Zenith Data Systems Introduces PowerPC - based Servers

Broad range of single and multiprocessor models offer power, flexibility
and high availability required to support business-critical applications.

BUFFALO GROVE, IL-- September 11, 1995-- Zenith Data Systems today
announced a broad range of PowerPC-based systems targeted at the
fast-growing market for business-critical application servers. Two lines
of binary compatible servers were announced -- the Z-POWER monoprocessor
models and Escala symmetrical multiprocessor (SMP) models. Both the ZDS
Z-POWER and Escala series of servers are PowerPC- based RISC computing
platforms offering a wide range of power, flexibility, high availability
and configurable options. Both can run the AIX 4.1 operating system,
recognized for its robust commercial qualities and availability of more
than 10,000 applications. Included are fault tolerant features such as
EDAC memory, hot-plug disks, integrated separate maintenance processor,
remote maintenance capability and automatic notification of impending
failures. They are binary compatible among themselves and across other AIX
systems. The PReP-compliant Z-POWER series can also run Microsoft Windows
NT 3.51 Advanced Server operating system and is positioned to host
additional operating systems as they are ported to the PowerPC Reference
Platform (PReP).

These new Power PC models complement ZDS Z-SERVER line of Intel-based
servers.

ZDS, GROUPE BULL AND MOTOROLA ALLIANCE

The ZDS PowerPC-based products are a direct result of agreements,
co-developments and close cooperation between ZDS, its parent company,
Groupe Bull and Motorola. This alliance provides a winning combination of
expertise including the PowerPC technology from Motorola, the Symmetric
Multiprocessing and UNIX systems capability of Groupe Bull with ZDS'
experience with the high volume manufacturing and distribution.

SERVERS DESIGNED FOR BUSINESS CRITICAL APPLICATIONS

Z-POWER and Escala servers were designed to support applications that are
critical to the operation of the business or organization. Standard and
optional features allow the customer to configure servers to their unique
requirements:

Performance: Mono and Multiprocessor systems ranging from 400 to 2660 tpm.

Availability: EDAC memory, hot plug disks, RAID support, dedicated
maintenance processor, remote maintenance facility.

Applications: Over 10,000 applications available today for AIX.

Investment Protection: Binary compatibility between models and other AIX
systems. Escala models can be field upgraded to add or upgrade
processors.

The monoprocessor Z-POWER series which starts at around $4,200 * is ideal
for workgroup or small department application servers. The SMP Escala
models, on the other hand, are ideally suited for the large department or
enterprise application servers where the power and expandability of up to
eight processors may be required to satisfy the business critical
environment.

Z-POWER SERVER SERIES

The ZDS Z-POWER DT and Z-POWER MT servers are monoprocessor PowerPC
604-based systems.

The Z-POWER DT, a desktop package, can accommodate up to 4GB internal disk
storage and also holds a maximum of 128MB of main memory. The Z-POWER DT,
with a starting list price of $4,219 * is well-suited to function as an
entry-level server.

The Z-POWER MT, a deskside minitower, accommodates up to 6 GB internal disk
storage and up to 128 MB of memory. The additional storage capacity makes
it well suited to service departmental database and application
requirements.

Both systems offer a wealth of integrated features including on-board
16-bit Ethernet, SVGA graphics, SCSI-2, business audio and both PCI and
ISA I/O buses. Both Z-POWER systems support the AIX 4.1 operating system
as well as Microsoft Windows NT 3.51, allowing customers to run a wide
range of industrial, commercial and networking application software
solutions. Z-POWER systems are binary compatible with other AIX based
systems and with Escala.

THE ESCALA SERIES

Zenith Data Systems now offers one of the most flexible and powerful
PowerPC-based midrange and enterprise servers in the market with the
Escala series of SMP systems. All Escala models are based on the PowerPC
601 microprocessor and are designed to be field upgradable to PowerPC 604
or 620 CPUs when those options are available. Each Escala model features
an MCA expansion bus, SCSI-2 Fast/Wide drive support and ships with the
multiprocessing AIX 4.1 operating system. Based on Groupe Bull's
PowerScale Symmetric Multiprocessing architecture, the Escala series of
PowerPC based servers offers unprecedented scalability and performance in
a mission-critical environment. The unique design of the PowerScale
architecture utilizing a high-speed crossbar switch, enables high
throughput processor-to-memory traffic across multiple CPUs without
creating the bottlenecks typically found in traditional shared-bus
designs. The 1.6 gigabit per second aggregate data rate of the crossbar
switch supports a highly scaleable system which, when utilizing eight
processors, provides six times the throughput of a single processor system
(as measured by the Tpm-C audited benchmarks). This makes Escala the
perfect platform for computational and transactional- intensive data
applications such as on-line transaction processing and computational
analysis.

ESCALA MT

The Escala MT is a mini-tower SMP system configurable with from one to four
PowerPC 601 CPUs. The system holds up to 512MB of EDAC memory and the
cabinet can house up to 13GB of disk storage. An optional external cabinet
increases disk storage to 105GB. All Escala MT models come standard with
SCSI-2 Fast/Wide, 5 open MCA slots, Ethernet, an internal 3.5 floppy drive
and an internal double speed CD-ROM, parallel and serial ports, internal
maintenance processor and integrated remote maintenance capability. Each
Escala MT has four 3.5 bays and two 5.25 bays. Binary compatibility along
with easily upgradable CPUs, EDAC memory, disk and peripherals ensure that
Escala customers have a long-term computing solution, designed to protect
their investment in hardware and software.

ESCALA DS

The Escala DS is a deskside SMP system configurable with from two to eight
PowerPC 601 CPUs. The base system can be configured with a maximum of
2048MB of EDAC memory and 36GB of internal hot plug disk storage. Optional
external disk cabinets hold up to 63GB of additional hot plug storage per
cabinet giving the Escala DS a maximum storage capacity of 351GB. Standard
Escala DS models all ship with SCSI-2 Fast/Wide, Ethernet, three serial
and one parallel port and one double-speed CD-ROM, internal maintenance
processor and integrated remote maintenance capability: a feature set that
directly responds to the customer requirements in mission-critical
environments.

SERVICE

Escala is covered by a one-year, on-site limited warranty, while Z-POWER is
covered by a three-year, on-site, next-business-day limited warranty.
Optional services are available to complement the warranty. As with all
Zenith Data Systems products, the Z-POWER and Escala series are supported
through toll-free, 24 hour support, seven days a week, and backed by
extensive system engineering and support staff.

AVAILABILITY

These PowerPC based servers are available today exclusively from ZDS' North
American distribution network.

ABOUT ZENITH DATA SYSTEMS

Zenith Data Systems, a Bull company, offers a full line of personal
computer products ranging from high-performance servers and desktops to
its award-winning line of notebook computers and wireless mobile products.
With sales locations in more than 30 countries, ZDS markets its products
to business, education and government. The company is headquartered in
Buffalo Grove, Ill., with engineering facilities in Santa Clara, Calif.,
Billerica, Mass. and Buffalo Grove; and manufacturing facilities in St.
Joseph, Mich.

Zenith Data Systems, 2150 East Lake Cook Road, Buffalo Grove, Ill., 60089,
(708) 808-5000, FAX (708) 808-4434 , Internet http://www.zds.com.

Reader inquiries to (800) 533-0331.

* All prices quoted reflect US pricing. Pricing in other countries may
vary. Prices quoted are ZDS prices. Reseller prices may vary. Resellers
determine their own pricing which may be higher or lower than Zenith Data
Systems prices.
 
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