richard@neabbs.UUCP (RICHARD RONTELTAP) (09/18/88)
Well, the rumours about clone makers deciding on a new bus turn out to be valid. Also IBM HAS released new PS/2 model which uses the 'old' AT bus. The following two articles are from BPS PRESS service. They don't charge for distribution but (try to) live on advertising, so I hope BPS won't mind this posting too much. I don't have their phone number handy, but will gladly send more info on BPS to anyone. So here are the articles ------------------------------------- ====================== COMPUTER INDUSTRY NEWS ====================== --------------------- GANG OF NINE REBELS AGAINST IBM STANDARDS --------------------- (BPS) -- In a bold and unprecedented move, nine major computer clone makers introduced a new computer architecture standard that departs from and competes with IBM's Micro Channel Architecture (MCA). Lead by Compaq Computer, the Gang of Nine comprise the following clone makers: AST Research; Epson America, Inc.; Hewlett-Packard Co; NEC Information Systems; Olivetti; Tandy; Wyse; and Zenith Data Systems. Endorsing the new architecture standard were also about 50 hardware and software companies, including Microsoft, Intel, 3Com, Amstrad Plc., AT&T Information Systems, Borland International, DEC, and others. The new architecture, called the Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA), is a major advance and extension to the existing PC Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) which consists of three components: microprocessors (such as the Intel 80386), operating systems (such as MS-DOS), and the input/output (I/O) bus or expansion slots. The higher-performance Intel 80386 microprocessor and more powerful new operating systems are expected to drive PCs into new, more demanding user applications, increasing the need to extend the current ISA I/O bus to full 32-bit capability in the future. EISA is designed to meet those future needs. It delivers full-function 32- bit address and data bus extensions, which support memory capacity beyond today's 16-megabyte maximum. It also provides both 32-bit, direct-memory access; and 32-bit, bus-master support. According to an EISA spokesperson, the EISA bus with current cards will deliver about the same performance as IBM's MCA and Apple Computer's Macintosh NuBus, but will be about 50 percent faster than MCA and NuBus with future cards designed specifically for the new EISA bus. Additional features include programmable board set-up for autoconfiguration of EISA boards and software-aided configuration of existing ISA switch- programmable and future EISA boards. Unlike IBM's Micro Channel Architecture, which will not work with earlier industry-standard peripherals (expansion boards, etc.), EISA not only is compatible with existing industry-standard hardware and peripherals, but also will accommodate new peripherals and software designed for high-performance capabilities. This is the first time that the clone-maker industry has not blindly followed IBM's lead, but rather taken its own independent path. It may well represent the beginning of the end of IBM's control of the personal computer industry. On the same day that IBM's rivals announced their new EISA bus standard, IBM introduced the PS/2 Model 30 286 with its own AT-style bus. (See HARDWARE NEWS for details.) Both IBM-rivals and IBM officials agree that the two different bus standards will confuse the public. Which of the two the public will prefer remains to be seen. ====================== COMPUTER HARDWARE NEWS ====================== ------------------------------- IBM INTROS NEW PS/2 AT-STYLE PC ------------------------------- (BPS) -- On the same day that IBM-rival clonemakers announced a new, high- performance, AT-compatible bus architecture (see INDUSTRY NEWS) different from IBM's Micro Channel Architecture (MCA), IBM introduced its own AT-style computer system. Designated the PS/2 Model 30 286, it is identical in appearance to the original Model 30 (except for a front-panel power switch that is a different color) but is up to twice as fast, and offers 25 times more memory capacity. The new computer features the Intel 80286, 10 MHz microprocessor, Video Graphics Array (VGA) capability, a 1.44 megabyte 3.5-inch floppy drive, and 512K of RAM, expandable to 4 Mb on the motherboard and 16 Mb with memory expansion boards. It has three AT-style, horizontal expansion slots that can accommodate only PC-height expansion cards; not the larger AT-style cards. It retails for $1,995 without a hard disk, and for $2,595 with a 20 Mb hard drive. With the introduction of two news software offerings -- the PS/2 Report Program Generator (RPG) II Application Platform, and the RPG II Application Toolkit -- the Micro Channel-based models will now run all the software written for IBM System/36 systems. Contact: IBM, U.S. Marketing and Services Group, 900 King St., Rye Brook, NY 10573; 201/930-5183. ------------ that's it Richard (...!mcvax!neabbs!richard)