Newsgroups: biz.digital.articles Path: bga.com!news.sprintlink.net!pipex!uunet!svc.portal.com!decwrl!pa.dec.com!rjones From: Customer-Update@Digital.com (Customer Update) Message-ID: <9412011614.AA23222@raptor.pa.dec.com> Approved: rjones@pa.dec.com Organization: Digital Equipment Corporation Subject: Multia Family of MultiClient Desktops Sender: rjones@usenet.pa.dec.com Date: Thu, 01 Dec 94 08:14:00 -0800 X-Received: by usenet.pa.dec.com; id AA11418; Thu, 1 Dec 94 08:14:03 -0800 X-Received: by raptor.pa.dec.com; id AA23222; Thu, 1 Dec 94 08:14:01 -0800 X-To: biz.digital.articles.usenet Lines: 366 Multia Family of MultiClient Desktops HIGHLIGHTS o Low cost Alpha and Windows NT multiclient desktop o Embedded software provides powerful PC, UNIX, and alphanumeric application interoperability o Centralized desktop management removes end user system administration o Includes industry standard network protocols PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Digital's Multia family enables users to run PC, UNIX, and alphanumeric (legacy) applications simultaneously, over industry standard network protocols. The combination of Alpha technology, Microsoft Windows NT Workstation V3.5 software, a highly optimized X11R6 X server, and best in class terminal emulators results in application access with no performance tradeoffs. The Multia family's embedded configuration management software enables system administrators to customize and control the Multia user environment centrally, in both LAN and WAN environments. The Multia MultiClient Desktop is a network ready device that implements the application server model of client/server computing. User applications and data are stored on centrally managed hosts and servers, but are executed locally during user sessions. UNIX and OpenVMS X applications are displayed from remote host systems via the X protocol. Multia Base Software V2.5 Multia Base Software is factory installed on each Multia MultiClient Desktop configuration. Features include: o Windows NT Workstation V3.5 operating system software -- Microsoft's Windows NT software is a powerful, multitasking operating system with built-in C2 level security features. User applications and files are stored permanently on networked servers, rather than local disks. This provides a more secure and manageable environment. The optional floppy drive configuration is available for exchanging user data with standalone PCs for home or portable use. The Windows NT operating system provides the Multia system with the following capabilities: - The ability to downline load Windows (16-bit) and Windows NT (32-bit) applications from networked Windows NT and Novell servers. These applications are executed locally. - Access to applications and files via LAN Manager, TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, NetBEUI, and NetBIOS protocols. DECnet and LAT protocol support will be added to Multia Base Software in about six months. - Windows NT Workstation operating system is always available in the user's Multia system, so only applications and their associated fonts and installation files need be downline loaded. o Multia Application Manager -- This is the user's primary interface to the Multia desktop and is used for accessing local and remote applications. Application icons are displayed in a customizable control panel. The list of available applications, their location on the network, the transport used to access them, and their startup procedures are all predefined by the system administrator. End users simply point and click on an icon to initiate an application session. The "autostart" option is used to select which applications are started automatically when a Multia session is begun. o Multia Configuration Manager -- The Configuration Manager is a powerful tool that enables the system administrator to centrally customize and manage the Multia end user environment. For example, system administrators can create workgroups of Multia users who have common application requirements and skill sets. Workgroup customizations are defined by the system administrator and include: - Which applications are available and where they are located on the network. - Which hardware options are enabled or disabled (e.g., the floppy drive settings for keyboard and desktop). - Network settings such as IP addresses, client services for NetWare, and network drivers. The system administrator also can unlock any Multia feature that enables the end user to define their own customizations. Both workgroup and individual customization data can reside on any networked machine accessible from a Multia system, including another Multia desktop. The configuration data is stored in a format that can be edited by the user and is easy to back up and restore. System administrators can use their own Multia systems to store department configuration data and then back up to a networked server. The Configuration Manager supports both LAN and WAN environments and provides password protection. The STATUS feature enables a system administrator to query any Multia system in the environment in order to obtain information on network counters, which applications are being accessed, and system box configuration data. o Local Terminal Emulators -- The local terminal emulator, included in the Multia Base Software, provides full VT340 graphics, VT420 text, and Tektronics 4010/4014 terminal emulation. o Reference Desk -- The Reference Desk provides users with online information about Multia systems, including: - Graphical user tutorial for getting started. - Problem solving. - Context sensitive help. - System administrator's information and online help. - Information on software and hardware options, including graphical installation instructions. o 32-bit Mosaic software provides a mechanism to access the Internet. o Local language support -- Software supports user-selectable setup in English, French, Spanish, and German. Multia System Administrator's Kit The Multia System Administrator's Kit provides additional tools for the system administrator. One kit per installation is required. This kit includes: o CD-ROM media. o Multia Software for System Administrator's V2.5. This software includes: - Multia Base Software V2.5. - Host kits. The software can be installed on any machine running the following operating systems, for the purposes of storage or backup: DEC OSF/1 and ULTRIX systems, IBM AIX, HP-UZ, SCO UNIX, Solaris, and Windows NT servers. - Multia required fonts. - Configuration templates for creating workgroups. - Online systems administrator's tutorial and hard copy System Administrator's Guide. Multia X Server Option V3.0 The X Server option is a local application that provides interoperability with UNIX and OpenVMS X applications. This X Server has been highly optimized for the Multia system's graphics processor. The resulting performance is equivalent to best in class X terminals -- far exceeding standard PC X Server software performance. The Multia X Server is fully integrated into the Configuration Manager so that all of its features can be remotely customized and managed for workgroups and individual Multia users. Features include: o Optimized X11.R6 X server. o Local OSF Motif Window Manager. o X Image Extension. o NFS client software. o Enhanced TCP/IP protocol adding support for dynamic routing. o Font support for X Font Server, SNF, BDF and PCF font formats. o Font failover. o Cut and paste between X Windows and Microsoft Windows. o XDM host chooser. o Backing store and save under. o Shape extension. With the Multia X Server option, users can run UNIX and OpenVMS applications alongside Windows, Windows NT, and legacy applications. All these applications can be accessed simultaneously, using different network protocols. Multia Serial X Protocol Option V3.0 Used in conjunction with the Multia X Server option, this software provides X session connectivity over a serial line. Multia System Box o 166 MHz Alpha processor with high performance PCI based graphics accelerator. o PCI internal bus. o 2 PCMCIA slots support type 1 or 2 cards. o PCI option slot. o CD quality audio input and output, plus built-in microphone and speaker. o Kensington lock ready. o SCSI-2 connector option. o Floppy drive option. o 340 Mbyte SCSI hard disk -- The internal disk is used for Multia embedded software, configuration data, fonts, and required application installation files. o Graphical hardware installation instructions. Communications o The Multia system includes two RS232 serial lines, one with full modem support and one bidirectional parallel port. o Autosensing PCI based ethernet connections for Thinwire, Thickwire, or Twisted Pair (10BaseT). Memory o 24 Mbytes of 72 pin industry standard SIMM memory, expandable to 256 Mbytes. o ECC memory supports error detection and correction. Physical Characteristics o Height: 7.1 centimeters (2.8 inches). o Width: 31.7 centimeters (12.5 inches). o Depth: 31.7 centimeters (12.5 inches). o Weight: 13.5 pounds (6.1 kg) maximum. Power Support: Electrical Power Cord o 100-120V or auto range. o 100-240V with detachable power cord. o 88-264V single phase, three-wire design. o 47-63 Hz frequency. Regulatory Compliance o CISPR Class B compliance. o FCC Class B. Keyboards o The system supports PCXAL (101/102 keys, PC layout) and LK411 (108 keys, Digital layout) keyboards. Additional keyboards planned include UNIX, Sun, and HP style. Monitors o Multisync color and greyscale monitors from 640 x 480 to 1280 x 1024 resolutions, at 60 to 75 hz refresh rate for CRT. Automatic screen saver mode for energy conservation. BENEFITS o The ability to access multiple application types simultaneously improves user productivity through multitasking. o Central desktop management simplifies the user environment and results in a lower cost of operation compared to PCs or workstations. o Interoperability features such as embedded network protocols and UNIX, PC, and legacy application access provide seamless access to multiple networks and applications. o Superior end user ease of use features are provided via the Application Manager. o The system is optimized for workgroup and client/server computing. o Exceptional performance is provided via Alpha technology. o It provides a more secure environment than networked PCs. AVAILABILITY AND ORDERING The Multia MultiClient Desktop, Base Software, and System Administrator's Kit are available to order now. Fulfillments will begin December 6, 1994. The Multia X Server and Serial X protocol options will be available in March 1995. The Multia system box can be expanded to support up to 256 Mbyte memory. Memory is 72 pin industry standard SIMMs. SIMMs must be added in pairs. Order No. Description VX47A-N3/N4 Multia System Box, 24 MB Memory 17" Color Monitor Multia Base Software, 1 User License LK411-AA Keyboard (*-N3), or PCXAL-GA Keyboard (*-N4) VX47A-N1/N2 Multia System Box, 24 MB Memory 17" Color Monitor Multia Base Software, 1 User License PCI slot LK411-AA Keyboard (*-N1), or PCXAL-GA Keyboard (*-N2) VX47A-F3/F4 Multia System Box, 24 MB Memory 17" Color Monitor Multia Base Software, 1 User License Floppy Drive LK411-AA Keyboard (*-F3), or PCXAL-GA Keyboard (*-F4) VX47A-F1/F2 Multia System Box, 24 MB Memory 17" Color Monitor Multia Base Software, 1 User License Floppy Drive, PCI Slot LK411-AA Keyboard (-F1), or PCXAL-GA Keyboard (-F2) QB-3DP9A-SA Multia System Administrator's Kit (one kit per LAN required) ADDITIONAL MEMORY: VX40M-AA 8 MB memory (two 4 MB SIMMS) VX40M-AB 16 MB memory (two 8 MB SIMMS) VX40M-AC 32 MB memory (two 16 MB SIMMS) VX40M-AD 64 MB memory (two 32 MB SIMMS) SERVICES The Multia MultiClient Desktop system box comes with a standard one-year onsite, two-year return to Digital warranty. Monitors include a standard one year onsite warranty. The software warranty is 90 day conformance to documentation. The Multia System Administrator's Kit includes 90 days of telephone support for software. Multia software is included in Digital's HelpDesk portfolio of supported products. (Add at end of SERVICES, right before RESOURCES) Customer Support Centers Austria: [43] Inside Austria: (0222) 866302000 Australia: [61] Tollfree in Australia: 008252277 Tollfree in New Zealand: 0800801272 International dialing: [61] 25617777 Belgium: [32] 027297744 Canada: Tollfree in Canada/U.S.: 1-800-267-5251 Czech Republic: [42] Inside Czech Republic: 2824611 Denmark: [45] 80301005 Finland: [358] Tollfree in Finland: 098002878 France: [33] 169874123 Germany: [49] PC Warranty (tollfree): 1307778 Greece: [30] Athens: 016821980 Thesaloniki: 031427261 Hong Kong: [852] 8053333 Hungary: [36] 11652655 Ireland: Irish Republic (South): 353 01 8381216 Northern Ireland: 44 0232 381245 Israel: [972] 9593300 Italy: [39] Tollfree in Italy: 167820062 Japan: [81] General customer number: 0353497347 Korea: [82] 27991333 Luxembourg: [352] 049926243 Malaysia: 603 7582688 The Netherlands: [31] 030832888 Norway: [47] Inside Norway: 22768600 Phillipines: [632] 8105156 Poland: [48] 22487480 Portugal: [351] 13889100 Singapore: [65] 3366129 Slovakia: [42] 7213586 South Africa: [27] 0113204335 Spain: [34] Madrid: 9005834257 Barcelona: 900200084 Sweden: [46] 08988835 Switzerland: [41] Tollfree in Switzerland: 1552161 Taiwan: [886] 27767355 Thailand: [66] 23120280 Turkey: [90] Tollfree in Turkey: 08002114028 Ukraine: [7] 0442936249/0442956910 United Kingdom: [44] 25657122 United States: Tollfree in U.S./Canada/Mexico: 1-800-354-9000 __________ OSF is a registered trademark of the Open Software Foundation, Inc. Windows and Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. UNIX is a registered trademark in the U.S. and other countries licensed exclusively through X/Open Company Ltd. Kerberos is a trademark of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.