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A COMPARISON DOCUMENT
The LANtastic(r) Network Operating System
Microsoft(r) Windows for Workgroups
Novell(r) NetWare Lite(tm)
And sales guide for the LANtastic Network Operating System
November 1992
Table of Contents
Part 1 Microsoft Windows for Workgroups, A comparison
Part 2 Novell NetWare Lite 1.1, A comparison
Part 3 The Artisoft LANtastic Network Operating System, a Sales
Guide
Part 4 Glossary
Part 1
Microsoft
Windows for Workgroups
A comparison
What they're saying about the LANtastic system
vs.
Windows for Workgroups software
In the October 5, 1992 issue of PC Week, John McCarthy, director of
Forrester Research, Inc., says of Windows for Workgroups: "They don't
have a hope in hell of replacing LANtastic.... They don't have the
distribution or support."
In the September 28, 1992 issue, InfoWorld wrote that upgrading to
PCs that can effectively run a Windows-compatible program can be a
costly undertaking.
"But when considering the cost of added hardware, software, and
- perhaps most importantly - training and support, the
consensus among micro managers interviewed recently was that
costs can range from $2,000 to $3,000 per user."
Percentage of PC users, by processor type, who use Windows for one or
more applications.
286 Based PC users 30%
386 Based PC users 50%
486 Based PC users 60%
(Source: InfoCorp Computer Intelligence)
"LANtastic's strength is [its ability to work on] any kind of DOS
machine with any sort of processing power," said Richard Kimball,
managing director, Montgomery Securities, Inc., a San Francisco
investment bank, as quoted in PC Week, August 24, 1992.
"A simple-to-use fully powered network is more often than not a
contradiction in terms. But in the case of LANtastic for
Windows, a graphical user interface for LANtastic users, the
terminology fits.... By extending the power of Microsoft's
application-to-application protocol - DDE (dynamic data
exchange) - across the network, LANtastic for Windows can be
thought of almost as an extension of Windows, as opposed to just
an add-on for LANtastic."
PC Magazine, January 14, 1992
A peer-to-peer comparison
* With Windows for Workgroups, a computer must be a 386 to be
configured as a server.
* On a LANtastic network, any PC, from an XT up, can be a server.
* Windows for Workgroups will only run under Windows.
* LANtastic will run under Windows or in DOS, all on the same
network.
Richard Kimball said in PC Week, August 24, 1992, that because of the
limited peer support for DOS users, he doesn't see Windows for
Workgroups as a threat to Artisoft's LANtastic, the leading peer
operating system.
* With Windows for Workgroups, DOS machines can only be
workstations and cannot share resources with the network.
"And under Windows for Workgroups, a DOS machine
can only be a client; it will not be able to share data
with other machines, which prevents Windows for Workgroups
from accommodating mixed environments well.... In
cases of mixed networks - Windows for Workgroups will
not be the preferred solution."
Jamie Lewis, PC Week, August 24, 1992
* On LANtastic, any machine, including DOS based, can be a server
and share resources.
* With Windows for Workgroups, e-mail works only within the work
group designated during installation. To connect outside the
work group, you must have Microsoft Mail, an add-on. Users need
to upgrade to a full Mail post office and then purchase a copy
of MS Mail Remote for each person who needs dial-in access.
* LANtastic e-mail works throughout the entire network.
* With Windows for Workgroups, the redirector requires 42K in
basic mode and 82K in advanced mode.
* The LANtastic redirector requires 17K. Period.
* With Windows for Workgroups, in standard-mode configuration, the
network device drivers must reside in conventional memory. A 286
runs only in standard mode.
* With LANtastic, device drivers can be loaded in high memory,
even on a 286.
* Windows for Workgroups is not a truly peer-to-peer network
operating system because only 386 and 486 machines can be
servers; 8088 and 286 machines cannot be configured as servers.
* On a LANtastic network, any machine can be a server or a
workstation, or both. LANtastic is truly a peer-to-peer network.
* Windows for Workgroups uses NDIS version 2.01, but NDIS version
3.0 is going to be used in Windows NT. It appears that Microsoft
will cripple Workgroups the same way Novell crippled its NetWare
Lite.
* LANtastic is the only network operating system manufactured by
Artisoft. We put everything we have into it, and we don't plan
to cripple it, cannibalize it or let it become obsolete.
* With Windows for Workgroups, the DOS workstation "Workgroup
Connection" takes 90K of RAM and 1MB of disk space.
* LANtastic workstations use only 13K of RAM.
* With Windows for Workgroups, DOS workstations do not support
NetWare connectivity.
* LANtastic for NetWare software will run DOS servers or
workstations on NetWare.
* Windows for Workgroups does not support dial-up access to the
network.
* The LANtastic system supports dial-up access through our Central
Station(tm) connectivity processor and its Dial-up
StationWare(tm).
* Security on Windows for Workgroups is minimal. The only levels
are no access, complete access or read-only access.
* LANtastic has 12 levels of security with a sophisticated
auditing and username-password feature to bar unauthorized
employees from system management features.
* With Windows for Workgroups, DOS workstations require 1MB of
disk space and Windows servers require 9.5 MB of disk space.
Neither platform supports a diskless workstation.
* LANtastic supports diskless workstations, which are extremely
useful where tight security is imperative.
* With Windows for Workgroups, there is no TCP/IP connectivity
unless Workgroups goes through Microsoft LAN Manager.
* LANtastic for TCP/IP gives workstation access to host computers
on a TCP/IP network, including DEC, HPr and Sunr workstations,
IBMr mainframes, and AT&Tr and NCRr minicomputers.
* Microsoft has stated that "New PC-based solutions must leverage
customer investments, not make them obsolete."(1) And yet,
Windows for Workgroups makes XTs and ATs obsolete.
* LANtastic will run on any PC, from an XT on up, because Artisoft
is committed to the whole network.
Windows for Workgroup suggested retail prices (2)
To add to DOS machines (Windows-capable)
* $249.95 per node for Windows for Workgroups, with no hardware
* $849.95 for starter kit: software, hardware, cable,
T-connectors, terminators for two systems, installation video,
screwdriver
* $424.95 per node for the software/hardware addition
Upgrade fees for Windows 3.1 users
* $99.95 one-user software
* $399.95 four licenses, software only
* $549.95 starter kit, does not include Windows 3.1, as above
* $274.95 one-node add-on for software and hardware
* Windows 3.0 user upgrade fee, $149.95 for software only
To add DOS workstations (non-Windows)
* DOS-only machines on Windows for Workgroup network use Workgroup
Connection software, priced at $79.95 for software only.
Artisoft's lower-cost solutions
* $99 for LANtastic Network Operating System software, 300-user
license
* LANtastic for Windows utility upgrade is currently $99 for a
300-user license
* $699 for the AE-2(tm) Starter Kit, which includes a 300-user
license, software, two AE-2 adapter cards and cable
* $799 for the AE-2 Windows starter kit, 300-user integrated
LANtastic for Windows license, software, two AE-2 adapter cards
and cable
Part 2
Novell
NetWare Lite 1.1
A comparison
What they're saying about the LANtastic system vs. the
NetWare Lite 1.1 system
"...Lite 1.1 was slower than Artisoft, Inc.'s LANtastic 4.1, one
of the leading peer-to-peer LAN operating systems."
PC Week First Looks, August 10, 1992
"The LANtastic package includes LANcache, a disk-caching program
that you can configure to use extended, expanded, or
conventional memory. LANcache is one of the fastest disk-caching
programs for networks available today."
PC Magazine, April 14, 1992
"Unfortunately, Lite 1.1 still leaves much room for improvement,
particularly in the area of security and coexistence with
conventional NetWare LANs."
PC Week First Looks, August 10, 1992
A peer-to-peer comparison
* NetWare Lite 1.1 security levels are only "no access," "complete
access" or "read-only" access.
* LANtastic offers 12 levels of security to each user or user
group connected to a server.
* NetWare Lite 1.1 offers no e-mail package.
* LANtastic e-mail (built-in) puts a stop to the excess paper of
inter-office memos and to walking across the office to deliver
a message to a co-worker.
* Lite is not compatible with TCP/IP, Macintoshr or other
operating systems. To reach one of these platforms, Lite must be
tied into NetWare 2.x or 3.x software.
* LANtastic for TCP/IP, LANtastic for Macintosh and LANtastic for
NetWare software provide the vehicles necessary to connect with
other major network operating systems.
* Lite has no Windows GUI interface.
* The LANtastic for Windows utility puts the power and simplicity
of the LANtastic Network Operating System into the ease of the
Windows GUI interface.
"Artisoft takes LANtastic - its popular $99 peer-to-peer network
known for its ease of use and fast performance - and with a
special front-end, tightly integrates it with the Windows
environment."
PC Magazine, January 14, 1992
"NetWare Lite is a joke. It is difficult - if not impossible -
to get NetWare Lite to work with Windows."
InfoWorld, September 28, 1992
* NetWare Lite 1.1 does not support uninterruptible power supplies
(UPS).
* LANtastic supports UPS, and we certify its compatibility with
both American Power Conversion and Tripp-Lite.
* NetWare Lite 1.1 does not support voice mail or Voice Chat.
* Adding an Artisoft Sounding Board(tm) adapter gives users the
capability of voice mail and real-time voice chat. Sounding
Board also supports Windows Object Linking and Embedding (OLE)
for adding voice annotations to Windows applications that
support OLE.
* If they want to share COM ports, Lite users must upgrade to
NetWare 2.x or 3.x and purchase NetWare Asynchronous
Communications Server (NACS) software for installation on a
dedicated server.
* To share COM ports and modems across the network, LANtastic
users simply install optional ArtiCom(tm) modem-sharing
software. They don't have to upgrade to a more expensive
operating system, disrupting daily operations in the process.
* For network dial-up access, a Lite user must upgrade to NetWare
2.x or 3.x and purchase NACS software.
* A LANtastic user adds a Central Station connectivity processor,
which includes a dial-up utility.
* NetWare Lite does not support remote booting. All users must
have at least a floppy drive to gain access to the network.
* All Artisoft cards (except AE-1/T(tm))support the addition of a
boot ROM to allow diskless workstations, a major security
consideration.
* NetWare Lite 1.1 supports only 25 users. To go beyond 25, users
must purchase an upgrade to NetWare 2.x or 3.x.
* LANtastic comes with a 300-user license. There is no need to
upgrade to a more expensive network operating system. We put
every available option into LANtastic to make it the most
powerful peer-to-peer network on the market.
* NetWare Lite users receive only 30 days of free technical
support. After the initial 30 days, technical support costs $20
per incident.
* Artisoft offers free and unlimited technical support to all
registered users and resellers for the life of the product.
* With NetWare Lite, CD-ROM drives are supported on the CD-ROM
servers only and are not accessible across the network.
* CD-ROM drives on LANtastic are accessible across the network,
even to diskless workstations. The CD-ROM drivers need only to
be loaded on the CD-ROM server. This is ideal for libraries or
research departments.
* Novell did not publish a new version of the manual with
information on the new features in version 1.1; the changes
appear in a lengthy READ.ME file on the installation disk.
* LANtastic documentation is complete, even when we release a new
version of our operating system.
"Some users said they had difficulty getting the upgrade to work
with existing hardware and software, saying Novell should work
to certify third-party products for use with Lite."
PC Week, August 17, 1992
* NetWare Lite 1.1 does not have a formal third-party
compatibility program.
* Artisoft Labs support a comprehensive third-party testing and
compatibility program. More than 90 major third-party products
are certified or undergoing certification at this time, after
which their compatibility is supported by the Artisoft Technical
Support Department.
Part 3
Artisoft
LANtastic Network Operating System
Sales Guide
What makes the LANtastic system the leading peer-to-peer LAN
for DOS and Windows environments?
"LANtastic is simple and complete. The product is reliable,
well-supported, well priced, and it is easy to install and
use... Version 4.10 offers a slew of improvements to the command
line, menuing, and ease-of-use of the older versions, including
more flexible log-on capabilities and enhanced print-queue
control."
PC Magazine, April 14, 1992
The LANtastic Network Operating System is a full-featured LAN for IBM
and compatible PCs. Connecting from two PCs to 300, version 4.1 uses
as little as 13K of RAM per workstation and 40K per server, which
leaves room for the most RAM-hungry applications. LANtastic enables
businesses to share expensive peripherals instead of duplicating
them. Its peer-to-peer structure means every computer can act as a
file server and/or workstation, eliminating expensive dedicated
servers.
Show your customers what the LANtastic system can do for them by
explaining its features and pointing out how these features can help
them in their businesses.
Features:
* Delayed record locking
* One of the smallest RAM overheads in the industry
* LANcache(tm) software to boost network performance
* Multiple security levels
* Chat and e-mail features built into the operating system
* Sound capabilities for voice mail and Chat
* Built-in support for UPS
* Remote processing for system managers
* Remote booting capabilities for diskless workstations
* Immediate despooling of large printer files
* Simultaneous despooling to multiple printers
* CD-ROM support
* Support of DOS 3.1 file-and-record locking
* Full support for Microsoft Windows (real, standard and enhanced
modes)
* Audit trails to track network activity
* Resource caching
* New server management capabilities
* Ability to change username without logging out
LANtastic for Windows
A network utility that harnesses the power of the DOS-based LANtastic
operating system from within Windows' functional framework of
pull-down menus, icons and on-line help.
* Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE)
* Drag-and-drop and point-and-shoot features
* All NET and NET_MGR features available within the Windows GUI
* DOS-based machines run on the same network as Windows-based
machines.
* DOS machines can be workstations or servers.
* LANtastic (v4.0) was the first peer-to-peer network to operate
in Windows real, standard and enhanced modes.
"A simple-to-use fully powered network is more often than not a
contradiction in terms. But in the case of LANtastic for
Windows, a graphical user interface for LANtastic users, the
terminology fits.... By extending the power of Microsoft's
application-to-application protocol - DDE (dynamic data
exchange) - across the network, LANtastic for Windows can be
thought of almost as an extension of Windows, as opposed to just
an add-in for LANtastic."
"First Looks," PC Magazine, January 14, 1992
Enhanced printer functions
* Print job display screen to show status of each job
* Estimate of start and finish times of jobs
* Notification of print job completion
* Immediate despooling of large files for quicker printing
"The most impressive new additions in LANtastic 4.10 are the
improvements and features added to the LAN's printing
capabilities."
PC Magazine April 14, 1992
Memory
* Uses small amount of RAM in Windows or DOS-based versions
* Works on PCs with only 640K of RAM
* LANtastic files can be loaded high, using a memory manager or
DOS 5.0
Management features
* Hot keys for shortcuts to the LANtastic 4.1 management menus
* More powerful command-line interface
* All management features available in Windows when using the
LANtastic for Windows utility
Performance
* Redesigned NetBIOS makes LANtastic v4.1 up to 30% faster than
previous versions
* Resource caching stores network management commands and file
look-ups in the server's RAM for faster operations.
* LANtastic's LANcache program caches both reads and writes for
faster network performance
"LANcache is one of the fastest disk-caching programs available
today."
PC Magazine, April 14, 1992
* A LANtastic server will "remember" a user request for a record
already locked by another user. When the record is free, the
next user request is completed.
* Allows automatic login to servers without having to specify a
user's name or password each time
* One-command login to multiple servers
Multi-platform connectivity
* LANtastic for NetWare software brings the file and peripheral
sharing capabilities of LANtastic to a NetWare network.
* LANtastic for Macintosh software enables a dedicated gateway
server to transfer files and share PostScript(r) printers
between an Apple Talk(r) or Ether Talk(r) network and a
LANtastic PC network.
* LANtastic for TCP/IP software connects any node on a LANtastic
network with any machine running TCP/IP.
* The LANtastic for Windows utility puts the power of LANtastic
into Windows' graphical user interface.
* LANtastic runs under DOS with the same powerful features as the
LANtastic for Windows version.
* The company is constantly evaluating other environments to
determine the best LANtastic solutions to meet future needs.
Hardware independence
* Artisoft is committed to support for all hardware platforms from
8088s to 486s.
* We believe a customer should not be forced to upgrade existing
computers in order to establish a local area network.
* We believe that customers should be able to take advantage of
the investments they have already made.
DOS superiority
* DOS machines can act as workstations or servers or both.
* True peer-to-peer networking
* Support of specific vertical applications that are totally DOS
based
Features and Benefits
Feature: DOS-based, peer-to-peer network operating system
Benefit: Low cost, familiar, easy-to-use, no waste of PCs in an
office
The LANtastic Network Operating System is the recognized leader in
the peer-to-peer market. As few as two or as many as 500 people in an
office share PCs and peripherals on a LANtastic network. Because a
LANtastic network uses some of the smallest amount of RAM in the
industry, it leaves more room to run other applications.
Feature: LANtastic is a fourth-generation product.
Benefit: Widely used, refined and bug-free
Because of enduser input, Artisoft has added features in subsequent
versions of the LANtastic system. Because we have released four prior
versions of our operating system, we have refined its operation and
virtually eliminated all bugs. We listen to people's comments and
concerns and act upon them.
Additions we have made to the LANtastic system include:
* Full Microsoft Windows support
* Support for uninterruptible power supply (UPS) on network
servers
* Remote processing for system managers
* Individual and group account set-ups
* Simultaneous despooling to multiple printers
* Built-in support for CD-ROMs
and much more
Feature: Easy to use and understand
Benefit: Employees need little training
Users who know DOS already know how to use the LANtastic system.
Installers can set up shortcuts for those not fully familiar with
DOS. The system includes on-line help in any menu. The
easy-to-understand menu system is intuitive in nature and powerful in
features.
Feature: Artisoft's multi-product line
Benefit: Compatibility, add-ons, economy
Though the LANtastic Network Operating System is Artisoft's flagship
product, we also produce a full line of Ethernet adapters, a 10BASE-T
concentrator, add-on software packages that integrate the LANtastic
system into other environments, low-cost and easy-to-use proprietary
2Mbps adapters and our latest and most versatile product, the Central
Station connectivity processor. Artisoft offers a low-cost solution
for almost every networking need, as well as one-stop shopping and
one-stop technical support.
Feature: Network security
Benefit: Highly sophisticated protection
The LANtastic system offers everything from passwords to time-of-day
logins and audit trails on the network. Use requires names and
passwords whenever logging into a server; improper keyboard entries
result in denied access. Time-of-day logins restrict use to business
hours only, weekends only or any variation desired for company
security. Access control lists determine who can read, write, delete;
create and delete files and directories; and many more options. Audit
trails determine who and when users try (successfully or not) to log
into a computer. They also show what users do when logged in - not
only useful for security, but for billing purposes, as well. Diskless
workstations can also be supported. LANtastic security rivals that of
main-frame systems.
Artisoft began shipping version 4.1 of the LANtastic system
in April 1992. The new version has been very well received.
Features added for version 4.1 include:
Feature: Redesigned NetBIOS
Benefit: Up to 30% faster than previous versions of LANtastic
The NetBIOS is the program responsible for transferring data between
the server and workstations. The redesigned NetBIOS transfers data
more efficiently for faster network operation.
Feature: Resource caching
Benefit: Speeds file lookups and file openings
Resource caching speeds file lookups and file openings by keeping
access information on the server's resources in memory. This means
that the server can rapidly read access control list information for
each network resource from RAM. This reduces the frequency with which
the server needs to check information on a hard disk before allowing
or denying a user request.
Feature: Random-access caching
Benefit: Allows the server computer to search through files more
quickly
Random-access caching's ability to search through files more quickly
speeds up access to data on the disk.
Feature: Delayed record locking
Benefit: Allows for more efficient work, saves users' time
A LANtastic server can hold onto a user request for a record already
locked by another user. When the first user finishes, the record
unlocks, and the second user's request is completed without further
action on the second user's part. Without delayed record locking, a
request for a locked record is denied, and the user has to request it
again.
Feature: Automatic login to servers
Benefit: A user can log into a server without having to specify a
username or password each time.
Feature: Log into multiple servers with one command
Benefit: No need to separately log into each server for which the
user is authorized
Now you can log into a group of servers with one command. This saves
users from having to type multiple NET LOGIN commands and allows them
to create shorter batch files.
Feature: Improved printer queue display
Benefit: Users know exactly where a print job falls in the queue.
The screen now tells the status of a print job, the estimated time it
will start printing and when it will finish.
Feature: Hot keys to management menu items
Benefit: Quicker access to management features
LANtastic menus now include shortcut hot keys. To activate an option
on the menu, a user will simply press the letter key corresponding to
the highlighted letter in each command.
Feature: A user can change a "username" without logging out
Benefit: Less time and nuisance to login with different username
If a user has already logged into a server with his or her regular
user account, but needs to switch to a System Manager account to
schedule a server shutdown or other management functions, LANtastic
version 4.1 lets that user log into the server again, using a
different account without having to log out first. This means a user
does not have to cancel, then re-establish, printer and drive
connections.
Market overview
The local area network (LAN) market is one of the fastest growing
segments in the computer industry.
* In 1991, LANs connected 54% of all PCs in the business world.(3)
* This number is projected to increase to 74% by 1995.
* Analysts expected sales of local area networking products to
grow $5.7 billion in 1989.
* They expect sales to grow by more than $17 billion by 1994.(4)
* Sales of the software portion (the network operating system)
equal 10% to 15% of the entire computer market.
* In 1986, the network software market generated $108.3
million in sales.
* Analysts expect this figure to exceed $2 billion in 1995,
a compounded annual growth rate of more than 20 percent.(5)
Target market
* Small businesses sharing a few files and a printer between one
or two offices
* Medium-size businesses who need to share files and printers,
coordinate workgroup activities, maintain security of files and
have centralized files for easier administration
* Large businesses with many diverse goals and departments who
need a workgroup solution or have remote sites with the need for
a low maintenance, powerful network
* Vertical target markets include:
* Manufacturing
* Engineering
* Retail businesses
* Medical and dental offices
* Universities and educational institutions
* Accounting and law firms
* The U.S. government
The LANtastic Network Operating System market falls into two distinct
groups:
Small-to-medium businesses
Large businesses
Small-to-medium businesses
The LANtastic system is well suited for the small-to-medium business
because it:
* Is easy to install
* Will work on virtually any PC platform (XT, AT, 386, 486)
* Does not require the added expense of a dedicated server
* Does not require a system administrator
* Comes with a 300-user license per server, which allows easy and
inexpensive growth. (To expand a network, a user needs to buy
only an adapter card and cable for each new node, not another
software license.)
Large businesses
A LANtastic network brings flexibility to large businesses because
it:
* Lets them set up work groups
* Interconnects with almost any other network operating system
* Gives department or division level groups the flexibility of
sharing files and network resources
* Connects to other corporate networks (through LANtastic for
Macintosh, LANtastic for NetWare and LANtastic for TCP/IP
software)
* In cases where a company wants to preserve its hardware
investment, LANtastic/AI(tm) software can be installed for sites
upgrading to a LANtastic system from another network operating
system.
* LANtastic can be a complete network solution because it:
* Has sophisticated security features such as:
* Password login
* Password protected NET_MGR and ALONE programs
* Detailed resource access rights for users or groups of
users
* Automatic password renewal feature
* Specific day or time-of-day access rights
* Access control list for each resource
* Has extensive network management features such as:
* Audit trails to track network activity
* Hot keys for shortcuts to the management menus
* Powerful command line interface
* Alone feature for dedicated server operation
* Support for virtually all PC-compatible hardware
platforms
* Server optimization features for ultimate performance
* Serves as a sophisticated remote site network solution
* Has the simplicity and ease of operation to not require a
systems administrator
* Companies worldwide use the LANtastic system, which has been
released in:
* English
* German
* Italian
* Spanish
* French
* Japanese
Support for sales channels
The Artisoft Business Development Group (BDG)
Business Development Group representatives (BDGs) support our
resellers in sales and technical areas. They also support user groups
and special interest groups (SIGs).
BDG representatives are located in the United States and Canada,
where they
* Offer marketing support and assistance
* Offer training support
* Assist at or give training seminars to your customers
* Accompany you on major account sales calls, if desired
Distribution channels
"The combination of turnkey solutions and attentiveness to the needs
of VARs have helped (Artisoft) build a strong channel that will be
unlikely to buckle under new market pressures."
Computer Reseller News, NetWorld edition, October 13, 1992
* Artisoft has a strong record in channel support.
* We have approximately 29,000 resellers (up from 4,000 in 1989).
* More than 500 are Artisoft Authorized Five StarSM resellers.
* We maintain mature reseller support programs, which include:
* Field support representatives located throughout North
America
* MCI Mail lead-referral program
* Dedicated toll-free number for Artisoft Five Star reseller
technical support
* GSA & educational programs
* RAM-O-GRAM monthly reseller newsletter
* National sales contest
* ArtiBucks co-op program
* Artisoft training manuals and videos
* "Tech Talk" advanced technical training seminars
* Artisoft LAN Van road shows throughout the United States
* Artisoft offers one of the best distribution models in the
industry.
* We have carefully selected the right combination of
international, national and multi-regional distributors.
* We provide resellers with a superb choice of locations, programs
and benefits.
* While you can always buy directly from Artisoft, our
distribution partners bring you highly competitive pricing, free
shipping based on sales volume, co-op advertising and rewarding
spiff and promotional programs.
Authorized Distributors as of October 1, 1992
Distributor U.S. Western Canada Eastern Canada
Gates, F.A. 1-800-332-2222
Ingram Micro* 1-800-456-8000 1-800-668-3450 1-800-668-3450
Liuski
Internat'l. 1-516-454-8220
Merisel* 1-800-MERISEL 1-800-268-1220 1-800-268-1220
Tech Data* 1-800-237-8931 1-800-663-0968 1-800-668-5588
TRACS 1-416-940-6205 1-416-940-6205
Vitek Systems 1-800-366-6655
*Products available in some international markets; please call for
information.
Industry recognition
In the spring of 1992, Business Week named Artisoft the "No. 1 Hot
Growth Company" of the year only six months after we went public.
Inc. Magazine placed us in the top 500 privately held companies three
years in a row.
Inc. Magazine put us 56 on the list of 100 top publicly held small
businesses.
During the past four years, Artisoft has claimed numerous major
industry awards
1992 Computer Reseller News Editors' Choice
1992 PC World Best Buy
1992 PC Magazine Editors' Choice Award for LANtastic System 4.1
1992 LAN Times Readers Choice for LANtastic System 4.1
1992 LAN Magazine Product of the Year for Entry-level Network
Operating Systems
1991 Best of 1991 from PC Magazine for the AE-3r adapter
1991 PC World World Class Award for the AE-2 adapter
1991 Best of Spring Award for Connectivity, COMDEX, Byte Magazine
for Artisoft's Central Station connectivity processor. The
Interface Group award for the Central Station connectivity
processor
1991 PC Magazine Editors' Choice for DOS-based networks
1991 LAN Times Readers Choice Award
1991 LAN Magazine Product of the Year Award
1990 PC Magazine Award for Technical Excellence/Communications for
the LANtastic Voice Adapter (now known as the Sounding Board
adapter)
1990 PC Magazine Editors' Choice for DOS-based networks
1990 PC Magazine Editors' Choice for the LANtastic CD-ROM networking
capabilities
1990 PC Magazine Editors' Choice for LANtastic Z(tm), a
serial/parallel port version of the LANtastic system
1990 LAN Magazine Product of the Year
1990 LAN Times Readers Choice Award
1990 LAN Times Recommended for Networking Award
1989 PC Magazine Editors' Choice for low-cost LANs
1989 PC World Best Buy for low-cost LANs
1988 PC Magazine Technical Excellence Nomination
1988 BYTE Magazine Award of Distinction
1988 LAN Magazine Product of the Year for The Network Eyer software
Artisoft's growth
Artisoft began in 1982, producing communications and
peripheral-sharing devices. After the introduction of the LANtastic
Network Operating System at COMDEX in the fall of 1987, Artisoft's
size and sales mushroomed.
Sales growth:
1988 - 2.2 Million
1989 - 6.6 Million
1990 - 21 Million
1991 - 41 Million
1992 - 73 Million
Employee Growth
* Twelve employees in 1988
* More than 500 in 1992
* Offices in Tucson, San Diego, Chicago, the Netherlands, France,
Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan and Mexico
Artisoft Customer Care
* Free, unlimited technical support to registered owners and
resellers
* An unconditional money-back guarantee on all Artisoft hardware
* Five-year limited warranty on all Artisoft hardware
* A 30-day money-back guarantee on all Artisoft products
To order any Artisoft product, call 1-800-TINY RAM.
ARTISOFT INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
691 East River Road
Tucson, AZ 85704 USA
Sales/Customer service 1-800-TINY RAM
Technical Support 1-602-293-6363
Headquarters 1-602-293-4000
Fax 1-602-293-8065
Offices in the Netherlands, France, Germany, Italy, the United
Kingdom, Australia, Japan and Mexico.
Glossary of Terms
Access method - A set of rules used by LAN hardware to direct traffic
on the network, it determines which workstation will be next to use
the LAN. It also distinguishes the various hardware types by
governing electrical access to the cable that affects the LAN's
features and performance. ARCNET, Token Ring and CSMA (Ethernet) are
all access methods.
Adapter card - Also called interface card, it is a printed circuit
board that fits in the expansion chassis of a computer. Adapter cards
physically connect the computer to the LAN cable and are responsible
for getting raw bits of data from the computer onto the network
cable.
Application program - Software that carries out some useful task
(word processing, data bases, spreadsheets, etc.) for the user.
(Application programs differ from system software such as DOS, which
is the software used by the computer itself to accomplish tasks for
the application program.
ARCNET - (Attached Resource Computer Network) A communications
standard that employs a token-passing protocol and star topology,
transmits data at 2.5Mbps and supports up to 256 nodes.
Audit trail - A record of events taking place on the network. It is
used to track who uses what resources, at what time, for what reason.
A valuable management tool for security and/or billing.
Binary file - A computer-generated file that employs the binary
numbering system. A binary number allows only two values 0 and 1
(on/off). Most computers store information in binary form.
Buffer - A temporary holding area for data until it can be accepted
for processing.
Cable - The transmission medium that connects computers on a LAN.
Cable can be of different types: twisted-pair, fiber optic, coaxial,
etc.
Cache - A separate memory location that stores frequently used data,
thereby improving system performance.
Centralized network - A network that requires a dedicated file server
(or servers) that cannot be used as workstations. The server's sole
duty is to fulfill network requests.
Coaxial - Electrical cable in which a solid piece of metal wire is
surrounded by insulation and then by tubular metal whose axis of
curvature coincides with the center of the piece of wire. Coaxial
cable is more difficult to install and usually more expensive than
twisted-pair.
CPU - Central processing unit; the primary microprocessor chip in a
PC.
CSMA - Carrier Sense Multiple Access; signifying the method that
nodes employ to communicate. In CSMA/CA (Collision Avoidance) the
sending node asks permission from the intended receiver to send data;
if the receiving node responds affirmatively, transmission takes
place. In CSMA/CD (Collision Detection), nodes transmit at will; if
a collision occurs, each workstation will re-transmit at varied,
preset time intervals. Ethernet networks employ the CSMA/CD protocol.
DMA - Direct memory access. A fast method of moving data from a
storage device or LAN adapter card directly to RAM. DMA speeds
processing.
Driver - A piece of software that expands DOS's ability to work with
network hardware and software. It tells DOS how to operate such
things as logical drives, shared printers, spoolers and print queues.
E-mail - Electronic mail. A message system on a LAN, which allows
users to write messages and send them to others on the network.
Computer files can also be sent via e-mail.
Ethernet - A communications standard developed by Xerox and later
standardized by the IEEE (standard 802.3). The most popular LAN
standard, Ethernet transmits data at 10 Megabits per second (Mbps)
and can be used with thin or thick coaxial, fiber optic or
twisted-pair cabling. Often used in government, educational and
scientific environments.
File-and-record locking - Data management method that reserves files
and records for the first user to request them, thus locking out all
others, which is crucial in multi-user LAN applications.
Hub - A hardware device that is the center of a star topology
network. Servers can also act as a Hub of a LAN.
IEEE - Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. The IEEE is
a publishing and standard-setting body responsible for many LAN
procedures and protocols.
IEEE 802.3 - A standard specifying a LAN using CSMA/CD (Ethernet).
The actual standard would be read IEEE 802.3 10BASE2 or 10BASE5 or
10BASE-T.
IEEE 802.5 - A standard specifying a LAN that uses a token-passing
method on a ring topology (e.g. Token Ring).
I/O port - Doorways through which information passes as it travels to
or from an input-output device.
Interface software - Procedures, codes and protocols that enable two
devices to interact. Interface software such as NetBIOS enables a
network operating system to communicate with an adapter card.
IRQ - Interrupt request line. A communications channel by which
devices interrupt a PC's microprocessor. A network request gets the
servers attention through an IRQ.
Logical devices - Disk drives and printers recognized by a system,
although not physically present in the system. These devices are
remote and differ from physical devices located on the workstation
itself.
Memory resident - Also called terminate-and-stay resident programs
(TSR). These programs are executed and usually remain in the
computer's RAM until the computer is rebooted. Network software is
memory resident.
NetBIOS - Network basic input/output system. A network interface
software that communicates operations from the network operating
system to the network hardware.
Protocol - An entire set of rules for network communications between
computers. These rules govern format, timing, sequencing and error
control.
Physical devices - Devices such as drives, modems and printers, which
are physically located on a workstation, as opposed to logical
devices.
Queue - A line of tasks, such as print jobs or messages, waiting to
be serviced. A task waiting in a queue can be assigned a priority, so
that more important jobs can be executed before those less critical.
Server - A computer providing service to LAN workstations and
responsible for accommodating network requests. Also refers to the
software program that allows the computer to share its resources.
Token ring - An access method where a token (electrical signal) is
passed from workstation to workstation. The token carries a node's
request around the LAN, delivering it to the node with the proper
address. ARCNET and Token Ring networks use this method of access.
Topology - Description of the physical layout of a network, akin to
a map of the "road" between computers connected on a LAN. Common
topologies include bus, ring, star and tree.
Twisted-pair - Two insulated wires twisted around each other, this
type of wire is often used to connect telephones, terminals and
computers. The wire may be surrounded by a shield, a jacket, some
other type of insulation, or by other wires. Although unshielded
twisted-pair wire is susceptible to electromagnetic interference, it
is easy to install and less expensive than coaxial cable.
Workstation - A computer used to gain access to a network server.
Often inexpensive because it uses the resources, such as drives and
printers, of network servers. Refers as well to a network program
that redirects requests to a server. A workstation is also known as
a node, a redirector or a requester.
c1992 ARTISOFT, INC. All rights reserved. Artisoft, ArtiCom, AE-1,
AE-2, Central Station, LANcache, LANtastic/AI, LANtastic Z, Sounding
Board and StationWare are trademarks; Artisoft Authorized Five Star
is a service mark; and LANtastic, AE-3 and The Network Eye are
registered trademarks of Artisoft, Inc. Macintosh is a registered
trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft
Corporation. NetWare is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc. Other
company names, brand names and product names are the trademarks
and/or the property of their respective companies. Specifications
subject to change without notice.
(1) Quoted from The Microsoft Systems Strategy: Windows
(2) Pre-release pricing may change prior to actual shipping date,
according to Microsoft's Windows for Workgroups Technical
Presentation to resellers, 9/92.
(3) IDC 1992 NIC Market Analysis, May 1992
(4) Ibid.
(5) Frost & Sullivan Computer Technology Review, December 1, 1991.