Unix systems manufacturer Integrated Solutions Inc, Santa Clara subsidiary of Boulder, Colorado-based NBI Inc, has just beaten DEC to the draw with the first shipments of a new workstation based around the MIPS Computer Systems Inc R2000 chip set, unveiling the thing in the middle of last month. Intended for the OEM, system integrator and value-added reseller markets, the Advantage 2000 workstation is rated at 12 MIPS – with Integrated claiming a price-performance ratio of $1,000 per MIPS from a system smaller than a personal computer. The system, which runs either the MIPS RISC/os implementation of Unix or Integrated’s own Dual Universe implementation of Unix System V.3 and BSD 4.3, has 32Kb of on-board cache memory, 1,280 by 1,024 pixel graphics resolution, on-board SCSI and Ethernet controller, and an on-board 80106-compatible – a NEC V40, presumably processor to boost input-output. X-Window System software is included. Integrated Solutions says it will offer the system at various levels of integration ranging from a complete wortstation down to board-level products, and will provide custom-packaged systems for customers. The Advantage 2000 is the first of a new range of MIPS-based systems due for launch over the next year from Integrated, which has previously concentrated on Motorola based systems. Real-time capability is scheduled for the second quarter of 1989, when the company’s UniWorks software will be implemented on the system. A base system, including packaged base board and video board, will ship for $12,000, rising to $24,000 depending on additional peripheral and memory add-ons. The firm’s Isleworth, Middlesex-based office here says a fully configured, two-port system with 100Mb disk and 40Mb back-up tape will cost around UKP10,000.
