---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Florida SunFlash Third Party Hardware and Software Announcements SunFLASH Vol 36 #7 December 1991 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Atlantix: NetWare Client for SPARCstations Aurora: High-Speed Parallel Card Aurora: Enhancements To Firstscan Image-Capture Product Brixton: High-Speed Networking for Corporate Usage CSC: ChemDraw Plus -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: NetWare Client for SPARCstations Atlantix Announces NetWare Client for SPARCstations Atlantix Corporation of Boca Raton, Florida has recently announced the availability of Atlantix NWclient for Sun SPARCstations. The Atlantix NWclient software package is designed to provide NetWare client emulation on standard UNIX platforms. The software allows SPARCstation users to access NetWare servers on the network as mounted UNIX file systems. Atlantix NWclient provides SPARCstation users with file and print services from any NetWare servers on the network transparently. Since Atlantix NWclient emulates NetWare protocols, no changes are required on NetWare servers or DOS based clients. FEATURES: * Transparent access to NetWare files from a SPARCstation * Direct printing from a SPARCstation to a NetWare server * Security support * File and record locking * Support of IPX and NCP native protocols With the Atlantix NWclient software, NetWare files or file trees appear to be part of the local SunOS filesystem. SPARCstation users can employ standard UNIX commands to change directories, edit files, execute programs, or perform other operations on files that are physically stored on the NetWare server. A big advantage of this feature: Jobs such as backups and batch updates can be scheduled on the SPARCstation system and performed against one or more NetWare filesystems. Vendor: Atlantix Corportation 4800 N. Federal Highway, Suite 301-B Boca Raton, FL 33431 Contact: Manny Martinez (407) 362-9700 (407)-362-9772 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Aurora Announces High-Speed Parallel Card From: auratek!skids@uunet.UU.NET (Brian Skidmore) multiport model 20s+ is first dual parallel port sbus card HIGHLIGHTS: * Provides 300% Faster Output When Printing, Plotting and Scanning * Compatible with Hundreds of Parallel Devices, Including Aurora's FirstScan Image-Capture Product * Two Parallel Ports on a Single-width SBus Card Preserve Slots for System Expansion * Incorporates Powerful Parallel I/O Chips and Large Buffers to Off-load Workstation's CPU * Each Port Can Support a Different Parallel Protocol Providing Application Versatility * Future Support for DataProducts' Printers and Other Parallel Interfaces + Available: January 1992 + Price: $595 SAN JOSE, CA -- December 9, 1991 - Aurora Technologies, Inc. introduced its highest performance SBus parallel card to date at the Sun Users Group Convention today. The new Multiport Model 20S+(TM) dual parallel port card is designed for CAD users, desktop publishers, and others with demanding hardcopy output applications. This new high-performance card joins Aurora's popular line of parallel port SBus cards for SPARC(R) workstations. Over the last two years the Multiport Model 10S(TM) parallel port and 210S(TM) parallel port with dual serial ports, have been installed in thousands of SPARC systems, world-wide. The 20S+ product comes complete with a molded breakout cable, a simple-to-install SunOS(TM) device driver, a helpful User's Guide, and a one year limited warranty. UNIQUE COMBINATION OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE AND TWO PARALLEL PORTS The Multiport Model 20S+ is a dual, high-speed, bi-directional parallel port SBus card specifically designed for SPARC(R) workstations. This intelligent SBus card includes two high-speed parallel ports; each can support either the standard Centronics parallel interface, or a user-specified, general purpose 8-bit interface. The 20S+ features the RISC-based, Cirrus Logic CD1190 Intelligent I/O Controller, and FIFO buffers for enhanced performance and application versatility. "Our customers were asking for faster output and more parallel connections on a single-width SBus card," explains Daniel Kozin, Vice President of Engineering at Aurora. "For example, many CAD installations require two types of output devices, typically a printer and a plotter. For these devices a direct parallel connection provides the fastest output, thereby allowing the user to achieve higher productivity," continues Kozin. "We have responded to our customers' requirements with the 20S+ product and their feedback has been enthusiastic. The 20S+ product meets their demands for higher throughput and support for multiple devices using a single card. In addition, a future release will provide the ability to support additional parallel interface protocols, like DataProducts and custom interfaces." COMPATIBLE WITH HUNDREDS OF PARALLEL DEVICES The Multiport Model 20S+ provides full support for hundreds of printers, plotters and other parallel devices that use the popular Centronics parallel interface. In addition, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) can offer custom solutions to support specific 8-bit parallel interfaces required by their customers. Other future enhancements include DataProducts interface compatibility, and a user-definable, general purpose parallel interface. PRICING AND AVAILABILITY Available in January 1992, the Multiport Model 20S+ product is priced at $595.00, and comes complete with a molded cable, a STREAMS-based device driver with support for SunOS 4.0.3 and above, a helpful User Guide, and an exclusive one year limited warranty. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Aurora Announces Enhancements To Firstscan Image-Capture Product From: auratek!skids@uunet.UU.NET (Brian Skidmore) Brian Skidmore - Marketing Director 617 290-4800 voice 617 290-4844 fax HIGHLIGHTS: * FirstScan Remains the Lowest-cost Scanning Solution for SPARC Workstations Using the Hewlett Packard ScanJet Scanner * In Addition to the Extensive List of Current Features, FirstScan Now Offers: -Full Control of Scanning Process From Standard Terminals -Full Support for Unattended Operation for Bulk Image and Document Scanning -Compatibility with Products that Use the Calera Recognition Systems' OCR Engine for Automatic Conversion of Document Images Into ASCII Text * A Developer's Kit That Allows OEMs to Incorporate FirstScan Image-Capture Functionality in Their Products is Now Available + Available: January 1992 + Price: Remains at $995 SAN JOSE, CA -- December 9, 1991 - Aurora Technologies, Inc. announced the FirstScan(TM) 1.1 product, an enhanced version of the popular SPARC workstation image-capture product, at the Sun Users Group Convention today. The new version offers users a host of new features and capabilities that provide additional flexibility and convenience when capturing images. The FirstScan product, originally introduced this past summer, enables users to capture high-quality images from many sources including photographs, clip art, line drawings and other graphics. Scanned images can be saved in TIFF, PostScript(R), and Sun Raster formats. These image files can then be imported into a variety of applications for image editing, OCR text image to ASCII conversion, and inclusion into documents. The FirstScan 1.1 product comes complete with everything needed to capture images using the Hewlett Packard ScanJet scanner with a SPARC workstation. The package includes the FirstScan OpenWindows(TM) application, an Aurora SBus Scanner Interface Card, complete documentation, and a one year limited warranty. NEW FEATURES RAISE PRODUCTIVITY BY STREAMLINING THE SCANNING PROCESS The new command-line interface and batch-mode features allow FirstScan users to automatically capture and save multiple images when using the fully supported ScanJet Automatic Document Feeder. In addition, the command-line interface gives users full scanning control from standard text terminals. This capability provides inexpensive access to the scanning features previously available only from workstations. Instead of retyping documents, users can save time by converting FirstScan text images automatically into ASCII text. Applications using Calera Recognition Systems' OCR Engine can read text images saved in the FirstScan TIFF file format. OEMs CAN EASILY INCLUDE IMAGE-CAPTURE IN THEIR PRODUCTS Now developers/OEMs can incorporate full FirstScan software functionality in their own applications for a variety of paper-intensive markets, such as banking, engineering, insurance, and real estate. Managing the high volume of paper documents generated by these industries requires image-capture systems for forms processing, image-based document archiving and retrieval, image databases, and other applications. The FirstScan Developer's Toolkit allows developers to easily integrate a complete imaging solution that is fully compatible with the popular ScanJet scanner and Calera OCR Engine. The Developer's Kit includes everything needed to quickly integrate image-capture functionality into new or existing products. PRICING, AVAILABILITY, AND SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS Available in January 1992, the FirstScan 1.1 product is priced at $995.00, and comes complete with the FirstScan application, Scanner Interface Card, a helpful User's Guide, and an exclusive one year limited warranty. System Requirements: SBus-based SPARC workstation running SunOS 4.1 or later, OpenWindows 2.0 or later, and Hewlett Packard ScanJet Scanner, or ScanJet Plus. Also compatible with ScanJet Plus Document Feeder, and third-party OCR software. Overview of Aurora's Product Lines ---------------------------------- SBus Asynchronous Multiplexers - Intelligent serial and parallel cards for the SBus Multiport Model 10S(TM), 210S(TM), 400S(TM), 800S(TM), 1600S(TM) Synchronous Communication - Multiport Model 400S+(TM) and 800S+(TM) support synchronous/asynchronous protocols SNA/3270, SNA3770/RJE, X.25, SunNet Manager/NetView, PPP/Internet Router SBox(TM) Expansion Chassis - Four SBus slots, international power supply and space for SCSI storage devices SCSI Drive Products - Model FD350 (3.5") and FD525 (5.25") SCSI floppy disk drives FirstScan(TM) Product - Low-cost image scanning solution for SPARC workstations includes an OpenWindows application and Scanner Interface Card to connect to HP ScanJet scanners Network Products - SBus Token Ring Card - connect to PCs and other systems using TCP/IP and other protocols Aurora Technologies, Inc. -- 176 Second Ave. -- Waltham MA 02154 (617)290-4800 voice (617)290-4844 fax -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: High-Speed Networking for Corporate Usage Brixton adds High-Speed T1 Capabilities to BrxPPP, Increases Support For New Display Terminals and GUIs for Brx3270 -- "SPARC Routing" Eliminates Need for Local Routers -- Cambridge, MA (November 4, 1991): Brixton Systems, Inc. a leading third party vendor of SPARC-based communications systems, today announced significant enhancements to its BrxPPP Point-to-Point software and the Brx3270 terminal emulator. Brixton added software support for high-speed T1 routing cards to BrxPPP, improving the product's ability to transmit large packets of data, such as that generated by financial institutions, in a high speed fashion. Brixton also extended compatibility for Brx3270 to include several new IBM terminals and GUIs such as X Window Manager, Motif and Openlook. Brixton's BrxPPP enables SPARCstations to use dial-up leased lines for connecting remotely-located machines to local SPARCstations utilizing the Point-to-Point Protocol. Brx3270 allows users to interactively communicate with applications on IBM mainframes from a variety of Unix-based computers. Brixton continues to strengthen its users' ability to connect SPARCstations together, and to their multi-protocol networks. Brixton's client base includes power users such as financial institutions, banks and insurance companies. These users regularly transmit large packets of data over networks and traditionally store data in IBM mainframe computers. "As our users continue to request additional flexibility, Brixton Systems strives to provide solutions for networking SPARCstations with their existing computing systems," said Jim Morris, VP at Brixton. "The demand for these internetworking products grow greater as SPARCstations gain popularity with large corporations." -- BrxPPP offers New features for Providing High-Speed Transmission of TCP/IP Packets for SPARCstations -- SPARCstations equipped with BrxPPP T1 support can connect to T1 phone lines and access wide-area networks for high-speed transmission of data to remotely-located SPARCstations. BrxPPP gives users and network administrators the flexibility to build inexpensive internetworks for routing packets of TCP/IP data between systems and LANs. BrxPPP also boasts several other new features, including; - Demand Dialing - Enables user to achieve automatic dial-up of a remote system by requesting any TCP/IP application to access the remote system. - Van Jacobsen Compression - Allows the TCP/IP header to be compressed, maximizing through-put on a dial-up line. -- BrxPPP Introduces SPARC Routing -- Brixton's approach to high-speed transmission of SPARC-based data focuses on leveraging the SPARCstation's existing MIPs for communications functions. Brixton terms the approach SPARC Routing. SPARC Routing eliminates the local router by connecting SPARCstations through a T1 lines directly to a remote router for accessing multi-protocol internetworks. -- Brx3270 Supports Additional Display Terminals and GUIs -- Brixton added several new enhancements to its Brx3270 product, extending its compatibility for IBM display terminals to include 3279, Models 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B and 3278 Models 1-5. Brx3270 now supports an expanded number of GUIs, including OpenLook, X Window Manager, Motif and Sunview. Users and administrators may select the GUI they prefer instead of the GUI normally required for IBM connectivity. Additionally, X support allows Brx3270 to execute on any X server. Workstations from HP, DEC, and IBM, as well as X terminals from NCD and others, can now use the SPARCstations as a gateway to IBM mainframes. Brx3270 also boasts the following new features: - File Transfer - Users can move files to and from IBM mainframes. Brx3270 support VM and MVS operating systems and the CICS and TSO applications. - Distributed EHLLAPI - Users can develop programs to this standard 3270 API or port existing applications from PCs to the SPARCstation. - Printer Emulation 3287 - Enables SPARCstations to handle print data. Includes post processing capabilities for mail, ftp, quality print or storing of the 3287 print data. BrxPPP with T1 support, shipping now, is available directly from Brixton Systems for $995. The product runs on any SPARCstation or 600 series MP System. BrxPPP supports connectivity to any router compliant with the Point-to-Point Protocol (RFC 1171). Brixton also sells the T1 hardware boards for $1595 per board, and markets both products as a bundled package for $2495. Brx3270, shipping now, is available directly from Brixton Systems for $1950. The product runs on UNIX-based systems from Sun, HP, IBM and DEC. Brixton Systems, Inc. develops and markets networking software products for integration of UNIX applications into such computing environments as IBM SNA, internetworks, PC LANs, and X.25 networks. The pioneering developers of the first product to route TCP/IP over SNA, Brixton Systems was founded in 1989 to address the platform independent communication software market. Current offerings from the BrxLink product line are available on SPARC based computers. Brixton Systems 185 Alewife Brook Parkway Suite 4200 Cambridge, MA 02138 Phone: (617) 497 - 2938 Fax: (617) 876 - 2523 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: CSC ChemDraw Plus CAMBRIDGE SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING, INC. ANNOUNCES NEW CSC CHEMDRAW PLUS, WITH COLOR, TO RUN ON SPARC WORKSTATIONS FROM SUN MICROSYSTEMS. Cambridge, Massachusetts - Cambridge Scientific Computing, Inc. announces that CSC ChemDraw Plus, with color as an industry first, is being ported to Sun Microsystems Inc.'s line of SPARC workstations. CSC ChemDraw Plus, is an enhancement of CSC ChemDraw, the industry's leading desktop publishing software for scientists and engineers in chemistry. Before this announcement, Cambridge Scientific Computing, Inc's products were available only for Macintosh computers. Cambridge Scientific Computing, Inc. president, Stewart Rubenstein, says "Our goal has always been to increase the productivity of scientists and engineers in chemistry. With this announcement of CSC ChemDraw Plus supporting Sun, the industry's leading supplier of UNIX workstations, we are please and excited to reach so many more scientists and engineers working in chemical, petroleum, and pharmaceutical industries, as well as government and education." Scientists and engineers using CSC ChemDraw Plus on Sun SPARCstations will be able to create chemical structure drawings for scientific papers, engineering reports, and chemical textbooks. The powerful computational and graphics performance of the SPARCstations will be combined with the ease, efficiency and professional quality of CSC ChemDraw. CSC ChemDraw Plus will include full color capability, customizable templates, and a full array of desktop publishing tools specifically designed to meet the needs of scientists and engineers. "Sun, as the leading UNIX platform in the pharmaceutical and chemical markets, offers the widest variety of UNIX-based R&D, personal productivity and document management solutions to pharmaceutical and chemical customers," said Robert Sepanioo, marketing manager of Sun Microsystems' pharmaceutical and chemical industries segment. "We're excited to add Cambridge Scientific Computing to our list of industry leading software vendors offering products on the Sun platform." The commercial list price of CSC ChemDraw Plus / UNIX is $1495.00. Government (non-profit), education and student (limited term) pricing is available. CSC ChemDraw Plus/UNIX 3.0 will be available in early 1992. Cambridge Scientific Computing, Inc., founded in 1986, is a leading software company dedicated to providing high quality software specialized for scientists and engineers working in chemical, petroleum and pharmaceutical manufacturing industries, as well as government research and university education. Contact: Elisa Maistrellis-Ryng Phone: (617) 491-6862 FAX: (617) 491-8208 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ For information send mail to info-sunflash@sunvice.East.Sun.COM. Subscription requests should be sent to sunflash-request@sunvice.East.Sun.COM. Archives are on solar.nova.edu and paris.cs.miami.edu. All prices, availability, and other statements relating to Sun or third party products are valid in the U.S. only. Please contact your local Sales Representative for details of pricing and product availability in your region. Descriptions of, or references to products or publications within SunFlash does not imply an endorsement of that product or publication by Sun Microsystems. John McLaughlin, SunFlash editor, flash@sunvice.East.Sun.COM. (305) 776-7770.