Following the launch of its Sun Microsystems-hosted high-speed input-output subsystem a few weeks ago, Aptech Computer Systems Inc, Portland, Oregon, has announced the first in a family of Unix-based file server systems for supercomputers, which again use WindRiver Systems’ real-time Vx-Works kernel. FutureLink, hosted by a Unix workstation, sup`orts a variety of storage devices, while file control is managed by UniTree software, an implementation of the IEEE’s Mass Storage Reference Model that automatically migrates files among disk and tape libraries. Interfaces supported include the high-speed High-Performance Parallel Processor Interface – HIPPI – and Ultranet; VME, Ethernet and FDDI. FutureLink offers transfer rates of 10Mbps across eight channels – Aptech claims that the next generation of FutureLink will go up to 40Mbps. Prices start at UKP200,000 and shipments are set for the second half of 1991. The likes of Cray, IBM, Convex, Amdahl, DEC, Alliant, Ultra Network Tech-nologies, Network Systems and Maximum Strategies have all declared support for the High-Performance Parallel Processor Interface.
