---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Florida SunFlash Sun Adds New Desktop Systems: SPARCstation IPX and SPARCstation ELC SunFLASH Vol 31 #14 July 1991 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Continues Leadership In Client-Server Computing MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. --July 22, 1991-- Sun Microsystems has enhanced its entire line of popular desktop workstations by rolling out powerful new systems and adding features to existing systems within its SPARCstation(TM) family. As always, Sun's goal is to continue improving the speed and ease with which users get access to a variety of information - ranging from a three-dimensional image, to figures from a database, to voice-annotated mail - at an affordable price. Unveiled today were two new desktop workstations: the SPARCstation IPX, a mid-range accelerated graphics desktop computer that includes many of the features of Sun's high-end SPARCstation 2 in a smaller, less-expensive package, and the new entry-level monochrome SPARCstation ELC, with twice the processing power and four times the memory capacity of its popular predecessor, the SPARCstation SLC. Sun's affordable desktop line-up now includes: the SPARCstation ELC, SPARCstation IPC, SPARCstation IPX and SPARCstation 2. Sun's family of powerful, networked systems meets user needs across the full range of computing applications - both technical and commercial - spanning tasks as diverse as the most sophisticated engineering process to everyday desktop productivity. This low-cost, general-purpose computing solution increases productivity while giving users- groups of a few to thousands - a competitive advantage. Sun's entire SPARC(R) line can run more than 3,300 SPARCware(TM) third-party products. SPARCstation IPX: Power For Mid-Range Needs The SPARCstation IPX offers built-in GX accelerated graphics, speeding window response time for all applications and allowing users to manipulate everything from multiple windows to complex objects in near real time. The system's combination of compute and graphics performance at a competitive price makes it an ideal solution for users who perform a variety of tasks, such as designing an integrated circuit, a building or an automobile, analyzing financial data, sending electronic mail and providing voice input/output. The wide range of applications suitable for this workstation include complex computer-aided software development, electronic publishing, network file and database access - all on a single system, at the same time. For example, in an electronic design automation environment, the IPX lets engineers create complex integrated circuit designs, use processing power to simulate the design and detect any design irregularities early, before they are implemented in hardware. Its power - far superior to PCs - and multi-tasking capabilities further increase productivity. In a client-server environment, several users can design projects concurrently, with data and images shared throughout the process, resulting in faster time to market and therefore, the best return on investment. These features are also useful for securities trading and other financial applications, allowing for the consolidation of myriad financial data on a single monitor and offering the processing power to analyze the data accumulated. In addition, the color capabilities of the IPX can alert traders to activity in the market. For example, market direction, trading positions and types of orders in multiple windows are constantly updated in real time and displayed in different colors. Besides the high-performance workstation version, this new system can be configured as a powerful, low-cost file or print server for small workgroups. The SPARCstation ELC: Big Power, Little Price The SPARCstation ELC is aimed at business and technical users whose computing needs have outgrown the limitations of PCs and terminals, but who cannot afford high-end workstations. For the price of a PC, but with performance greater than a 33-MHz `486 system, the ELC offers multiple windows, high-resolution display, very fast response times, built-in networking and access to Sun's rich client-server environment. It also can be configured as a powerful, low-cost file server for small workgroups. Like the SPARCstation SLC that it replaces, the ELC integrates all of the workstation components into the back of a monochrome display. This new system comprises the low end of Sun's popular desktop SPARCstation RISC family. Cost-Effective Solution For Variety Of Markets The SPARCstation ELC is geared to entry-level computing needs in database management, document image processing and computer-aided software development. For example, in branch bank automation, the ELC can handle all front-end processing, running applications locally, thus freeing the server to manage the database. Similarly, in document image processing environments, the SPARCstation ELC's increased CPU performance, fast networking and crisp resolution offer fast document image decompression and sharp, accurate document image display across the network. For computer-aided software development, the SPARCstation ELC improves productivity, speeding the edit/debug/compile process while providing network access via the SunLink(R) product family to mainframe and minicomputer environments. SPARCstation IPX And SPARCstation ELC Technical Features o SPARC Processor - Both the SPARCstation IPX and SPARCstation ELC are powered by a new SPARC microprocessor that combines integer and floating point units on a single chip. The 40-MHz IPX processor delivers 24.2 SPECmarks (28.5 MIPS and 4.2 MFLOPS) of performance. The ELC's 33-MHz processor delivers 20.1 SPECmarks (21 MIPS and 3 MFLOPS). This performance is the result of Sun compilers and third-party compilers that will be available from Kuck and Associates in 45 days. Like other Sun SPARC workstations, the IPX and the ELC conform to SPARC Compliance Definition (SCD) 1.0, assuring compatibility with SCD-compliant SPARC systems from other vendors. o Integration -As with all Sun desktop workstations, the IPX and ELC include SCSI, serial ports, Ethernet and audio capabilities. The IPX squeezes all CPU components and GX graphics, a 207-megabyte disk, a floppy drive and two SBus expansion slots into a 9.5- by 10.5- inch desktop CPU package. The ELC packs all its components into a convection-cooled CPU board that slides easily into the rear portion of a high-resolution (1152 by 900, 100 dpi) monochrome monitor. With no fan, this unique package generates no audible noise. o Server Configuration -Both the IPX and ELC are available in low-cost server configurations that offer fast application throughput and excellent expandability for file and mail service in small workgroups. With its SBus expansion, the IPX also makes an excellent print or timesharing server for small workgroups. o Graphics - The SPARCstation IPX comes standard with accelerated GX graphics that can produce 480,000 2-D vectors per second and 310,000 3-D vectors per second. Sun engineers miniaturized this innovative hardware from a 5- by 6-inch board to a single chip mounted on the CPU board. This frees the two SBus expansion slots previously needed for the GX board. The IPX is available in a color or grayscale model.The ELC is available in monochrome only. o UNIX(R) - Both systems support SunOS(TM) operating system, which is compatible with the standard UNIX, System V Release 4. o Ease of Use - Simple operation is made possible through the OpenWindows(TM) environment, which includes the intuitive OPEN LOOK(R) graphical user interface and 14 DeskSet(TM) productivity tools - such as a file manager, on-line scheduler and mail tool - that utilize OPEN LOOK's pop-up and pull-down menus and simple "drag and drop" capabilities. o Memory - The IPX comes standard with 16 megabytes of memory and has a maximum memory capacity of 64 megabytes. The ELC comes standard with 8 megabytes of memory, expandable up to 64 megabytes. Both can support the same 4-megabyte and 16-megabyte SIMMs. o Networking- All Sun systems feature built-in support of networking protocols such as NFS(R), TCP/IP, PC-NFS(R) and TOPS(TM). An Ethernet port is included. o Expansion/Serviceability - The ELC's "pop top" enclosure makes adding memory and servicing the CPU board fast and easy. Both the ELC and IPX memory and CPU board upgrades are customer installable. Upgrades, Pricing, Availability Cost-effective board upgrades to the SPARCstation IPX and SPARCstation ELC are available immediately. Following is a list of the suggested U.S. retail prices and availability information for Sun's new workstation and server system products in their base configurations: System U.S. List Availability Configuration SPARCstation ELC $4,995 Immediate 8MB, 17" mono, diskless SPARCstation ELC $6,295 Immediate 8MB, 17" mono, 207 MB disk SPARCstation IPX $11,995 Immediate 16MB, 17" grayscale, 207 MB disk, GX accelerator SPARCstation IPX $13,495 Immediate 16MB, 16" color, 207 MB disk GX accelerator Sun Microsystems is the world's leading supplier of client/server computing solutions, which feature networked workstations and servers that store, process and distribute information. Used for many demanding commercial and technical applications, Sun's products command the largest share of the computer industry's fastest-growing market segment: workstations and servers. The company, founded in 1982 and headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., is a multi-billion dollar corporation doing business worldwide. SPARC is a registered trademark of SPARC International, Inc. SPARCstation, SPARCware and SPARCserver are trademarks of SPARC International, Inc., licensed exclusively to Sun Microsystems, Inc. Products bearing SPARC trademarks are based on an architecture developed by Sun Microsystems, Inc. SunOS, DeskSet, OpenWindows, SunTOPS and SunCD are trademarks and Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, SunLink, NFS, PC-NFS are registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. OPEN LOOK and UNIX are registered trademarks of UNIX System Laboratories, Inc. All other products or services mentioned in this document are identified by the trademarks or service marks of their respective companies or organizations. For reader inquiries, telephone 1-800-821-4643. PR contacts: Carrie Dillon (415) 336-3564 John Loiacono (415) 336-6424 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 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.