infopro@laidbak.UUCP (08/17/83)
As mentioned in the editorial on page 8 of the June/July 1983 issue of UNIX
REVIEW magazine, we are looking for two identical UNIX-based computer systems
to support our editorial, software evaluation, subscription fulfillment, and
typesetting activ|ities. We have decided to open the range of possibilities to
the entire UNIX vendor community, and therefore this request is being placed on
the net so that those who wish may reply. In many respects, our needs are
similar to those of the Usenix Association, which also recently sent out a RFP.
However, we stress that we require a system that is well supported, especially
in the area of available applications software, since we will also be reviewing
software from different vendors.
Potential suppliers should note that we will be continually referring to
the selected system editorially, and will be expounding on our experiences with
the system in feature articles, whether these are good or bad. This public
exposure of products holds not only for UNIX REVIEW, but also for my industry
newsletter UNIQUE: Your Independent UNIX and C Advisor (tm).
Requirements:
CPU: any that will support programs of indeterminate size
Operating System: UNIX Version 7 or a direct derivative; System 3/5 preferred
RAM: 512 KB minimum; 1 MB preferred
Disk: 30 MB minimum; over 50 preferred
Disk Backup: anything except floppy disks; streaming tape preferred
Serial Ports: at least 6, preferably 8 or more
Communications: must support uucp and cu as delivered; LAN expansion desirable
We would like the ability to reconfigure the system (add new devices, etc.)
as much as possible. Naturally, we would like a high-performance machine,
especially in the disk and CRT areas since number-crunching is not required,
but we expect a true 4 to 6 user system. Expandability, adherence to industry
standards (bus, full modem control signals, etc.), addition of Berkeley
software, and service/support will be carefully considered. Price will be very
carefully considered. We will consider accepting an advance version of a new
machine but do not wish to be a beta test site per se.
Please submit all proposals in writing to me at PO Box 563, Denville NJ
07834 before August 31, 1983 or over the net to ihnp4!laidbak!infopro. One of
the machines will be required shortly after a decision is reached; this will be
purchased by my own firm, the other by UNIX REVIEW a while later.
Thanks, Dave Fiedler