As part of its continuing effort to fill out the Distributed Computing Model, Groupe Bull SA introduced new elements including integrated management software, at CeBIT ’92. Also, Michel Bloch, president of Bull’s systems division, announced that new workstations based on IBM Corp’s Power RISC architecture will be introduced over the next month. Don Callahan, director of advanced technical communication, says that the new computers will be more than a repackaging of IBM technology, and that they will offer additional software and tools when they go out bearing Bull’s oak tree logo. Bull outlined the framework for its Integrated System Management software, saying that it includes Open Software Foundation technologies like the Consolidated Management Application Interface. This supports multiple management protocols like the Integrated System Management Protocol, Bull’s AEP protocol for open systems integration Distributed Systems Architecture networks and the justly-maligned International Standards Organisation Common Management Information Protocol. Also, the Integrated Management Protocol has a development environment for creating management applications, and it uses both object management and software distribution technologies. Bull used Hannover to preview new functionality for its GCOS mainframes, due to ship in April. The company says that the new features will enhance the systems as transaction processing and database servers. The 32-bit GCOS 7 family will get new features for Oracle users in a transaction processing environment, while top end 36-bit GCOS 8 users are to see price-performance improvements on their NEC Corp-built mainframes.
