Apollo Computer Inc, Chelmsford, Massachusetts, and Ridge Computers of Santa Clara, California, have entered into a joint marketing agreement under which the two firms will work together to offer Apollo workstations and Ridge RISC-based superminis as an integrated network computing solution. The companies will attempt to distribute third-party applications across networks of Ridge superminis and Apollo stations, with the help of Apollo’s Network Computing System and other specialised computing resources. Apollo describes NCS as the industry’s first system that can distribute modules, or parts, of an application to the most appropriate computing resources on the network – for example superminis, supercomputers, artificial intelligence engines, and database management machines. In particular, Apollo and Ridge will target companies that require high-performance graphics, networking, and powerful computational capabilities in electronic design automation, mechanical computer-aided design, and other engineering and scientific markets. The companies will work with third-party software vendors to tailor their applications to the use of Ridge superminis in a networked environment. The marketing agreement also includes co-operative advertising and corporate technical support.
