NetNews Usenet Archive 1992 #26/NN_1992_26.iso/spool/comp/sys/next/hardware/2663

Text File | 1992-11-12 | 7.2 KB | 149 lines

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From: Monty Solomon <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: New SPARC Classic
Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
Sender: [e-mail] (Monty Solomon)
Reply-To: Monty Solomon <roscom![e-mail]>
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Date: Thu, 12 Nov 1992 11:29:19 GMT
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    SMCC INTRODUCES COLOR RISC WORKSTATION PRICED LESS THAN A PC

    Also Unveils Graphics System, Server Product Based On SPARC/Solaris

    SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Nov. 10, 1992 -- Sun Microsystems Computer
Corporation (SMCC) today introduced the SPARCclassic(TM), a fully
loaded workstation that, at $3,995 (quantity 12), is the world's least
expensive color RISC system. It is based on the revolutionary new 50
MHz microSPARC(TM) processor designed by SMCC and Texas Instruments, a
"workstation on a chip" that is the most highly integrated, low-cost
RISC processor ever available.  SMCC also unveiled a new accelerated
graphics computer called the SPARCstation(TM) LX that features the
GXplus accelerator, CD-quality audio, a 424-megabyte internal disk
and built-in ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network).  ISDN is the
global telephone and networking standard that will allow the merger
of computer and phone functions.  The SPARCstation LX system is the
lowest-cost accelerated graphics workstation available, priced at
$7,995.

    These new Sun(TM) workstations deliver 59.1 MIPS, with the
SPARCclassic offering industry-leading value at $63 per MIPS.

    SMCC designed the new workstations to meet users'
number-one demand: low-cost color systems that still offer high
performance and networking. The new systems will enable millions of
users to access client-server technology. The company achieved
unparalleled price points through innovations in integration -- in
the microSPARC processor, in a new I/O subsystem that reduced seven
controller chips to two advanced new ASICs, and in a highly
integrated system board.  Other methods employed to reduce costs
include new TAB (Tape Automated Bonding) processor packaging and a
new, low-cost, 15-inch color monitor (1024x768 resolution). Other
Sun monitors are also supported.

    Besides the breakthroughs in cost and integration, SMCC is
setting the stage for another important first in the workstation
industry -- an innovative pricing model similar to the PC industry.
SMCC has given the SPARCclassic workstation non-discountable end
user pricing.  Unlike a PC, however, the new Sun workstations serve
as all-purpose machines.  They can run the UNIX(R) as well as DOS
and Mac applications; they can connect with a wide range of systems,
including IBM mainframes, DEC VAXes and PCs in a Novell(R) network;
they have built-in multimedia features such as audio and video; and
the SPARCstation LX even includes ISDN.

    These new systems deliver more performance than `486 PCs, with
59.1 MIPS, 26.4 SPECint92 and 21.0 SPECfp92. The standard features of
the SPARCclassic include 16 megabytes of memory, expandable to 96
megabytes, a 207-megabyte internal disk, expandable to 1.0 gigabytes,
two SBus slots for add-on boards, support of up to 21 gigabytes of
external disk, audio and graphics. The SPARCclassic and SPARCstation LX
are the first systems to come bundled with the just-introduced
Solaris(R) 2.1 distributed computing environment.  This business-ready
system software is the highest-performance version ever available and
offers many new features such as simplified administration,
installation, security and internationalization.

    These new workstations again demonstrate SMCC's commitment
to superior application performance. They include performance
features like 10-megabyte/second SCSI and a direct memory access
(DMA) controller for fast access found in the high-end SPARCstation
10 family introduced in May.  In addition, the systems' optimized
I/O architecture supports 16-byte transfers and other performance
enhancements designed for optimal results that are far beyond
high-end PC capabilities.

    These versatile new products provide cost-effective solutions
for any work environment.  Since the SPARCclassic workstation offers
PC prices with full color workstation functionality, it is expected
to penetrate many existing networked PC markets.  The SPARCstation LX
workstation gives technical users working in areas like PC CAD a
low-cost alternative with maximum performance and expansion.

New Server Boosts Workgroup Productivity

    Based on the same technology, a low-cost SPARCclassic server is
also being offered by SMCC. This versatile workgroup server can be used
to increase file sharing throughput, offload printing and communications
tasks and support demanding applications such as database or PC-CAD.
It comes with built-in Ethernet, a SCSI interface, two serial ports, a
parallel port, SBus I/O, memory, and an internal 1-gigabyte
preconfigured disk.  It's built for networks -- unlike its PC server
counterparts.

Technology Licensing

    Continuing its support of open systems, SMCC is making
available all the chips it developed for these new workstations.
SMCC has licensed its silicon partners to supply these chips on
the general market.  Included are the microSPARC processor from
Texas Instruments, SBus I/O devices from NCR, ISDN capability from
AT&T, and a graphics accelerator available from LSI Logic and
Fujitsu Microelectronics.

Upgrades, Pricing, Availability

    Aggressively priced upgrades are available for all the
current low-end desktops such as the SPARCstation ELC and IPC.
The fully configured SPARCclassic (207-megabyte disk, 16 megabytes
of memory, 15-inch color monitor) is priced at $3,995
(U.S.list/quantity 12) or $4,295 in single quantities.  The fully
configured SPARCstation LX (424-megabyte disk, 16 megabytes of
memory, 16-inch color monitor) is priced at $7,995.  Both systems
feature a new one-year warranty and will be available in December.
SPARCclassic server (1-gigabyte disk, 16 megabytes of memory) is
priced at $5,295 and will be available in January 1993.

    Sun Microsystems Computer Corporation (SMCC), a subsidiary
of Sun Microsystems, Inc., is the world's leading supplier of open
client-server computing solutions. SMCC has its headquarters in
Mountain View, Calif.

                ###

Sun, Sun Microsystems, Sun Microsystems Computer Corp., the Sun logo
and Solaris are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun
Microsystems, Inc.  All SPARC trademarks, including the SCD Compliant
logo, are trademarks or registered trademarks of SPARC International,
Inc.  SPARCstation, SPARCclassic and microSPARC are licensed
exclusively to Sun Microsystems, Inc. Products bearing SPARC trademarks
are based on an architecture developed by Sun Microsystems, Inc. UNIX is
a registered trademark of UNIX System Laboratories, Inc. Novell is a
registered trademark of Novell, Inc. All other product or service names
mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective owners.

For reader inquiries, telephone [phone].


PR contact:

Sun Microsystems Computer Corp.
Carrie Dillon [phone]

--
# Monty Solomon / PO Box 2486 / Framingham, MA  01701-0405
# [e-mail]