sunflash-Distributed to mailing list sun/NC/north-carolina sunflash-Send requests, problems to owner-sunflash@suntri.east.sun.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Florida SunFlash Sun's Hottest Volume 4 Number 1 SunFLASH Vol 57 #19 September 1993 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 57.19.A Sun's Hottest Volume 4 Number 1 This article contains the text of a newsletter, "Sun's Hottest", that is mailed to many customers. It is an excellent summary of Sun's recent product announcements. 57.19.B Solaris Shines! Solaris 2 Binary Compatibility Package. Solaris 2 Network Transition Kit. Solaris 1.1 and microSPARC processor. Solaris 2 Associate Program. Solaris 2 x86 Certification Program. Bridging the gap between PCs and client-server computing: Solaris for x86 Online: DiskSuite (tm) 2.0 now available on Solaris 2.1 Japanese, French, German, Italian, and Swedish versions of Solaris 2.2 Motif Toolkit for Solaris 2.2 57.19.C Introducing SPARCclassic X Sun's first X terminal, SPARCclassic X, is the industry's most innovative X terminal, with its low-cost, plug-and-play upgrade to a workstation. 57.19.D Graphics Products Summary highlights of the SPARCstation 10TurboGXplus and SPARCstation ZX and 10ZX system. Also, SPARCstation SX imaging and SunVideo technologies 57.19.E Sun's New Graphics Hardware: The Dawn Of A New Graphics Age SPARCstation 10TurboGXplus system SPARCstation ZX and 10ZX systems SPARCstation SX technology & SunVideo technology 57.19.F NeWSprinter CL+: The Color Printer for Client-Server Workgroups Sun's printing solution in client-server computing includes NeWSprint, BalanceTool and FastRaster 57.19.G Sun Scores 1994 World Cup Sun is an official marketing partner and exclusive computer supplier for the 1994 World Cup, the world's largest single-sport event. 57.19.H In Short ShowMe 1.1, New models (600MP and SPARCstation 10), SunNet Manager and Novell's NMS, SunLink OSI 8.0 SunLink TRI/S 3.0 and SunLink HSI/S 2.0 for Solaris 2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Sun's Hottest Volume 4 Number 1 This article contains the text of a newsletter, "Sun's Hottest", that is mailed to many customers. It is an excellent summary of Sun's recent product announcements. Sun's HOTTEST editor is Tracey Hoskinson . Send comments to comments@goldenbear.Corp.Sun.COM I have inserted references to SunFlash articles. You can send for the referenced SunFlash articles by sending email to flashadm@sun.com. The subject line should be a list of one or more article numbers and the message body should be empty: $ mail flashadm@sun.com Subject: 54.33 55.13 ^D ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Solaris Shines! [ref: SunFlash 54.33 "SunSoft Announces Solaris 2 Customer Initiatives"] Here's all the latest news on Solaris tools, products, and services. Five new migration tools to make the transition to Solaris 2 easier ------------------------------------------------------------------- * Solaris 2 Binary Compatibility Package. With an enhanced Binary Compatibility Package in Solaris 2, you can run more Solaris 1 applications on Solaris 2 without modification. In addition to dynamically linked applications, the enhanced package furnishes support for statically linked applications, enabling you to run most of your Solaris 1 applications without any loss in performance. * Solaris 2 Network Transition Kit. The NIS Network Transition Kit simplifies the transition process by allowing you to migrate to Solaris 2 without modifying your current network configuration or system administration policies. * Solaris 1.1 and microSPARC processor. Take advantage of the price/performance benefits of systems based on the microSPARC processor while migrating to the Solaris 2 environment. Solaris 1.1 Version C, a new version of Solaris 1.1, lets you use Sun's latest workstation technology during the transition to Solaris 2. * Solaris 2 Associate Program. An expansion of the Catalyst (SM) Program, the Associate Program addresses the unique needs of our Sun customers' in-house software developers. The Associate Program provides early access to developer tools and Solaris products for SPARC and x86, migration planning support, a migration tips database, technical updates and newsletters, and special regional conferences. * Solaris 2 x86 Certification Program. Manufacturers of x86 equipment and peripherals can test their products under the Solaris x86 Certification Program, which offers technical support, self-test suites, listings in guides, regular updates, and marketing programs. The Solaris x86 environment supports systems from many of the leading PC vendors, including AST, Compaq, Dell Computer, Gateway 2000, IBM, NEC, NCR, and Toshiba. Bridging the gap between PCs and client-server computing: Solaris for x86 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- [ref: SunFlash 55.13 "Solaris for x86 Now Available from SMCC"] Solaris is the only operating environment in today's computing world that spans a wide range of SPARC and x86 systems. With Solaris for x86, SPARC and x86 platforms can be linked in a single, open, robust environment running across an enterprise. Solaris for x86 helps you leverage your existing investment in development, training, and administration with a consistent user environment. The comprehensive, client-server facilities of Solaris supply the flexibility and scalability needed to support any number of SPARC and x86 systems. With Solaris, your company has the power to handle complex networks, on-line databases, technical applications, and x86 application development. Solaris offers a high-performance, robust environment that is ready to run your business. The English version of Solaris for x86 is now available worldwide. Online: DiskSuite (tm) 2.0 now available on Solaris 2.1 ------------------------------------------------------- [ref: SunFlash 53.16 "Online: DiskSuite 2.0"] The most complete and robust UNIX disk mirroring product, Online: DiskSuite (tm) for Solaris 2.1 and later releases supplies high data availability for demanding commercial and technical applications. Online: DiskSuite 2.0 features not normally found in disk mirroring products include the ability to mirror raw disk partitions and system disks, and a unique "hot spares" capability, which prevents data corruption in case of compound failures. New Japanese, French, German, Italian, and Swedish versions of Solaris 2.2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- [ref: SunFlash 56.29 "Japanese Solaris 2.2"] [ref: SunFlash 56.05 "European Solaris 2.2"] Created from the same source tree as English Solaris 2.2 with language-specific localizations on top, the Asian and European versions provide consistent GUIs, help messages, and error messages. With the introduction of the new translations, Solaris 2.2 is now available in seven foreign languages, including Chinese (for China and Taiwan), and Korean. New Motif Toolkit for Solaris 2.2 --------------------------------- [ref: SunFlash 56.08 "MOTIF 1.2.2 Developers Toolkit for Solaris 2.2"] Software developers have a head start in creating applications for the new Common Desktop Environment with Sun's Motif Toolkit for Solaris 2.2. The new Motif 1.2.2 toolkit offers you a comprehensive set of tools, including the Motif libraries, Motif Window Manager, and the User Interface Language (UIL) compiler. Developers can use this toolkit interface, along with the Xlib API to produce GUI applications that are localizable for both Asian and European markets. Application development time is significantly reduced with the UIL compiler, which allows you to conduct rapid user interface design and prototyping. Based on the industry standard X Window System and X Toolkit Intrinsics from MIT and the X11 R5 libraries, this toolkit is portable across a wide range of hardware platforms. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Introducing SPARCclassic X [ref: SunFlash 55.29 "New Sun X terminal offers industry's easiest upgrade to workstation"] [ref: SunFlash 56.19 "SPARCclassic X X-terminal"] [ref: SunFlash 56.22 "Upgrades from SPARCclassic X X-terminal to SPARCclassic Workstation"] [ref: SunFlash 56.23 "SPARCclassic X is now available from SunExpress"] Today's X terminal: tomorrow's workstation ------------------------------------------ Sun's first X terminal, SPARCclassic X, is the industry's most innovative X terminal, with its low-cost, plug-and-play upgrade to a workstation. SPARCclassic X also offers exceptionally easy-to-use administration tools and open access to any X application on any server in your computing environment. SPARCclassic X offers the lowest entry price yet for a Sun system and provides a cost-effective migration path to UNIX client-server computing. The inexpensive upgrade package lets you continue to benefit from your investment as your computing needs evolve. With optimized networking and graphical tools developed specifically to integrate tightly with Solaris, SPARCclassic X systems complement Sun's SPARCcenter 2000 and SPARCserver 1000 enterprise and departmental computing solutions. Advantages for all users ------------------------ Users in various industries -- including customer service, banking, transportation, CAD/CAM, CASE, and education Ñ will enjoy the price/performance advantages SPARCclassic X offers. Another advantage is increased productivity, because users can access and manipulate data graphically, which is not an option with character-based terminals. Leading performance ------------------- When it comes to performance, SPARCclassic X delivers in classic Sun style. It is two to three times faster than competitive X terminals in the same price range -- at 1.54 to 2.33 Xmarks. The Xmark is the new industry-standard benchmark for X terminal performance. The SPARCclassic X system is based on a 50-MHz microSPARC (tm) processor and comes standard with 4 or 8 MB of memory, expandable to 96 MB. It also includes a GUI-based local window manager and installation and administration software, as well as other tools. Eight-bit color or GX graphics models are available, along with a choice of five color or grayscale Sun monitors. The system also complies with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program and includes a one-year, return-to-factory warranty. Effortless installation and administration ------------------------------------------ With SPARCclassic X, system administrators won't experience the time-consuming installation and administration procedures common with other X terminals. With only a few commands, you can easily install software or add terminals to the network. The GUI-based, X terminal manager tool for the SPARCclassic X system speeds system administration with point-and-click menus that are categorized for easy reference. This allows administrators to quickly manage functions for different groups of X terminal users from one central location. Low-cost upgrade to client-server computing ------------------------------------------- If, at any point, you need to migrate your application to a distributed client-server computing environment, you can quickly and easily upgrade SPARCclassic X to a full-featured workstation. Thanks to this flexibility, simply add more memory, a hard disk, and a Solaris object code license, and your SPARCclassic X becomes a complete SPARCclassic workstation. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Graphics Products Summary [ref: SunFlash 55.05 "SMCC Introduces Industry-Leading Graphics Workstations"] [ref: SunFlash 55.07 "Exciting New Graphics, Imaging And Video Solutions"] These exciting new products -- SPARCstation 10TurboGXplus and SPARCstation ZX and 10ZX systems, along with SPARCstation SX imaging and SunVideo technologies -- offer powerful new solutions to old problems. Here are some highlights: * SPARCstation 10TurboGXplus offers blazing X windows performance -- over 1 million 2-D X11 vectors per second and high-performance windows, text, and 3-D vectors. * SPARCstation ZX delivers the fastest 3-D graphics performance in its class -- more than three times faster than the competition. And, with SPARCstation ZX, high-performance, high-quality 24-bit 3-D is affordable enough for every engineer's desk. * SPARCstation 10ZX brings powerful 3-D graphics with multiprocessing capability to the desktop. * SPARCstation SX imaging provides unprecedented 24-bit imaging performance on your multiprocessing desktop. Pan, zoom, rotate, and convolve images at high speed with this unique architecture. * SunVideo offers real-time video capture and compression on the desktop, making low-cost, desktop video conferencing a reality. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Sun's New Graphics Hardware: The Dawn Of A New Graphics Age If you think that today's most demanding graphics applications are overwhelming the most powerful workstations, we have some very good news. Sun has unveiled three new industry-leading graphics workstations and two revolutionary new technologies for imaging and video. These new products are boosting performance levels for a wide range of graphics applications running on entry-level to the highest-end systems. SPARCstation 10TurboGXplus system --------------------------------- SPARCstation 10TurboGXplus is Sun's premier 2-D and 3-D wireframe color graphics system. It's the fastest 2-D graphics workstation in its price class, delivering more than one million 2-D vectors per second, 440,000 3-D vectors per second, and double buffering. Ideal for quickly rendering wireframe images, TurboGXplus systems are the optimal platform for electronic design automation (EDA), wireframe mechanical computer-aided design (MCAD), and geographic information systems (GIS). By speeding the response of on-screen windows, these workstations also greatly increase productivity for all users. TurboGXplus systems run the Solaris 1.x or 2.x operating environment and are fully compatible with all software supporting the GX and GXplus graphics accelerators, allowing for easy upgrades. SPARCstation ZX and 10ZX systems -------------------------------- The SPARCstation ZX system offers more than three times the 3-D performance of any graphics workstation in its price range. Employing a new high-performance 3-D graphics card that accelerates advanced graphics functions, SPARCstation ZX offers 725,000 3-D vectors per second and a dazzling 310,000 shaded triangles per second. It is ideal for designers using solid modeling who need fast response and high image quality, and the price is low enough for all engineers to have one on their desk. The SPARCstation 10ZX system combines ZX graphics performance with the powerful CPUs, multiprocessing, expandability, and flexibility of the SPARCstation 10 product line. SPARCstation ZX and SPARCstation 10ZX workstations provide high-end graphics including Gouraud shading, lighting, depth cueing, antialiasing, transparency and 24-bit Z-buffer, and come standard with a stereo-ready monitor -- all ensuring faster and more accurate realistic representation of complex 3-D models. In addition, a unique feature available for the first time on workstation hardware -- dynamic tessellation of NURBs -- further speeds rendering and animation. Both the SPARCstation ZX and SPARCstation 10ZX systems are ideal for high-performance 3-D applications, including MCAD, molecular modeling, animation/simulation, industrial design, and seismic analysis. These systems are compatible with the Solaris 2.2 operating environment, OpenWindows (tm) 3.1 windowing environment, and XGL (tm) 3.0.1 and SunPHIGS (tm) 3.0 software. Unprecedented video and imaging technologies -------------------------------------------- SPARCstation SX technology makes high-end, 24-bit image processing affordable for the first time. SPARCstation SX technology works by placing an imaging accelerator directly into the memory controller, using the memory bus to transfer data between main memory and video memory. The result? It can transfer data up to ten times faster than typical imaging systems at much lower cost. SPARCstation SX technology can handle very large images (up to 400 MB) and can be used to pan, zoom, rotate, and convolve images in real time. Applications that will benefit most from SPARCstation SX technology include medical imaging, color prepress, geographic information systems (GIS), and various other technical imaging markets. SunVideo technology propels video conferencing and authoring technology into new realms. Capturing and compressing video input in real time, SunVideo facilitates real-time video conferencing over standard Ethernet networks without specialized video equipment. You can use SunVideo to create multimedia applications, combining video and text into a single file. Other key markets for SunVideo technology include digital video creation and video server/video on-demand applications. SunVideo can compress video data in a variety of formats, including MPEG1, JPEG, and Sun's Cell compression format. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: NeWSprinter CL+: The Color Printer for Client-Server Workgroups [ref: SunFlash 53.08 "SunPics Launches NeWSprinter CL+"] [ref: SunFlash 53.41 "SMCC Offers NeWSprinter CL+ Color Printer"] [ref: SunFlash 54.31 "Sun Offering Energy-Efficient Workstations and Printers"] [ref: SunFlash 55.01 "Hot off the Press - June, 1993"] Pixel-to-paper color -------------------- Sun now completes the color workplace with the best color printing solution in client-server computing, NeWSprinter CL+ (tm). This PostScript (R) language-compatible color printer is powered by NeWSprint (tm), the leading Solaris network printing software. Supported under Solaris 1.1, Solaris 2.1, and later versions, NeWSprinter CL+ provides state-of-the-art color printing at a low cost per page. Incorporating 360 dpi inkjet printing technology, the NeWSprinter CL+ offers true four-color printing on sizes ranging up to 11 x 17 inch and A3 plain paper and transparencies. Two unique features give the NeWSprinter CL+ superior printing performance and enhanced color capabilities. Sun's BalanceTool (tm) software lets you preview color images onscreen and adjust the tone, contrast, and balance of the color output. And FastRaster (tm), a bypass mode for color bit-map printing, processes high-quality color raster images four to five times faster than PostScript images. Everything you need for color printing -------------------------------------- The SunReady (tm) NeWSprinter CL+ comes with everything you need for quick, easy network installation on Sun systems: NeWSprint print management software, documentation, parallel cables, media and supplies. As with all Sun printers, NeWSprint is accessible through third-party products to most popular computers, including Macintosh (R), Microsoft (R) Windows, and DOS-compatible PCs, as well as Sun and other UNIX system workstations. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Sun Scores 1994 World Cup [ref: SunFlash 54.20 "Sun Microsystems, Inc. And World Cup 1994"] [ref: SunFlash 55.01 "Hot off the Press - June, 1993"] When World Cup USA 1994 decided to make next year's international soccer games the most technologically advanced ever, it looked to an industry leader in client-server computing to help meet its goals. On June 16, 1993, the organization named Sun Microsystems, Inc., as an official marketing partner and exclusive computer supplier for the 1994 World Cup. Sun will provide World Cup '94 with its most powerful server, the SPARCcenter (tm) 2000, along with several SPARCserver (tm) 10 systems and approximately 1000 workstations, including SPARCclassic (tm) and SPARCstation (tm) LX systems. All of these systems will run the Solaris (R) operating environment and SunNet Manager (tm) will be used to monitor, manage and optimize the computer network resources. Together, this computing solution will help manage a variety of mission-critical applications, including accreditation, results, security, logistics, and media systems, at nine different game sites. World Cup USA 1994 is the nonprofit legal entity responsible for staging the 1994 World Cup championship under the direction of the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), soccer's governing body. The 1994 games will take place from June 17 to July 17, 1994, in nine cities across the United States. The FIFA World Cup, the world's largest single-sport event, is held once every four years. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: In Short * ShowMe 1.1, the latest version of Sun's easy-to-use desktop conferencing software, is now available. With ShowMe technology, you can hold face-to-face meetings without leaving your office. This shared desktop conference board lets you and your colleagues simultaneously view and annotate spreadsheets, drawings, and other documents over TCP/IP networks. ShowMe 1.1 has added features designed for such full-screen applications as CAD, including full-screen snap, which allows you to import large images onto the ShowMe conference board and manipulate them with the synchronized pan and scroll features. [ref: SunFlash 53.09 "SunSolutions Launches ShowMe 1.1"] [ref: SunFlash 53.17 "Introducing ShowMe 1.1 with improved large-image handling capabilities] [ref: SunFlash 55.28 "Free ShowMe 1.1 promotion is extended through September 1993"] [ref: SunFlash 55.01 "Hot off the Press - June, 1993"] * New models: Sun multiprocessor and uniprocessor systems are now even better performers. The SPARCserver (tm) 600MP Model 512MP replaces Model 52 and offers 10 percent more power at the same price. The SPARCserver 600MP Model 514MP replaces Model 54 and offers 10 percent more power at the same price. In addition, Sun is offering 32-MB configurations of the SPARCstation (tm) 10 and SPARCserver 10 Model 51 systems and new SPARCstation 10 and SPARCserver 10 Model 514MP systems based on four-way 50-MHz SuperSPARC (tm) processors on double-wide Mbus modules. [ref: SunFlash 55.19 "SPARCserver 600MP SuperSPARC+ Model Transition"] [ref: SunFlash 55.21 "SPARCstation 10/SPARCserver 10 New 50-MHz SuperSPARC Systems and Upgrades"] * SunNet Manager and Novell's NMS will soon deliver interoperability. Sun recently began working with Novell, Inc., to provide interoperability between Novell's NetWare Management System (tm) (NMS) and Sun's distributed, standards-based SunNet Manager (tm) network management platform. Under this cooperative environment, Sun and Novell enable applications based on the SunNet Manager platform to use the NetWare (R) management information available through NMS. Not only are you assured of seamless interoperability between the two platforms, but you'll also be able to choose the management scheme that best suits your network. [ref: SunFlash 54.25 "SunConnect to deliver interoperability between SunNet Manager, Novell's NMS] * SunLink (tm) OSI 8.0, a new, powerful, user-oriented OSI suite, allows diverse computing systems to share resources and information quickly and easily across departmental, organizational, and international boundaries. Fully compliant with industry and U.S. Government Open System Interconnection Profile (GOSIP) V2 specifications, the SunLink OSI 8.0 product suite provides a powerful platform for implementing Sun's new, high-performance suite of OSI products: SunLink File Transfer Access and Management (FTAM), SunLink X.400, SunLink Common Management Information Protocol (CMIP), and SunLink Virtual Terminal (VT). An intuitive GUI helps you move quickly through the traditionally complex tasks associated with configuration, administration, and maintenance of an OSI network. [ref: SunFlash 56.14 "New Line of OSI Communication Platform Products"] * Solaris 2 now supports SunLink TRI/S 3.0 and SunLink HSI/S 2.0. SunLink TRI/S 3.0 adds an industry-standard interface for 4/16 Mbps IEEE Token Ring connections to SPARC systems. SunLink HSI/S 2.0 adds four high-speed ports for serial communications to any SPARCsystem with SBus, through an SBus board. [ref: SunFlash 53.39 "SunLink TRI/S 3.0 and SunLink HSI/S 2.0"] (c)1993 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, Sun Microsystems Computer Corporation, the Sun Microsystems Computer Corporation logo, Solaris, OpenWindows, XGL, SunPHIGS, TurboGXPlus, NeWSprinter CL+, NeWSprint, BalanceTool, FastRaster, SunReady, Catalyst, SunNet Manager, SunLink, Online: DiskSuite, ShowMe, and ScholarPAC are trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. All SPARC trademarks, including the SCD Compliant logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of SPARC International, Inc. SPARCcenter , SPARCserver, SPARCclassic, SPARCstation, microSPARC, SPARCworks, and SPARCompiler are licensed exclusively to Sun Microsystems, Inc. Products bearing SPARC trademarks are based upon an architecture developed by Sun Microsystems, Inc. UNIX is a registered trademark of UNIX System Laboratories, Inc. PostScript is a registered trademeark of Adobe Systems, Inc. Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corp. NetWare is a registered trademark and NetWare Management Systems is a trademark of Novell, Inc. Motif is a registered trademark of Open Software Foundation, Inc. X Window System is a product of Massachusetts Institute of Technology. All other product or service names mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective owners. ********************************************************************** 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