[3433] in comp.os.os2.announce archive
IBM: IBM LEADS THE CHARGE TO HIGH SPEED TOKEN-RING
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Timothy Sipples)
Sun Sep 28 10:37:37 1997
To: os2ann.DISCUSS@bloom-picayune.MIT.EDU
Date: 28 Sep 1997 00:13:00 -0400
From: tsipple@us.ibm.com (Timothy Sipples)
Reply-To: tsipple@us.ibm.com (Timothy Sipples)
Reply-to: tsipple@us.ibm.com (Timothy Sipples)
[Followups directed to comp.os.os2.networking.misc]
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I thought many of you would find this interesting...
PRESS RELEASE: IBM LEADS THE CHARGE TO HIGH SPEED TOKEN-RING
Further Delivering On Commitment to Provide Industry Leading High
Speed Network Solutions
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, SEPTEMBER 24, 1997... Further delivering on its
commitment to provide high speed network performance solutions, IBM
Corporation (NYSE: IBM) today announced its High Speed Token-Ring initiatives.
Encompassing plans for native, standards-based, 100Mbps High Speed Token-Ring
and Gigabit Token-Ring solutions, IBM's strategy will enable customers to
continue to enjoy the benefits of a Token-Ring network while increasing
performance and bandwidth. IBM's strategy also provides immediate performance
benefits through the use of its TokenPipe and Multi-link capabilities.
IBM's High Speed Token-Ring Solutions
IBM's High Speed Token-Ring products will provide customers with greater
bandwidth and improved performance while leveraging the unique benefits of
Token- Ring. IBM will ship a 4/16/100 native Token-Ring PCI client/server
adapter in the second half of 1998. The company is also evaluating new
standards-based High Speed Token-Ring switching solutions, which will be
announced in greater detail over the coming months.
"Most of our Token-Ring customers tell us that they currently have access to
more than enough bandwidth, especially at the desktop," said Rick Moukperian,
general manager, adapters and hubs, Networking Hardware Division, IBM
Corporation. "As they plan for the future, though, the majority of these
organizations believe they will require more raw network speed, primarily in
the backbone and for server attachments. Some of these customers have made
the strategic decision to migrate to ATM when the applications are available
and the economics are right for their specific businesses. With IBM's High
Speed Token-Ring strategy, organizations can be assured that we will have the
solutions available to help them migrate to higher speed networks at whatever
pace they decide."
Token-Ring Network Performance Improvements Available Now
In addition to today's announcement, IBM is delivering immediate bandwidth
improvements through its existing TokenPipe and Multi-link features. TokenPipe
incorporates Dedicated Token-Ring (DTR) and fault tolerant capabilities to
enable switch-to-switch connectivity reaching up to 128Mbps total maximum
capacity (64 half-duplexed/128 DTR). TokenPipe is a currently enabled
capability in IBM's 8270 and 8272 Token-Ring switches and the 8272 Token-Ring
blade for the NWAYS 8260.
Fully compatible with all IBM Token-Ring end stations and hubs, DTR greatly
enhances available bandwidth to end stations and can be used in today's shared
Token- Ring environments by replacing bridges and backbones with a switch. DTR
also allows dedicated access links and efficient micro-segmentation of
Token-Rings for a smooth network migration to High Speed Token-Ring or ATM.
Utilizing a Multi-link capability, customers can include multiple adapters in
a single server, providing increased bandwidth. Multi-link attachments to
servers can be deployed as a shared or dedicated solution.
"This migration strategy not only demonstrates IBM's commitment to its Token-
Ring customers, but also emphasizes its leadership in providing advanced
technology to expand its customers' flexibility in managing their Token-Ring
environments," said Rod Adkins, General Manager, Client Systems, IBM PC
Company. "These Token-Ring products provide an enhanced offering for our
commercial desktop and professional workstation customers in managing their
network environments."
The Token-Ring Market
Widely recognized for its mission-critical capabilities, more than half of
Fortune 1000 headquarters sites use Token-Ring in their networks. In the
Token-Ring adapter segment alone, IBM leads with more than 50% market share.
Complementing its adapter portfolio with a comprehensive suite of Token-Ring
hubs and switches underscores IBM's commitment to Token-Ring. The company
plans continued investment in Token-Ring to satisfy current and future
customer requirements.
Spearheads Industry Efforts to Develop Standards-based High Speed Token-Ring
Demonstrating its continued interest in protecting the investment of
Token-Ring customers, IBM's recently proposed 100Mbps and Gigabit Token-Ring
standardization was accepted at the IEEE 802.5 Token-Ring interim meeting in
August. Additionally, IBM is taking a lead role in the newly created High
Speed Token-Ring Alliance and hosted that multi-vendor group's September 15
kickoff meeting. One of the alliance's key charters is ensuring that the
standards process moves forward quickly to provide customers with
standards-based interoperable High Speed Token-Ring technologies. Reflecting
its next-generation Token-Ring development efforts, IBM is already running a
prototype of Token-Ring connections over both 100Mbps and 1Gbps links using
IBM technology.
The IBM Networking Hardware Division (NHD) develops and manufactures
industry-leading networking technologies and products, providing global
end-to-end solutions for Token-Ring, Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, ATM, IP and
SNA networks. Headquartered in Research Triangle Park, NC, IBM NHD also
provides consulting, education, service and support worldwide to help
customers achieve their business objectives.
For additional information on IBM's networking solutions, visit our web site
at http://www.networking.ibm.com or call 800-IBM-3333 or outside the US dial
770-644-5997.
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