New Products

Aurora Software Announces SarCheck Version 2

Aurora Software Inc. has begun shipping Version 2 of its performance management tool, SarCheck. SarCheck is designed to help system administrators analyze UNIX systems for performance bottlenecks by translating sar reports into a more legible form. SarCheck identifies performance bottlenecks, recommends parameter and hardware configuration changes, and quantifies the amount of remaining system capacity.

SarCheck reports consist of three sections and a summary. The first section contains recommendations for improving system performance, such as changing parameters, balancing disk load, and increasing memory size or CPU speed. The second section is an analysis of all system resources monitored by SarCheck. The final section, capacity planning, can be used to approximate the amount of capacity remaining. SarCheck reviews a system's peak resource utilization so that it can predict the capacity for additional workload before performance degradation becomes likely.

A single SarCheck license for SCO UNIX is priced at $199; other licensing options are available. Versions for other UNIX platforms are under development. For more information, contact Aurora Software Inc., P.O. Box 1033; Plaistow, NH 03865; (603) 382-4200.

FOCUS Presents EtherLAN Hubs

FOCUS Enhancements, Inc. has announced EtherLAN Hub 16 RM and 32 RM -- repeater hubs that provide one thinnet and AUI connector, plus 16 or 32 10Base-T ports for use in 10Base-T networks or mixed thin, thick, and 10Base-T networks. Each 10Base-T port can support one network node or another hub, and standard Category 3 or 5 twisted pair cable can be used for connection to the ports. Both models provide BNC connection to thinnet, enabling up to 30 devices to be connected via standard coaxial cable and T-connectors. Both the Hub 16 RM and 32 RM can also serve as a node on a thinnet backbone or segment.

The hubs feature autopartitioning and reconnection, allowing for the removal of a port under excessive collision and reinstatement of the port once it is clear. No management software is required to support this feature. The hubs use two status LEDs per port to display the link and partitioning status of each port. Hubs can be cascaded using the selectable IN or OUT ports 16 or 32. The units have their own power switches, internal power supply, and can be rack mounted on a standard 19-inch rack.

Hub 16 RM is priced at $419, and Hub 32 RM is $699. For more information, contact FOCUS Enhancements, Inc., 800 West Cummings Park, Woburn, MA 01801, (800) 538-8865; FAX: (708) 291-1758.

New Era Systems Updates HARBOR

New Era Systems has announced HARBOR Version 3.2 for UNIX on five platforms: AIX, HP-UX, Solaris, SunOS, and AT&T System V. HARBOR is distributed systems management software that has been enhanced to support changed-data-only backup capability for Oracle and Sybase databases, backup of UNIX raw partitions, software distribution services, an improved UNIX user interface, and host initiation of UNIX backup functions. HARBOR uses SQL-BackTrack software from Data Tools, Inc. to perform incremental backups of changed data while leaving the database online. HARBOR/BR can backup and restore raw UNIX partitions.

HARBOR/DM provides software distribution services for UNIX systems, with support for three distribution models: push (administrator driven), pull (user initiated), and queued (in-basket style). HARBOR 3.2 for UNIX provides a consistent Motif graphical user interface. HARBOR also supports remote initiation and self-upgrade capabilities. An ETS gateway provides network transparency, allowing clients (including UNIX) to connect to HARBOR's three-tiered server architecture without requiring TCP/IP. Fault tolerance provides for shifting to an alternative path or protocol if a link fails.

For more information, contact New Era Systems Ltd., Suite 710, 425 First Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 3L8; (403) 231-9800; FAX: (403) 266-6767; in the U.S.: (800) 531-7111.

PLATINUM Provides Windows 95 Connectivity Solution

PLATINUM technology, inc. has announced PC-Enterprise, a networking software product for Windows 95 that integrates multiple file systems and platforms for access to corporate data. PLATINUM also announced an upgrade to Merge that allows users to run Enhanced Mode Windows applications and supports the Win32s APIs, Winsock 1.1 communication API, and Windows for Workgroups 3.11. Merge provides application compatibility for DOS and Windows 3.x applications and enables users to run the applications on UNIX workstations.

PC-Enterprise allows centralized access from Windows 95 to UNIX resources, permitting users to share files, applications, and printers with Windows, DOS, Macintosh, and UNIX users. PC-Enterprise supports multiple file systems, including NFS, Transarc's AFS, and DCE's DFS, while integrating UNIX into Windows 95, Windows for Workgroups, Windows NT, and Novell NetWare networks. PC-Enterprise also provides Windows networking applications: PowerTerm terminal emulation, Locus ftp file transfer, and Eudora Pro Electronic mail.

Merge allows users to run DOS and Windows 3.x applications on UNIX workstations while supporting the full range of Windows features, including Windows Help, True Type fonts, Cut and Paste, and OLE/DDE. Merge also allows UNIX workstations to function as application servers, as used by Hewlett-Packard on the HP 500. Merge is distributed in OEM operating systems, including: SCO OpenServer 5, Novell Unixware 2, and HP 500 Windows Application Server.

PC-Enterprise is available for $149 per single user. Multi-user, site, and corporate licenses are available. For more information, contact PLATINUM technology's Locus Laboratory at (800) 955-6287; FAX: (310) 670-2980; Internet: ussales@locus.com; WWW: http://www.locus.com.

O'REILLY Releases 2nd Edition of Esential System Administration

O'Reilly & Associates, Inc. has released the second edition of Essential System Administration, its guide for UNIX system administrators. The new edition has been updated for the latest versions of UNIX platforms, including SunOS 4.1, Solaris 2.3, AIX 4.1, Linux 1.1, Digital UNIX OSF/1, SCO UNIX version 3, HP/UX versions 9 and 10, and IRIX version 6. The book has been reviewed and tested on all the platforms covered. Coverage of networking, electronic mail, security, and kernel configuration has been expanded.

Essential System Administration was first published in 1991 to address UNIX system administration in a heterogeneous environment. The book approaches its subject from the perspective of the routine tasks and troubleshooting operations that comprise a system administrator's job. The book covers backup and restore, organizing and planning file systems, TCP/IP networking, and setting up email. Other topics include core system administration tasks, such as setting up printers, adding terminals and disk drives, and securing the system.

Essential System Administration was written by AEleen Frisch. The book has 788 pages and is priced at $32.95. The ISBN is 1-56592-127-5. For more information, contact O'Reilly & Associates, Inc., 103 Morris Street, Suite A, Sebastopol, CA 95472; (800) 998-9938; FAX: (707) 829-0104.

Internet Security Systems Enhances Network Scanning

Internet Security Systems (ISS) has announced that its network security audit tool, Internet Scanner, now tests for the recently discovered file and print sharing vulnerability on TCP/IP networks running Windows NT, Windows 95, or Windows for Workgroups. Internet Scanner is scanning software that probes an organization's network for security holes, providing a vulnerability report on every device on the network along with recommendations for corrective action. Internet Scanner provides a comprehensive audit and can perform security checks automatically.

For more information about ISS or its products, contact Internet Security Systems, (770) 441-2531; Internet: iss@iss.net; WWWd: http://iss.net.

CyberAccess Announces Broadcast Message System

CyberAccess Incorporated has announced Broadcast Message System, an electronic announcement tool for the Windows and UNIX environments that will pop up a message window regardless of what application is currently running, ensuring that priority messages are not delayed. The Broadcast Message System provides security measures so only authorized individuals have access to emergency messages. The administrator may view or print such messages. When a critical message needs immediate attention, the Broadcast Message System can target individuals or groups at one location or multiple locations. Default values can be set to automatically delete messages to prevent disk clutter.

The Broadcast Message System is available in two versions: BMS-LAN and BMS-TCP. The BMS-LAN works with a network operating system, such as Novell, Banyan, or Windows for Workgroups. The BMS-TCP is a client-server architecture using the TCP/IP protocol. Clients use WinSock on workstations running Windows. The server acts as a postmaster distributing messages and keeping track of where users are located. The server runs on SunOS, Solaris, HP-UX, IBM AIX, or Windows NT.

Evaluation copies and volume discounts are available. For more information, contact CyberAccess, Inc., 9700 Rockside Road, Suite 110, Valley View, OH 44125; (216) 524-5005; FAX: (216) 524-5001.

Century Releases TERM for Solaris

Century Software has released TERM for UNIX, v6.2, for Sun Solaris Sparc and X86 UNIX systems. TERM provides access to applications on UNIX systems via Century's terminal emulations, including: SCO ANSI; WYSE 60 and 50; DEC VT220, VT100, and VT52. File transfer protocol options for TERM include X-, Y-, and X-modem, Kermit, WTERMCRC, and TERMCRC. TERM's scripting language allows network administrators to develop necessary system communications, including automated polling, dialing, and remote file transfers.

TERM is available through Century's distribution channels with a list price of $695. For more information, contact Century Software, 5284 South Commerce Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84107; (801) 268-3088.

Software.com Announces Secure Email Package

Software.com, Inc. has announced post.office, an electronic mail software package with remote administration. post.office is not based on a legacy mail system technology; it is platform independent and utilizes open standards based on internet protocols. Platforms supported include NT (Intel, MIPS) and UNIX (Solaris 2, SunOS 4), and post.office incorporates SMTP, POP3, and finger servers.

post.office maintains security by operating independently of the host OS. The program does not require a login account for the host computer, and does not run with root or administrator privileges. post.office also provides several preventative features to deter access, reverify and match information, and warn administrators of attempted intrusion.

post.office is priced at $500 per server. There is no per client access fee. The manual is available online in hypertext. For more information, contact Software.com, Inc., 827 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101; (805) 882-2370; Internet: info@software.com; WWW: http://www.software.com.

APCON Develops SCSI Booster

APCON Inc. has announced the ACI-2016 SCSI Booster, which extends the distance of any single-ended SCSI bus, allowing users to double their SCSI cable distance. Without the Booster, peripherals and storage devices must be located within 6 meters of the computer for SCSI 1 devices, 3 meters for fast SCSI, and 1.5 meters for ultra-SCSI devices. Three Boosters can be linked in succession to quadruple SCSI bus distances. The Booster supports ultra-SCSI, with extended data transmissions of up to 40Mb per second.

Pricing for the ACI-2016 Booster starts at $295. For more information, contact APCON Inc., 9130 SW Pioneer Court, Wilsonville, OR 97070; (503) 685-9300; FAX: (503) 685-9099.

Computronics adds PEEK support for SCO and Sequent

Computronics has added support for the PEEK for UNIX software package on the SCO and Sequent (Dynix) platforms, in addition to AIX, HP-UX, SunOS and Solaris, DG/UX, DEC Ultrix and OSF/1, Motorola's SVR3 or SVR4, SGI, and MIPS RISC/os. PEEK allows you to see the contents of any user's screen, including their error messages. Through the POKE mode, you may type on behalf of another user and access their terminal. You can train users by allowing multiple users to see the contents of your screen. PEEK allows you to execute system console commands remotely without disabling the console, and extensive security features allow detailed control of its use. PEEK also supports an audit trail of its use, and works with local users or TCP/IP users with standard terminals.

Pricing for PEEK for UNIX varies from $200 to $2,000 based on the number of PEEKable users. For more information, contact Computronics, 4N165 Wood Dale Road, Addison, IL 60101; (708) 941-7767; Internet: info@computron.com.

Liebert Expands UPS Monitoring

Liebert Corporation has introduced an expansion of its power monitoring software packages for Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) monitoring. Now SiteNet 2 and SiteNet SNMP Manager are available for a range of operating environments. The new platforms include UNIX Standard and MS Windows. SiteNet SNMP Manager is now available for IBM Netview on AIX, and HP Openview on HP-UX. SiteNet 2 is available for SCO UNIX, Windows, and Windows NT.

SiteNet 2 pricing varies from $69 to $199. SiteNet SNMP Manager is priced at $499. For more information, contact Liebert, 1050 Dearborn Drive, PO Box 29186, Columbus, OH 43229; (614) 888-0246; FAX: (614) 841-6973.

Central Data Announces scsiModem Server

Central Data Corporation has announced the scsiModem Server, a PCMCIA-based modem server that utilizes the SCSI interface. The scsiModem Server integrates up to 16 PCMCIA fax/modems in a single unit, saving space and eliminating the cabling mess of external modems and individual power supplies. It supports SLIP and PPP on the UNIX host, and is suitable for dial in/dial out applications, such as field sales or small branch office communications, Internet access, and other situations requiring modem pools. The scsiModem Server is compatible with UNIX workstations and servers from Sun, HP, IBM, DEC, and Silicon Graphics.

Two models are available, the SM-5008 provides 8 Type II PCMCIA slots, and the SM-5016 has 16 Type II slots. The slots are hot swappable in pairs for easy modem upgrades. Both 14.4K and 28.8K PCMCIA fax/modems are supported. The SM-5008 lists for $1,695, and the SM-5016 lists for $2,395. Volume and educational discounts are available. For more information, contact Central Data, 1602 Newton Drive, Champaign, IL 61821-1098; (800) 482-0315; Internet: markd@cd.com.

MountainGate Introduces Renegade RAID Storage System

MountainGate Data Systems, Inc. has introduced its Renegade RAID System. Renegade is a flexible, high-capacity storage system offering fault-tolerant data protection configurable to support RAID levels 0,1,3,5,6, and 7. Renegade provides up to 42Gb of RAID storage and supports two optional removable drives for increased storage and transportability. Renegade supports its storage over a fast and wide SCSI-2 interface. The drives support fast and narrow SCSI-2, or fast and wide SCSI-2, and offer data transfer rates up to 20Mb per second. The removable drives support cartridges in capacities from 1 to 4.2Gb.

Renegade supports Macintosh, PC, Sun, and SGI platforms. The product is scheduled to ship in the first quarter of 1996. A standard Renegade system including 10 4Gb 7200 RPM drive modules, will be available at an estimated price under $30,000. For more information, contact MountainGate Data Systems, Inc., 9393 Gateway Drive, Reno, NV 89511-8910; (800) 556-0222; Internet: sales@mntgte.lockheed.com.