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New products for the week of July 29

By John J. McLaughlin, FlashBack, Inc.

SunWorld
August  1996
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Table of Contents

Hardware

Software

Hardware

Product: IntraLink 1000 - Fibre Channel hub product ($250 - $375 per port)
Company: Vixel Corporation (Broomfield, CO)
Telephone: (206) 712-0533
Platforms: Sun
Description: A fibre channel hub product for use in mainstream system and storage clusters requiring gigabit-per-second data transmission speeds. Interconnects high-performance file servers and storage subsystems. Provides a central point of hot-pluggable, configurable media interchange for fiber-optic- and copper-based topologies for high-speed data communications across a broad market spectrum. Implements ANSI standard FC-AL Fibre Channel Arbitrated Loop and FC-PH-2 (non-optical fiber control) specifications. A copper version supports shorter distances (up to 30 meters) using twinax cable. Media converter options can be mixed within the same hub. Multiple hubs can be cascaded together to provide for high connectivity with no single point of failure for high-profile loop devices.

Product: SuperSerial Modem Pool - attaches multiple modems to a server ($1,695)
Company: Equinox Systems Inc. (Sunrise, FL)
Telephone: (800) 275-3500, (954) 746-9000
E-mail: info@equinox.com
URL: http://www.equinox.com
Platforms: Novell, Windows NT and Unix servers
Description: A low-cost solution for attaching large numbers of modems to a server. A variety of off-the-shelf internal modems are mounted in a compact, intelligent chassis with 16 ISA slots. A custom design microprocessor off-loads modem communications processing from the server. A single cable (up to 300 feet in length) connects the Modem Pool to a host card that is installed in any standard-bus server. Up to 64 modems can run simultaneously at 115 Kbps with no degradation under load.

Software

Product: Caucus - WWW electronic conference center hosting system (free for evaluation; unlimited user license: $1,795)
Company: Screen Porch, Inc. (Washington DC)
Telephone: (202) 362-1679
E-mail: info@screenporch.com
URL: http://screenporch.com
Platforms: WWW, Solaris 1 & 2, HP-UX, DEC, Linux, Unix
Description: Conferencing software environment for the World Wide Web. Templates included with the product enable immediate out-of-the-box conferencing. These templates are easily customized to reflect the visual identity and the interactivity needs of the host organization. Software Development Kit, included, allows Caucus to be used to create custom conferencing applications. Caucus conference centers, installed on the site's web server, may host numerous conferences, each with multiple items of discussion. Responses in a Caucus conference may include virtually any Web data type -- images, live links, Java applets, etc. -- in addition to text. The Web interface to Caucus is created entirely in CML, the Caucus Markup Language (an extension of HTML). CML scripts or "pages" generate dynamic "on-the-fly" HTML pages which then appear in the user's Web browser. CML is completely compatible with HTML, adding approximately ninety new functions, including conditional logic and control flow. It also provides access to the Caucus database. A conference participant may review all new material since his or her last visit, navigate an individual conference from its home page, or do text searches of a conference. Each user may provide a flexible amount of personal information, and edit this information at any time. Conference center participants may keep a personal "hot list" of favorite conferences, and will be notified automatically of new items and responses in these conferences each time they enter the conference center.

Product: InfoBeacon 3.1 - On-line Analytical Processing (OLAP) product (starts at $45,000 for a 10-user client and server license)
Company: PLATINUM technology, inc. (Oakbrook Terrace, IL)
Telephone: (800) 442-6861, (708) 620-5000
Fax: (708) 691-0710
E-mail: info@platinum.com
URL: http://www.platinum.com
Platforms: Windows 3.x, Windows 95, Windows NT, Windows NT Server
Description: InfoBeacon (formerly ProdeaBeacon) version 3.1. Gives corporate data users the ability to analyze and measure performance across multiple dimensions. Distributed three tier client/server architecture provides enterprise scalability, open architecture, rapid response, full analytical processing calculation capabilities, schema flexibility and robust security. Industry standard relational data warehouses and data marts comprise the data store. The application server provides a "virtual cube" that interacts directly with the relational database and performs the analytical processing functions. Proactive, server-based agents can be created to notify users of problems or opportunities, or even automate an entire series of analytical processes.

Product: LACE MEGA and LACE STAR - IC Layout Conversion Products (starts at $250,000)
Company: Rubicad Corp. (San Jose, CA)
Telephone: (408) 995-3334
Fax: (408) 995-3335
E-mail: info@rubicad.com
URL: http://www.edac.org/Rubicad
Platforms: Sun SPARC
Description: Layout Conversion Environment (LACE) is a family of integrated circuit (IC) layout conversion tools; two new products are LACE MEGA and LACE STAR. MEGA handles larger layouts without manual partitioning. STAR maintains standard cell design hierarchy during the compaction process. The products are for designers who need to maintain standard cell hierarchy and save time with automatic partitioning of large layouts. LACE automatically converts existing design layouts for use with new fabs or technologies. IC layout conversions take one to two weeks to setup, and 20 hours of CPU time to automatically convert a typical 50,000 transistor design on a Sun SPARC 20 workstation. Similar manual conversions take several man months. LACE compacts and converts full custom, standard cell and synthesized layouts. It converts standard GDSII mask layout files from one technology to another. LACE's automatic layout conversion can be customized for any design style (standard cell, full custom or synthesized).

Product: MOREplus - search and locate software or documentation using metadata ($20,000)
Company: MountainNet, Inc. (Morgantown, West Virginia)
Telephone: (800) 444-1458
Fax: (304) 594-9088
E-mail: moreplus@mountain.net
URL: http://rbse.mountain.net/MOREplus/
Platforms: Solaris 1 & 2, HP-UX, AIX, Ultrix; Oracle
Description: Implemented as a set of CGI executables (including a database interface and an HTML code generator) that operate in conjunction with hypertext servers to provide access to a relational database. Information holdings and their descriptions can be assigned to many different collections, they are entered only once; thus, the data is centralized and any changes to the data can be centralized. In addition to maintaining links to information holdings and restricting access to sensitive data, managers, librarians and administrators can generate detailed status and usage reports enabling them to better structure information based on customer needs.

Product: OnLine Dynamic Server 7.2 - parallel database ($1,500 (development) $1,125 (run-time))
Company: Informix Software, Inc. (Menlo Park, CA)
Telephone: (415) 926-6300
E-mail: info@informix.com
URL: http://www.informix.com
Platforms: Solaris and many other Unix platforms
Description: Based on Dynamic Scalable Architecture (DSA), for SMP and uniprocessor hardware configurations. Parallel database offers memory addressability and parallel load for both OLTP and decision support environments. New features include: Continuous Data Replication (CDR) -- share information across geographically dispersed locations by providing real-time, peer-to-peer replication of data. Global Language Support (GLS) -- receive multiple-language versions of Informix's database software to ensure consistent releases across the enterprise. Large Memory Addressability (LMA) -- 64-bit support, dramatically enhancing database performance to OLTP and data warehouse installations. OnLine Backup and Recovery (On-Bar) -- backing up and restoring OnLine Dynamic Server databases in parallel, while systems are on-line. Parallel Load -- load and unload data with unprecedented speed through its ability to "read in" data from multiple sources and to convert and load data in parallel. Year 2000 support -- no application changes are required at the turn of the century.

Product: PeopleSoft Time & Labor and PeopleSoft Pension Administration - client/server applications for human resources
Company: PeopleSoft, Inc. (Pleasanton, CA)
Telephone: (510) 225-3000
Fax: (510) 225-3100
E-mail: info@peoplesoft.com
URL: http://www.peoplesoft.com
Platforms: Oracle/Sun, Informix/Sun , DB2/MVS, and DB2/AIX
Description: PeopleSoft Time and Labor provides a repository of time-related information. Handles all key components of the time and labor process -- establishing tables and rules, scheduling, reporting time, prior period adjustments, updates to paysheets, labor distribution, and attendance reporting. It also records information to support the time-related needs of a variety of business functions such as compensation, cost accounting, and organization administration, while insuring the integrity of the data. It is scalable and and can be changed to meet a company's requirements. PeopleSoft Pension Administration streamlines operations for all levels and aspects of pension administration, even for current systems with numerous plans or complicated structures. Specifically designed for U.S. private-defined benefit pension plans including traditional, cash balance, and contributory plans. Enables automation of pension administration functions including data storage, benefit calculations and estimates, employee communications, flexible system design, retiree administration and reporting, and data extraction.

Product: PostShop - Unix printing software ($495 to $2,595 per printing license)
Company: Vividata, Inc. (Berkeley, CA)
Telephone: (510) 841-6400
Fax: (510) 841-9661
E-mail: sales@vividata.com
URL: http://www.vividata.com
Platforms: Solaris 1 & 2, Solaris for x86, HP-UX and OSF/1
Description: Prints PostScript files from Unix applications to a variety of low-cost, non-PostScript printers, such as those from HP, Canon, Epson, and all compatibles. Serves both standalone and networked Unix users. Prints in color or black and white from popular Unix applications like Netscape, Applixware, FrameMaker, WABI, Word Perfect and Interleaf. Users can also print image files from screen captures, GIF, TIFF, JPEG, EPS and more - PostShop automatically detects the types and formats of the images sent to its print queue. Included is a PostScript Level 2 software raster image processor (RIP) and 35 premium printer fonts. Drivers for more than 150 printers are provided, including the original SPARC Printers, dye sublimation, thermal wax, color ink jet, and portable models. Each supported printer is controlled for optimal output color, density, positioning and brightness. PostShop is fully integrated with both BSD and System V printing systems, so users can monitor their print jobs using the familiar commands lpr, lpq, printtool, etc.

Product: QC/Advantage - software quality management system ($37,995)
Company: CenterLine Software, Inc. (Cambridge, Mass.)
Telephone: (800) NOW-CNTR (617) 498-3000
E-mail: info@centerline.com
URL: http://www.centerline.com
Platforms: Solaris 1,2, HP-UX, Windows NT, AIX
Description: A lifecycle software quality management system that automates software testing and test management for complex distributed, multi-tier client/server and Intranet applications. It helps both developers and Quality Assurance (QA) professionals develop, manage and execute consistent, repeatable tests for multiple application releases and versions for more frequent and thorough software testing. Consists of six key components: a Uniform User Environment; an Object-based Test Foundation; a Distributed Test Designer; a Parallel Execution Executive; a Consolidated Results Analyzer; and an Open Integration Platform.

Product: Razor 4.0 - configuration management and problem tracking product ($495 U.S. (floating) $42,000 (site))
Company: Tower Concepts, Inc. (New Hartford, N.Y.)
Telephone: (315) 724-3540
Fax: (315) 724-3129
E-mail: www-sales@tower.com
URL: http://www.tower.com
Platforms: Solaris 1 & 2, , HP-UX, AIX, DEC Alpha OSF/1, SGI Irix, Windows 95, Windows NT
Description: Configuration management and problem tracking tool for software development teams. This release provides increases in speed and performance; extensive enhancements to the file version control capabilities; and enhanced integration between its two components. Combines an issue tracking system with version control and build coordination capabilities. Allows software development to continue in a controlled process without constraining users. Supports parallel production and development environments. Can be used as an integrated solution or as standalone configuration management and problem tracking products. The product was recently ported to Windows 95 and Windows NT.

Product: RoadRunner 3.0 - backup and restore product ($4,000)
Company: Unison Software, Inc. (Santa Clara, CA)
Telephone: (408) 988-2800
Fax: (408) 988-2236
E-mail: info@unison.com
URL: http://www.unison.com
Platforms: HP 9000, IBM RS/6000, Solaris, Windows NT, MIPS, Intel ABI
Description: High-speed backup with fault-tolerant catalog management. Store on-line indexes of files, volumes, and backups redundantly across the network; quickly locate and retrieve data in the event of a system failure or malfunction. Configurable Design -- permits local, fault-tolerant, or hierarchical storage of catalog database for flexibility and site-specific customization. -- Minimal Catalog `Footprint` -- intelligent catalog design eliminates the storing of redundant data and also periodically "self-cleans", for efficient re-use of database space. -- Tight Security -- set up customized security parameters to govern user access to specific catalogs, files and devices. -- On-Line Indexes of Files, Volumes, and Backups -- on-line index and filtering capabilities easily identify and retrieve lost files. -- Volume Management Functionality -- ANSI-labeling of volumes and the ability to change volume status or location and to search through a filtered catalog database to quickly retrieve files matching specific criteria.

Product: StP/OMT-Booch OOA&D toolset - Analysis and design tool ($12,000 per license)
Company: Interactive Development Environments, Inc. (San Francisco, CA)
Telephone: (800) 888-4331, (415) 543-0900
Fax: (415) 543-0145
E-mail: info@ide.com
URL: http://www.ide.com
Platforms: Solaris, HP-UX
Description: Object-oriented analysis and design (OOA&D) toolset supports both generation and reverse engineering of Java code. Also supports V0.8 of the Unified Method - the emerging standard for OOA&D. By keeping OO design models synchronized with Java code implementations through reverse engineering, developers can continually analyze the impact of code modifications. Web developers can also reverse engineer existing Java applications and reuse components in future applications. Because StP/OMT-Booch models are stored in a common, multi-user repository, reusable Java applets are available to developers throughout an organization.

Product: UNIX Systems Management Agent version 2.0 - Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) product
Company: Empire Technologies, Inc. (Atlanta, GA)
Telephone: (770) 384-0184
Fax: (770) 384-0183
E-mail: sales@empiretech.com
URL: http://www.empiretech.com/empiretech
Platforms: Solaris 1 & 2, HP-UX
Description: Manages critical UNIX systems using the industry standard Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). The Agent, running on a UNIX system, collects vital information about the system's configuration, status, performance, users, applications, file systems, processes, and more. It then makes that information available to a remote Manager which consolidates and manage hundreds of systems from a single site. A flexible monitor table enables the self-monitoring of any integer-based MIB variable. The Agent can also monitor system log files for expected expressions. A history sampling feature lets the agent track the values of MIB variables over time and store them within the Agent for later retrieval by the Manager. Similar to RMON, it can do baselining and trend analysis of the host system by sampling MIB variables such as load-average and cpu-utilization without requiring constant polling from the Manager; the Agent automatically collects the data; the Manager periodically retrieves the complete history.

Product: speedEXPLORER - EDA design tool ($8,000)
Company: Speed Electronic, Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA)
Telephone: (408) 328-0950
Fax: (408) 328-0962
E-mail: info@speed.com
URL: http://www.speed.com
Platforms: Solaris 1, Solaris 2, HP-UX
Description: Allows designers to explore the design space for optimal design area and speed, during the synthesis process. Designers focus on their design, rather than on hardware description language (HDL) constructs and their synthesis tool's constraint requirements. Accepts design and timing constraints as input, automatically generating various styles of functionally equivalent, synthesizable HDL code and the corresponding Synopsys constraint files. To meet specified design and timing goals, designers can explore the design space with what-if scenarios and Synopsys' Design Compiler to select the best design style for their area and performance goals.

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URL: http://www.sunworld.com/swol-08-1996/swol-08-newproducts1.html
Last updated: 1 August July 1996


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