National Semiconductor and Sun Microsystems Partner for High-Performance Networking Connectivity

Strategic Insights -

National Semiconductor Corporation has partnered with Sun Microsystems Computer Corporation to provide networking connectivity for the newly announced Sun ULTRA family of desktop systems. The partnership, the result of 18 months of collaboration, aims to offer the highest performing systems and greatest connectivity options to the workstation market. The integration of National's Fast Ethernet physical layer solution and Sun's high-performance Ultra family will provide customers with a seamless and efficient networking experience.

Key Takeaways:

  • National Semiconductor's Fast Ethernet physical layer solution will be embedded in each Ultra desktop, enabling connectivity to any network supporting 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, or both.
  • The integration of National's DP83223 (TWISTER) and DP83840 devices will allow workstations to be connected to a 10BASE-T network and automatically detect and configure to the highest speed and media type supported on the network.
  • The partnership will save customers hundreds of dollars in labor and equipment costs by eliminating the need for new cards or re-configuration when upgrading to a 100 Mbit/s network.
  • National's silicon features embedded Auto-Negotiation technology, developed in 1994, which automatically detects and configures the system to the highest speed and media type supported.
  • This partnership will differentiate National and Sun in the competitive workstation market by providing high-performance processing power, multimedia capabilities, and multiple network options.
  • National Semiconductor and Sun Microsystems are confident that this collaboration will be mutually beneficial and drive innovation in the industry.
  • National's customer response group can be contacted at 800/272-9959 for more information on their current networking solutions.
  • Sun Microsystems is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and sales of networked computing systems, with a division of Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Statistics:

  • National Semiconductor's DP83223 (TWISTER) device is the industry's best-selling high-speed transceiver.
  • The Ultra family's high-performance processing power and multimedia capabilities are delivered through multiple network options, including 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, or both.
  • The partnership aims to provide seamless and efficient networking connectivity to the workstation market, with features and functionality that differentiate National and Sun in the competitive workstation market.
  • National Semiconductor reported sales of $2.4 billion in fiscal 1995 and achieved the highest earnings in its history.
  • National has 22,400 employees worldwide and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.

Sources:

  • National Semiconductor Corporation
  • Sun Microsystems Computer Corporation
  • Business Wire
  • November 7, 1995