Core of the new version of the RT Unix box from IBM will be an enhanced version of the Micro Channel so that the machine can be built up of a federation of concurrent processors according to sources in Austin, Texas where the machine is being designed. In the new approach, there is expected to be an arithmetic processor, an input-output processor, and a graphics processor, the last possibly using the new Intel 80160 – on the bus, but anyone looking for the box anytime soon will be disappointed: word out of Austin is that it won’t arrive until the fourth quarter. The new Micro Channel will be upwards-compatible with the current one so that it will support PS/2 boards, but boards for the new one will not go into a PS/2. Those who are looking for dramatic improvements in performance will be disappointed too – word out of Austin is that the new version will deliver only about twice the performance of the present one, which suggests that it will be using the same RISC processor. IBM is hinting at models delivering up to 100 MIPS, but not before next year. The new model will come with a new release of AIX, AIX-2, in which most of the function of the VRM Virtual Resource Manager will be incorporated into the kernel, and the thing will use Next Inc’s NextStep user interface. AIX-2 will also be designed to guest other operating systems such as Pick, MS-DOS and OS/2 in such a way that applications written for them will be able to be migrated from the PS/2 through the RT right up the 370 line under AIX. And for would-be large users of AIX, IBM hints it is close to a new licence agreement with AT&T which will make charges for systems supporting large numbers of users considerably cheaper.
