Having acquired Jupiter Technology Inc, Waltham, Massachusetts (CI No 1,215), Intel Corp plans to combine Jupiter’s System 1000 multi-protocol communications processor, which runs under the company’s Unix-derived Softlink operating system, with the corresponding components of its own Fastpath system to come up with more comprehensive networking solutions – but according to Computerwoche, is not certain that the market is yet ready for such a system. Intel’s Fastpath is designed to effect high-speed channel-to-channel links between host IBM mainframes and DEC’s VAX systems, as well as to local networks, whereas Jupiter’s multi-functional data communications computer enables conversion between a large number of protocols on a single modular system. Intel plans to transfer Fastpath into the new Jupiter division of the company. Further plans include a local net-to-local net gateway and Open Systems Interconnection support – but Intel faces competition in its ambitions from AT&T Co and Computer Communications Inc, and is concerned that the remarkable scope of the Jupiter system – protocols supported include async, bisync, SNA, HDLC, SDLC and X25 – it may confuse users and rather than solve their problems, create new ones.
