chris@Cayman.COM (Chris North) (04/24/91)
Cayman Systems, Inc. today announced the first customer shipment of the GatorBox CS. In conjunction with the announcement, Cayman Systems and Cabletron Systems, Inc. announced the incorporation of Cayman's technology into the intelligent wiring hub with the introduction of the GatorMIM CS, a Media Interface Module (MIM) for Cabletron's Multi Media Access Center (MMAC) series. What are the major new features of the GatorBox CS? The GatorBox CS includes: redesigned hardware for cooler, more reliable operation; 2 MB of memory, including 1MB of flash EPROM; built-in worldwide power supply; and support for hardware diagnostics via the serial port. How do these features benefit network managers? * The vented design, single board construction and reduced chip set (with 50% fewer components) provide outstanding hardware reliability. * The internal power supply eliminates the need for the external transformer. * The GatorBox CS will route AppleTalk Phase 1 or 2 straight out of the box from the flash EPROM, without requiring any configuration. * The flash EPROM stores the configuration file and system software, so the GatorBox CS recovers quickly and without intervention or downloading in the event of power outage or network failure. * Configuring or re-configuring the GatorBox CS can be done from anywhere on the network. * In the future, as Cayman Systems offers enhancements to the GatorBox CS, users will simply install a new version of the system software into the flash EPROM. * With the additional memory the GatorBox CS has more capacity for storing incoming packets, routing tables and system software. The extra memory makes the GatorBox CS perform more reliably in high traffic networks. Other changes * LEDs on the GatorBox CS indicate power, LocalTalk and Ethernet activity. * Selection of thick or thin wire ethernet is now accomplished with a switch on the back panel, replacing a software configuration setting. * The new serial numbering system you asked for will make your GatorBoxes easier to track. * The hardware warranty has been extended to two years. * A new GatorBox Reference Manual provides background information on networking concepts. * An updated GatorAid Tech Services Handbook addresses numerous technical issues and documents interactions between the GatorBox and GatorBox software and third-party products. Components Processor: Motorola 68000, running at 10MHz Working data storage: 1 MB DRAM Operating code storage: 1MB flash EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory) Configuration storage: 64K flash EPROM Boot program storage: 256K flash EPROM Fixed parameter storage 2K EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) --------------------- Questions and Answers Can I run GatorShare and GatorPrint in the GatorBox CS? Yes. You will need the appropriate version of GatorShare or GatorPrint - GatorShare CS or GatorPrint CS. What is the price of the GatorBox CS? The U.S. retail price of the GatorBox CS is $2795, the same as the current retail price for the original GatorBox. Is there an upgrade path available to current customers? Current registered owners of GatorBoxes will be receiving a mailing in approximately two weeks. The mailing will include details on the GatorBox CS as well as information on the two offers below. I. $300 Savings on the purchase of a GatorBox CS Current GatorBox owners can save $300 on the purchase of a GatorBox CS with a manufacturer's rebate from Cayman Systems. You will receive a rebate application with instructions on how to take advantage of this offer in the mail. This offer will allow current customers special savings to try the new GatorBox CS. (Note this does not apply to educational discount and international customers. Inquire about pricing for U.S. educational institutions directly from Cayman and contact your distributor for pricing outside the U.S.) II. Trade-in Options Current GatorBox owners may trade in their GatorBox and purchase the new GatorBox CS for $995. Owners of the FastPath 4 may trade-in their old units and purchase a GatorBox CS for $1195. We can offer these trade-in opportunities only on purchases direct from Cayman. If you have questions on either of these offers, please contact your sales representative for more details. If you don't know who the salesperson responsible for your account is, just call us at (617) 494-1999. If you prefer to use e-mail, you may correspond by writing to sales@cayman.com and indicating what state you are located in. ______ How does the GatorMIM CS work? The GatorMIM CS is a module for Cabletrons Multi Media Access Center (MMAC) intelligent wiring hub series that connects LocalTalk networks to Ethernet networks over the MMACs Flexible Network Bus (FNB) backplane. Because the GatorMIM CS resides in the same chassis as the other network modules from Cabletron, users are able to access Ethernet-FDDI bridging capabilities. The GatorMIM CS supports Cayman Systems' application-level gateway software including GatorShare CS and GatorPrint CS. How does it differ from the GatorBox CS? The GatorMIM CS provides the same functionality as the GatorBox CS, but does so as a module for Cabletron's MMAC. Instead of the thin or thick Ethernet connectors found on the GatorBox CS, the GatorMIM CS has a direct interface to the MMAC's Flexible Network Bus. The FNB allows access to all the other network modules you have installed in the MMAC, which may include 10Base-T, thick or thin coaxial cable and Ethernet to FDDI modules. What benefits does the GatorMIM CS provide? The GatorMIM CS lets network managers integrate Macintosh computers on LocalTalk into Ethernet network environments based on wiring hubs. The module also allows network administrators to harness monitoring and control features provided through Cabletron#213#s Remote LANVIEW/Windows and SPECTRUM network management platforms. Similar to the GatorBox CS, the GatorMIM CS supports the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). The SNMP Management Information Base implemented in the Cayman products is available from Cabletron in SPECTRUM. Who will provide service and support for the GatorMIM CS? Cabletron Systems will provide primary customer support for the GatorMIM CS. Support calls should be placed directly to Cabletron, with Cayman providing additional technical support to Cabletron. What is the price of the GatorMIM CS and from whom do I buy it? The GatorMIM CS is available from both Cayman and Cabletron. The U.S. list price is $2795. Educational pricing for U.S. educational institutions is available from Cayman and Cabletron. -- Chris North Internet:chris@cayman.com Cayman Systems Phone: 617-494-1999 FAX: 617-494-9270 26 Landsdowne Street Cambridge MA 02139