Computing Industry Leaders to Standardize Software for Client/Server Networks.

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 29, 1996--Computing industry leaders today announced the formation of the I2O (eye-two-oh) Special Interest Group. The group has been formed in response to the rapidly growing demand for fast-response, high-performance PC servers and increased input/output technology in the client/server computing environment.

Group members include server, network operating system (NOS) and adapter card suppliers 3Com; Adaptec; AMI; Compaq; Cyclone Microsystems; Distributed Processing Technologies; Fore Systems; Harris & Jeffries; Hewlett-Packard Company; Intel; IPC/Vortex; ISI; Microsoft; Mylex; NetFRAME; Novell; PLX; Siemens-Nixdorf; SMC; Symbios Logic; Tandem Computers; Veritas Software; V3; Western Digital; Wind River Systems; and Xpoint Technologies. Other companies are anticipated to join.

The group is defining a standardized software layer for managing internal system communication between the host operating system and network and storage adapter cards. That communication has not kept pace with the high-performance host processors and the PCI bus used in today's systems, resulting in less-than-optimal performance. The group's solution will distribute intelligent input/output (I/O) technology throughout the network to boost server throughput performance.

In addition, a standard network communications software layer will allow:

- Compatibility of peripheral products and servers across computing environments, allowing system managers to select from a variety of non-proprietary, standards-based products;

- Faster and easier implementation of innovative networking technologies such as ATM, Fast Ethernet and Super SCSI;

- Faster verification by network operating system vendors and information technology managers of adapter cards compatible with various operating systems and new versions of operating systems;

- Reduced network down-time caused by incompatible products.

Carl Amdahl, Chief Technical Officer of NetFRAME Systems, said, "I2O creates a standard communications software interface that will deliver the I/O throughput required by a wide range of high-bandwidth applications. And it ensures interoperability between different operating systems and I/O adapter cards from different manufacturers."

"HP's position as a lead vendor in the development of the I2O specification illustrates our commitment to giving customers, systems software vendors and server platform providers a compatible way of using intelligent I/O," said Duane Zitzner, general manager of HP's Personal Information Products Group. "This technology will be an important step in making the I2O technology an industry standard, enabling all PC server systems component vendors to move into high-end applications environments over the next few years."

Dave House, senior vice president of Intel's Enterprise Server Group, said, "I/O is the one area in which mainframes have continued to have an advantage over any other computing platform. Products based on the I2O specification will help close that gap."

"With a history of introducing innovative intelligent I/O controllers, such as drive arrays, that brought new levels of functionality to the server market, Compaq views the I2O initiative as a natural progression for the industry," said Gene Austin, vice president of marketing, Compaq Systems Division. "This is an opportunity for us to work with our industry partners to define and promote a new industry standard interface specifically designed to improve server I/O performance and take the server I/O architecture to the next generation."

"We're very excited to see the rapid consensus of the industry on the I2O standard. We believe this technology will deliver benefits such as increased performance, manageability and scalability in NetWare 4 environments," stated Richard King, executive vice president, Novell Systems Group.

The specification is intended to maintain compatibility with existing computing environments to enable a smooth and gradual transition to the new software interface.

The group anticipates publishing version 1.0 of the I2O specification by the end of first quarter 1996. Additional information can be obtained at the organizations Web site, http://WWW.I2OSIG.org/test.html, or contact Lobue & Associates, which has been retained to assist with SIG administration, at [phone], 688 Fourth Ave., San Francisco, CA 94118. -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: Trademarks or trade names are the property of their respective holders.

CONTACT: Compaq Computer Corp.

Hedy Baker, 713/514-4619

or

Alexander Communications (for Hewlett-Packard Company)

Rachel Boes, 415/923-1660

or

Intel Corp.

Sara Killingsworth, 602/554-2388

Tami Casey, 408/765-8203

or

Microsoft Corporation

Collins Hemingway, 206/936-7480

or

NetFRAME Systems

Marcia Mason, 408/474-4128

or

Novell Inc.

Katherine Stewart, 201/443-6264