---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Florida SunFlash SMCC INTRODUCES COLOR RISC WORKSTATION PRICED LESS THAN A PC SunFLASH Vol 47 #14 November 1992 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 1-800-821-4643. PR contact: Sun Microsystems Computer Corp. Carrie Dillon (415) 336-3564 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 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, paris.cs.miami.edu, uunet.uu.net, src.doc.ic.ac.uk and ftp.adelaide.edu.au 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. TRACE: To: sunflash@suntri Errors-to: owner-sunflash@suntri.east.sun.com