly, Hummingbird products provide an easy integration solution for PC users, while allowing organizations to leverage their investment in PC hardware and software and the PC users experience.

    Sales Inquiries:

    Hummingbird sales at (905) 470-1203 or sales@hummingbird.com
    eXceed is a registered trademark of Hummingbird Communications Ltd.
    Copyright 1993 Hummingbird Communications Ltd.


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