Shiva Corp, Cambridge, Massachusetts has launched FastPath 5, an upgrade to its multi-protocol LocalTalk to Ethernet gateway. A key enhancement in FastPath 5, says Shiva, is new Shiva Net Manager software which replaces the FastPath Manager. Shiva claims that new software provides a more powerful interface for network management and configuration as well as improved logs, and user friendly diagnostics. The gateway increases processing speeds with the addition of a separate LocalTalk input-output processor and faster CPU. The processor reduces bottlenecks that can occur as AppleTalk network packets enter a gateway’s LocalTalk port. Shiva has increased the memory in the FastPath 5 to 512Kb, double the amount in the FastPath 4. The gateway will ship at the end of June at the suggested price of $2,800. This price will include the Shiva Net Manager and either the 10Base-T EtherModule, or the thin and thick Ethernet EtherModules. Three upgrade options for current FastPath users will be available next month. Available directly from Shiva, the upgrade options are PROM Upgrade Kit – for $150 users can purchase the 5.0 PROM, K-Star 9.0, Shiva Net Manager and new manuals; Memory Upgrade Kit – for $300 users can purchase the PROM Upgrade kit described above, plus 256Kb add-on memory and a new case with a fan; and trade-in – for $1,300 users can trade in their old FastPath or other competing gateways for a new fastPath 5 – but the last offer is open only until September 30.
