Details filtering out of ICL’s Unicorn Sparc RISC-based systems due out next week suggest that the family, variously known as DRS 600 and DRS 6000, will start life with two models, a 15 MIPS Level 40 and a 20 MIPS Level 70. Pitched firmly at the server market, the machines will support up to eight network interface boards, each with support for both TCP/IP over Ethernet and ICL’s OSLAN; a new, faster MicroLAN II version of ICL’s proprietary MicroLAN will also be supported for direct connection. RS232 interfaces will be multiplexed on a single cable to give eight or 16 RS232 connections. X25 packet switching is in the plan, but is not expected to be in the initial announcement, which will include a new DEC VT220-compatible display terminal. The machines, supporting up to seven 750Mb disk drives, will be made at ICL’s Ashton-under-Lyne mainframe plant: initial capacity is thought to be a little over 100 a month.
