Disk controller specialist Mylex Corp has taken a twist on the new Intel 80960RP input-output-optimized RISC, creating an embedded server based on the chip it claims is designed specifically to move data more quickly across networks at a significantly reduced cost compared with what is currently possible with traditional personal computer-based servers. The product, NetEngine, spawned by the company’s recently created Network Power & Light division, is also claimed to enable manufacturers to develop servers that provide unparalleled ease of installation and management. Mylex has implemented a low chip count design incorporating standard peripheral and network connections and a real-time operating system to create a complete network server in a very small, low-cost package, and one that can serve any operating system on any hardware. NetEngine-based servers will have the capability to install and manage themselves, according to the company. Cost-reduction measures include getting rid of the keyboard, monitor, large enclosure and expansion slots, with NetEngine supporting the addition of further disks without the need to take the network off line. Mylex plans to begin shipping the server in the form of an AutoNet board this summer, and says that OEM customers could combine it with a disk drive to create a server costing well under $1,000. The Fremont, California-based firm has reportedly received interest from Acer America Corp, Siemens Nixdorf Informationssysteme AG and Andataco Inc as potential customers. Fremont, California based Mylex started the 1990s in trouble, but a management shakeout in 1993 has returned the company to healthy balance. Mylex claims to have 60% of the world’s market for RAID disk controllers, supporting EISA, PCI, SCSI to SCSI and all major operating systems including InternetWare, Windows NT, Vines and SCO Unix. Its last full year saw revenue climbing to $173.1m, up 35.8%, and net income of $17.3m, up 29.6%.
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