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                                                        The Florida SunFlash
  Sun SPARCserver Chosen By FCO For Diplomatic Data Protection
   
SunFLASH Vol 26 #22					       February 1991 
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MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. --February 27, 1991-- Great Britain's Foreign and
Commonwealth Office (FCO) is using a server from Sun Microsystems to
run an information system that gives users access to vital data, much
of which is stored in remote locations overseas.

The system's application server is a Sun SPARCserver(TM) 490, which
runs a database text retrieval package in conjunction with Uniplex's
office automation software. The BRS/Search full-text retrieval system
currently holds approximately 12 active databases containing political
information relevant to FCO's operations overseas.  The SPARCserver 490
is currently connected to at least 80 terminals, allowing easy and
rapid response to requests for information from government offices and
British missions overseas.  The system will eventually support 100 or
more users.

Dr. John Hay, information technology coordinator for the FCO's Research
and Analysis Department (RAD), commented, "The choice of the
SPARCserver as a hardware platform was not a difficult one.  Sun's
machines provide the high performance required to run large databases
in a cost-effective package.  Our requirements for widespread user
access, flexibility, UNIX(R), security up to 'orange book' C2, and the
ability to run Plexus imaging software, are all satisfied by Sun's open
systems and client/server approach.  The SPARCserver was the ideal
solution."

The previous system used by the FCO was judged inadequate since it
could support only a limited number of users.  With the SPARCserver
operating as the system's hardware platform, user capablity will expand
to more than 100 and the FCO anticipates that efficiency will increase
in some areas by as much as 50 percent.

Following the success of the pilot project, RAD will extend the scheme
to the whole of its operations.  This will mean security for, and easy
access to, an increasing proportion of RAD data from around the world.

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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SPARC is a registered trademark of SPARC International, Inc.
SPARCserver is a trademark of SPARC International, Inc., 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. All other
products or services mentioned herein are identified by the trademarks
or service marks of their respective companies or organizations.

PR contact Susanne Klopka  (415) 336-0529

Ellie Pendreich (United Kingdom)  011-44-276-20444

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