jpp@specialix.co.uk (John Pettitt) (05/17/91)
SPECIALIX INTELLIGENT I/O BOARDS PROVIDE MODULAR EXPANSION OF DAIL-IN CAPABILITY FOR NOVELL NETWORKS multiuser pioneer moves into networking LOS GATOS, Calif.--May 14, 1991--Specialix Inc., a leading manufacturer of intelligent I/O controllers for PC-based multiuser systems, is entering the LAN market by providing support for Novell networks. Specialix' new software drivers make its SI Intelligent Host Cards compatible with Novell's NetWare Access Server v1.2. Novell has certified the Specialix software and hardware for use in its systems. "We are pleased that Specialix has entered the network computing market by offering NetWare customers products that will greatly enhance their remote access capabilities," said Gerry Machi, director of product marketing for Novell's communications products. "Users will gain both price/performance benefits and increased system configuration flexibility by using just one Specialix adaptor card with the Netware Access Server v1.2 to handle 16 ports." When installed on a 386 PC, Novell's Access Server software allows up to 16 remote users to dial into and access the data and services availsble on a NetWare network. On the Access Server computer, adaptor cards control communication between the remote users and the network. Typically one to four 4-port cards have been used. Because of the modular design of the Specialix I/O controller, a single Specialix SI card can easily handle all 16 external ports and provides superior performance. The single- card solution reduces costs and increases system configuration flexibility. The Specialix SI family is compatible with PC/AT, Micro Channel (PS/2) and EISA architectures; its modular design allows for easy upgrades. SI cards are connected to external Terminal Adaptors, each having 4 or 8 ports. These Terminal Adaptors can be connected in any combination. Thus, a system builder can start with a 4-port card and add additional ports up to the Access Server's limit of 16 without touching the SI controller card installed in the host PC. Specialix provides the NetWare Access Server driver software at no charge with the hardware. The drivers are available now from Specialix distributors. SI prices range from $795 for 4 ports to $1,495 for 16 ports (AT compatible, prices for Micro Channel and EISA boards vary). Specialix was among the first companies to recognize that the power of the 386 CPU gave a single PC the capability to support multiple users, a task previously reserved for conventional minicomputers. The company's intelligent I/O controllers offload the communications function from the host CPU freeing the 386 to handle the applications of multiple system users simultaneously. "We're well known to people in the multiuser arena as the technology leader, just as Novell is in networking," Tony Bates, president of Specialix said. "We're pleased to be entering the market with such a distinguished partner. And we are excited to be expanding our business into one of the fastest growing segments of the PC market." Founded in 1988, Specialix Inc. is a subsidiary of Specialix International, a British manufacturer of systems enhancements products serving the fast growing PC-UNIX marketplace. The company markets it RIO and SI-Series of intelligent I/O controllers to international OEM customers and through a worldwide distribution network. Specialix also operates subsidiary offices in the U.K., Germany, France, Singapore and Australia. For: For More Information Contact: SPECIALIX INC. Rick Freedman 985 University Ave Specialix Inc. Suite 12 (408)354-4498 Los Gatos, CA 95030 rick@specialix.com Jim Lochmiller Andrea Coules Joyce Lekas Public Relations, Inc. (408)292-1922 -- John Pettitt, Specialix International, Email: jpp@specialix.com Tel +44 (0) 9323 54254 Fax +44 (0) 9323 52781 Disclaimer: Me, say that ? Never, it's a forged posting !