Apple Announces New Family of Powerful Servers for Macintosh Workgroups
New Apple Workgroup Servers, in three models, provide competitive price/performance & low-cost-of-ownership.
CUPERTINO, California--March 22, 1993--The Enterprise Systems Division of Apple Computer, Inc. today introduced three new Apple Workgroup Servers designed to provide leading price/performance and significantly lower lifecycle costs due to their superior ease-of-use and administration.
The three new servers, the Apple Workgroup Server 60, Apple Workgroup Server 80, and the Apple Workgroup Server 95, are scheduled to be unveiled at a worldwide launch at the CeBIT Computer Fair in Hannover, Germany on March 25. The new family of servers is designed to provide the performance, reliability, scalability, and manageability needed to serve workgroups that consist primarily ofApple Macintosh personal computers.
Apple plans to introduce the Apple Workgroup Server 60, an entry level file and print solution; the Apple Workgroup Server 80, a mid-range file and print and communications solution; and the Apple Workgroup Server 95, which is optimized to deliver either high performance file and print services or high performance relational database management system (RDBMS) services.
"The Apple Workgroup Servers are targeted at the Macintosh-mostly workgroup and offer lower lifecycle costs than comparable systems in the same price/performance range," said Morris Taradalsky, Enterprise Systems Division vice president and general manager. "By taking our traditional strengths of ease-of-use and applying that expertise to servers and services, we can offer compelling value for our customers."
According to a study by the Business Research Group, a Boston-based computer consultancy, AppleShare servers were significantly less expensive to manage over a one year period than comparable file and print solutions on other platforms. (A)
The study concluded that ease-of-use could be directly translated to significantly lower lifecycle costs, thereby improving overall return on investment for the initial hardware and software expenditure.
"This means that clients should get far better value for their money over the long term from an Apple Workgroup Server than comparable Intel-based systems," said Jim Groff, ESD's senior director for Network Services and Servers. "For mostly-Macintosh workgroups ranging from five to hundreds, Apple provides by far the most cost effective and price/performance competitive systems."
Workgroup Server Specifications
The new servers are based on Motorola 68040 microprocessors. They will run enhanced, high-performance versions of AppleShare that boost performance of file and print services by up to four times compared to AppleShare 3.0 (see separate release for details on AppleShare 4.0 and AppleShare Pro):
-- Apple Workgroup Server 60: Apple's entry-level server is an ideal file and print server platform for classroom and small-business/workgroup group applications. The Apple Workgroup Server 60 uses a Motorola 20-MHz 68040 microprocessor and comes with 8MB of RAM (expandable to 68MB), a built-in Apple SuperDrive, built-in Ethernet, and a choice of 230- or 500MB hard drives. An internal CD-ROM drive is optional. AppleShare 4.0 and Macintosh System 7.1 software, which are bundled with and pre-installed on the server, will provide a file and print server solution that boosts performance to approximately twice that of AppleShare 3.0.1.
-- Apple Workgroup Server 80: Apple's mid-range server is ideal for meeting the file and print and communications server needs of medium-sized workgroups. The Apple Workgroup Server 80 uses a Motorola 33-MHz 68040 processor and comes with a minimum of 8MB of RAM (expandable to 136MB, interleaved), a built-in Apple SuperDrive, built-in Ethernet, and a choice of 500-, or 1000MB hard drives.
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(A)
BRG's methodology is based on an analysis of the costs involved in managing typical
server tasks. The costs were calculated based on a LANŽadministrators annual salary.
BRG's list of 11 commonly performed tasks were chosen as being representative of
common network functions performed in any PC LAN environment, regardless of the
operating system environment. The tasks included in the study were: Add User account;
Change User Account; Add a Network Server; Add a Network-Wide Service (e.g. Email,
Fax, etc.); Move/Change a Network-Wide Service; Add a Network Printer; Add a New
LAN Segment; Connect 2 Remote Networks; Upgrade NOS/Utilities at Server; Upgrade
NOS/Utilities at Desktop; Install Network Version of Application Software. The cost
savings cited in the study will obviously vary from site to site.
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Other options include an internal CD-ROM drive, a Digital Data Storage-Data Compression (DDS-DC) 4mm tape backup drive, and Dantz Retrospect Remote back up software. AppleShare 4.0 and System 7.1 software, which are bundled with and pre-installed on the server, are designed to provide a file and print server solution that boosts performance to approximately three times that of AppleShare 3.0.
The Apple Workgroup Server 80 is also the server platform of choice for delivering communications services. It can support the AppleTalk Internet Router or SNA, X.25 or X.400 gateways along with AppleShare 4.0 file and print services. These services facilitate the implementation of highly functional geographically distributed productivity solutions over heterogeneous networks.
-- Apple Workgroup Server 95: Apple's most powerful and expandable server is ideal for delivering file and print or database services for large or data-intensive workgroups. Based on a Quadra 950 with hardware acceleration, the Apple Workgroup Server 95 uses a Motorola 33-MHz 68040 processor and comes with a minimum of 16MB of parity RAM (expandable to 256MB), a built-in Apple SuperDrive, built-in Ethernet, and a choice of 230, 500-, or 1000MB hard drives. The parity RAM provides reliability and data integrity.
High performance is achieved through a custom processor direct slot (PDS) card that features memory acceleration, with high performance Level 2 cache (expandable from 128K to 512K) and Input/Output (I/O) acceleration with two SCSI Direct Memory Access (DMA) channels. The combination of the PDS card and Apple's A/UX 3.0.1 operating system boost throughput by improving disk and memory subsystem performance. Other features include support for asynchronous I/O operation, extended SCSI features such as connect and disconnect (for high-volume storage and backup devices) and support for up to 20 SCSI devices.
Options include an internal CD-ROM drive and a Digital Data Storage-Data Compression (DDS-DC) 4mm tape backup drive, which is capable of storing between four and six gigabytes, depending on the data being compressed.
Apple intends to bundle with all Apple Workgroup Server 95 configurations a new version of Dantz Retrospect Remote for server backup. Retrospect Remote 2.0 A/UX includes support for both UNIX and Macintosh file formats and will operate the 4mm DDS-DC drive as well as more than 180 other third party tape drives and optical and cartridge drives.
Apple Workgroup Server 95 Operating System
The Apple Workgroup Server 95 uses a new server version of A/UX 3.0.1, Apple's multi-tasking, tunable version of the UNIX operating system. This new server version of A/UX has been highly optimized specifically to support network services such as file and print or database services. AppleShare Pro running on the Apple Workgroup Server 95 will provide a file and print server solution that boosts performance up to more than 4 times that of AppleShare 3.0 running on a Quadra 950.
The A/UX 3.0.1 server operating system is an environment optimized specifically
to support network services such as file and print or database services. It
features asynchronous I/O and SCSI DMA driver
support. AppleTalk and TCP/IP networking
protocols are supported. The System 7.0 user interface implemented on A/UX 3.0.1
makes it easy to install, use, and manage. Additional server administration utilities,
such as a new version of Dantz Development Corporation's Retrospect Remote backup
software and online documentation, are bundled with the server operating system.
The online documentation viewer lets a system administrator perform a key word search
quickly through the Apple Workgroup Server documentation to find the exact information
required.
Database Services and Performance
Apple is working with Oracle Corporation as well as other major relational database vendors to support relational databases for the Apple Workgroup Server 95. As a result, Oracle will soon be announcing the release of the ORACLE7 Server for A/UX 3.0.1.
Apple and Oracle have joined forces to ensure leading edge performance of Oracle's latest database on Apple's newest server. ORACLE7 offers significant functionality via its support for Binary Large Objects (BLOB), stored procedures, database integrity, and two-phase commit. Additionally, Apple and Oracle have enhanced the ORACLE7 graphical management tool to ensure superior ease of use and administration.
Oracle, a leader in the relational database market, is headquartered in Redwood City, California.
ACI's new 4D Server also runs on the Apple Workgroup Server 95 with significant improvements in performance compared with a Macintosh Quadra 950 running the same software.
DAL Server for A/UX and Apple Workgroup Server 95 version 1.4
As part of today's announcement, Apple intends to introduce support for Data Access Language for its Workgroup Server 95. The DAL Server for A/UX and Apple Workgroup Server 95 version 1.4 allows DAL-based applications running on Macintosh or Windows PC access to relational data under ORACLE7 and other relational databases residing on the Apple Workgroup Server 95.
The DAL Client for Macintosh version 1.4 operates on the Apple Workgroup Server 95, allowing it to operate as a client retrieving data off other databases, such as remote mainframes or servers. The data is then stored locally on the Apple Workgroup Server 95.
The DAL Client can access data via TCP/IP from other DAL servers running on IBM mainframes, AS/400 systems, DEC VAX systems and other popular platforms such as Sun and H-P.
Data Access Language, a middleware software solution from Apple, links Macintosh
and Windows desktop systems to relational database systems. DAL's power is as a
single, powerful dialect of SQL that
programmers can use to request data from
a variety of sources. Using DAL, if the data moves from one database or platform
to another desktop, applications do not need reprogramming to account for the different
SQL dialects and host operating system to access data.
Apple has also licensed DAL technology for all leading client and server platforms to create a universal interface to host and server- based information. DAL for the Apple Workgroup Server 95 is currently scheduled for availability in June, 1993, at a suggested retail price in the U.S. of $995. Prices will vary outside the U.S.
Apple Workgroup Server 95 Upgrade Kits for Quadra 900, 950
Owners of Macintosh Quadra 900 and 950s should be able to upgrade their hardware to an Apple Workgroup Server 95 via two upgrade kit options (prices are U.S. Suggested Retail Price only and will vary outside the U.S.):
-- The Apple Workgroup Server 95 PDS Card Upgrade Kit: is intended to consist of a Processor Direct Slot card with 128K second-level memory cache on-board) and the server version of A/UX system software, and will sell for a suggested retail price of $2,499.
-- The second upgrade kit is intended to consist of the same PDS card, A/UX 3.0.1 operating system, and an internal Digital Data Storage-Data Compression (DDS-DC) 4mm tape backup drive and Dantz Retrospect Remote 2.0 A/UX backup software. This kit is intended to sell for a suggested retail price of $4,399. Additional memory upgrades are also available for both the second-level memory cache and main memory (DRAM).
Workgroup Server Pricing, Configurations & Availability
Apple intends to offer the three new server products to all markets throughout the U.S. All Apple Authorized Resellers, with the exception of Performa mass market resellers, may carry the new products without additional authorization requirements. Apple intends to provide resellers with product and technical training on the new servers through Apple's training hubs and market centers. Customers will be able to choose from a number of service and support options offered through Apple and its reseller base.
Both the Workgroup Server 60 and the Workgroup Server 80 are expected to ship
this summer. Apple plans to sell the Apple Workgroup Server 60 and Apple Workgroup
Server 80 in the following file-and-print configurations at the following prices
(all prices US SRP; prices and configurations will vary outside the US):
-- Apple Workgroup Server 60, with 8MB of RAM and 230MB hard disk $3,079 -- Apple Workgroup Server 60, with 8MB of RAM and 500MB hard disk $4,099 -- Apple Workgroup Server 80, with 8MB of RAM and 500MB hard disk $6,399 -- Apple Workgroup Server 80, with 8MB of RAM, 500MB hard disk and DDS-DC backup drive $8,219 -- Apple Workgroup Server 80, with 16MB of RAM, 1000MB hard disk and DDS-DC backup drive $9,559 -- Apple Workgroup Server 80, with 16MB of RAM, 1000MB hard disk, DDS-DC backup drive and CD-ROM drive $9,959
The Workgroup Server 95 is expected to start shipping by the end of April, 1993. Apple intends to sell the Apple Workgroup Server 95 in file and print and database configurations (all prices US SRP, prices and configurations will vary outside the US):
File/Print Environment
-- Apple Workgroup Server 95, with 16MB of RAM, 230MB hard disk $7,589 Includes 128KB second-level memory cache -- Apple Workgroup Server 95, with 16MB of RAM, 500MB hard disk with DDS-DC backup drive $10,039 Includes 256KB second-level memory cache -- Apple Workgroup Server 95, with 32MB of RAM, 1000MB hard disk with DDS-DC backup drive, with AppleShare Pro pre-installed on the hard disk $12,839 Includes 512KB second-level memory cache
Database Environment
-- Apple Workgroup Server 95, with 32MB of RAM, 230 and 500MB hard disk with DDS-DC backup drive $11,319 Includes 256KB second-level memory cache -- Apple Workgroup Server 95, with 48MB of RAM, 230 and 1000MB hard disk with DDS-DC backup drive $12,929 Includes 512KB second-level memory cache
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Apple, the Apple logo, AppleShare, AppleTalk, A/UX and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Macintosh Centris and Macintosh Quadra are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. UNIX is a registered trademark of AT&T. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Retrospect is a trademark of Dantz Corporation. ORACLE7 is a trademark of Oracle Corporation. 4D Server is a trademark of ACI Corporation.