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Subject: 47.14 SunFlash: New Sun Workstations: Classic & LX
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                                                        The Florida SunFlash

	SMCC INTRODUCES COLOR RISC WORKSTATION PRICED LESS THAN A PC

SunFLASH Vol 47 #14					       November 1992 
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  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
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All prices, availability, and other statements relating to Sun or third
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Sales Representative for details of pricing and product availability in
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publication by Sun Microsystems.

John McLaughlin, SunFlash editor, flash@sunvice.East.Sun.COM. (305) 776-7770.

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