[comp.newprod] MIPS new desktop systems

michaelc@mips.com (Michael Cohen) (03/15/89)

MIPS Computer Systems, Inc.
Beverly Jerman (408)991-7736
Michael Cohen  (408)991-7738                   Waterside Associates
928 Arques Avenue                              Jackie Rae
Sunnyvale, CA 94086                            (415)792-2901


    MIPS EXPANDS ITS SYSTEMS PRODUCT FAMILY BY ANNOUNCING AN 
  ENTRY-LEVEL SERVER AND A NEW LINE OF HIGH-RESOLUTION RISCSTATIONS

  Sunnyvale, Calif. -- February 21, 1989 -- MIPS Computer Systems, Inc.
announced today an entry-level server and new line of graphics
RISCstations(TM) that broaden the company's family of RISC-powered
computing systems. A new 12 mips compute server halves the entry price
of the RISComputer(TM) Line of binary-compatible servers; while the new
RISCstation Line provides graphics front ends that complement MIPS
distributed solutions. The RISCstation Line includes a high resolution
display station that sells for approximately $3,000 and a powerful 12
mips desktop workstation. Both RISCstations run RISCwindows(TM), MIPS
new user environment based on a tuned version of X Windows and the
standard user interface endorsed by the Open Software Foundation
(OSF).

  "We believe MIPS is at the forefront of a new trend in distributed
computing by offering low-cost display systems, powerful desktop
workstations, and high performance host and server products that are
all binary-compatible and run an optimized version of the X Window
standard," said Chuck Boesenberg, Executive Vice President of Marketing
for MIPS. "The compute-intensive portion of an application can now be
transparently distributed across a network and processed by a
RISComputer host. With the announcement of our X Display Station, MIPS
is among the first computer systems vendors to usher in this new
paradigm in distributed computing."

  MIPS new desktop systems are primarily targeted at OEMs and VARs 
in the technical and commercial computing markets. For resellers that
want to add their own hardware and software, MIPS offers building block
configurations for under $10,000 that unbundle base units, graphics
cards, and MIPS powerful operating system and optimizing compilers.
The desktop products are also available in full-function standalone and
networked configurations.  Over 50 third party software packages are
currently available for these new systems, including a full suite of
optimizing compilers, and packages for desktop publishing, computer
aided engineering and software development.

  "Numerous request from MIPS OEM and VAR customers prompted the 
company to introduce these desktop products," said Michael Cohen, MIPS
product manager. With over 500 backorders already pending, MIPS expects
these products to be popular with customers that want a complete family
of price/performance alternatives. Cohen added, "MIPS now offers an
unparalleled choice of RISC-based price, performance, and functionality
from 20-MIPS data center servers to powerful 12 mips desktop
workstations to $3,000 high-resolution, X display stations."

Entry-Level Server Reduces Cost of Distributed Computing
--------------------------------------------------------
 
  MIPS new RC2030 RISComputer joins the company's M/2000 and M/120
RISComputer host systems. The versatile desktop system can act as an
entry-level host for a local workgroup of workstations and X display
stations, as well as a cost-effective networked compute or file server.
The RC2030 provides 12 mips and 1.8 Mflops (double precision) of
processing power via a 16.67-MHz R2000 CPU, R2010 FPU, and separate
32-KB instruction and data caches. For large applications, the RC2030
supports up to 16 MB of main memory and 344 MB of disk storage in its
base unit. Optional desktop and under-the-desk expansion subsystems can
support a 120 MB cartridge tape unit and up to 3.3 GB of additional
disk storage.

  Available 90 days ARO, an entry-level version of the RC2030 with 
8 MB of memory, 172 MB of disk storage, and 120 MB cartridge tape will
sell for $17,500. This represents a new price point of less than $1,500
per mips for fully operational systems. Development packages for VARs,
universities and software developers are available at special
discounts.

Powerful 12 Mips RISC Workstation
---------------------------------

  First in the RS '30 Series of high-performance, desktop workstations,
the RS2030 establishes the high end of the RISCstation Line. The system
is based on the MIPS R2000 chipset and outperforms traditional
CISC-based workstations by delivering 12 mips and 1.8 Mflops (double
precision) of compute power. The highly configurable system can support
up to 16 MB of main memory, one 172 MB disk and a floppy drive, or two
172 MB disks in its compact base unit. The RS2030 features
high-resolution 1280 x 1024 graphics, and a choice of 16- and 19-inch
color, or 17-inch monochrome monitors.

  Available 90 days ARO, the RS2030 with 8 MB of memory, 172 MB disk,
and a high resolution 1280 x 1024, 17-inch monochrome monitor sells for
a list price of $17,000.  A color version with 16-inch Sony monitor is
available for $19,500.  A monochrome diskless version of the RS2030
will also be available to volume customers in the third quarter for
$13,600.  Development packages for OEMs and software developers are
available at special discounts.

Low-cost, High-Resolution X Display Station
-------------------------------------------

  First in the RS '10 Series of low-cost, X-display stations, the 
RS1210 establishes the lowend of the RISCstation Line. The system is
optimized to run the X Windows server and processes only the graphics
portion of an application. This enables the compute-intensive portion
of an application to be transparently distributed across a network and
processed by a MIPS RISComputer host.

  The RS1210 features include, a large 16-inch monochrome display with
room for a full page of text; 105 DPI, 1024 x 1024 resolution for crisp
graphics; and a 70-Hz, non-interlaced refresh rate for flicker-free
viewing. The system supports up to 4.5 MB of main memory, Ethernet and
TCP/IP. Available 30 days ARO, the RS1210 with 1.0 MB of memory sells
for $3,200.

Performance-Tuned Version of X Windows & OSF User Interface
-----------------------------------------------------------

  An important unifying feature of the RISCstation Line is RISCwindows -
MIPS tuned implementation of X Windows and the Open Software
Foundation's standard user interface (OSF/Motif). RISCwindows provides
a consistent windowing environment across the RISCstation products. It
also enables applications to run without modification on a stand-alone
RS2030 workstation or a distributed network of MIPS systems.
RISCwindows will be available in mid-1989 and is bundled with desktop
systems, along with MIPS UNIX-based RISC/os(TM).

   MIPS Computer Systems is the leading supplier of RISC technologies,
including computer systems, software and components. More than 75
customers, representing the market-share leaders of the computer
industry, have built and marketed a broad range of computer systems
around the MIPS RISC architecture, including workstations,
superminicomputers and transaction processing and graphics engines.
Announced customers include Ardent Computer, Digital Equipment, Prime
Computer, Racal-Redac, RC Computer, Loral/Rolm Mil-Spec, Silicon
Graphics, Sumitomo, and Tandem Computer.  Founded in 1984, MIPS is a
privately-held company based in Sunnyvale, California, with sales and
service offices worldwide.