Bull unveils new open enterprise software suite; Expands clustering, scalability of UNIX servers with 'thin node' packaging.BILLERICA, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 22, 1997-- Powerful integrated software Separate software components or applications that have been combined into one package. See integrated software package. suite provides robust, secure open environment for production applications. `Thin Node' architecture offers scalability at reduced prices Moving to further establish its leadership position in open systems production-level computing, Bull announced today its Open Enterprise Software Suite (OESS OESS Ontario Educational Software Services OESS Office of E-Health Standards & Services (US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) OESS Ottawa East Schooling Shows (Ottawa, Canada) ), a new low-cost comprehensive portable production environment for UNIX UNIX Operating system for digital computers, developed by Ken Thompson of Bell Laboratories in 1969. It was initially designed for a single user (the name was a pun on the earlier operating system Multics). (TM) applications. The company also introduced price/performance improvements for its Escala Powercluster(TM) server family that uses "thin node" packaging to deliver entry-level clustering and scalability benefits at substantially reduced prices. Bull's new Open Enterprise Software Suite is a complete, robust and secure portable production environment for UNIX applications. OESS also addresses user needs for database solutions by providing management facilities for Oracle and Informix, for SAP business applications, for Tuxedo OLTP (OnLine Transaction Processing) See transaction processing and OLCP. OLTP - On-Line Transaction Processing applications as well as for mainframe evolution and interoperability. The OESS is based on the architecture and technologies behind Bull's Sagister(TM) -- the first open enterprise system to offer a complete set of mainframe disciplines on an open, scalable platform. OESS, available now at prices starting under $60,000, initially runs on Bull's Escala and Powercluster models plus IBM's RS/6000 servers. In the future, OESS will be deployed on platforms other than PowerPC(TM) with AIX (Advanced Interactive eXecutive) IBM's Unix-based operating system which runs on its Intellistation workstations and pSeries, p5, iSeries and i5 server families. (TM). In the area of PowerPC SMP (Symmetric MultiProcessing) A multiprocessing architecture in which multiple CPUs, residing in one cabinet, share the same memory. SMP systems provide scalability. As business increases, additional CPUs can be added to absorb the increased transaction volume. platform architecture, price/performance improvements in clustering and scalability are based on a "thin node" architecture, introduced today in a new two-node Escala Powercluster model, the P2204-T. "Bull's introduction of Sagister in June 1996 created a brand new industry category for pre-configured and fully tested hardware/software solutions that deliver secure, robust production-level computing for UNIX environments," said Marilyn Guhr, director of open enterprise systems marketing and business development for Bull in Phoenix, Ariz. "With the OESS approach, Bull now makes the key software components of Sagister available separately at attractive prices for use on installed systems. "Meanwhile, today's `thin node' Powercluster announcement reflects our proven expertise in applying PowerPC(TM) symmetric multiprocessing See SMP. (parallel) symmetric multiprocessing - (SMP) Two or more similar processors connected via a high-bandwidth link and managed by one operating system, where each processor has equal access to I/O devices. technology to develop further price/performance benefits for customers," Guhr said. Open Enterprise Software Suite The OESS is a complete production-quality environment able to integrate most popular user applications, such as SAP R/3, Oracle, Tuxedo, Baan IV An integrated family of client/server applications from Baan. It included manufacturing, distribution, finance, transportation, service, project and features enterprise modeling via its Orgware modules. Earlier versions of the software were named TRITON. , etc. It allows users to enrich and secure their present UNIX servers; e.g., to enhance and upgrade them with features such as control and management, without investing in a new hardware platform and without the need to modify applications. Key characteristics include: -- Management and control of the entire IT environment through a single graphical user interface graphical user interface (GUI) Computer display format that allows the user to select commands, call up files, start programs, and do other routine tasks by using a mouse to point to pictorial symbols (icons) or lists of menu choices on the screen as opposed to having to -- Robustness, resistance to failure and ability to recover -- Security, including access rights and protection against violations -- Optimized management of systems resources and users -- Ease of operation and administration. Much more than just a system and network management tool, the OESS offers a complete set of production facilities in seven domains: -- Operation Monitor -- comprising the operator graphical interface See GUI. , event management, application hosting infrastructure, release management, and one-stop support -- Administration -- comprising server management, user management, accounting, high-availability scripts, and statistics. Optional advanced administration facilities include a help desk, performance utility and network management -- Batch/Automation -- comprising job scheduler A job scheduler is an enterprise software application that is in charge of unattended background executions, commonly known for historical reasons as batch processing. They may also be known as Distributed Resource Management Systems (DRMS) or , distributed printing, restore/backup, and job reporting -- Security/Availability -- comprising Bull's ISM See ISM band. AccessMaster security management software and firewall features, high-availability subsystem and Concurrent Resource Manager -- Database Management -- comprising management facilities for the Oracle7 RDBMS (Relational DataBase Management System) See relational database and DBMS. RDBMS - relational database or the Informix RDBMS as required -- Transaction Processing Updating the appropriate database records as soon as a transaction (order, payment, etc.) is entered into the computer. It may also imply that confirmations are sent at the same time. Transaction processing systems are the backbone of an organization because they update constantly. Management -- comprising management facilities for the Tuxedo system -- Interoperability Facilities -- comprising FlowBus message-oriented middleware, GCOS (General Comprehensive OS) An operating system from Bull that, originally used in its minis and mainframes, has migrated to its Intel-based servers. GCOS was originally developed by GE in the early 1970s as GECOS (GE Comprehensive OS), then changed to General 7/UNIX and GCOS 8/UNIX interoperability solutions and MVS/UNIX interoperability solutions (BlueSage). Powercluster Scalability and "Thin Node" Packaging Bull's Escala Powercluster technology and winning features are now available at a lower price than ever with the introduction today of the entry-level P2204-T model. Comprising two nodes of dual processors each, the new model is upgradable to four nodes of four processors each. The P2204-T is based on a "thin node" architecture, using compact technology with new packaging design that offers the same level of functionality as current Escala Powercluster models but at a lower entry price. The "thin nodes" can be mixed in combination with standard technology nodes, which gives enhanced flexibility and configurability to the Escala Powercluster range. The P2204-T model is being marketed to medium-sized businesses and for use as a departmental server, particularly when high availability and cluster flexibility are paramount requirements. Key benefits of the P2204-T are: -- Entry to the Escala Powercluster range at a reduced cost -- less than $100,000 for a complete hardware/software operational system -- Flexible upgradability in the Escala Powercluster range -- High availability for running mission-critical applications in a secure environment. Availability and Pricing The Open Enterprise Software Suite is available immediately, starting at under $60,000. Also available is an OESS Open Enterprise Toolkit, which allows users, SIs and ISVs to "bullet-proof" their AIX-based applications without changing a line of application code. Market-leading solutions from Bull's partners, such as SAP and Oracle, are integrated into the UNIX production environment. Open Enterprise Software Suite deliveries comprise CD-ROM CD-ROM: see compact disc. CD-ROM in full compact disc read-only memory Type of computer storage medium that is read optically (e.g., by a laser). media for installation, scripts, documentation and software keys, and are accompanied by professional services. A fully operational P2204-T Powercluster system is priced at less than $100,000, and can be customized with up to four nodes in any combination of "thin" and standard nodes to meet specific customer requirements. About Bull With a presence in more than 85 countries, more than 21,000 employees, and combined revenues in 1996 of $4.7 billion, Bull offers a wide range of systems, infrastructure software and IT services through focused innovation, alliances with the best partners, and its own integration expertise. Bull's North and South America headquarters is located in Billerica, Mass., with significant R&D marketing and customer support services support services Psychology Non-health care-related ancillary services–eg, transportation, financial aid, support groups, homemaker services, respite services, and other services in Phoenix. The company also employs a nationwide network of direct sales people. Bull is recognized for innovative products such as Escala servers, Sagister multiframes, CP8 smart cards, and infrastructure software of such as ISM/OpenMaster for the management of systems and networks. The Bull Web address is http:\\ www.bull.com . -0- All trademarks, service marks and company names are the property of their respective owners. UNIX is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries, licensed exclusively through X/Open Company Limited. AIX and PowerPC are trademarks of IBM (International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY, www.ibm.com) The world's largest computer company. IBM's product lines include the S/390 mainframes (zSeries), AS/400 midrange business systems (iSeries), RS/6000 workstations and servers (pSeries), Intel-based servers (xSeries) Corp. and are being used under license. Escala, Powercluster, Sagister, Multiframe and OpenMaster are trademarks of Bull S.A. CONTACT: Bill Bradley Bull HN Information Systems Inc. 508/294-5812 Email: b.bradley@bull.com |
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