IBM Corp has launched a low-end 25Mbps Asynchronous Transfer Mode switch and slashed the prices of its existing Asynchronous Mode kit in an effort to bolster its drive to make Asynchronous Mode on the desktop a reality. The IBM 25Mbps ATM 8285 Workgroup Switch is aimed at small local network configurations, from two to 48 workstations. It is designed to work with other IBM 8285 and 8260 switches and also functions as an ATM Forum-compliant LAN Emulation Server. IBM claims that because the switch eliminates the need for separate connection management or configuration servers, it is as easy to install as traditional Ethernet and Token Ring networks. Alongside the launch, IBM is offering potential customers the new 12-port switch and 12 of its existing Asynchronous Mode adaptor boards for $6,000 – the list price for the switch alone is $7,000. The cost of the adaptor boards has also been cut to $295 per user. ATM25 to the desktop has become somewhat of a crusade for IBM, which forced the ATM Forum to support the specification after rallying a large band of information technology companies to back it. However, IBM maintains that there is a market out there now and according to the company, new pricing will help: The price per user was relatively high for the adaptor boards and switch. But this combined deal is aimed at smaller users or big companies looking to test Asynchronous Mode in a small configuration. The switch is based on the same technology as IBM’s traditional backbone switch, the 8260 Nways Multiprotocol Intelligent Hub. It implements a Simple Network Management Protocol Asynchronous Mode agent featuring in-built troubleshooting tools and a command-line interface for performing management operations and for displaying on-line help.
