sunflash-Distributed to mailing list sun/NC/north-carolina sunflash-Send requests, problems to owner-sunflash@suntri.east.sun.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Florida SunFlash The SPARCcluster 1 SMCC Debuts Industry's Most Powerful Network File Server SunFLASH Vol 57 #20 September 1993 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 57.20 The SPARCcluster 1: SMCC Debuts Industry's Most Powerful NFS Server industry's first network cluster for dedicated NFS(R) file service. Clusters combine multiple network systems to provide a single application resource. This system provides 51 percent more performance and more than twice the networking connectivity of the next closest competitive system ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEW YORK -- September 21, 1993 -- Sun Microsystems Computer Corporation (SMCC) today introduced the industry's most powerful network file server, the SPARCcluster(TM) 1 system, which is the industry's first network cluster for dedicated NFS(R) file service. Clusters combine multiple network systems to provide a single application resource. This system provides 51 percent more performance and more than twice the networking connectivity of the next closest competitive system -- the NS 6000 NetServer from Auspex. Two-to-four cluster nodes (SPARCserver(TM) 10 systems) combined with SMCC's unique Optimized Network Throughput (ONT(TM)) technology deliver an unparalleled solution that enhances productivity of networked environments by providing faster response time to workstation clients and more reliable access to critical data and applications. Implementing the SPARCcluster 1 enables a user to lower the total cost of ownership, as well as simplify administration by consolidating network file service for large departments or the entire enterprise into one integrated cluster system that is managed from a single cluster console monitor. The SPARCcluster 1 system recorded 3,069 SPECnfs_A93 ops/sec at 50 ms response time. (This benchmark -- LADDIS -- is a vendor-neutral benchmark that measures NFS file service performance.) The SPARCcluster 1 is three times faster than the HP 9000 Model H50 server and more than four times faster than the IBM RS6000 Model 580 server. "The SPARCcluster 1 is a significant advancement because it solves three critical problems plaguing the implementation of enterprise-wide client-server applications -- network bandwidth limitations, network complexity and dependable access to data," said Carl Stolle, manager of server product marketing for SMCC. "This product lays the foundation for a larger Sun clustering vision. Next year we will expand our network cluster technology to provide additional application services, such as parallel database management systems." In keeping with SMCC's commitment to provide the industry's most expandable and upgradable systems, the SPARCcluster 1 system accommodates up to 500 client users; provides up to 150 gigabytes of external disk; services up to 20 separate networks; and can include up to 16 processors, all at two-thirds the price of competitive systems, and without response time degradation. In addition, the SPARCcluster 1 delivers linear performance scalability: the most powerful configuration is six times as powerful as the entry-level system. One key innovation with the SPARCcluster 1 system is the new ONT technology, which is a combination of hardware and software that allows the Sun(R) cluster to provide quick response time, scalable throughput and tremendous network bandwidth and connectivity. It lets the clustered systems appear as a single system to the network clients, without requiring changes to client software. All network clients can access data from all cluster nodes without any routing. Due to its modular design and open, standards-based architecture, the SPARCcluster 1 easily adapts to changing needs and can incorporate new technologies as they are introduced. For example, a company can completely customize its file server environment, adding CPU modules, network cards and disks as they are needed. In addition, a current SPARCserver 10 user can easily upgrade an existing system to a SPARCcluster 1 system . The SPARCcluster 1 system was designed to simplify administration of large, complex networked computing environments. It comes standard with GUI-based tools to provide centralized and remote system administration, performance monitoring and configuration management. All cluster nodes are installed and managed from a centralized cluster console administration tool. The SPARCcluster 1 system , which will be shipped in October, is available in several configurations. Prices start at $85,000. In addition, the SPARCcluster 1 system, which runs the Solaris(R) 2.2 operating environment, comes with a one-year, on-site warranty. Sun Microsystems Computer Corporation (SMCC), the world's leading supplier of open client-server computing solutions, is an operating company of Sun Microsystems, Inc. Sun is the exclusive computer supplier to World Cup Soccer 1994. SMCC has its headquarters in Mountain View, Calif. # # # Sun, the Sun logo, Sun Microsystems, Sun Microsystems Computer Corporation, the Sun Microsystems Computer Corporation logo, NFS, ONT 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. SPARCserver and SPARCcluster are licensed exclusively to Sun Microsystems, Inc. Products bearing SPARC trademarks are based on an architecture developed by Sun Microsystems, Inc. All other products are referred to herein by the trademarks as designated by the companies who market those products. For reader inquiries, telephone 1-800-821-4643. ********************************************************************** 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