Sanyo Electric Co-owned Icon International, Orem, Utah, is set to launch a RISC-based machine for up to 256 users, the Icon 8000, in the second quarter of next year (CI No 1,081). Running Unix System V.3 and compliant with the Binary Compatibility Standard, it uses Motorola’s MC88000 RISC microprocessor chip set, provides 15 MIPS at 20MHz, and has a maximum of 64Kb of cache memory. This forms the Virtual Memory Processor subsystem. An independent Motorola 68020 processor set makes up the Virtual Disk Processor which handles all the file management, and runs in parallel with the Virtual Memory Processor. The 8000 also allows access to MS DOS via Icon’s Smile interface. In addition Icon’s 5000 system was released at the end of last year, and is claimed to deliver the performance of a mainframe, as well as incorporating fault tolerance and a new memory management unit. It runs Unix System V, Berkeley Unix, Pick and MS-DOS, supporting up to 256 users. A minimum of six 68020 processors are included in basic configurations. Meanwhile, Swindon, Wiltshire-based Kode Computers Ltd has extended its Icon range with the UK release of the Kode Icon 2000 model 5 series, which has been available in the US for about six months. It incorporates three 68020 processors, supports Icon’s usual range of operating systems, and up to 16 users. The 2000-5 retails from UKP18,650. Kode also offer Icon 1000, 2000, 3000 and 5000 systems and expects to receive the 8000 model as soon as it is released in the US – no indication of price yet.
