[comp.newprod] Serial Access to Novell Networks

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 !