Connectware expands CELLerity family with nine additional low-cost ATM products -- the first with hardware-based flow control technology -- at ATM Year Three Conference; company to offer LAN emulation solution to its customers based on IBM's emulation strategy.SAN JOSE San Jose, city, United States San Jose (sănəzā`, săn hōzā`), city (1990 pop. 782,248), seat of Santa Clara co., W central Calif.; founded 1777, inc. 1850. , Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 28, 1995--Connectware Inc., a subsidiary of AMP, Harrisburg, Pa., Tuesday announced nine low-cost asynchronous transfer mode See ATM. (communications) Asynchronous Transfer Mode - (ATM, or "fast packet") A method for the dynamic allocation of bandwidth using a fixed-size packet (called a cell). See also ATM Forum, Wideband ATM. ATM acronyms. Indiana acronyms. (ATM) additions to its CELLerity family of ATM products, with industry-leading flow control technology. The company also announced that it will provide a local area network (LAN (Local Area Network) A communications network that serves users within a confined geographical area. The "clients" are the user's workstations typically running Windows, although Mac and Linux clients are also used. ) emulation solution for its customers wanting to connect Token Ring A local area network (LAN) access method developed by IBM. Conforming to the IEEE 802.5 standard, Token Ring uses a token ring access method and connects up to 255 nodes in a star topology at 4, 16 or 100 Mbps. or Ethernet LANs to an ATM network. In a media briefing at the ATM Year Three Conference and Exhibition Monday afternoon, Connectware's president and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. , Tim Sullivan, said, "Today's announcement fulfills the promise we made last summer to provide a full range of industry-leading, affordable, high-performance ATM solutions to the marketplace. "Connectware provides the industry's only available products with ATM Forum-specified, hardware-based flow control technology and also provides seamless connectivity to Ethernet and Token Ring LANs via LAN Emulation See LANE. ." "We're also in beta with our ATM Workgroup products announced last year with industry-leading companies and plan for general availability of our CELLerity SBus and EISA (Extended ISA) Pronounced "ee-suh." A PC bus standard that extends the 16-bit ISA bus (AT bus) to 32 bits and provides bus mastering. ISA cards can plug into an EISA slot. products at the end of March," Sullivan added. CELLerity Expansion (Nine New Products) Connectware's new product offerings include: six ATM network interface cards (NICs) designed for EISA, PCI (1) (Payment Card Industry) See PCI DSS. (2) (Peripheral Component Interconnect) The most widely used I/O bus (peripheral bus). and Silicon Graphics' GIO GIO Giovedì (Italian: Thursday) GIO Government Information Office GIO Geographic Information Officer GIO General Insurance Ombudservice GIO Government Information Online GIO Government Insurance Office buses in both client and server versions (CELLerity 1000/1300); new 16 port 25Mbit base and expansion units to Connectware's CELLerity 6100 ATM Workgroup Switch A network switch designed for LAN traffic within an enterprise. Contrast with carrier-class switch. ; a new ATM/LAN Bridge stackable module (CELLerity 6210) for the same Switch; and a remote version (CELLerity 3300) of the ATM/LAN Bridge also for the 6100 ATM Workgroup Switch. Refer to specific fact sheets below for product, pricing, distribution and availability details. These nine products use Connectware's cost-effective, single-chip segmentation and reassembly segmentation and reassembly - segmentation chip (SARchip), the key ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) Pronounced "a-sick." A chip that is custom designed for a specific application rather than a general-purpose chip such as a microprocessor. component in the CELLerity ATM family. The ATM Forum A membership organization founded in 1991 to promote ATM networking technology. It worked with ANSI and the ITU to set standards. Its first specification in 1992 defined the User-Network Interface (UNI). In 2004, the Forum merged with the MPLS and Frame Relay Alliance. specified flow control technology, Available Bit Rate (ABR (1) (AutoBaud Rate detect) The analysis of the first characters of a message to determine its transmission speed and number of start and stop bits. (2) (Available Bit R ), has been implemented on the SARchip and will be available with the initial products shipped. ABR allows an ATM network to increase network efficiency and performance for high-speed data and other transmissions requiring efficient use of bandwidth. Likewise, a robust switching architecture based on Connectware's switching chip ASIC, provides up to 4 Gb/s performance with a unique ring insertion design. Beta Testing (programming) beta testing - Testing a pre-release (potentially unreliable) version of a piece of software by making it available to selected users. This term derives from early 1960s terminology for product cycle checkpoints, first used at IBM but later standard throughout the Connectware's low-cost ATM Workgroup products are being installed in beta sites this month, and testing will continue through March. Companies involved in the testing include ATM research and implementation leaders Argonne National Laboratories and TRW TRW The Real World (TV reality show) TRW The Right Way TRW Tactical Reconnaissance Wing TRW The Retriever Weekly (University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD) TRW Thompson Ramo Wooldridge Inc Inc. This will be followed by interoperability certification at the end of March. The testing will focus on ATM applications such as molecular modeling, multimedia and research, as well as performance and interoperability validation. "These companies are known for their advanced applications and networking leadership," said Kent Savage, vice president, sales and marketing for ATM LAN Systems. "Their experience and mission-critical applications will provide validation of our product capabilities." According to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. Mark Schultheis, senior staff engineer, advanced communications, with TRW's Systems Integration Group, "We have chosen to beta test A test of new or revised hardware or software that is performed by users at their facilities under normal operating conditions. Beta testing follows alpha testing. Vendors of packaged software often offer their customers the opportunity of beta testing new releases or versions, and the the CELLerity ATM Network interface cards and switches, because of Connectware's product architecture and the high level of ATM functional integration in silicon. We believe that this will result in a `hot product' with a high level of performance and low cost. TRW is very interested in the advanced multimedia capabilities of the Connectware ATM technology." LAN Emulation Strategy Connectware also announced its LAN Emulation strategy. By adding LAN Emulation, Token Ring and Ethernet users will now have access to the vast benefits offered by ATM with a seamless interface to their existing networks. "The core benefits of our strategy to our Token Ring and Ethernet customers are low-cost, desktop interconnectivity to the ATM network via our CELLerity NICs and LAN emulation; server access for high bandwidth and multimedia applications; and Legacy LAN investment preservation which will help companies develop a smooth migration path to ATM," said Sullivan. "We're supporting the 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) LAN emulation strategy for premise networks," Sullivan added. "This scheme provides true switched virtual circuits using SVC (1) (Switched Virtual Circuit) A network connection that is established at the time the transmission is required and disconnected when the session is completed. Q.2931 signaling, along with conformance to the Interim Local Management Interface (ILMI ILMI Integrated Local Management Interface ILMI Interim Local Management Interface ILMI Interim Link Management Interface (ATMF) ILMI Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor (US National Park Service) ). "As soon as the ATM Forum ratifies LAN emulation specifications, we will upgrade our customers to comply with the industry standard if necessary. Meanwhile, teaming with IBM permits us to offer an inexpensive LAN emulation solution that provides interoperability and has extensive industry support." The Connectware ATM LAN emulation offering includes software for the EISA and PCI network interface cards, the ATM LAN/Bridge and Remote ATM LAN/Bridge Router. Connectware will also enhance the CELLerity 3300 Remote ATM/LAN Bridge offering with optional multiprotocol routing for IP and IPX (Internetwork Packet EXchange) The network layer protocol in the NetWare operating system. Similar to the IP layer in TCP/IP, it contains a network address and allows messages to be routed to a different network or subnet. (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). ) for delivery later this year. For network resource monitoring and control, the Connectware CELLerity ATM workgroup system with LAN emulation will be fully manageable via simple network management protocol (SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) A widely used network monitoring and control protocol. Data are passed from SNMP agents, which are hardware and/or software processes reporting activity in each network device (hub, router, bridge, etc. ). Network Management The CELLerity ATM family of products can be managed by any SNMP-capable workstation by using the information provided by these products in the appropriate standard MIBs (Management Information Base), including the ATM and SONET MIBs. In addition, element management applications will be provided in conjunction with Connectware's switch roll-out to run on several different PC and UNIX-based hardware platforms and operating systems. These applications may be installed on SunNet Manager, HP OpenView, NetView/6000 and NMC NMC Nursing & Midwifery Council (UK) NMC NSSDC Master Catalog (NASA) NMC Northwestern Michigan College (Traverse City, Michigan) NMC National Meteorological Center Vision Network Management stations to provide an integrated network management solution. Whatever network management platform chosen, the necessary information is provided in the form of standard MIBs to accomplish performance, fault, security and accounting management of the CELLerity family of ATM products. "Our strategy is to provide unsurpassed management of a company's ATM network without requiring it to switch management platforms -- thus preserving a company's technology investment," said Sullivan. Connectware was founded in September 1993 and is a wholly owned subsidiary Wholly Owned Subsidiary A subsidiary whose parent company owns 100% of its common stock. Notes: In other words, the parent company owns the company outright and there are no minority owners. of AMP. Connectware is an emerging leader in multimedia and advanced networking technologies. The company's technology focus addresses not only today's traditional LANs, but also the convergence of LANs and WANs through Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) workstation interfaces and network switches. Connectware is focused on communication integration through software and hardware offerings, imaging/video solutions to the desktop and software applications development. Connectware has sales and marketing offices throughout North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Product development is conducted in Texas, California, Pennsylvania, North Carolina North Carolina, state in the SE United States. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean (E), South Carolina and Georgia (S), Tennessee (W), and Virginia (N). Facts and Figures Area, 52,586 sq mi (136,198 sq km). Pop. , Florida and India. AMP is the world's leading supplier of connectors and interconnection systems, serving customers around the world in a wide range of markets from consumer goods consumer goods Any tangible commodity purchased by households to satisfy their wants and needs. Consumer goods may be durable or nondurable. Durable goods (e.g., autos, furniture, and appliances) have a significant life span, often defined as three years or more, and to communications and computer systems. Employing more than 27,000 people in 36 countries, the company ranks 144th in the Fortune 500 list and had a record $3.45 billion sales in 1993. For more information, please contact Connectware, 800/357-0852. Editorial inquiries may be directed to Cynthia Stine, 214/276-5724. Connectware is a registered trademark and CELLerity is a trademark of Connectware Inc. AMP is a registered trademark of AMP. Windows and DOS are trademarks of Microsoft Corp. NetWare is a trademark of Novell Inc. All other trademarks are the properties of their respective companies. CELLerity Product Specifics Please refer to the price sheet for a listing of the entire CELLerity family. Product Distribution Strategy Connectware is accepting orders via its sales number, 800/357-0852. Connectware's CELLerity family of ATM products will also be distributed via a network of resellers, OEMs and distributors. -0-
Network Interface Cards (NICs)
CELLerity 1000 EISA 25 Megabit CATegory 3 Version -------------------------------------------------
Description: 25 Megabit CATegory 3 network interface card
(NIC) for EISA bus.
Pricing: Network Interface Card $595.
NDIS and ODI drivers $49/client.
Availability: 3Q '95. CELLerity 1000 PCI OC-3 Version ------------------------------- Description: OC-3 NIC designed for PCI bus.
Pricing: Network Interface Card $839.
NDIS and ODI drivers $49/client.
Availability: 2Q '95. CELLerity 1000 PCI CATegory 5 Version ------------------------------------- Description: CATegory 5 NIC designed for PCI bus.
Pricing: Network Interface Card $699.
NDIS and ODI drivers $49/client.
Availability: 2Q '95. CELLerity 1000 PCI 25 Megabit CATegory 3 Version ------------------------------------------------
Description: 25 Megabit CATegory 3 NIC designed for PCI
bus.
Pricing: Network Interface Card $495.
NDIS and ODI drivers $49/client.
Availability: 3Q '95. CELLerity 1000 GIO-32 OC-3 Version ----------------------------------
Description: OC-3 NIC card designed for Silicon Graphic
GIO-32 bus.
Pricing: Network Interface Card with driver $1,795. Availability: 2Q '95. CELLerity 1000 GIO CATegory 5 Version -------------------------------------
Description: CATegory 5 NIC card designed for Silicon
Graphic GIO-32 bus.
Pricing: Network Interface Card with driver $1,695. Availability: 2Q '95. -0-
ATM Workstation Switch Products
CELLerity 6100 ATM Workgroup Switch Base & Expansion Units ----------------------------------------------------------
Description: An ATM workgroup switch which has been
enhanced by the addition of the 16 port
25 Megabit CATegory 3 with 1 OC-3 base
and expansion units.
Pricing: 16 port base $8,800.
16 port expansion $8,500.
Availability: 2Q '95. -0-
CELLerity Bridges/Routers
CELLerity 6210 ATM/LAN Bridge -----------------------------
Description: A new stackable module for the CELLerity
6100 ATM Workgroup Switch. It consists of a
unit that connects up to four Ethernet and/or
Token Ring LANs to an established ATM
backbone or network.
Pricing: $5,495. Availability: 2Q '95. CELLerity 3300 Remote ATM/LAN Bridge Router -------------------------------------------
Description: The 3300 allows for extension of the 6100
ATM Workgroup Switch to remote Ethernet and
Token Ring Workgroups. The 3300 is a remote
version of the 6210.
Pricing: $5,995 Availability: 2Q '95. -0- CELLerity LAN Emulation The Connectware ATM LAN Emulation offering includes software for the EISA and PCI network interface cards, the ATM LAN/Bridge and Remote ATM/ LAN Bridge/Router. LAN emulation software for CELLerity ATM NICs -- New software and installation scripts for CELLerity ATM permit ATM workstations and PCs to act as LAN emulation clients running existing LAN applications. The new software works with NetWare and DOS/Windows operating systems, and will interoperate with applications complying with the Network Device Interface Specification (networking, hardware, standard) Network Device Interface Specification - (NDIS) A Microsoft Windows device driver programming interface allowing multiple protocols to share the same network hardware. E.g. TCP/IP and IPX on the same NIC. NDIS can also be used by some ISDN adapters. (NDIS (Network Driver Interface Specification) A network driver interface from Microsoft. See network driver interface. NDIS - Network Device Interface Specification ) and Open Data Link Interface (ODI) driver interfaces specifications. LAN emulation is priced at $49 per client. CELLerity ATM NICs with LAN emulation -- LAN emulation NICs are available for EISA and PCI compatible PCs, workstations and servers. Data speeds and media supported include 100 Mbps (TAXI) over fiber, 155 Mbps (OC-3) over fiber or CAT (CATegory) 5 unshielded twisted pair See twisted pair. (hardware) unshielded twisted pair - (UTP) Normal telephone wire (in the USA). It may be used for computer to computer communications, e.g. using a version of Ethernet or localtalk. It is much cheaper than standard "full-spec" Ethernet cable. (UTP UTP (uridine triphosphate): see uracil. (Unshielded Twisted Pair) See twisted pair. UTP - unshielded twisted pair ), and 25 Mbps CAT 3. These products are fully interoperable with IBM's LAN emulation server. CELLerity ATM/LAN 6210 Bridge and CELLerity 3300 Remote ATM/LAN Bridge/Router -- Both products will be available with LAN emulation in three versions: Version 1 bridges four Ethernet LANs to an ATM workgroup, version 2 interconnects four 16 Mbps Token Ring networks to the ATM workgroup, and version 3 supports two Ethernet and two Token Ring interfaces. All three modules are stackable within the CELLerity 6100 ATM Workgroup Switch and feature full-duplex LAN connections which are bridged onto the CELLerity 6100 ATM Workgroup Switch's 4 gigabits per second (Gbps) ATM backplane. CONTACT: Cynthia Stine, 214/276-5724 |
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