The local area network that NCR has developed in conjunction with Intel Corp, called Mirlan, is being pushed for IEEE 802 status through ECMA, the European Computer Manufacturers Association. Mirlan is a slow Ethernet system, which uses a 1Mbps chip set, developed by Intel, that runs over shielded co-axial cable. NCR marketing manager of communications and product integration Peter Reid says the system will be less expensive than ordinary 10Mbps Ethernet. Mirlan is being promoted particularly for the retail and banking markets, where security is important. NCR says that DEC is wrong to push the idea of Ethernet over twisted pair wiring in such environments because it incurrs high levels of interference, resulting in loss of information. Mirlan was included in NCR’s UKP35m contract with the National Westminster Bank, announced earlier this year, which is installing 2,200 NCR 7000 series branch controllers, which manage the local area network.
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