Force Computers Launches SPARC CPU-7V: New 6U VME Board Based on Fujitsu's TurboSPARC Offers Best Performance Value for Embedded UNIX Applications

Business Wire, Sept 30, 1996

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 30, 1996--FORCE COMPUTERS Inc. today launched its new SPARC CPU-7V, the first in a series of products to be based on the latest TurboSPARC 32-bit microprocessor from Fujitsu Microelectronics, Inc.

With TurboSPARC, the most powerful and highly-integrated mid-range SPARC microprocessor available today, the SPARC CPU-7V offers the best performance value for running UNIX-based applications on the rugged and reliable VME architecture.

Running at 170 MHz, the SPARC CPU-7V delivers 120 SPECint92 and 85 SPECfp92 and essentially doubles the performance ratings of the SPARCstation 5 based on the microSPARC-II processor. The SPARC CPU-7V provides the best price/performance of any of FORCE's SPARC products. When compared to the SPARC CPU-5V, FORCE's previous price/performance leader, the SPARC CPU-7V is almost half the cost per SPECint.

"We are excited to have FORCE design a new line of VME CPUs based on TurboSPARC," said Alex Gargarita, OEM product marketing manager for processor products at Fujitsu Microelectronics, Inc. "FORCE leads the VME SPARC CPU market, and their commitment to TurboSPARC gives Fujitsu a strong position in the embedded SPARC market."

OEMs Easily Employ the Latest Technology

The SPARC CPU-7V is ideal for designers who want to incorporate the latest processor technology into their embedded applications without sacrificing design time and resources. Besides running standard, unmodified Solaris, all SPARC CPU-7V I/O pin-outs and cables are completely compatible with FORCE's popular SPARC CPU-5V. The SPARC CPU-7V also includes stiffener bars for added ruggedness.

"We are proud to offer such a premier platform and performance value to designers of embedded SPARC-based applications," said Mark Pittman, manager of product marketing at FORCE COMPUTERS. "With our long history of supporting SPARC on VME, FORCE has the unique ability to respond to OEMs' product longevity needs and to provide an unparalleled commitment to customer support," he added.

100% Solaris/Solstice Compatibility

Designers will also be thrilled to discover that the SPARC CPU-7V is 100% compatible with the robust Solaris operating system and all SPARC applications providing a strong foundation on which to build their complex products. Designing with a familiar operating system environment greatly reduces time-to-market and protects software development investments.

The SPARC CPU-7V is ideal for telecommunications applications such as high-level advanced intelligent networks and intelligent voice response where numerous Solstice products such as DiskSuite, X.400, X.500 and Telecom Management Network (TMN) are already available for immediate integration. C3I applications including mission planning systems, graphical mapping systems and console development can also benefit from designs using the significantly improved performance of the SPARC CPU-7V.

Scalability

The SPARC CPU-7V insures design scalability with options for 16 or 64MB of on-board DRAM and field-upgradeable memory modules. In addition, 2 SBus slots for graphics and flexible I/O expansion are provided. Other I/O functionality included with the SPARC CPU-7V are fast SCSI-2 and Ethernet interfaces.

Pricing and Availability

The SPARC CPU-7V is priced starting at $6995 per unit and will be available in December for customer shipments. Numerous product configurations and options are also available.

Future Plans

FORCE COMPUTERS plans to offer a complete line of TurboSPARC products including CPU boards with higher clock frequencies, external cache for increased performance, and more I/O options for telecommunications applications. More information regarding these announcements will be forthcoming.

FORCE COMPUTERS, founded in 1981, is a leading supplier of open, scalable system and board-level computer platforms for communication and control applications. With over 15 years of experience, the processor-independent company delivers products based on SPARC, PowerPC, 68K and Pentium technologies and has built its solid reputation by addressing the specific requirements of its OEM customers in the embedded computer market worldwide. End-user equipment using FORCE products include: switch control systems, telecom network management, industrial control systems, radar and simulation systems, and medical scanners.

An ISO 9001 certified company, FORCE's corporate headquarters are located in San Jose, Calif. European headquarters are located in Munich, Germany and Japanese headquarters are located in Tokyo, Japan. Sales, service and support are provided worldwide via direct offices and a network of distributors and representatives.

Please refer all reader inquiries to:

FORCE COMPUTERS Inc.

2001 Logic Drive

San Jose, CA 95124

408/369-6000 or

888/FORCE-USA

(U.S. and Canada)

49.89.608-14-0 (Europe and Asia)

214/774-1888 (South and Central America)

http:\\www.forcecomputers.com -0-

Note to Editors: TurboSPARC is a trademark of SPARC International, Inc., licensed exclusively by Fujitsu Microelectronics, Inc.