https://archive.org/details/sim_computerworld_1989-06-12_23_24/page/54/mode/1up
page 54
BY PATRICIA KEEFE CW STAFF
LIVONIA, Mich. — Baytec, Inc. recently introduced a small computer
systems interface-based hardware platform that the firm claims is the
first network not to require an operating system.
Essentially a server and gateway in one, the Baytec 2000 has so far
attracted users who need massive data storage and extremely high-speed
data transfer — often between incompatible computer systems — but do not want the hassle of managing a full-blown network.
The system reportedly can reach speeds up to 200M bit/ min., depending
on the type of cabling used and the distance involved. Pricing starts at $16,995 per server, and node interfaces are $495.
“This really is a different animal” from conventional networks, said
Robert Kniskern, president of Adaptive Micro-Ware, Inc. in Fort Wayne,
Ind. An early user, Kniskern described the Baytec 2000 as an intelligent
I/O manager. “Once a connection is established, as far as the PC user is concerned, he has a direct line” to whatever he is communicating with,
he said.
Kniskern said the Baytec concept reflects a similar trend in the
minicomputer arena. “Instead of adding another disk drive to the VAX,
users are adding intelligent managers instead,” he said.
The computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) industry, with its
huge files and heavy processing demands, is the initial target market.
CAD is both very data- and memory-intensive, and most network operating
systems take up a significant amount of random-access memory, Kniskern explained. “‘We’d asked for as fast as possible speed for data
throughput to receive and send files.”
“With our system, by transferring the overhead off the desktop and out
into an active switching device, it really frees up the direct memory
access and hardware.”
Kniskern singled out systems that have a heavy database access
requirement as prime candidates for the Baytec 2000. He noted the
airline reservation industry, which typically has a lot of interaction
between intelligent nodes from different companies using different file
formats and trying to access the same database system. “In that
situation, the network has to be very interactive,”’ Kniskern said.
The Baytec 2000 requires attached systems to support the SCSI. If the
users don’t have it, Baytec will supply it, said Baytec President John Strunk. Also required is support for one of Baytec’s operating system drivers, which include ones for DOS, Unix, Xenix and Apple Computer,
Inc.’s Macintosh system.
Baytec’s box acts as a gateway linking workstations and personal
computers to minicomputers and mainframes, as well as local- and
wide-area networks. Software independence eliminates the need for
upgrades to keep up with changes in workstation or host operating
systems. The system is completely Open Systems Interconnect compatible,
Baytec added.
Up to 9G bytes of 8-in. disk capacity enable users to store data
centrally or pass it on to another node on the system.
The server supports up to 54 users, and base units reportedly can be
daisy chained to support up to 3,000 nodes. A high-speed multimedia
cable interface supports dual coaxial, fiber-optic and twisted-pair
wire. Other features include a high-capacity printer and plotter spooler
and tape-backup systems, system management and data access control
utilities.
The need for programming expertise or user training is minimal, Baytec
claimed, since setup, password security and data access controls are menu-driven. Installation is said to be similar to installing an
external disk drive.
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