From: Monty Solomon <monty%roscom@think.com>
Subject: Re: New SPARC Classic
Reply-To: Monty Solomon <roscom!monty@think.com>
Organization: Proponent
Date: Thu, 12 Nov 1992 11:29:19 GMT

	SMCC INTRODUCES COLOR RISC WORKSTATION PRICED LESS THAN A PC

    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

-- 
# Monty Solomon / PO Box 2486 / Framingham, MA  01701-0405
# monty%roscom@think.com
Newsgroups: comp.sys.next.hardware