It's not every day a new industry standard comes along.
But then, it's not every day three of the world's technology
leaders come together to create one.
The PowerPC Alliance marshals the vast financial
and technological resources of
Apple, IBM and Motorola
to develop leadership products
based on a common instruction set architecture
and spanning a full spectrum of applications.
RISC processors are optimized to execute these basic instructions very quickly. The performance gains achieved by speeding up the most-used instructions more than compensate for the time spent "creating" seldom-used complex instructions.
Before the PowerPC microprocessor, RISC technology was used only in systems designed for raw computational power For example, most engineering workstations and commercial database servers use RISC processors. These computers have generally been designed to meet the needs of the UNIX operating system and therefore have been excessively difficult for many PC users to install, learn, use, and maintain.
The PowerPC Alliance believes that RISC technology is the next important technology in personal computing. One important reason is that the performance improvement of successive CISC processors is leveling off, whereas RISC performance is continuing to grow. RISC processors are now being manufactured in high enough volumes to make it cost-effective for the personal computer market.
PowerPC offers:
The PowerPC 601(tm) is the first 32 bit implementation of the PowerPC architecture. It provides high levels of performance for desktop, workstation, and symmetric multiprocessing computer systems and offers design flexibility through operation at either 2.5 volts (601v) or 3.6 volts (601).
The PowerPC 602(tm) microprocessor is a low-power implementation of the PowerPC architecture. It is designed for use in advanced home entertainment and educational devices with audio/video, multimedia, and complex graphics requirements. The PowerPC 602 is also applicable for low-power business and commercial devices with speech recognition and synthesis, wireless communications, and handwriting recognition.
The PowerPC 603(tm) and PowerPC 603e(tm) microprocessors, two other low power implementations, offer workstation-level performance packed into a low-cost design. These microprocessors are ideal for desktop computers, notebooks, and entry-level systems. The PowerPC 603 features separate 8-Kbyte physically-addressed instruction and data caches, while the 603e offers 16-Kbyte instruction and data caches.
The PowerPC 604(tm) and PowerPC 604e(tm) microprocessors are 32-bit implementations of the PowerPC architecture designed for use in high performance desktop, workstation, and symmetric multiprocessing computer systems. The PowerPC 604 and PowerPC 604e are software and bus compatible with the PowerPC 601, PowerPC 603, and PowerPC 603e microprocessors. The PowerPC 604 features separate 16-Kbyte, physically addressed instruction and data caches, while the 604e offers 32-Kbyte instruction and data caches.
The PowerPC 620(tm) microprocessor is a 64-bit implementation of the PowerPC architecture providing high levels of performance for technical and scientific workstations, application and LAN servers and symmetric multiprocessing computer systems.
The PowerPC Platform, legally known as the PowerPC Microprocessor Common Hardware Reference Platform, is a set of specifications that define a "unified" personal computer, bringing the combined advantages of the Power Macintosh and the standard PC environment to both system vendors and users. Any computer built to these open standard specifications by any manufacturer will be capable of running a choice of operating systems from Apple, IBM, Microsoft, Novell and SunSoft.
The PowerPC Platform, combined with the superior performance of PowerPC RISC microprocessors, will drive the next generation of applications which address emerging customer requirements to support video, multimedia, virtual reality, speech recognition, 3D graphics and enhanced communications. PowerPC Platform-compliant systems will also benefit from standard industry components which drive system cost down.
The PowerPC Platform, an open reference architecture for the industry which is publicly available, leverages industry standard components. OEMs choosing to implement the PowerPC Platform will benefit not only from the specifications, but also from the reference designs and infrastructure, including chipsets, peripherals and firmware from leading vendors.
Benefits of the PowerPC Platform include:
Tests conducted by independent analysts and press have found that PowerPC-based systems outperform comparably-configured systems using other processors. Even the first-generation PowerPC 601 microprocessor has performance comparable to the leading CISC microprocessor in integer calculations and exceeding it in the floating-point calculations.
In the performance comparison in the chart below, Competitive Assessment Services reports testing scores as geometric mean index scores. Apple analyzed the results obtained by Competitive Assessment Services to determine relative results as reported in various application groups.
Not only do PowerPC microprocessors outperform the competition, but they do so in a smaller and cooler package. Size affects a microprocessor's cost (smaller ones cost less), while heat output affects which models it can be used in (hotter processors need more space and electrical power, which precludes their use in notebook computers).
The size, heat output, and cost of the PowerPC microprocessor are about half those of the leading CISC processor. All of these factors-combined with its performance-make the PowerPC a less expensive more versatile foundation for the next generation of personal computers.
Contact: Clement Lam
800-317-2348 (Tel.)
510-770-5769 (Fax)
New Alaris PowerPC systems deliver superior performance, quality and value. Standard 133 MHz Alaris PowerPC systems feature 256KB-512KB L2 cache, 8MB-256MB RAM, 1.2GB Fast-SCSI hard drive, 64-bit graphics/video accelerator, 4X CD-ROM drive, 3 PCI slots, 5 ISA slots, and Windows NT. Alaris PowerPC systems carry a three-year warranty and are available through authorized Alaris resellers. These systems are expected to outperform and cost less than comparably equipped PCs.
Contact: Apple Computer
800-505-0171 (Tel.)
http://www.info.apple.com
With the introduction of the PowerPC 601 RISC processor in Macintosh computers, Apple created the Power Macintosh line, the first personal computers to integrate the PowerPC processor with an industry-standard operating system. Today, desktop and notebook computers based on the PowerPC 603 and 604 have joined the Power Macintosh line, offering up to twice the performance of previous models. Now people in business, on the go, in schools, and in the home can take advantage of the power of the PowerPC microprocessor with the Power Macintosh, PowerBook and Macintosh Performa computers from Apple.
Contact: Kimi Matuski
310-404-1600(Tel.)
310-404-1900(Fax)
Bandai Corporation's "Power Player for Pippin" is a low-cost multimedia platform suitable for both on-line and CD-based interactive content. Based on the Macintosh OS and the PowerPC 603 processor, the Power Player delivers high quality text and graphics through standard television sets. It also supports serial ports, networking, CD-quality sound I/O, user-installable memory, PCI-compatible system expansion, and a wide range of input devices. Bandai will release the Power Player in Japan during Q4 1995. Developed by Apple Computer, Pippin is a reference design for a very simple-to-use, low cost, Power PC-based multimedia engine. For more information on the Pippin reference design, contact Apple at 408-996-1010 or http://www.pippin.apple.com.
The BeBox is a high-performance, low-cost PowerPC system which meets the demands of sophisticated computer users and developers who are frustrated by the limitations of current architectures. Featuring multiple PowerPC processors, an innovative new operating system, true preemptive multitasking, an integrated database, fast I/O, and a wide range of expansion options, the BeBox is poised to become a significant alternative platform for next generation applications.
Contact: Roland Clarke
508-294-6069 (Tel.)
508-294-4553 (Fax)
Bull, widely recognized as the world leader in PowerPC Symmetric MultiProcessing (SMP), is offering a complete range of technologies from subassemblies to complete SMP systems. Bull's innovative PowerScale architecture is built around a patented high-speed data crossbar (throughput up to 1.4 GB/sec.) providing a dedicated address bus and private point-to-point data paths. It is the only 8-way SMP implementation for the PowerPC available today and it supports multiple generations of PowerPC processors. The OEM division provides immediate and extensive access to support services provided by the PowerScale engineering teams.
800-848-4123 (Tel.)
Combining the benefits of the Motorola PowerPC 604 microprocessor with the connectivity of Microsoft's Windows NT operating system, Canon's Power Workstation Series is ideal for demanding multimedia, video, and design tasks. Canon's Powerized MX workstation includes two Motorola 604 microprocessors, high-performance graphics, and 32MB of RAM standard, in addition to configuration options for 540MB to 4GB EIDE-based hard disks. For the portable market, Canon's PN-100 notebook computer delivers PowerPC performance for running Windows NT on the road, with a 100 MHz PowerPC 603 microprocessor delivering the blistering speed you expect from your desktop computer. Both a quad-speed CD-ROM and 3.5" high-density floppy diskette drive are included as standard.
Contact: Carol Yu
886-35-915581 (Tel.)
886-35-820240 (Fax)
Taiwan NewPC Consortium (TNPC) was formed by Computer and Communication Research Laboratories (CCL) and the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers Association (TEEMA) in 1993. The TNPC, which which consists of more than twenty Taiwan PC companies, is moving aggressively to make Taiwan an import design and manufacturing center for RISC-based personal computer systems. Its debut system (TNPCstation P34GB, CHRP-compliant, PowerPC 604, 100-150 MHz) will be displayed at COMDEX in November of 1995.
Contact: Daystar Digital, Inc
770-967-2077 (Tel.)
770-967-3018 (Fax)
The Genesis MP, DayStar's new high-performance media-publishing system, is built around the Mac OS. It uses a revolutionary new multiprocessing (MP) technology developed in partnership with Apple Computer. Genesis MP is the first and only Mac OS-based platform designed explicitly for the workstation user-a platform that has the ease of use and broad application base of the Macintosh with more processing power than hard-to-use UNIX-based workstations from SGI and Sun Microsystems.
Contact: Michelle Nguyen
818-810-0098 (Tel.)
818-810-0090 (Fax)
DTK Computer is the maker of the PAD-0108 and the PAD-0400. The PAD-0108 features a PowerPC 601 100MHz microprocessor and the PAD-0400 is built around a PowerPC 604 133 MHz microprocessor.
201-24, Tung Hwa N. Road
Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
886-2-218-4866 x524 (Tel.)
886-2-218-4862 (Fax)
The FIC Group's LEO PowerPCs are available with either a PowerPC 603e (100 MHz) or PowerPC 604 (133 MHz) microprocessor.
Contact: Phil Schiller
415-462-3025 (Tel.)
415-462-3051 (Fax)
FirePower Systems, Inc. provides the industry's leading computer suppliers with uni- and multiprocessor systems based on PowerPC microprocessors. FirePower's innovative products, which range from designs to complete systems, are supplied to OEM customers to license or purchase. The products are able to run various operating systems, including Microsoft Windows NT, BSD Unix and Sunsoft Solaris. FirePower customers include Canon, IPC, JCC, TechData and Bell Industries.
Contact: Ming Sun
886-3-4622999 x222 (Tel)
886-3-4628941 (Fax)
GVC is by no means content with mearly securing a prominent share of the global computer and communications market. With its advanced technology and excellent production capability, GVC intends to prove to the world that "made in Taiwan" is synonomous with highest quality. GVC products include modems, LANs, PCs, multimedia adapter cards, and large-screen color monitors.
Contact: IBM Microelectronics
800-PowerPC (Tel.)
IBM offers high-performance PowerPC-based products spanning all computer segments. Whether you are choosing a system for a mobile application, desktop, workstation, or enterprise server solution, you can rest assured you've made the smartest possible decision by choosing a system from IBM that is based on the IBM PowerPC family of RISC microprocessors.
IBM POWER Series
http://www.austin.ibm.com/powrinfo.html
800-lBM-4FAX (Fax)
IBM RISC System/6000
http://www.austin.ibm.com
800-lBM-CALL (Tel.)
800-21BM-FAX (Fax)
IBM AS/400(tm)
http://AS400.rochester.ibm.com
Contact: IPC Technologies
800-752-1577 (Tel.)
Driven by the PowerPC 604 microprocessor, Austin's PowerPlay systems from IPC Technologies, Inc. are designed to maximize new 32-bit applications while maintaining compatibility with current 16-bit Windows software. There's no learning curve with these systems because you'll enjoy the ease-of-use associated with the intuitive Windows NT interface. Standard configurations include SCSI-2, audio, CD-ROM and built-in networking.
Contact: Motorola Computer Group
1-800-759-ll07 xTLC (Tel.)
602-438-GET-INF0 (Fax)
The Motorola Computer Group's PowerStack(tm) family is based on the Motorola PowerPC family of superscalar RISC microprocessors and a variety of computer system I/O buses. The PowerStack family of clients, servers, multi-user computers and single board computers based on the PowerPC 603, PowerPC 603e and PowerPC 604 microprocessors. Models of the PowerStack family will support a wide range of requirements from desktop clients and small servers to servers supporting entire enterprises. Furthermore, PowerStack components employ an innovative design concept in computer packaging where expansion modules snap together in stacks with no internal wires, jumpers or cables. Additional modules can be snapped together in minutes to increase system performance or add peripheral as needed. PowerStack systems and servers presently run on the Windows NT 3.51 and AIX 4.1 operating systems. The systems are also designed to support other mainstream operating system options as they become available.
Contact: Joseph Hwang
510-252-6907 (Tel.)
501-440-3604 (Fax)
Mitac is the maker of the PPC 6000 and PPC 6100, PowerPC 604-based, 100 -133 MHz personal computers.
Contact: Reinhard Rinn
708-293-9500(Tel.)
708-293-9525(Fax)
Based on PowerPC microprocessors, Parsytec's CC series builds embedded parallel supercomputers from the foundations of the world's most dynamic technology arena, the PC market, by combining innovative systems architecture, packaging and communication technology with standard form
factor PC modules. The CC system architecture is based on the integration of fully-functional computer nodes, each including disk and other I/O, into a single parallel system. The nodes are linked via a high speed network and routers in an ATM local area network fashion.
Contact: Power Computing Corp.
800-999-7279 (Tel.)
Chosen by Apple as the first licensed manufacturer of Mac OS compatibles, Power Computing Corporation was created with a single focus: to provide more choices, more service and more affordability to the personal computer users Power Computing's award-winning line of Mac OS compatibles are based on the PowerPC 601 and 604 microprocessors and offer both NuBus and PCI slots, variable RAM and hard drive configurations as well as a Quad-Spin (4X) CD-ROM. All systems come with a wealth of bundled software. Power Computing's unprecedented customer support includes a 30-day money back guarantee, toll-free lifetime technical support, and inexpensive on-site service warranty plans.
Contact: Radius, Inc
408-541-5301 (Tel.)
408-541-5284 (Fax)
Introducing a powerful alternative to the status quo. Radius computers offer the security of a 100% Mac OS-compatible system backed by the quality and performance of Radius. Radius systems are powered by the high-performance PowerPC 601+ microprocessor to run virtually all Macintosh software, from design and page layout to spreadsheet and word processing applications to cutting-edge multimedia, color publishing or anything in between. For high-performance Mac OS computing, the smart choice is Radius.
Contact: Ray Vallejo
408-956-2730 (Tel.)
408-942-7753 (Fax)
Reply Corporation became an early enabler of PowerPC technology through an alliance with the Motorola RISC Division to manufacture PowerPC 603 and PowerPC 604 systems based on the "Big Bend" reference design. A continued close relationship with Motorola provides Reply with up-to-date advances and key information about PowerPC technology. This experience builds on Reply's reputation in the industry as a designer and manufacturer of cost-effective high-performance systems and motherboards.
Contact: James Hwang
408-383-0988 (Tel.)
408-383-0886 (Fax)
Tatung, the largest computer and electronics company in Taiwan, offers the best price/performance PowerPC systems designed around the PowerPC 604 microprocessor. Housed in a Baby-AT form factor casing, the TPC-5740 provides speeds of 100 Mhz and more. Up to 192MB of memory and 1 MB L2 cache can be installed. For more expansion capabilities, this system has a total of three PCI and three ISA bus slots. The motherboard includes two serial ports and one parallel port, SCSI-2, and FDC. The TPC-5740 supports a range of operating systems, including Windows NT, Solaris, and AIX.
Contact: Daniel Chen
886-2-517-0055 x301 (Tel.)
886-2-517-2017 (Fax)
Umax, one of the world's largest suppliers of image scanners, image applications and multimedia products, now offers personal computers. As a member of the TNPC (Taiwan NewPC Consortium), Umax is fully committed to the success of the PowerPC technology. Umax aims to provide the diverse range of system products customers demand.
Contact: Steven Su
886-49-350876 x130 (Tel.)
886-49-350491 (Fax)
The all-in-one PowerPC Platform! With an LPX form factor integrated with an ATI high-performance VGA chip, and a Super I/O chip, the USI PRO-155 excels in value, performance and reliability.
Zenith Data Systems dramatically lowers the cost of workgroup computing with two new families of high-performance PowerPC-based servers: Z-POWER, a series of entry-level servers, and Escala, a family of Symmetric Multiprocessor (SMP) systems. Z-POWER features the extraordinary performance of PowerPC, combined with the building blocks of mainstream PCs. Compact, ready to grow with your AIX or NT applications and easy to use, Z-POWER servers are ideal for small departments in manufacturing, retail, wholesale distribution or any enterprise needing a cost-effective application server. Escala combines high availability, outstanding price/performance and leading edge PowerPC processing in an SMP package designed for business-critical application environments.
Manufacturer: IBM Corp.Contact: Pat Kehoe
Telephone: 512-838-4075
Availability: Now
Manufacturer: Apple ComputerTelephone: 408-996-1 010
800-505-0171 (Apple Product & Support Information)
Availability: Now
Manufacturer: IBM Corp.Contact: Mark Rowley
Telephone: 512-823-1531
Availability: Q1 1996
Manufacturer: SunSoft Inc.Contact: Laura Mishima
Telephone: 41 5-786-5526
Availability: Q1 1996
Manufacturer: Microsoft CorpContact: Microsoft
Telephone: 800-759-5474
Availability: Now
| Company | Contact | Phone |
| Award | John McCracken | 415-968-4433 |
| Firmworks | Greg Hill | 415-917-6985 |
| Motorola RISC Software | 800-347-8384 (512-891-2999) | |
| Softex | Mahendra Bhansali | 512-452-8836 |
| Company | Contact | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| CMD | Scott Wiley | 714-454-0800 |
| National Semiconductor | Chris Sherman | 512-218-3360 |
| SMC | David Coldwell | 512-502-0070 |
| VLSI | Kevin Mankin | 408-434-7582 |
| UMC | Victor Lee | 408-934-7334 |
|
Company
| Peripheral | Bus | Contact | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3Com | Ethernet boards | PCI | Frank Howley | 408-764-6721 |
| 3D Labs | 3D graphics chips | PCI | Neil Trevett | 408-436-3456 |
| Adaptec | ATM board, SCSI chips, controllers & controller cards | PCI | Jim Miller | 408-957-9765 |
| Adaptive Solutions | Imaging card | PCI | Job Rabinowitz | 503-690-1236 |
| Advanced Systems | SCSI chips/boards | PCI | Lou Williams | 408-383-5706 |
| Arcana Technology | Infrared mouse | Jack Cooper | 412-441-6611 | |
| Asante | Ethernet boards | PCI | John Huie | 408-435-8388 |
| ATI | Graphics boards | PCI | Henry Quan | 905-882-2608 |
| ATTO Technology | SCSI devices | PCI | Robert Girardi | 716-691-1999 |
| Cirrus Logic | Graphics chips | PCI | Arnold Estep | 510-252-6076 |
| CMD | EIDE and IDE controllers | PCI | Scott Wiley | 714-454-0800 |
| Cogent | Ethernet boards | PCI | Paul Cunningham | 206-378-2929 |
| Creative Labs | Sound boards | ISA | Don McCourt | 408-428-6600 |
| Crystal Semiconductor | Sound chips | ISA | Scott Griffin | 512-442-7555 |
| DEC | Ethernet & FDDI boards | PCI | George Nielsen | 508-486-5510 |
| Diamond | Video boards | PCI | Ken Comstock | 408-325-7225 |
| DPT | SCSI controller boards | PCI | David Race | 407-830-5522 |
| Elisa | 3D graphics | PCI | Thomas Neubert | 408-565-9669 |
| Evans & Sutherland | 3D graphics | PCI | Patrick Nola | 801-582-5847 |
| Farallon | Ethernet | PCI | Ken Hasse | 510-814-5217 |
| Fore Systems | ATM | PCI | Laurie Ann Simes | 412-933-6273 |
| FWB | SCSI devices | PCI | Eric Herzog | 415-325-4392 |
| Hermstedt | ISDN | PCI | Matthias Wolbert | 49-621-76500 |
| International Software | 3D graphics | PCI | Dan Forster | 800-488-4721 |
| Interphase | ATM | PCI | Jim Gleason | 214-919-9000 |
| Linotype Hell | Color transformations | PCI | Frank Kupke | 516-434-2064 |
| Matrox | Video boards | PCI | George Rigas | 514-685-2630 |
| National Instruments | IEEE-488 | PCI | Dudley Baker | 512-794-5411 |
| Number 9 | Video boards | PCI | Larry McIntosh | 617-674-2919 |
| Olicon | Communications boards | PCI | Ed Meleniak | 201-941-1681 |
| Omnicomp | 3D graphics boards | PCI | Kelly Stuart | 713-464-2990 |
| PDI | Video capture | PCI | Scott Lothe | 206-882-0218 |
| QLogic | Fast SCSI | PCI | Alice Lahtela | 714-668-5028 |
| Rockwell | FDDI boards | PCI | Tom Coldwell | 805-562-3164 |
| Second Wave | PCI to NuBus bridge | PCI | Lark Doley | 512-329-9283 |
| SMC | Ethernet boards | ISA | Bob Sparanese | 714-707-4831 |
| Super I/O | ISA | David Goldwell | 512-502-0070 | |
| Spectra Systems | FDDI boards | PCI | Ron Garrett | 404-410-7803 |
| STB | Video | PCI | Venessa Hewett | 516-941-3507 |
| Symbios Logic | SCSI chips & boards | PCI | Dennis Synder | 719-573-3573 |
| SysKonnect | FDDI boards | PCI | Mike Coker | 408-437-3812 |
| UMC | chipsets | Jet Huang | 886-2-9181589 | |
| U.S. Robotics | Modems | Bill Sector | 708-676-7393 | |
| Waccom | Graphics tablets | PCI | Tom Picard | 360-750-8882 |
| Western Digital | SCSI chips, controllers & controller boards | PCI | Mike Smith | 714-932-6669 |
| YARC | 3D boards | PCI | Jody Champion | 800-272-9572 |
| Zynx | Ethernet boards | PCI | Bill Finley | 512-249-0800 |