DOCUMENT ID: 0931-03
SYNOPSIS: Interactive Unix 4.0 product questions & answers
OS: Interactive
PLATFORM: Intel
OS VERSION: 4.0
TECH AREA: N/A
PRODUCT: Interactive Unix
KEYWORDS: questions answers upgrade update features
DESCRIPTION:
Interactive Unix System V/386 Release 3.2 Version 4.0 product Questions
& Answers.
SOLUTION:
Product Information -
- Q -
Can you give me a brief description of the INTERACTIVE UNIX System?
- A -
The INTERACTIVE UNIX System is a 32-bit, multitasking, multiuser,
operating environment for Intel 80386, 80486, and Pentium-based
platforms. It is based on UNIX System V Release 3.2 and complies with
all major open systems standards. The INTERACTIVE UNIX System is the
industry leader for reliability, robustness, and ease of use. And it's
available at an economical price.
The INTERACTIVE UNIX System provides binary compatibility with thousands
of XENIX and UNIX applications. The optional VP/ix product lets you
take advantage of thousands of off-the-shelf DOS applications, and run
them in a multiuser environment. Later this year, another extension
will enable you to run off-the-shelf Windows applications.
- Q -
What are the significant new features of Version 4.0?
- A -
IUS product & questions Page 2
The INTERACTIVE UNIX System Version 4.0 has been considerably enhanced
over previous versions. This new version:
o Supports long file names and symbolic links, which enhance its
interoperability with other operating environments such as
SunSoft's Solaris.
o Runs most of the applications written for the Intel Binary
Compatibility Standard Issue 2 (iBCS2). This allows you to
take advantage of additional applications written for other
UNIX System V Release 3.2 environments, including SCO UNIX and
SCO Open Desktop.
o Supports boot loadable device drivers, so you can boot and
install the system on machines that have disk controllers
which are not supported by SunSoft directly, but through third
parties.
o Supports a selectable console which allows you to declare any
connected serial terminal as the system console.
o Supports more than 16 MB in ISA, EISA, and MCA machines (up to
256 MB).
o Includes support for additional hardware devices such as 2.88
MB floppy disks, 3Com's EtherLink III (3C509) Ethernet card,
and Intel's Ethernet Express card.
o Is available on magnetic tape as well as diskettes.
o Uses RAM disk in the install process for faster installation.
o Combines the boot and install programs on a single, read-only
disk to speed installation and eliminate the risk of damaging
the boot/install disk during the install process.
o Features a new User Guide and an Installation and Maintenance
Manual which provide concise and comprehensive documentation.
IUS product & questions Page 3
- Q -
How is the INTERACTIVE UNIX System positioned versus Solaris?
- A -
Both the INTERACTIVE UNIX System and Solaris are SunSoft strategic
products and will continue to be developed in parallel. The products
are targeted to different markets. The INTERACTIVE UNIX System is
targeted primarily to small- to medium-size organizations as a low-cost,
resource-sharing, multiuser system. It is also targeted to specialized
applications such as process control and automation. Solaris 2.x is
targeted primarily to medium and large organizations as a networked
workstation in a distributed, heterogeneous enterprise environment.
- Q -
Can I migrate from the INTERACTIVE UNIX System to Solaris?
- A -
INTERACTIVE UNIX System users in the low-end, multiuser environment may
not need the expanded workstation functionality provided by Solaris 2.x
immediately. They can then migrate to Solaris at their own pace. In
fact, such features as support for long file names and symbolic links in
Version 4.0 make the transition to Solaris for x86 even easier. Special
programs for migrations to Solaris are available.
- Q -
Can the INTERACTIVE UNIX System be used in combination with Solaris?
- A -
Yes. The INTERACTIVE UNIX System Graphical Solution interoperates with
Solaris platforms. It runs on smaller, less powerful hardware, so
existing PCs running the INTERACTIVE UNIX System can be used in a
distributed system in combination with more powerful Solaris
workstations. This means organizations can move to the Solaris
environment without upgrading all PC hardware immediately. In addition,
SunSoft is incorporating technologies in the INTERACTIVE UNIX System
that increase its interoperability with Solaris.
IUS product & questions Page 4
- Q -
What are SunSoft's long-term plans for the INTERACTIVE UNIX System?
- A -
SunSoft is committed to continued enhancement and support of the
INTERACTIVE UNIX System--with periodic maintenance updates and a new
release each year. Maintenance updates provide consolidated fixes for
outstanding software bugs. New releases deliver significant technology
enhancements.
- Q -
Can you tell me more about the option that will provide "off-the-
shelf"
Windows compatibility--capabilities, pricing, availability, etc.?
- A -
By the end of 1993, SunSoft will release a product that provides
off-the-shelf windows compatibility for versions of the INTERACTIVE UNIX
System that include X11. Details on specific features, pricing, and
availability will be announced in the future.
- Q -
Do you have any information about customers who have successfully
implemented the INTERACTIVE UNIX System?
- A -
Yes. There are approximately 250,000 licensed installations of the
INTERACTIVE UNIX System worldwide, supporting nearly 700,000 users.
These users span a broad range of industries and business environments,
and include such organizations as BF Goodrich, BMW, Dresdner Bank, Saab,
British Petroleum, Elf-Altochem, Goodyear, the U.S. Courts, British
House of Commons, London Futures and Options Exchange, and the
Philadelphia Phillies baseball team are INTERACTIVE UNIX System users.
SunSoft has published a series of articles which profile various
customer installations. We have already released articles on BMW,
Elf-Atochem, Au Bon Pain, Sophis, and the Philadelphia Phillies. Other
stories are in development, and will be available from SunSoft in the
near future.
IUS product & questions Page 5
- Q -
Is SunSoft releasing new versions of any of the INTERACTIVE UNIX System
extension products along with Version 4.0?
- A -
Yes. Concurrently with the release of Version 4.0, SunSoft is releasing
enhanced versions of the following products:
o INTERACTIVE TCP/IP, Version 1.4.
o INTERACTIVE NFS, Version 2.2.
o INTERACTIVE X11, Version 2.0.2.
o NTERACTIVE Software Development System (SDS), Version 4.0.
o VP/ix Environment, Version 1.3.
The new SDS includes an upgraded, high-performance NIST-certified ANSI C
compiler that runs 50 percent faster than previous versions. LPI-C
version 2.0 achieves a 43,000 rating on the Dhrystone 2.1 benchmark
running on an i486-based system at 33 MHz. This makes LPI-C a leader in
execution performance. The compiler also incorporates a new optimizer
and improved code generator.
SDS also includes a Motif version of the CodeWatch visual debugging
tool. CodeWatch's window interface displays the user's source program
and program output simultaneously, enabling programmers to make
temporary changes and immediately view the impact. Other C debuggers
typically lack this interactive capability, forcing programmers through
multiple steps of code editing, compiling, linking, and executing to
debug errors.
The new VP/ix Version 1.3 provides additional capability over Version
1.2--including support for DOS 5.0--at a reduced price.
- Q -
Are there any security enhancements?
- A -
SunSoft has an enhanced C2 security product developed by Argus Systems
Group, Inc. This optional extension delivers Orange Book C2 security
features, including Discretionary Access Controls, enhanced
identification and Authentication, and an enhanced Auditing subsystem.
Security administration has been fully integrated with the standard
INTERACTIVE UNIX system administration menus. Online help facilities
for the security system are fully supported and documentation is
provided online.
IUS product & questions Page 6
PACKING INFORMATION
- Q -
How is Version 4.0 packaged?
- A -
With the release of Version 4.0, The INTERACTIVE UNIX product line has
been repackaged into a more streamlined product offering consisting of
three bundled, fully self-contained packages.
o The INTERACTIVE UNIX Base Solution.
o The INTERACTIVE UNIX Network Solution.
o The INTERACTIVE UNIX Graphical Solution.
These packages are available in both multiuser versions and 1-2 user
versions. Multiuser versions license an unlimited number of users.
VP/ix is available as an extension to all three packages.
In addition to the three bundled products, SunSoft offers three
extension products for developers: The INTERACTIVE Software Development
System, the X11 Development System, and the INTERACTIVE Motif
Development System. These products, when used in conjunction with one
of the INTERACTIVE UNIX System packages, provide an environment in which
developers can maximize their productivity in creating both
character-based and graphical UNIX applications.
- Q -
What is included in the INTERACTIVE UNIX System Base Solution?
- A -
The Base Solution includes the INTERACTIVE UNIX System V/386 Release 3.2
Version 4.0 operating system. In its multiuser user version, the
INTERACTIVE UNIX System Base Solution is targeted primarily to
workgroups which employ character-based, multiuser applications.
Multiple users are connected to the PC host system through low-cost
serial terminals or PCs running terminal emulators.
IUS product & questions Page 7
- Q -
What is included in the INTERACTIVE UNIX System Networking Solution?
- A -
The INTERACTIVE UNIX System Networking Solution has all the capabilities
of the Base Solution plus the connectivity of TCP/IP and NFS. It is
targeted primarily to networked multiuser, character-based environments.
In this environment, multiuser PC host systems are interconnected via
networks, providing the ability to share information and resources
between workgroup clusters.
- Q -
What is included in the INTERACTIVE UNIX System Graphical Solution?
- A -
The INTERACTIVE UNIX System Graphical Solution adds X11 Window System
graphical capabilities and a graphical user interface to the
capabilities of the Networking Version. The GUI combines OSF/Motif with
the Looking Glass Professional desktop manager. The Graphical Solution
is targeted to single-user or multiuser environments where users wish to
employ graphical applications and/or a graphical user interface.
- Q -
On what media is Version 4.0 available?
- A -
Version 4.0 is available on both disk and tape. In response to input
from SunSoft channel partners who expressed a need for tape
distribution, SunSoft has made the system available on 1/4", 150 MB
magnetic tape. Version 4.0 is also available on diskette, but only on
3-1/2" format. We have discontinued 5-1/4" diskette distribution.
(Currently, 3-1/2" diskette accounts for more than 80 percent of our
current shipments.)
All tape and 3-1/2" diskette media packages contain both 3-1/2" and
5-1/4" boot disks. This enables customers who have a 5-1/4" drive as
their first drive to boot from the 5-1/4" drive, then load from either
tape or 3-1/2" diskette.
IUS product & questions Page 8
ORDERING AND UPGRADE INFORMATION
- Q -
How do Version 3.0 packaging and Version 4.0 packaging relate to each
other?
- A -
The major differences between Version 3.0 and Version 4.0 packaging are:
o Version 4.0 is available in multiuser bundles whereas Version
3.0 is not.
o Unlike Version 3.0, VP/ix is not included in Version 4.0
bundled solutions. It is available as an optional product.
o Unlike Version 3.0, a developer bundle is not available for
Version 4.0.
As a result of these differences, the following relationship exists
between Version 3.0 and Version 4.0 packaging.
o The Version 3.0 INTERACTIVE UNIX Operating System corresponds
to the Version 4.0 INTERACTIVE UNIX Base Solution.
o The Version 3.0 Application Platform corresponds to the
Version 4.0 INTERACTIVE UNIX Base Solution plus the VP/ix
option.
o The Version 3.0 Network Platform corresponds to the Version
4.0 INTERACTIVE UNIX Networking Solution plus the VP/ix
option.
o The Version 3.0 Workstation Platform corresponds to the
Version 4.0 INTERACTIVE UNIX Graphical Solution plus the VP/ix
option.
o The Version 3.0 Developer Platform corresponds to the Version
4.0 INTERACTIVE UNIX Graphical Solution plus the VP/ix option,
the Software Development System, and the X11 Development
System.
IUS product & questions Page 9
- Q -
How do you update from Version 3.0 to Version 4.0?
- A -
SunSoft provides four update packages:
PACKAGE PART NO
Version 3.0/3.0.1 to Version 4.0
Platform Update PFUP-300-FP3
Version 1.2 to Version 1.3 VP/ix
Environment Update VPUP-1X0-FP3
Version 3.0 to Version 4.0 Software
Development System Update SDUP-220-FP3
Customers can update to Version 4.0 by purchasing the Version 3.0/3.0.1
to Version 4.0 Platform Update. They may purchase one of these updates
at list price for every product they have that includes an operating
system.
Customers may also purchase one Version 3.0 to Version 4.0 Software
Development System Update for every Version 3.0 Software Development
System that they have (whether or not it is included in a bundle), and
one Version 1.2 to Version 1.3 VP/ix Environment! t Update for every
Version 1.2 VP/ix Environment that they have (whether or not it is
included in a bundle). All they need to do is contact their SunSoft
dealer, or phone SunSoft Inside Sales at 1-800-227-9227 and present
their serial number(s).
- Q -
Are upgrades available for customers who have earlier versions than
Version 3.0?
- A -
Yes. Customers who wish to update to Version 4.0 from versions earlier
than Version 3.0 may also do so. Please refer to the price list and the
3.0.1 to 4.0 update matrix for prices and update paths.
Customers may place their orders with their SunSoft dealer, or phone
SunSoft Inside Sales at 1-800-227-9227. They must present their serial
numbers.
IUS product & questions Page 10
- Q -
I have a competing UNIX product and I want to move to the INTERACTIVE
UNIX System Version 4.0. Is there an upgrade path?
- A -
Users of competing UNIX or XENIX operating systems can purchase the
INTERACTIVE UNIX System Version 4.0 products at a discount of 50% off
list price. To order, customers can phone SunSoft Inside Sales at
1-800-227-9227. They must present the key page from their existing
documentation and proof of purchase.
COMPETITION
- Q -
How does the INTERACTIVE UNIX System Version 4.0 stack up against SCO
UNIX?
- A -
Quite simply, the INTERACTIVE UNIX System is more product than SCO UNIX,
at a significantly lower price. For example, the INTERACTIVE UNIX
System Base Solution in multiuser configurations is only $895.00. The
equivalent SCO package (16-user license) is $1295.00. An unlimited user
license from SCO UNIX is even more expensive at $1795.00.
The SCO XENIX system sells for the same price as the INTERACTIVE UNIX
System Base Solution multiuser version. That means you can get UNIX
System V performance and applications for the same price as the much
less capable SCO XENIX.
IUS product & questions Page 11
- Q -
What are the major differences between the INTERACTIVE UNIX System and
SCO UNIX?
Certainly a major difference is the price. The INTERACTIVE UNIX System
is more economical than SCO UNIX. But there are other differences as
well.
A fundamental difference is in the way the two systems evolved. SCO
UNIX evolved from XENIX. As a result of having to carry extra XENIX
"baggage," it has departed from a "plain vanilla" UNIX System
V, Release
3.2 implementation. The INTERACTIVE UNIX System, on the other hand,
evolved directly from the UNIX Operating System V and is, therefore, a
plain vanilla implementation.
Another fundamental difference exists in the business orientation of the
two companies--SunSoft and The Santa Cruz Operation. SunSoft is a
software development company whereas SCO is primarily a system
integrator. SunSoft (and INTERACTIVE Systems Corporation before the
acquisition) not only developed the INTERACTIVE UNIX operating system in
house, but also most of the extensions, including TCP/IP, X11, and
VP/ix. SCO on the other hand, purchased many of the components of the
SCO UNIX operating system and all the extensions, and merely integrated
them in house. As a result, customers and resellers can expect faster
response to changing customer requirements and a higher level of
technical support from SunSoft.
Another major difference in the products is in the ease of building and
rebuilding the system kernel. The INTERACTIVE UNIX System kconfig
program allows users to configure and reconfigure the kernel using an
interactive, menu-driven user interface. kconfig includes an error
checking capability that detects and reports kernel configuration errors
to the user before building the kernel. For example, the program would
detect and report the fact the user erroneously vectored two drivers to
the same interrupt level. With kconfig, it is easy to backup to a
previous version of the kernel if there is a problem with the
newly-built kernel. The user simply selects the desired version from a
pick list. SCO does not offer an equivalent to kconfig.
IUS product & questions Page 12
- Q -
I have an SCO product and I want to move to the INTERACTIVE UNIX System
Version 4.0. Is there a competitive upgrade program?
- A -
Yes. Users of SCO UNIX and XENIX operating system products can purchase
the INTERACTIVE UNIX System Version 4.0 products at a discount of 50
percent off list price. To order, customers can phone SunSoft Inside
Sales at 1-800-227-9227. They must present the key page from their
existing documentation and proof of purchase.
- Q -
What about compatibility with SCO UNIX applications?
- A -
The INTERACTIVE UNIX System Version 4.0 runs most of the applications
written for the Intel Binary Compatibility Standard Issue 2 (iBCS2).
This provides binary compatibility with applications written for other
UNIX System V Release 3.2 environments, including SCO UNIX and SCO Open
Desktop.
- Q -
Are you saying that all SCO application binaries will now run "off the
shelf" on the INTERACTIVE UNIX System? How can you be sure?
- A -
Of course it isn't possible for us to test every single SCO application
binary--or, for that matter, every other UNIX System V Release 3.2
binary on the INTERACTIVE UNIX System Version 4.0. Here is what we have
done.
The INTERACTIVE UNIX System has always complied with agreed-upon UNIX
open systems standards such as SVID, XPG3, and FIPS 151. SCO XENIX
binaries and other UNIX binaries which adhere to these standards have
executed on the INTERACTIVE UNIX System for years and continue to do so
in Version 4.0.
In Version 4.0, we have extended our standards compliance to include
iBCS2, which should allow most SCO UNIX applications to run as well. We
did not stop there, however. We have modified both our X11 and TCP/IP
products to allow SCO Open Desktop applications to run and to increase
the interoperability between the INTERACTIVE UNIX System and other UNIX
implementations. We've even modified VP/ix to increase compatibility
with DOS applications through DOS 5.0.
We cannot say that all SCO binaries will run; some developers have hard
coded SCO specific elements into their products. The INTERACTIVE UNIX
System Version 4.0 offers ISVs the opportunity to remove these
dependencies from their code and dramatically increase the market for
their products by having the same binary run on both SCO and SunSoft
operating systems.
IUS product & questions Page 13
GENERAL/MISCELLANEOUS
- Q -
Is there any written information available that describes Version 4.0?
- A -
SunSoft has prepared a variety of collateral and sales support materials
for Version 4.0. They include:
o INTERACTIVE UNIX System Strategy Paper, Part #93073-001
o INTERACTIVE UNIX System Version 4.0 Product Specification
Sheet, Part #93075-001
o Price Book, Part #93103-001 (U.S.), #93104-001 (Europe)
o Philadelphia Phillies Success Story, Part #93074-001
o Sophis Success Story, Part #93046-001
o BMW Success Story, Part #93034-001
o HDS Pizza Success Story, Part #93076-001
o Elf-Atochem Success Story, Part #93038-001
o INTERACTIVE UNIX System Version 4.0 Hardware Compatibility
Guide, Part #801-5070-10/93111-001
These can be ordered in quantities by contacting Order Processing at
1-310-782-9251, Ext 31, or by e-mail to angela.holden@Eng.Sun.COM.
Please reference part numbers and quantity required.
IUS product & questions Page 14
- Q -
Whom can I call for more information?
- A -
United States:
General Information/Upgrades/Orders
SunSoft Inside Sales
1-800-227-9227
Resellers/VARs
Scott Graves, SunSoft
1-310-348-6014
International:
UK Sales/Support 011-44-494472900
Germany Sales/Support 011-49-8946008500
DATE APPROVED: 08/07/97
Copyright (c) 1999 Sun Microsystems, Inc.