Concurrent Computer introduces MAXION IMS(TM) interactive multimedia server.

OCEANPORT, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 8, 1995--Concurrent Computer Corp. today introduced the MAXION/IMS interactive multimedia server for highly demanding interactive multimedia services such as interactive video, medical imaging, telemedicine, financial information, on-board passenger multimedia services, and distance learning.

Based on its industry leading MAXION(TM) multiprocessor system, the MAXION/IMS delivers up to 100 interactive video streams at a cost of about $1000 per stream, versus the current industry average of $1500 per stream. The MAXION/IMS system will be available in production quantities in mid-1995; a 100-stream system configuration will have a base price of $100,000 (US).

Rick Maule, Concurrent's vice president of Marketing and Strategy said: "Our MAXION multiprocessor system is designed for customers with demanding interactive needs and opportunities. The MAXION system's innovative high-bandwith crosspoint distributed architecture provides faster throughput and response, greatly exceeding that of conventional bus-based multiprocessor systems. This translates into highly dependable and predictable delivery of multiple simultaneous, intensely interactive multimedia data streams in real-time. The providers of interactive multimedia services in business, medicine, education and entertainment will increasingly demand the kind of higher performance that the MAXION/IMS readily provides."

While users are demanding standards-based hardware and software components that fit together with minimal effort, multimedia servers based on general-purpose computers fall short of performance requirements. Many interactive multimedia applications present I/O and response requirements that exceed the capabilities of general purpose computer systems. Storing, routing, and transporting high-resolution images or full motion video and CD-quality audio while managing real-time response for interactive multimedia is difficult, if not impossible, to achieve even using general purpose computers and networks. Only a real-time system can consistently meet these demands.

In addition to broad standards compliance, Concurrent's strategy has been to create alliances with leading technology partners and to integrate their products with the MAXION platform in order to speed the availability of servers that meet customers' specific, often unique, requirements. For example, as a result of an alliance with Storage Concepts Inc., the MAXION/IMS system can be configured with a wide range of data storage options, including RAID-3 arrays of standard disks and SCSI-2 disks. The Concept 810 video-on-demand disk storage system provides guaranteed sustained video data rates and uninterrupted bandwidth-on-demand. This storage system includes a real-time RAID controller that can be configured for no single point of failure and hot swap component replacement.

The Stellar 1000 interactive set-top television terminals from Stellar One Corp., also available as third-party products, provide capabilities today that are expected to be commonplace five years from now. Stellar 1000 set-tops connected to the MAXION system give multiple users access to whatever video or interactive multimedia offerings are available in the servers disk subsystem.

The MAXION/IMS server is available in a unique ruggedized, small-form-factor package that conforms to the industry standard avionics Air Transportable Rack (ATR) form factor. This ruggedized packaging is a compact box that is just 7 inches x 10 inches x 23 inches and weighs about 35 pounds. This MAXION/IMS package makes it ideal for providing multimedia services to passengers on planes, trains or ships.

Concurrent Computer Corp., headquartered in Oceanport, is a leading worldwide supplier of networked and distributed, high-performance, real-time, fault-tolerant computing systems supported by technology-based worldwide customer services. The company's products and services provide real-time solutions in weather and airspace management; simulation and training; multimedia; wagering and gaming; data acquisition, analysis and control; and to its Series 3200 system customer base. Concurrent Computer Corp. has achieved ISO 9000 quality certification for its design, development, manufacturing and support processes. The company offers its products, along with related consulting, education and support services, in 24 countries around the world. Its common stock trades on NASDAQ under the symbol CCUR.

MAXION, MAX/IMS and MAX/OS are trademarks of Concurrent Computer Corp. UNIX is a registered trademark, licensed exclusively by X/Open Co. Ltd.

CONTACT: Concurrent Computer Corp.

Michael A. Stugrin, 908/870-5888

or

KSK Communications Ltd.

Paul Herron, 703/734-1880