sunflash-Distributed to mailing list sun/NC/north-carolina sunflash-Send requests, problems to owner-sunflash@suntri.east.sun.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Florida SunFlash Third Party Product Announcements SunFLASH Vol 58 #24 October 1993 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abstracts 58.24.A New 20 Mbps Wireless LANs Hook Into Workstation Ethernet NIC cards By incorporating breakthrough RF technology within the 902-928 MHz band, Wi-LAN makes it possible for SPARC-based wireless networks to support three times as many users as wire-based Ethernet with no degradation in performance. 58.24.B New release of Fortress UNIX System Security Software Woodside Technologies recently announced major enhancements to its Fortress UNIX System Security Software. Fortress 3.0 is designed to provide instant and in-depth security for Sun systems. 58.24.C Low Cost Print Servers Microplex has reduced the price of its M200 and M201 multi-protocol, multi-port print servers to $595.00 US -- making them the lowest price of any multi-protocol print servers on the market. Note that the M200/M201 print servers supports both SunOS "lpr" and Solaris "lp" printing. 58.24.D NetClasses 2.0 - C++ library for distributed, OO applications NetClasses is a set of C++ class libraries that is designed facilitate the development of object-oriented distributed systems applications. NetClasses provides the tools needed to develop complex distributed applications without having to deal with the details of low-level communications. 58.24.E New High Resolution Portable from RDI RDI announced the availability of a high resolution color LCD for its BriteLite LX portable SPARC workstations. The BriteLite LX can now be ordered with a 1024 x 768 resolution active matrix color LCD 58.24.F New SPARC portable from RDI RDI Computer Corporation announced a new family of portable workstations -- PowerLite. PowerLite provides the SPARC workstation user with the performance, capacity, and display characteristics expected on the desktop in a slim-line portable. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Details -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: New 20 Mbps Wireless LANs Hook Into Workstation Ethernet NIC cards From: Douglas Cooper Contact: Frederick Rogers, President Org: Wi-LAN, Inc. Phone: (403) 273-9133 Contact: Thomas S. Carroll Org: Cooper/Iverson Marketing Phone: (619) 292-7400 Email: coopiver@cerf.net Wi-LAN Announces 20 Mbps Wireless Networking Technology; Stakes Claim To Wireless SPARC Market By incorporating breakthrough RF technology within the 902-928 MHz band, Wi-LAN makes it possible for SPARC-based wireless networks to support three times as many users as wire-based Ethernet with no degradation in performance. Dallas, Texas, October 5, 1993 -- Wi-LAN, a developer of advanced wireless technology with headquarters locations in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and Newport Beach, California, has announced a new family of wireless ethernet products that support data transmission speeds up to 20 Megabits per second (Mbps). The fastest unit, code named the Wi-LAN 902-20*, is compatible with the IEEE 802.3 local area network standard, and operates with any network management software that connects with standard ethernet wire cable. The family, based on technology developed at the University of Calgary and AGT Ltd., were officially introduced at a news conference at NetWorld in Dallas. Wi-LAN forecasts that first customer shipments will commence in January, 1994. A token ring-compatible version is planned for the second quarter of 1994. Rogers insists that his company's product is ideally suited for the desktop market that has been abandoned by such companies as Xircom, Proxim, and Persoft. He says, "The desktop wireless market, including SPARC-based workstation market, is vastly underrated. Think of the countless system managers who are wondering how to outfit new buildings to take into account transmission media like Sonet and ATM. When our product ships, specifying and stringing ethernet cable will be one less item on their already crowded plate." Rogers likens today's wire-based transmission media to overcrowded freeways. He says, "Even the worst rush-hour congestion could be solved by adding four more traffic lanes. That's what we do. Our transmission speed doesn't make the car go any faster, but it does add the additional lanes to the data highway so that cars don't have to slow down." The Wi-LAN 902-20 plugs directly into the Ethernet network interface card (NIC) of any workstation or computer. Using patented technology, the unit accepts outgoing data from the NIC, modulates and compresses it, transmits it at 20 Mbps to any other unit in the network where it is delivered without modification to the computer through the incoming NIC. The rated transmission speed of the Wi-LAN 902-20 enables it to triple the number of active network users from traditional wire-based ethernet. Suggested retail price for the Wi-LAN 902-20 has been initially set at $1,495. Shortly after the Wi-LAN 902-20 begin shipping, Wi-LAN will introduce a comparable LAN Gateway. When connected directly to an existing cable port on an existing wire-based LAN, the Gateway unit will provide an RF link between terminals connected to the existing wired LAN and terminals equipped with the 902-20. When connected directly to an existing server, the Gateway unit will provide an RF link between the server and terminals equipped with the 902-20 or another server equipped with another Gateway. Wireless nodes can then be added or removed without additional rewiring. New wireless nodes can communicate to the wired LAN or server immediately and seamlessly. The Gateway unit will also connect to 9600 bps dial up modems, through which users can access diagnostic software routines and download new software, upgrades, and bug fixes. Gateway pricing will be announced during the first quarter of 1994. Wi-LAN plans to distribute its products through a national and international network of resellers. This research is supported by a grant from the National Research Council of Canada. For more information, contact Wi-LAN, 300-12 Manning Close N.E., Calgary, Alberta, Canada; phone: (403) 273-9133; fax: (403) 272-2114. # # # Wi-LAN 902-20* Fact Sheet Transmission speed: 20 Mbps Bit Error Rate: 10-8 Distance covered: 90 ft. radius through walls, etc. 300 ft. unobstructed Power emitted: 30 mW Dimensions: Height - 5" Length - 3" Width - 2" Network System Protocols Supported: IEEE 802.3 local area network standard AC Power Consumption: 4.5 watts UL, CSA approved Frequency band: 902-928 MHz (ISM band) No FCC/DOC License required Up to three Channelized Multiple Networks Encryption: Patented encryption technique Intrinsic over the air security Wi-LAN 902-20 is a trademark of Wi-LAN, Inc. All other product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. This research is supported by a grant from the National Research Council of Canada. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: New release of Fortress UNIX System Security Software From: Bill Shott Unix Central Phone: 408-733-9400 x403 Fax: 408-732-7335 Contact: Kurt Scherer Email: kscherer@woodside.com Phone: (408) 733-9503 ext 412 WOODSIDE TECHNOLOGIES ENHANCES ITS FORTRESS UNIX SYSTEM SECURITY SOFTWARE Version 3.0 adds Motif support, IBM RS/6000 compatibility, and dozens of new security checks. SUNNYVALE, CALIFORNIA, September 1, 1993 - Woodside Technologies, Inc., today introduced a major upgrade to its FORTRESS UNIX System Security Software. Available for immediate shipment, version 3.0 features dozens of new security checks, cryptographically secure RSA MD4 and MD5 file inoculation, support for the Motif and OpenLook graphical user interfaces, and a powerful, new "directory-tree" database editor which greatly simplifies the task of selecting files for security protection. In addition, file-status and inoculation data are now stored in DES- encrypted "protected files databases" to prevent deciphering by hackers or other malicious agents. According to Bill Shott, president of Woodside Technologies, "the enhancements provided with FORTRESS version 3.0 make it possible to implement in-depth security measures on Sun and IBM RS/6000 systems in only a few hours. Users can set up fully automated security audits which help prevent unauthorized logins, limit the amount of damage a disgruntled user can cause, and detect changes to critical system and application files." FORTRESS provides a detailed description of each security problem it detects - including a ranking of its severity and recommended corrective measures. "We've made it easy as possible for a system administrator to take immediate action based on the results of FORTRESS security checks," continued Shott. Adds Eric Sedlar, director of software development, "many security programs fail because they prove too cumbersome to maintain over time. In contrast, FORTRESS 3.0 complements the file-oriented architecture of UNIX systems and easily accommodates changes in system or network configuration." For example, if an application is moved to a new host or directory location, the associated file-status and inoculation data can be preserved by simply changing the default root directory of the appropriate protected files database. FORTRESS 3.0 is the first commercial UNIX security software product to inoculate files using the internationally recognized RSA MD4 and MD5 message-digest algorithms. Industry sources estimate that the probability of different MD4-inoculated files having the same digest by coincidence is less than 1 in 3 x 10^38 and that cracking a single MD5 digest would keep a network of 1,000 high-powered workstations busy for more than a thousand years. "By incorporating RSA technology into FORTRESS 3.0," says Sedlar, "we've made it virtually impossible to conceal unauthorized changes to protected files." FORTRESS 3.0 features dozens of new security checks which significantly enhance its ability to spot potential security problems. These new checks include: * Complete analysis of all "trusted host" permissions granted through system files. * Detection of more than 50 operating system weaknesses that could be exploited by worms or hackers to gain system access or superuser privileges. * Detection of changes in system setup parameters including inetd.conf daemons, piped mail aliases, etc. * Detection of setuid and setgid files, unowned files, device files outside of /dev, world writable files, and files whose permissions do not match a user-specified mask. Many additional new features make FORTRESS 3.0 easier to use and maintain. These include: * Support for both Motif and OpenLook GUI environments. * Powerful "directory-tree" display/editor make it easy to select files for protection or to review the contents of protected files databases. * Comparative results checking lets users compare security-check results to an established baseline of "acceptable" results from previous tests, provides concise summaries of changes in system status. * Machine-readable results files consolidate results of multiple security checks from any number of hosts. Results can be reloaded in FORTRESS for report generation or on-screen review. * Automated check files specify sets of security checks with all related options for automatic execution. FORTRESS, priced at $495 to $795 per copy depending upon network configuration and is available immediately for SPARCstation systems using the SunOs 4.1.X operating system and for IBM RS/6000 systems running AIX 3.2. Substantial quantity discounts are available. Woodside plans to extend support to future platforms including Solaris and HP versions by year end 1993. FORTRESS is available directly from Woodside Technologies at 408-733-9503, and through authorized resellers. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, Woodside Technologies, Inc., is a privately-held corporation that develops software utilities which make multi-user computer systems more reliable, more secure, and easier to administer. FORTRESS is a registered trademark of Woodside Technologies, Inc. All other trademarks are recognized. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Low Cost Print Servers From: sjb@microplex.com (Steve Balaban) Contact: Steve Balaban Org: Microplex Systems Ltd. (Microplex) Tel: 800 665-7798 or (604) 444-4232 Fax: (604) 444-4239 Email: sjb@microplex.com For Literature requests: info@microplex.com Prices Slashed on Microplex Multi-protocol Print Servers. --------------------------------------------------------- New $595 price places the M200/M201 first in price and performance. Vancouver, B.C. -- Sept 21, 1993 -- Microplex Systems Ltd. today announced it has reduced the price of its M200 and M201 multi-protocol, multi-port print servers to $595.00 US -- making them the lowest price of any multi-protocol print servers on the market. "By dropping the price of the M200/M201 we have set a new price/performance standard for multi-protocol, multi-port print servers," said Steve Balaban, V.P. Sales and Marketing at Microplex Systems Ltd. "As well as being at least $100 less than our closest competitor, we also offer the fastest parallel throughput, greatest functionality, and broadest system compatibility which explains why initial reaction to the $595 price has been very strong," he added. The M200/M201 print servers offer: 200,000+cps continuous throughput Support for both SunOS "lpr" and Solaris "lp" printing No host software required Simultaneous Unix and Novell Support SNMP Network Management Auto ASCII to PostScript conversion Page counting, logging, password protection Up to 9 different printer destinations/queues Auto-sensing and switching for desire emulation mode Extensive print status monitoring and reporting via SMTP 30 day money back guarantee Microplex Systems Ltd. is a privately owned company engaged in the design, manufacture, and marketing of data communications equipment for both wide and local area networks. It is located at 8525 Commerce Court, Burnaby, B.C. Canada V5A 4N3. Phone: 1 800 665-7798 or (604) 444-4232, Fax: (604) 444-4239. Email:info@microplex.com PostScript, Novell, SunOS, Solaris are registered trademarks of their respective companies. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: NetClasses 2.0 - C++ library for distributed, OO applications From: shirleyk@qualix.com (Shirley Kumamoto) Org: QUALiX GROUP, INC. Address: 1900 So. Norfolk Street, #224 San Mateo, CA 94403 Phone: 1-800-245-UNIX 415-572-0200 FAX: 1-800-245-3468 415-572-1300 e-mail: info@qualix.com NETCLASSES 2.0 - C++ LIBRARY FOR DISTRIBUTED OBJECT-ORIENTED APPLICATIONS NetClasses is a set of C++ class libraries that is designed facilitate the development of object-oriented distributed systems applications. NetClasses provides the tools needed to develop complex distributed applications without having to deal with the details of low-level communications. Version 2.0 has been enhanced and ported to the following platforms: o SPARC/SunOS 4.1.x o HP 9000/HPUX o IBM AIX o DEC/Ultrix o Windows NT o LYNX OS NetClasses enables the developer to quickly and easily: o Transport objects over a network. o Perform remote method invocations (RMI). Fault tolerance and connection management are transparent to the application programmer. o Develop distributed services based on a transparent connection and service management mechanism. Users can write applications that use agents that advertise their their services over the network. The programmer is shielded from setting up explicit port numbers and RPC connections. o Develop multiple distributed applications that leverage existing distributed applications by using the multiple inheritance, subtyping and data encapsulation capabilities of the NetClasses package. o Use TCP and UDP based reliable broadcast protocols available as C++ class libraries o Write applications that are interoperable and compatible with CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture). Applications written with NetClasses can incorporate CORBA functionality within them and take advantage of Object Transport and Distribute Services while using CORBA within the same application. Also, NetClasses applications can communicate to any other CORBA via a gateway at the Remote Method Invocation layer. (CORBA does not support Object Transport or Distributed Services) GETTING NETCLASSES INFORMATION VIA THE QUALIX MAIL SERVER: --------------------------------------------------------- Qualix Group maintains a mailserver with information files and demo versions of products. If you'd like more information on NetClasses, send an e-mail to qfacts@qualix.com (or uunet!qualix!qfacts) and include the following lines: BEGIN send netclasses.info END Name Address Phone The NetClasses information will automatically be sent to you. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: New High Resolution Portable from RDI From: kathrynf@whitney.rdi.com (Kathryn Fielding) Org: RDI Computer Corporation Tel: (619) 558-6985 Fax: (619) 558-7061 Address: 6696 Mesa Ridge Road, Building A, San Diego, CA 92121 Email: sales@rdi.com RDI COMPUTER CORPORATION INTRODUCES FIRST COMMERCIAL ACTIVE MATRIX HIGH RESOLUTION LCD FOR THE BRITELITE LX PORTABLE New York, NY (September 21, 1993) -- RDI announced today the availability of a high resolution color LCD for its BriteLite LX portable SPARC workstations. The BriteLite LX can now be ordered with a 1024 x 768 resolution active matrix color LCD. The BriteLite LX includes a GX chip that resides on the Sun supplied LX motherboard, and now a second SUN GX chip is included on the BriteLite LX high resolution LCD controller. For the first time, RDI provides graphics acceleration to the internal 1024 x 768 high resolution LCD. Now the SPARC portable workstation user can obtain the same graphics performance boost as on a Sun SPARCstation LX. Each GX controller is logically independent and provides separate frame buffers. The graphics controllers: - Provide standard GX functionality - Accelerate 2-D/3-D wireframe and flat fill rates (up to 480,000 2-D vectors per second). - Accelerate text scrolling and windowing - Are binary compatible with all previous GX products - Are ideal for EDA, CASE, publishing, finance, and PC CAD With the introduction of this new high resolution active matrix color LCD, applications once confined to desktop workstations can now be fully utilized in a portable environment. The BriteLite LX's 1024 x 768 panel matches the resolution of the Sun Microsystems' desktop SPARC workstations. And since the BriteLite LX incorporates the 50 MHz SPARCengine LX board from Sun and the unmodified Solaris operating environment, customers are insured 100% Sun compatibility as well as ample power to utilize even the most complex software programs on the road. "RDI has once again brought to our customers what they want -- accelerated graphics to a high resolution color LCD in a portable package," explained Frank Smaldino, Vice President of Sales for RDI Computer Corporation. "Now the true Sun workstation user can duplicate their entire desktop work environment on a BriteLite LX and go on the road. With nearly one gigabyte of internal disk storage and up to 96 megabytes of physical memory on a 50 MHz SPARC LX portable, our users make no compromises with portability." RDI will begin shipping the BriteLite LX 1024 system in January. In the U.S., the retail price for a BriteLite LX 1024 with a 450 MB hard drive and 16 MB of memory will be $21,995. As with all other BriteLite LX products, a one year warranty will be offered. In a separate announcement, RDI introduced a new line of portable workstations, the PowerLite. PowerLite provides the SPARC workstation user with the performance, capacity, and display characteristics expected on the desktop in a slim-line portable. With microSPARC, over one gigabyte of internal storage and a 1024 x 768 resolution active matrix color LCD, the PowerLite truly offers all the processing power and capabilities of a desktop workstation. RDI Computer Corporation balances the power of workstation functionality and mobile computing by developing, manufacturing, and marketing portable workstations. All of the PowerLite and BriteLite models are upgradeable. Disks, the LCD, and processors can be swapped and upgraded to incorporate the latest, most powerful technology. The BriteLite LX 1024 will be available through RDI's established reseller channel. ### BriteLite, BriteLite LX, and PowerLite are registered trademarks of RDI Computer Corporation. Sun, SPARCengine LX, SunOS, Solaris, and microSPARC are the trademarks of Sun Microsystems. SPARC is a registered trademark of SPARC International, Inc. UNIX is a registered trademark of UNIX Systems Laboratories, Inc. JOIN is a trademark of Competitive Automation, Inc. All other brand names and products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: New SPARC portable from RDI From: kathrynf@whitney.rdi.com (Kathryn Fielding) Org: RDI Computer Corporation Tel: (619) 558-6985 Fax: (619) 558-7061 Address: 6696 Mesa Ridge Road, Building A, San Diego, CA 92121 Email: sales@rdi.com RDI COMPUTER CORPORATION ENHANCES PORTABLE SPARC OFFERING WITH A NEW SLIM-LINE PACKAGE--THE POWERLITE New York, NY (September 21, 1993) -- RDI Computer Corporation announced today a new family of portable workstations -- PowerLite. PowerLite provides the SPARC workstation user with the performance, capacity, and display characteristics expected on the desktop in a slim-line portable. Based on the microSPARC processor, the PowerLite runs at 50 MHz providing 60 MIPS of processing power. The system can be configured with up to 80 MB of memory and over 1 GB of internal disk space to give even the most sophisticated users plenty of power and storage to fully utilize demanding technical applications. The PowerLite comes preloaded with Solaris 1.1C unmodified to insure 100% compatibility with leading desktop workstation applications from Sun Microsystems. The PowerLite will offer two display options on a 10.4 inch diagonal LCD. The 640 x 480 resolution Colorplus active matrix LCD provides a palette of 262,000 colors (64 levels of gray scale). This extensive palette is important for GIS and mapping applications which require accurate color illustration, image rendering, and smoother surface shading. The Colorplus panel also supports simultaneous display from the internal LCD to an external VGA device. Users who require higher resolution can order the PowerLite with the 1024 x 768 resolution active matrix color LCD. Offering crisp, clear viewing, the PowerLite's 1024 x 768 LCD matches the resolution of the Sun Microsystems' desktop SPARC workstations. And unique to RDI is the capability to upgrade from the 640 LCD to the high resolution 1024 LCD. For additional expansion and connectivity alternatives, the PowerLite's Peripheral Expansion Unit (PXU) can be connected directly to the bottom of the PowerLite. This unit can be configured to include extra hard disks, SBus slots, and/or SCSI peripherals. With the Peripheral Expansion Unit, the PowerLite can be customized specifically to the users' requirements. The expansion unit with a single 450 MB hard disk installed and two open SBus slots will list for $2,950. "This system does not skimp on features or functionality to achieve its light weight and compact size," explained Reg Broughton, Vice President of Marketing for RDI Computer Corporation. With the power of microSPARC, expansion up to two gigabytes of storage and a 1024 x 768 resolution active matrix color LCD, the PowerLite truly offers all the processing power and capabilities of a desktop workstation in a sleek, 8.5 pound package." In designing the PowerLite, RDI kept ease of use, portability, and comfort in mind. The full sized, full travel, 105 key keyboard makes the system easy to use, and a convenient integrated trackball makes working on the go easier than ever before. To insure the users' comfort when operating the PowerLite, the case was engineered with a built in palm rest. An integrated FAX/modem enables data, messages, or electronic mail to be sent or received so users can easily communicate when on the road. To further enhance the systems portability, RDI has also included the first release of its Virtual Workgroup Architecture (VWA). This set of powerful software features includes user friendly tools and applications for system network administration, network connection, and FAX management. The U.S. list price for the entry level PowerLite system, which includes the 640 x 480 Colorplus LCD and a 340 MB hard drive, retail for $9,995. The PowerLite 1024 with a high resolution color LCD retail for $15,995. First customer shipments are scheduled for December. Both come with a one year warranty. In a separate announcement today, RDI introduced the 1024 x 768 high resolution display option for the BriteLite LX. RDI Computer Corporation balances the power of workstation functionality and mobile computing by developing, manufacturing, and marketing portable workstations. The PowerLite line of portable workstations joins RDI's established family of BriteLite portables. The BriteLite products incorporate actual Sun SPARCengines coupled with the latest release of the Solaris operating environment (unmodified). Both the PowerLite and BriteLite portables can be upgraded to incorporate the latest, most powerful technology, including LCDs, memory, hard disk drives, and in the case of the BriteLite, processor boards. This is a key feature for RDI's key target market; the large and expanding population of Sun users that require portability of their SPARC based applications. ### BriteLite, BriteLite LX , and PowerLite are registered trademarks of RDI Computer Corporation. Sun, SPARCengine LX, SunOS, and Solaris, are the trademarks of Sun Microsystems. SPARC is a registered trademark of SPARC International, Inc. Unix is a registered trademark of Unix Systems Laboratories, Inc. JOIN is a trademark of Competitive Automation, Inc. All other brand names and products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. ********************************************************************** For information about SunFlash send mail to info-sunflash@Sun.COM. Subscription requests should be sent to sunflash-request@Sun.COM. Archives are on draco.nova.edu, ftp.uu.net, sunsite.unc.edu, 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. Send brief articles (e.g. third party announcements) and include contact information (non-800#, fax #, email, etc) to: John McLaughlin, SunFlash editor, flash@Sun.COM. +1 305 351 4909