larree@altos86.Altos.COM (Larry Snyder) (06/08/90)
ALTOS COMPUTER SYSTEMS ANNOUNCES FIRST EISA-BASED MINICOMPUTER
New File Server and Multiuser Systems Provide
Minicomputer Performance at Microcomputer Prices
San Jose Calif. -- May 14, 1990 -- Altos Computer Systems has
introduced its next generation of business computers. The two new
systems offer mini-computer performance at microcomputer prices. Both
systems use the high-performance EISA standard I/O bus, an Intel 80486
central processor plus other dedicated I/O processors, and the
SCO-compatible UNIX(R) standard operating system, making these systems
the first minicomputers fully based on industry standards and on an
open architecture.
There are two systems based on a common platform for distinct
applications, the Altos Multiuser System 5000 and the Altos Power
Server 5000.
The Altos Multiuser System 5000 (AMS/5000) supports up to 200
concurrent UNIX users and offers connectivity to more than 512
devices. In addition to fitting the needs of traditional
character-based minicomputer environments, it is also the first Altos
system to support UNIX graphic applications such as CAD/CAM, CASE, and
desktop publishing with its X terminal connectivity capabilities. The
AMS/5000 is available immediately. "With end-user prices for a
standard AMS/5000 starting below $25,000, Altos is returning to its
roots as the price performance and technology leader in multi-user
computers," said Ron Conway, Altos' president.
The Altos Power Server 5000 (APS/5000) is optimized as a file server.
It offers a high-performance balance of CPU, disk and LAN power along
with the abilty to support extensive on-line disk storage. The
APS/5000 is available immediately with end-user prices starting at
about $40,000.
The APS/5000 comes standard with Altos' new high-performance file
processor (HPFP) card which is key to the system's top-rated file
server performance. Each HPFP card uses a Motorola 68000
microprocessor, 512 Kbytes of memory and EISA bus master burst-mode
capability to optimize disk I/O performance.
BOTH APS/5000 AND AMS/5000 SHARE ADVANCED I/O MANAGEMENT CAPABILITIES
Both new Altos systems utilize advanced disk management features to
improve I/O performance and reliability.
* Disk striping allows user-selected files to be automatically spread
across multiple physical disk drives and even across SCSI channels to
allow for simultaneous disk I/O to the same file. This is
particularly important for applications with frequent disk accesses.
Striping across just two disks improves systems performance by up to
35%.
* Disk Mirroring improves data reliability for crucial applications
by transparently maintaining an up-to-date copy of specified files.
In the unlikely event of a failure on the primary disk, the operating
system automatically switches to the second disk for uninterrupted
processing. Altos disk mirroring can be configured to mirror on the
same SCSI channel, or across channels for added reliability and
performance.
INDUSTRY STANDARD OPEN ARCHITECTURE AND SCO UNIX-COMPATIBILITY
Altos UNIX System V/386 Release 3.2 for the 486 provides more
than just SCO-UNIX compatibility. With Support for up to 64MB,, it
offers more main memory, it supports more SCSI channels, and it is
optimized for more simultaneous users (up to 200). Altos has also
added on-line diagnositcs, an easy-install procedure, support for an
uninterruptible power supply, and the first UNIX EISA configuration
utility to automatically configure EISA or ISA add-in cards.
The new systems run leading software packages such as
FrameMaker(TM), Wingz(TM), AutoCAD(TM) and Informix databases, as well
as vertical market applications developed by more than 2000 Altos VARs
and ISVs. Compatibility with SCO UNIX means that the AMS/5000 and
APS/5000 can also run any of several thousand SCO UNIX-compatible
applications immediately. Many other established minicomputer
companies and new RISC-based systems do not offer nearly the range of
applications available today.
Founded in 1977, Altos designs, manufactures and markets
32-bit networked multi-user solutions for distribution in 60
countries. More than 127,000 Altos systems have been installed
worldwide. Fiscal 1989 sales for the company were $139.9 million.
The company's stock is traded on the NASDAQ exchange, symbol ALTO.
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UNIX is a registered trademark of AT&T in the United States and other
countries.
--
Larry Snyder Altos Computer Systems
2641 Orchard Parkway
Internet: larree@altos.com San Jose CA 95134
UUCP : uunet!altos!larree 408.432.6200