how@uunet.uu.net (Mike Howard) (12/05/90)
Does anyone have anything pro or con to say about OPUS Systems and their products? We are planning a very small sparc network and are considering using an OPUS PM/5000 for a server [our VAR is pushing it], but want to hear whatever rumors are circulating about the company and their products. Mike Howard uunet!milhow1!how or how%milhow1@uunet.uu.net
ken@dali.gatech.edu (Ken Seefried iii) (12/09/90)
In article <613@brchh104.bnr.ca> milhow1!how@uunet.uu.net (Mike Howard) writes: >Does anyone have anything pro or con to say about OPUS Systems and their >products? Opus has been around for quite a while (in computer industry years; 1 computer industry year == 10 any-other-industry year ;'). They started out making a line of PC plug-in boards, using the National Semi 32000 series CPU's, that put Unix in your PC. The line has evolved to include all the 32000-series chips, an 88000-based product, a SPARC-based product, and if I'm not mistaken, a Clipper-based product. More recently, they worked with VLSI to produce the SPARCkit clone (they did the board and ROMs). I liked the little 32032-based Unix board I played with... ken seefried iii ken@dali.gatech.edu
tyager@decpa.pa.dec.com (Tom Yager) (12/09/90)
I've worked with three generations of OPUS products (Clipper, 88K, SPARC) and can say without hesitation that OPUS is a quality outfit. I got my OPUS SPARC clone a couple of weeks ago, but am waiting for an upgrade of disk and memory before I put it into full operation. The system is shipping only in very limited quantities right now. I'm under non-disclosure on some of the details of the system (perhaps someone who isn't can shed more light without legal risk), but my experience with it so far is that it is very stable, very compatible and will be priced competitively. From a potential purchaser's point of view, OPUS has two significant advantages over some of the other clone vendors. First, they did their own motherboard and OS work; they didn't just repackage someone else's hardware or software. This is their style, and I've never seen a company respond so quickly to reported problems. Second, my experiences with their tech support have been smooth. Everyone I've ever gotten on the phone there knows their stuff, and knows how to get to the bottom of a problem. OPUS will be offering their SPARC line in three forms: motherboard only, complete system and PC add-in card (!). The PC card has its own on-board SCSI controller, and even has SBus expansion slots. I have, as you can tell, tremendous respect for OPUS. I'll hold off on offering an opinion about the quality of this equipment until I've finished my tests, and written the BYTE review. I do expect good things from them, however, and have no hesistation about recommending them as a quality vendor. (ty) +--Tom Yager, Technical Editor, BYTE----Freelance writer-------------------+ | UUCP: decvax!maxx!tyager NET: maxx!tyager@bytepb.byte.com | | "Get hipper...with flippers!" | +-------------Dr. Dude & Assoc.------I speak only for myself.--------------+
how@uunet.uu.net (Mike Howard) (12/19/90)
Here are the `informative' responses to my query about Opus Systems. I have also talked to the company and received from them copies of several press releases and a write up entitled 'Opus Systems/Corporate Backgrounder'. This material substantiates and augments the information below - in other words, looks good to me. In any case, we've decided to go with an Opus Sparcstation clone rather than a Sun Sparcserver 1. I expect the hardware to show up here `one of these days', so in a few months I'll probably have some stories to tell. ======================================================================= X-From: Glenn F. Leavell <uunet!rigel.econ.uga.edu!glenn> I personally don't have any experience or knowledge of OPUS Systems or their products, but I wanted to let you know that there is a short article about them in the December 1990 (V3,N6) issue of "SunTech Journal" on pages 8-10. Below is a chart taken directly from that article: [msh - the article is essentially a product announcement in the section `/news'. There is not much more there than is on the company's `slicks'] ============================================================================ X-From: uunet!imatron!lawson (Lawson Louie [c100]) Prior to building Sparc compatible computers, Opus Systems was in the business of designing and building boards utilizing various microprocessors (e.g. NS32XXX, Fairchild Clipper and most recently the Motorola 88K as part of 88open) which would turn your PC-AT into a Sys V Unix workstation. Back in the days when the best PC you could buy was a 6 mhz AT, and the best Sun you could buy was a Sun 2/120 ($45k !!!), their technology was a viable solution for certain applications. Needless to say, the 386 and Sparc put a certain damper on their corporate prospects so they seem to have recast themselves into a Sparc and Unix provider. As i understand the situation, they designed their SS1+ cpu board and also helped a very large proportion of the current bevy of Sparc compatible vendors with their SunOs integration/certification. Though Opus is much smaller than the PC clone vendors who are offering Sparc compatibles, Opus definitely has the better Unix experience and expertise. In a previous life, I helped to develop a CAE product that ran on the original NS32XXX based Opus product(s). Though I have a contact within Opus I am not employed, a stockholder or otherwise affiliated with them. I do understand where they are coming from and think that they can be a viable vendor in this market. ============================================================================ [[Ed's Note: Previously posted replies removed from summary. -bdg]] Mike Howard uunet!milhow1!how or how%milhow1@uunet.uu.net