SUN INTRODUCES CD-ROM FOR SPARCSTATION 1
	FIRST TO SUPPORT AUDIO FOR UNIX WORKSTATION 
 
   Users Can Access Large Installed Base Of CD-ROM Disks 
 
WASHINGTON, D.C.--October 3, 1989-- At the CD-ROM Expo '89 today, Sun
Microsystems introduced the first Compact Disk-Read Only Memory
(CD-ROM) storage device with audio and data capabilities for a UNIX(R)
workstation.  With Sun's RISC-based SPARCstation 1(TM) and the new
SunCD(TM), users can immediately access hundreds of popular databases
already offered on CD-ROMs.

CD-ROM uses laser and optical technology for retrieving large amounts
of audio and data stored on a compact 5 1/4-inch disk.

By porting their packages to SunCD, software developers can now take
advantage of a UNIX-based CD-ROM product that can economically access
and distribute large amounts of stored data.  Sun announced that
several independent software vendors, including KnowledgeSet Inc.,
Young Minds and Architectural Synthesis, are porting their software
products to SunCD.

In addition, Meridian Data Inc. is designing a CD-ROM developer's
system for use on the SPARCstation 1.  "By moving our existing
platforms for CD-ROM application development to the Sun environment, we
anticipate the rapid growth of CD-ROM publishing activity in the
expanding Sun/UNIX market," stated Frederick Meyer, Meridian Data's
president.

Shared Access To Data

Coupled with the SPARCstation 1, Sun's 12.5-MIPS desktop workstation,
SunCD allows any user on a network to share databases and application
software via the Network File System (NFS)(TM), the de facto industry
standard.  By sharing access to expensive databases, users can increase
the cost-effectiveness and utilization of their systems.  In addition,
the high-performance features of the SPARCstation 1 and SunCD enable
users to access CD-ROM data faster than is possible with personal
computers.

SunCD can store up to 644 Mbytes of data and/or audio on a single-sided
disk -- roughly 322,000 pages of typed text -- making this technology
ideal for publication and distribution of software, databases and
documentation.  Third-party developers can create more complex
application software to process high-capacity databases required by the
government, financial, medical, educational and engineering fields.

Latest Technology In Compact Size

SunCD is one of the most compact CD-ROM products on the market today.
It is contained in Sun's Desktop SunCD Pack(TM), an external, 5
1/4-inch, half-height package that connects to the SPARCstation 1 via
an industry-standard Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) cable.
SunCD uses removable, 5 1/4-inch compact disks.  The drive includes a
button to manually eject the disk caddy, a volume control button and an
audio jack for use with a headset or speakers.


Extensions To CD-ROM Standard

SunCD supports the International Standards Organization's (ISO) 9660
file system format for CD-ROMs, initially defined by the High Sierra
Group.  In addition, Sun worked with Apple Computer, Philips and Dupont
Optical Company, Sony, Meridian Data Inc., Young Minds, The Santa Cruz
Operation (SCO) and several other companies to draft a proposal for
extensions to this current standard.  These extensions would complement
the existing standard and would also enhance the use of CD-ROM with
other operating systems such as UNIX.  The proposal is presently being
reviewed by X/Open Ltd., an international industry-wide standards
organization.

These extensions would enable CD-ROM users to take full advantage of
the benefits of multi-tasking, multi-user operating systems, including
increased file system flexibility, data security and greater
performance.

SunCD is available for the SPARCstation 1 in 60 days and is priced at
$1,500 (U.S. list).

Sun Microsystems, Inc., headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., is a
leading worldwide supplier of network-based distributed computing
systems, including professional workstations, servers and UNIX
operating system and productivity software.

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SPARCstation, SunCD and NFS are registered trademarks of Sun
Microsystems, Inc.  UNIX is a registered trademark of AT&T.  All other
products or services mentioned in this document are identified by the
trademarks or service marks of their respective companies or
organizations.

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Press Contact:
Carrie Dillon (415) 336-3564