Java: Sun Microsystems Introduces Java HotSpot Performance Engine for SPARC Microprocessor Family. Thirty-Three Percent Performance Improvement to the UltraSPARC IIi Microprocessor Gained Through Speed Enhancements - 440 MHz and 480 MHz versions of UltraSPARC IIi microprocessor - Product Announcement

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, May 3, 1999

Sun Microsystems, Inc., Tuesday announced 440 MHz and 480 MHz versions of its highly integrated UltraSPARC IIi microprocessor.

Sun also announced the Java HotSpot Performance Engine for the SPARC processor architecture, which delivers the fastest Java performance available in a typical, real-world system configuration. Reported as well by Sun was the shipment of samples of the UltraSPARC II at 450 MHz.

The Java HotSpot Performance Engine for SPARC processors provides excellent performance improvements in compute-intensive server applications and demonstrates Sun's commitment to delivering the fastest possible Java application performance for SPARC-based systems. A 450 MHz UltraSPARC II-based system delivers industry-leading Java performance. In a system configured for real-world applications, a system based on the UltraSPARC II processor operating at 450 MHz, and 512 Mbytes of RAM, achieves a SPECjvm98 performance rating of 31.9.

"The combination of our faster processors and Java HotSpot Performance Engine for SPARC processor's demonstrate our ability to keep developers and end-users at the forefront of the performance curve," said Michael Gallagher, group marketing manager, Sun Microsystems, Microelectronics. "Providing the best Java performance on UltraSPARC processors will keep the architecture as the leading choice for networked applications."

The UltraSPARC IIi processor builds on the strength of the 64-bit UltraSPARC microprocessor family and adds the functionality of memory controllers and PCI bridge chips to deliver a tightly integrated single-chip solution. The UltraSPARC IIi processor is sold both in a single chip and module solution with dedicated external cache. The immediate benefit for system designers is reduced system cost along with superior overall system performance and ease of design. The UltraSPARC IIi at 480 MHz and 2 Mbytes of cache delivers an estimated SPECint95 performance rating of 20.2 and SPECfp95 performance rating of 22.5.

The UltraSPARC II family powers Sun's leading enterprise computing offerings. This architecture leverages a unique combination of semiconductor design expertise, leading performance, multiprocessor capabilities and high bandwidth to provide companies a competitive advantage by enabling the development of highly reliable, differentiated systems. Throughout its history, SPARC processors have maintained binary compatibility, enabling applications written for the first SPARC processor to run on the latest processor today.

Pricing and Availability Samples of the 440 MHz version of the UltraSPARC IIi microprocessor will be available by June at a cost of $804 in volume. The 480 MHz version will be available by the end of the calendar year.

Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision, "The Network Is The Computer," has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc. to its position as a leading provider of high-quality hardware, software and services for establishing enterprise-wide intranets and expanding the power of the Internet. With more than $10.5 billion in annual revenues, Sun can be found in more than 150 countries and on the World Wide Web at http://www.sun.com.