New Products

EIS Computers Rolls Out Linux for UltraSPARC

EIS Computers, an original equipment manufacturer of Solaris-centric UltraSPARC and Pentium II hardware and software products, has announced their rollout of Linux for UltraSPARC platforms. The UltraSPARC version of Linux is a 64-bit operating system that includes symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) support. UltraLinux also supports the PCI expansion bus found on EIS Fusion series of UltraSPARC-PCI computers. The fusion series of UltraSPARC computers is built on Sun Microsystems' line of PCI-based motherboards, and the UltraSPARC Iis and Iii processors.

EIS pre-installs UltraLinux on all three Fusion platforms, including the new Quad processor Fusion-MX. In addition to the Linux kernel, EIS pre-installs a suite of applications including development tools from GNU, Internet tools such as DNS and Apache Web server, the Xfree86 Web server, and others.

Based on growing user demand for UltraSPARC, EIS has made a strategic decision to support Linux across its entire Fusion line. To date, there have been more then one million UltraSPARC CPUs shipped by Sun. Previously, SPARC Linux had only been supported on microSPARC and SuperSPARC CPU platforms.

According to EIS Computers, the next release, UltraLinux 1.1, is expected to be bundled on CD-ROM and supported by Red Hat. EIS offers the same level of customization for the Fusion-Linux platforms as offered for the Fusion series of UltraSPARC computers running Solaris.

For more information, contact EIS Computers, 207 West Los Angeles Ave., Suite 303, Moorpark, CA 93201; (805) 383-1466; Fax: (805) 383-1470; Internet: info@eis.com; WWW: http://www.eis.com.

Network Instruments Releases Observer Web Extension

Network Instruments, LLC has released Observer Web Extension, a tool for accessing traffic trending information from a browser. Observer Web Extension enables users of the Observer Protocol Analyzer to view daily and historical data from a network segment monitored by Observer from any Web browser.

The Web Extension works with Observer or Distributed Observer and the built-in Web servers included in Windows 98 and Windows NT. Trending information is collected by Observer, and reports are dynamically generated as they are requested. Reports can display data based on time, station, or both. The Observer protocol analyzer is a 32-bit PC application for Windows 95/98/NT environments, which acts as a comprehensive, low-cost protocol analyzer, providing a range of analysis reports and diagnostic tools to network users. Observer does not require any special equipment and provides support for TCP/IP, SNA, IPX/SPX, NetBios, and other protocols over Ethernet, Token-Ring, and FDDI LANs. Observer's distributed architecture permits remote diagnosis on multi-segment LANs as well.

Observer Web Extension provides the following statistics from any location via browser: network activity summary, network top talkers, network packet size distribution, network protocol distribution, network IP group protocol distribution, network IP application protocol distribution, network IPX subprotocol distribution, network error distribution, station error distribution, and router statistics. Trending statistics can be displayed using a browser to a granularity down to ten minutes. Statistics are available for single stations or the entire LAN. Time periods can be defined to show a single timeframe or compare two timeframes. Drill-down is also available for all aggregate displays to find specific station information. Web reporting can be both password-protected and content-defined, so administrators can control access as needed.

Observer Web Extension is priced at $495 from Network Instruments or authorized dealers. Observer Web Extension requires a licensed copy of Observer 5.2 or Distributed Observer 5.2, Microsoft Windows 98/NT, the Microsoft Web Server, and at least a 133MHz Pentium with 32Mb RAM. Network Instruments recommends 64Mb RAM and SVGA running at least 800x600 resolution. For more information, contact Network Instruments, LLC; (612) 932-9899; WWW: http://www.networkinstruments.com.

DataChannel Develops WEBView Extensions for DataChannel RIO

DataChannel, Inc. has developed WEBView extensions to the DataChannel RIO product, an Intranet/Extranet system. According to DataChannel, these extensions allow users to view and access files in their native format regardless of browser, application, or version.

Using DataChannel WEBView, Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, VISIO, Netscape GOLD, Lotus 123, and more than 200 other file formats can be viewed from a Web browser. Developers have support for file viewing, printing, and copy/paste functionality for more than 200 file types. The DataChannel framework provides a standards-based, open platform, structured system for the publishing, viewing, and managing of content. DataChannel RIO combines an XML-driven database engine with real-time TIBCO notification.

DataChannel RIO with DataChannel WEBView is distributed using an unlimited user, server-based license solution. Pricing for WEBView extensions start at $15,000. For a 45-day trial of DataChannel RIO, visit their Web site. For more information, contact DataChannel, Inc., 155 108th NE, Suite 400, Bellevue, WA 98004; (425) 462-1999; Fax: 425 637-1192; Internet: sales@datachannel.com; WWW: http://www.datachannel.com.

Men & Mice Releases DNS Expert 1.2

Men & Mice has released version 1.2 of DNS Expert and DNS Expert Lite, tools for use by ISPs or corporate network administrators for analysis and problem-solving for DNS configurations.

DNS Expert now supports testing of intranet domains, where administrators can use their own customized root servers for domain checking. DNS Expert 1.2 allows users to specify their own root servers, providing the ability to analyze domains on intranets, thus DNS Expert has the ability to provide analysis of internet domains and analysis of DNS records regardless of server platforms. Other usability enhancements have extended the flexibility of DNS Expert.

DNS Expert and DNS Expert Lite 1.2 for Windows 95/98/NT and Mac OS are available from Men & Mice for $295 and $99, respectively. The upgrade is free for current users. Demo versions of the product are available from the company's Web site.

For more information, contact Men & Mice, Alftamyri 1, IS-108 Reykjavik, Iceland, +354 520 5300 (Mon - Fri, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. GMT) or (800) 242-3364; Fax: (408) 273-6079; Internet: info@menandmice.com; WWW: http://www.menandmice.com.

Softway Systems Announces Interix Certification as UNIX Environment for Windows NT

Softway Systems, Inc., has announced that Interix will be the first product to achieve UNIX branding on Windows NT. This announcement was the result of a long-term, binding agreement that Softway Systems has entered into with The Open Group, owners of the UNIX trademark, to certify Interix as a fully compliant UNIX product. Interix supplies industry standard UNIX application programming interfaces and other interfaces, such as shells, more than 300 commands, daemons, and other interoperability technology. Customers can run UNIX applications on Windows NT, which are integrated with the desktop and subsystem services in Windows NT.

Final UNIX certification will be based upon the current Interix 2.2 release. Customers can re-host UNIX applications on Windows NT using this release. Final branding will include a certified hardware platform. Qualified customers can obtain an evaluation copy of Interix via Softway System's Web site.

For more information, contact Softway Systems, Inc., 185 Berry Street, Suite 5514, San Francisco, CA 94107; (415) 896-0708; Fax: (415) 896-0709; Internet: info@interix.com; WWW: http://www.interix.com.

Xi Graphics Announces Technology Demo

Xi Graphics, Inc. has announced a Technology Demo version of its Accelerated-X 3D Display Server. The 3D Technology Demo is a complete Accelerated-X Display Server that integrates both 2D and 3D capability into the server body and includes the OpenGL API and developer's tools. The 3D Technology Demo is targeted at qualified developers who are currently deploying OpenGL applications and are interested in moving to Linux/UNIX on the PC.

The servers, which will be a companion product to the company's existing Accelerated-X Display Server line, includes advanced texture-caching; table support (Wacom and Summagraphics); spaceball support (Logitech Magellan); and 8, 15/16, and 24/32 bbp support (depending upon hardware support). Support for several initial 3D graphics chipsets, such as Glint Delta/MX, Permedia II, Ticket2Ride IV, i740 and SiS 6326, is also included. Additionally, the 3D Demo server will be available for use on Intel hardware supporting Linux, UnixWare 7, and Solaris/x86, v2.7, v2.6 and v2.5.1 operating systems.

The 3D Technology Demo of the Accelerated-X 3D Display Server is priced at $375. Developers who purchase the package receive free upgrades to the demo and to the final product for one year after its release. The 3D Technology Demo is a controlled release. For more information, contact Xi Graphics, Inc., by email only, at devrel@xig.com.

ARCO Introduces DupliDisk-Direct

ARCO Computer Products, Inc. has introduced DupliDisk-Direct, a realtime backup device designed for PC users who want the security of duplicate hard drives but not the cost of a SCSI RAID system. DupliDisk-Direct is a RAID 1 device capable of mirroring two pairs of IDE, E-IDE, or U/DMA drives of any capacity. If a hardware failure disables the mirrored drives, the DupliDisk automatically shifts operation to the functioning drive. LEDs on the unit's external panel change color to indicate a failed drive, and an audible alarm alerts the users of the drive failure without service interruption. Users have the option of either a bay-mounted or rear-mounted external panel for the visual display.

DupliDisk-Direct includes ARCO's intermediate controller technology, which provides continuous automatic hard disk backup and disk fault tolerance. Once plugged into an onboard IDE controller and attached to the primary and mirror drives with cables provided by ARCO, the DupliDisk operates transparently. All data sent from the PC to the primary drive is automatically duplicated to the mirroring drive.

DupliDisk-Direct plugs directly into one of the computers' onboard IDE controllers, and does not require a PCI or ISA bus slot. Also DupliDisk-Direct uses no jumper settings and requires no drivers or TSRs. DupliDisk-Direct is operating system independent and has been tested with systems running UNIX, Linux, Solaris 386, BSDI, NetWare, Windows 3.x, 95/98, NT, and OS/2.

DupliDisk-Direct is priced at $250. For more information, contact ARCO Computer Products, Inc., 2750 N. 29th Ave., Hollywood, FL 33020, (954) 925-2688; Fax: (954) 925-2889; Internet: arco@arcoide.com; WWW: http://www.arcoide.com.

UniPress Upgrades FootPrints

UniPress Software Inc. has upgraded FootPrints, its Web-based helpdesk. FootPrints uses the Internet to track problems and solutions and makes that information available to users over the Internet or intranet. FootPrints version 2.2 features automatic problem escalation. Designated problem tickets automatically "escalate" in importance if they are not handled in a pre-determined amount of time. Escalation results in email or beeper pages being sent to the administrator as the priority of the ticket is raised. Additionally, escalated tickets are displayed in color on the screen. Also FootPrints 2.2 includes an enhanced email interface. With this facility, FootPrints Helpdesk is available to users who are either Web-enabled or email-enabled. FootPrints can be used as an email-based helpdesk tool even if the users do not have Web access.

In both the UNIX and NT versions, FootPrints 2.2 looks for incoming FootPrints email and determines whether the email is creating a new entry or updating an existing entry. Also FootPrints 2.2 includes features that automatically send outgoing email. FootPrint 2.2 also includes a Web forms-based Data Import facility, which lets existing data be imported into FootPrints projects.

FootPrints 2.2 runs on a Web server and supports UNIX-based Web server, Windows NT Server, Windows NT workstation and all Web browsers. ODBC versions are also available for NT. The FootPrints Starter Pack (including 3 licenses) is priced at $1,995. Additional individual or group licenses are priced at $495. Free evaluation copies are available at http://www.unipress.com/footprints. For more information, contact UniPress Software, Inc., 2025 Lincoln Hwy., Edison, NJ 08817; (800) 222-0550 or (732) 287-2100; Fax: (732) 287-4929; Internet: info@unipress.com; WWW: http://www.unipress.com.

SCO and Intel Team to Encourage Intel-based UNIX Systems

SCO announced its support of Intel Corporation's adoption of the Uniform Driver Interface (UDI) as a standard device interface. Additionally, Intel will work with SCO and Project UDI to port UDI to the Linux operating system and distribute as freeware.

UDI allows device drivers to be portable across both hardware platforms and operating systems without any changes to the driver source. This significantly lowers the cost of driver development, speeds time-to-market of new devices, and allows manufacturers to allocate development resources on improving device performance, features, and functionality. SCO held the first public demonstration of this technology at SCO Forum98, running the same driver under the SCO OpenServer, SCO UnixWare 2, UnixWare 7, and the Hewlett-Packard HP-UX operating systems.

UDI is a specification backed by multiple UNIX system providers, including Compaq, HP, IBM, NCR, SCO, and Sun Microsystems, as well as companies such as Adaptec, Interphase Corporation, and Lockheed Martin. A multi-company, joint development effort has produced a UDI prototype with working implementations on seven different operating systems.

"Accelerating the deployment of UNIX on Intel-based servers is an important element in the growth of the standard high volume server model and in bringing price/performance advantages to the reliable, available and scalable benefits of UNIX," said John Miner, Intel vice president and general manager, Enterprise Systems Group.

UDI isolates drivers from operating system policies, as well as platform and I/O bus dependencies. This allows driver development to be totally independent of OS development. The UDI architecture also insulates drivers from platform specifics such as byte-ordering, DMA implications, multi-processing, interrupt implementations, and I/O bus topologies. More information on Project UDI is available at http://www.sco.com/UDI.