A COMPARISON DOCUMENT The LANtastic(r) Network Operating System Microsoft(r) Windows for Workgroups Novell(r) NetWare Lite(tm) And sales guide for the LANtastic Network Operating System November 1992 Table of Contents Part 1 Microsoft Windows for Workgroups, A comparison Part 2 Novell NetWare Lite 1.1, A comparison Part 3 The Artisoft LANtastic Network Operating System, a Sales Guide Part 4 Glossary Part 1 Microsoft Windows for Workgroups A comparison What they're saying about the LANtastic system vs. Windows for Workgroups software In the October 5, 1992 issue of PC Week, John McCarthy, director of Forrester Research, Inc., says of Windows for Workgroups: "They don't have a hope in hell of replacing LANtastic.... They don't have the distribution or support." In the September 28, 1992 issue, InfoWorld wrote that upgrading to PCs that can effectively run a Windows-compatible program can be a costly undertaking. "But when considering the cost of added hardware, software, and - perhaps most importantly - training and support, the consensus among micro managers interviewed recently was that costs can range from $2,000 to $3,000 per user." Percentage of PC users, by processor type, who use Windows for one or more applications. 286 Based PC users 30% 386 Based PC users 50% 486 Based PC users 60% (Source: InfoCorp Computer Intelligence) "LANtastic's strength is [its ability to work on] any kind of DOS machine with any sort of processing power," said Richard Kimball, managing director, Montgomery Securities, Inc., a San Francisco investment bank, as quoted in PC Week, August 24, 1992. "A simple-to-use fully powered network is more often than not a contradiction in terms. But in the case of LANtastic for Windows, a graphical user interface for LANtastic users, the terminology fits.... By extending the power of Microsoft's application-to-application protocol - DDE (dynamic data exchange) - across the network, LANtastic for Windows can be thought of almost as an extension of Windows, as opposed to just an add-on for LANtastic." PC Magazine, January 14, 1992 A peer-to-peer comparison * With Windows for Workgroups, a computer must be a 386 to be configured as a server. * On a LANtastic network, any PC, from an XT up, can be a server. * Windows for Workgroups will only run under Windows. * LANtastic will run under Windows or in DOS, all on the same network. Richard Kimball said in PC Week, August 24, 1992, that because of the limited peer support for DOS users, he doesn't see Windows for Workgroups as a threat to Artisoft's LANtastic, the leading peer operating system. * With Windows for Workgroups, DOS machines can only be workstations and cannot share resources with the network. "And under Windows for Workgroups, a DOS machine can only be a client; it will not be able to share data with other machines, which prevents Windows for Workgroups from accommodating mixed environments well.... In cases of mixed networks - Windows for Workgroups will not be the preferred solution." Jamie Lewis, PC Week, August 24, 1992 * On LANtastic, any machine, including DOS based, can be a server and share resources. * With Windows for Workgroups, e-mail works only within the work group designated during installation. To connect outside the work group, you must have Microsoft Mail, an add-on. Users need to upgrade to a full Mail post office and then purchase a copy of MS Mail Remote for each person who needs dial-in access. * LANtastic e-mail works throughout the entire network. * With Windows for Workgroups, the redirector requires 42K in basic mode and 82K in advanced mode. * The LANtastic redirector requires 17K. Period. * With Windows for Workgroups, in standard-mode configuration, the network device drivers must reside in conventional memory. A 286 runs only in standard mode. * With LANtastic, device drivers can be loaded in high memory, even on a 286. * Windows for Workgroups is not a truly peer-to-peer network operating system because only 386 and 486 machines can be servers; 8088 and 286 machines cannot be configured as servers. * On a LANtastic network, any machine can be a server or a workstation, or both. LANtastic is truly a peer-to-peer network. * Windows for Workgroups uses NDIS version 2.01, but NDIS version 3.0 is going to be used in Windows NT. It appears that Microsoft will cripple Workgroups the same way Novell crippled its NetWare Lite. * LANtastic is the only network operating system manufactured by Artisoft. We put everything we have into it, and we don't plan to cripple it, cannibalize it or let it become obsolete. * With Windows for Workgroups, the DOS workstation "Workgroup Connection" takes 90K of RAM and 1MB of disk space. * LANtastic workstations use only 13K of RAM. * With Windows for Workgroups, DOS workstations do not support NetWare connectivity. * LANtastic for NetWare software will run DOS servers or workstations on NetWare. * Windows for Workgroups does not support dial-up access to the network. * The LANtastic system supports dial-up access through our Central Station(tm) connectivity processor and its Dial-up StationWare(tm). * Security on Windows for Workgroups is minimal. The only levels are no access, complete access or read-only access. * LANtastic has 12 levels of security with a sophisticated auditing and username-password feature to bar unauthorized employees from system management features. * With Windows for Workgroups, DOS workstations require 1MB of disk space and Windows servers require 9.5 MB of disk space. Neither platform supports a diskless workstation. * LANtastic supports diskless workstations, which are extremely useful where tight security is imperative. * With Windows for Workgroups, there is no TCP/IP connectivity unless Workgroups goes through Microsoft LAN Manager. * LANtastic for TCP/IP gives workstation access to host computers on a TCP/IP network, including DEC, HPr and Sunr workstations, IBMr mainframes, and AT&Tr and NCRr minicomputers. * Microsoft has stated that "New PC-based solutions must leverage customer investments, not make them obsolete."(1) And yet, Windows for Workgroups makes XTs and ATs obsolete. * LANtastic will run on any PC, from an XT on up, because Artisoft is committed to the whole network. Windows for Workgroup suggested retail prices (2) To add to DOS machines (Windows-capable) * $249.95 per node for Windows for Workgroups, with no hardware * $849.95 for starter kit: software, hardware, cable, T-connectors, terminators for two systems, installation video, screwdriver * $424.95 per node for the software/hardware addition Upgrade fees for Windows 3.1 users * $99.95 one-user software * $399.95 four licenses, software only * $549.95 starter kit, does not include Windows 3.1, as above * $274.95 one-node add-on for software and hardware * Windows 3.0 user upgrade fee, $149.95 for software only To add DOS workstations (non-Windows) * DOS-only machines on Windows for Workgroup network use Workgroup Connection software, priced at $79.95 for software only. Artisoft's lower-cost solutions * $99 for LANtastic Network Operating System software, 300-user license * LANtastic for Windows utility upgrade is currently $99 for a 300-user license * $699 for the AE-2(tm) Starter Kit, which includes a 300-user license, software, two AE-2 adapter cards and cable * $799 for the AE-2 Windows starter kit, 300-user integrated LANtastic for Windows license, software, two AE-2 adapter cards and cable Part 2 Novell NetWare Lite 1.1 A comparison What they're saying about the LANtastic system vs. the NetWare Lite 1.1 system "...Lite 1.1 was slower than Artisoft, Inc.'s LANtastic 4.1, one of the leading peer-to-peer LAN operating systems." PC Week First Looks, August 10, 1992 "The LANtastic package includes LANcache, a disk-caching program that you can configure to use extended, expanded, or conventional memory. LANcache is one of the fastest disk-caching programs for networks available today." PC Magazine, April 14, 1992 "Unfortunately, Lite 1.1 still leaves much room for improvement, particularly in the area of security and coexistence with conventional NetWare LANs." PC Week First Looks, August 10, 1992 A peer-to-peer comparison * NetWare Lite 1.1 security levels are only "no access," "complete access" or "read-only" access. * LANtastic offers 12 levels of security to each user or user group connected to a server. * NetWare Lite 1.1 offers no e-mail package. * LANtastic e-mail (built-in) puts a stop to the excess paper of inter-office memos and to walking across the office to deliver a message to a co-worker. * Lite is not compatible with TCP/IP, Macintoshr or other operating systems. To reach one of these platforms, Lite must be tied into NetWare 2.x or 3.x software. * LANtastic for TCP/IP, LANtastic for Macintosh and LANtastic for NetWare software provide the vehicles necessary to connect with other major network operating systems. * Lite has no Windows GUI interface. * The LANtastic for Windows utility puts the power and simplicity of the LANtastic Network Operating System into the ease of the Windows GUI interface. "Artisoft takes LANtastic - its popular $99 peer-to-peer network known for its ease of use and fast performance - and with a special front-end, tightly integrates it with the Windows environment." PC Magazine, January 14, 1992 "NetWare Lite is a joke. It is difficult - if not impossible - to get NetWare Lite to work with Windows." InfoWorld, September 28, 1992 * NetWare Lite 1.1 does not support uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). * LANtastic supports UPS, and we certify its compatibility with both American Power Conversion and Tripp-Lite. * NetWare Lite 1.1 does not support voice mail or Voice Chat. * Adding an Artisoft Sounding Board(tm) adapter gives users the capability of voice mail and real-time voice chat. Sounding Board also supports Windows Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) for adding voice annotations to Windows applications that support OLE. * If they want to share COM ports, Lite users must upgrade to NetWare 2.x or 3.x and purchase NetWare Asynchronous Communications Server (NACS) software for installation on a dedicated server. * To share COM ports and modems across the network, LANtastic users simply install optional ArtiCom(tm) modem-sharing software. They don't have to upgrade to a more expensive operating system, disrupting daily operations in the process. * For network dial-up access, a Lite user must upgrade to NetWare 2.x or 3.x and purchase NACS software. * A LANtastic user adds a Central Station connectivity processor, which includes a dial-up utility. * NetWare Lite does not support remote booting. All users must have at least a floppy drive to gain access to the network. * All Artisoft cards (except AE-1/T(tm))support the addition of a boot ROM to allow diskless workstations, a major security consideration. * NetWare Lite 1.1 supports only 25 users. To go beyond 25, users must purchase an upgrade to NetWare 2.x or 3.x. * LANtastic comes with a 300-user license. There is no need to upgrade to a more expensive network operating system. We put every available option into LANtastic to make it the most powerful peer-to-peer network on the market. * NetWare Lite users receive only 30 days of free technical support. After the initial 30 days, technical support costs $20 per incident. * Artisoft offers free and unlimited technical support to all registered users and resellers for the life of the product. * With NetWare Lite, CD-ROM drives are supported on the CD-ROM servers only and are not accessible across the network. * CD-ROM drives on LANtastic are accessible across the network, even to diskless workstations. The CD-ROM drivers need only to be loaded on the CD-ROM server. This is ideal for libraries or research departments. * Novell did not publish a new version of the manual with information on the new features in version 1.1; the changes appear in a lengthy READ.ME file on the installation disk. * LANtastic documentation is complete, even when we release a new version of our operating system. "Some users said they had difficulty getting the upgrade to work with existing hardware and software, saying Novell should work to certify third-party products for use with Lite." PC Week, August 17, 1992 * NetWare Lite 1.1 does not have a formal third-party compatibility program. * Artisoft Labs support a comprehensive third-party testing and compatibility program. More than 90 major third-party products are certified or undergoing certification at this time, after which their compatibility is supported by the Artisoft Technical Support Department. Part 3 Artisoft LANtastic Network Operating System Sales Guide What makes the LANtastic system the leading peer-to-peer LAN for DOS and Windows environments? "LANtastic is simple and complete. The product is reliable, well-supported, well priced, and it is easy to install and use... Version 4.10 offers a slew of improvements to the command line, menuing, and ease-of-use of the older versions, including more flexible log-on capabilities and enhanced print-queue control." PC Magazine, April 14, 1992 The LANtastic Network Operating System is a full-featured LAN for IBM and compatible PCs. Connecting from two PCs to 300, version 4.1 uses as little as 13K of RAM per workstation and 40K per server, which leaves room for the most RAM-hungry applications. LANtastic enables businesses to share expensive peripherals instead of duplicating them. Its peer-to-peer structure means every computer can act as a file server and/or workstation, eliminating expensive dedicated servers. Show your customers what the LANtastic system can do for them by explaining its features and pointing out how these features can help them in their businesses. Features: * Delayed record locking * One of the smallest RAM overheads in the industry * LANcache(tm) software to boost network performance * Multiple security levels * Chat and e-mail features built into the operating system * Sound capabilities for voice mail and Chat * Built-in support for UPS * Remote processing for system managers * Remote booting capabilities for diskless workstations * Immediate despooling of large printer files * Simultaneous despooling to multiple printers * CD-ROM support * Support of DOS 3.1 file-and-record locking * Full support for Microsoft Windows (real, standard and enhanced modes) * Audit trails to track network activity * Resource caching * New server management capabilities * Ability to change username without logging out LANtastic for Windows A network utility that harnesses the power of the DOS-based LANtastic operating system from within Windows' functional framework of pull-down menus, icons and on-line help. * Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) * Drag-and-drop and point-and-shoot features * All NET and NET_MGR features available within the Windows GUI * DOS-based machines run on the same network as Windows-based machines. * DOS machines can be workstations or servers. * LANtastic (v4.0) was the first peer-to-peer network to operate in Windows real, standard and enhanced modes. "A simple-to-use fully powered network is more often than not a contradiction in terms. But in the case of LANtastic for Windows, a graphical user interface for LANtastic users, the terminology fits.... By extending the power of Microsoft's application-to-application protocol - DDE (dynamic data exchange) - across the network, LANtastic for Windows can be thought of almost as an extension of Windows, as opposed to just an add-in for LANtastic." "First Looks," PC Magazine, January 14, 1992 Enhanced printer functions * Print job display screen to show status of each job * Estimate of start and finish times of jobs * Notification of print job completion * Immediate despooling of large files for quicker printing "The most impressive new additions in LANtastic 4.10 are the improvements and features added to the LAN's printing capabilities." PC Magazine April 14, 1992 Memory * Uses small amount of RAM in Windows or DOS-based versions * Works on PCs with only 640K of RAM * LANtastic files can be loaded high, using a memory manager or DOS 5.0 Management features * Hot keys for shortcuts to the LANtastic 4.1 management menus * More powerful command-line interface * All management features available in Windows when using the LANtastic for Windows utility Performance * Redesigned NetBIOS makes LANtastic v4.1 up to 30% faster than previous versions * Resource caching stores network management commands and file look-ups in the server's RAM for faster operations. * LANtastic's LANcache program caches both reads and writes for faster network performance "LANcache is one of the fastest disk-caching programs available today." PC Magazine, April 14, 1992 * A LANtastic server will "remember" a user request for a record already locked by another user. When the record is free, the next user request is completed. * Allows automatic login to servers without having to specify a user's name or password each time * One-command login to multiple servers Multi-platform connectivity * LANtastic for NetWare software brings the file and peripheral sharing capabilities of LANtastic to a NetWare network. * LANtastic for Macintosh software enables a dedicated gateway server to transfer files and share PostScript(r) printers between an Apple Talk(r) or Ether Talk(r) network and a LANtastic PC network. * LANtastic for TCP/IP software connects any node on a LANtastic network with any machine running TCP/IP. * The LANtastic for Windows utility puts the power of LANtastic into Windows' graphical user interface. * LANtastic runs under DOS with the same powerful features as the LANtastic for Windows version. * The company is constantly evaluating other environments to determine the best LANtastic solutions to meet future needs. Hardware independence * Artisoft is committed to support for all hardware platforms from 8088s to 486s. * We believe a customer should not be forced to upgrade existing computers in order to establish a local area network. * We believe that customers should be able to take advantage of the investments they have already made. DOS superiority * DOS machines can act as workstations or servers or both. * True peer-to-peer networking * Support of specific vertical applications that are totally DOS based Features and Benefits Feature: DOS-based, peer-to-peer network operating system Benefit: Low cost, familiar, easy-to-use, no waste of PCs in an office The LANtastic Network Operating System is the recognized leader in the peer-to-peer market. As few as two or as many as 500 people in an office share PCs and peripherals on a LANtastic network. Because a LANtastic network uses some of the smallest amount of RAM in the industry, it leaves more room to run other applications. Feature: LANtastic is a fourth-generation product. Benefit: Widely used, refined and bug-free Because of enduser input, Artisoft has added features in subsequent versions of the LANtastic system. Because we have released four prior versions of our operating system, we have refined its operation and virtually eliminated all bugs. We listen to people's comments and concerns and act upon them. Additions we have made to the LANtastic system include: * Full Microsoft Windows support * Support for uninterruptible power supply (UPS) on network servers * Remote processing for system managers * Individual and group account set-ups * Simultaneous despooling to multiple printers * Built-in support for CD-ROMs and much more Feature: Easy to use and understand Benefit: Employees need little training Users who know DOS already know how to use the LANtastic system. Installers can set up shortcuts for those not fully familiar with DOS. The system includes on-line help in any menu. The easy-to-understand menu system is intuitive in nature and powerful in features. Feature: Artisoft's multi-product line Benefit: Compatibility, add-ons, economy Though the LANtastic Network Operating System is Artisoft's flagship product, we also produce a full line of Ethernet adapters, a 10BASE-T concentrator, add-on software packages that integrate the LANtastic system into other environments, low-cost and easy-to-use proprietary 2Mbps adapters and our latest and most versatile product, the Central Station connectivity processor. Artisoft offers a low-cost solution for almost every networking need, as well as one-stop shopping and one-stop technical support. Feature: Network security Benefit: Highly sophisticated protection The LANtastic system offers everything from passwords to time-of-day logins and audit trails on the network. Use requires names and passwords whenever logging into a server; improper keyboard entries result in denied access. Time-of-day logins restrict use to business hours only, weekends only or any variation desired for company security. Access control lists determine who can read, write, delete; create and delete files and directories; and many more options. Audit trails determine who and when users try (successfully or not) to log into a computer. They also show what users do when logged in - not only useful for security, but for billing purposes, as well. Diskless workstations can also be supported. LANtastic security rivals that of main-frame systems. Artisoft began shipping version 4.1 of the LANtastic system in April 1992. The new version has been very well received. Features added for version 4.1 include: Feature: Redesigned NetBIOS Benefit: Up to 30% faster than previous versions of LANtastic The NetBIOS is the program responsible for transferring data between the server and workstations. The redesigned NetBIOS transfers data more efficiently for faster network operation. Feature: Resource caching Benefit: Speeds file lookups and file openings Resource caching speeds file lookups and file openings by keeping access information on the server's resources in memory. This means that the server can rapidly read access control list information for each network resource from RAM. This reduces the frequency with which the server needs to check information on a hard disk before allowing or denying a user request. Feature: Random-access caching Benefit: Allows the server computer to search through files more quickly Random-access caching's ability to search through files more quickly speeds up access to data on the disk. Feature: Delayed record locking Benefit: Allows for more efficient work, saves users' time A LANtastic server can hold onto a user request for a record already locked by another user. When the first user finishes, the record unlocks, and the second user's request is completed without further action on the second user's part. Without delayed record locking, a request for a locked record is denied, and the user has to request it again. Feature: Automatic login to servers Benefit: A user can log into a server without having to specify a username or password each time. Feature: Log into multiple servers with one command Benefit: No need to separately log into each server for which the user is authorized Now you can log into a group of servers with one command. This saves users from having to type multiple NET LOGIN commands and allows them to create shorter batch files. Feature: Improved printer queue display Benefit: Users know exactly where a print job falls in the queue. The screen now tells the status of a print job, the estimated time it will start printing and when it will finish. Feature: Hot keys to management menu items Benefit: Quicker access to management features LANtastic menus now include shortcut hot keys. To activate an option on the menu, a user will simply press the letter key corresponding to the highlighted letter in each command. Feature: A user can change a "username" without logging out Benefit: Less time and nuisance to login with different username If a user has already logged into a server with his or her regular user account, but needs to switch to a System Manager account to schedule a server shutdown or other management functions, LANtastic version 4.1 lets that user log into the server again, using a different account without having to log out first. This means a user does not have to cancel, then re-establish, printer and drive connections. Market overview The local area network (LAN) market is one of the fastest growing segments in the computer industry. * In 1991, LANs connected 54% of all PCs in the business world.(3) * This number is projected to increase to 74% by 1995. * Analysts expected sales of local area networking products to grow $5.7 billion in 1989. * They expect sales to grow by more than $17 billion by 1994.(4) * Sales of the software portion (the network operating system) equal 10% to 15% of the entire computer market. * In 1986, the network software market generated $108.3 million in sales. * Analysts expect this figure to exceed $2 billion in 1995, a compounded annual growth rate of more than 20 percent.(5) Target market * Small businesses sharing a few files and a printer between one or two offices * Medium-size businesses who need to share files and printers, coordinate workgroup activities, maintain security of files and have centralized files for easier administration * Large businesses with many diverse goals and departments who need a workgroup solution or have remote sites with the need for a low maintenance, powerful network * Vertical target markets include: * Manufacturing * Engineering * Retail businesses * Medical and dental offices * Universities and educational institutions * Accounting and law firms * The U.S. government The LANtastic Network Operating System market falls into two distinct groups: Small-to-medium businesses Large businesses Small-to-medium businesses The LANtastic system is well suited for the small-to-medium business because it: * Is easy to install * Will work on virtually any PC platform (XT, AT, 386, 486) * Does not require the added expense of a dedicated server * Does not require a system administrator * Comes with a 300-user license per server, which allows easy and inexpensive growth. (To expand a network, a user needs to buy only an adapter card and cable for each new node, not another software license.) Large businesses A LANtastic network brings flexibility to large businesses because it: * Lets them set up work groups * Interconnects with almost any other network operating system * Gives department or division level groups the flexibility of sharing files and network resources * Connects to other corporate networks (through LANtastic for Macintosh, LANtastic for NetWare and LANtastic for TCP/IP software) * In cases where a company wants to preserve its hardware investment, LANtastic/AI(tm) software can be installed for sites upgrading to a LANtastic system from another network operating system. * LANtastic can be a complete network solution because it: * Has sophisticated security features such as: * Password login * Password protected NET_MGR and ALONE programs * Detailed resource access rights for users or groups of users * Automatic password renewal feature * Specific day or time-of-day access rights * Access control list for each resource * Has extensive network management features such as: * Audit trails to track network activity * Hot keys for shortcuts to the management menus * Powerful command line interface * Alone feature for dedicated server operation * Support for virtually all PC-compatible hardware platforms * Server optimization features for ultimate performance * Serves as a sophisticated remote site network solution * Has the simplicity and ease of operation to not require a systems administrator * Companies worldwide use the LANtastic system, which has been released in: * English * German * Italian * Spanish * French * Japanese Support for sales channels The Artisoft Business Development Group (BDG) Business Development Group representatives (BDGs) support our resellers in sales and technical areas. They also support user groups and special interest groups (SIGs). BDG representatives are located in the United States and Canada, where they * Offer marketing support and assistance * Offer training support * Assist at or give training seminars to your customers * Accompany you on major account sales calls, if desired Distribution channels "The combination of turnkey solutions and attentiveness to the needs of VARs have helped (Artisoft) build a strong channel that will be unlikely to buckle under new market pressures." Computer Reseller News, NetWorld edition, October 13, 1992 * Artisoft has a strong record in channel support. * We have approximately 29,000 resellers (up from 4,000 in 1989). * More than 500 are Artisoft Authorized Five StarSM resellers. * We maintain mature reseller support programs, which include: * Field support representatives located throughout North America * MCI Mail lead-referral program * Dedicated toll-free number for Artisoft Five Star reseller technical support * GSA & educational programs * RAM-O-GRAM monthly reseller newsletter * National sales contest * ArtiBucks co-op program * Artisoft training manuals and videos * "Tech Talk" advanced technical training seminars * Artisoft LAN Van road shows throughout the United States * Artisoft offers one of the best distribution models in the industry. * We have carefully selected the right combination of international, national and multi-regional distributors. * We provide resellers with a superb choice of locations, programs and benefits. * While you can always buy directly from Artisoft, our distribution partners bring you highly competitive pricing, free shipping based on sales volume, co-op advertising and rewarding spiff and promotional programs. Authorized Distributors as of October 1, 1992 Distributor U.S. Western Canada Eastern Canada Gates, F.A. 1-800-332-2222 Ingram Micro* 1-800-456-8000 1-800-668-3450 1-800-668-3450 Liuski Internat'l. 1-516-454-8220 Merisel* 1-800-MERISEL 1-800-268-1220 1-800-268-1220 Tech Data* 1-800-237-8931 1-800-663-0968 1-800-668-5588 TRACS 1-416-940-6205 1-416-940-6205 Vitek Systems 1-800-366-6655 *Products available in some international markets; please call for information. Industry recognition In the spring of 1992, Business Week named Artisoft the "No. 1 Hot Growth Company" of the year only six months after we went public. Inc. Magazine placed us in the top 500 privately held companies three years in a row. Inc. Magazine put us 56 on the list of 100 top publicly held small businesses. During the past four years, Artisoft has claimed numerous major industry awards 1992 Computer Reseller News Editors' Choice 1992 PC World Best Buy 1992 PC Magazine Editors' Choice Award for LANtastic System 4.1 1992 LAN Times Readers Choice for LANtastic System 4.1 1992 LAN Magazine Product of the Year for Entry-level Network Operating Systems 1991 Best of 1991 from PC Magazine for the AE-3r adapter 1991 PC World World Class Award for the AE-2 adapter 1991 Best of Spring Award for Connectivity, COMDEX, Byte Magazine for Artisoft's Central Station connectivity processor. The Interface Group award for the Central Station connectivity processor 1991 PC Magazine Editors' Choice for DOS-based networks 1991 LAN Times Readers Choice Award 1991 LAN Magazine Product of the Year Award 1990 PC Magazine Award for Technical Excellence/Communications for the LANtastic Voice Adapter (now known as the Sounding Board adapter) 1990 PC Magazine Editors' Choice for DOS-based networks 1990 PC Magazine Editors' Choice for the LANtastic CD-ROM networking capabilities 1990 PC Magazine Editors' Choice for LANtastic Z(tm), a serial/parallel port version of the LANtastic system 1990 LAN Magazine Product of the Year 1990 LAN Times Readers Choice Award 1990 LAN Times Recommended for Networking Award 1989 PC Magazine Editors' Choice for low-cost LANs 1989 PC World Best Buy for low-cost LANs 1988 PC Magazine Technical Excellence Nomination 1988 BYTE Magazine Award of Distinction 1988 LAN Magazine Product of the Year for The Network Eyer software Artisoft's growth Artisoft began in 1982, producing communications and peripheral-sharing devices. After the introduction of the LANtastic Network Operating System at COMDEX in the fall of 1987, Artisoft's size and sales mushroomed. Sales growth: 1988 - 2.2 Million 1989 - 6.6 Million 1990 - 21 Million 1991 - 41 Million 1992 - 73 Million Employee Growth * Twelve employees in 1988 * More than 500 in 1992 * Offices in Tucson, San Diego, Chicago, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan and Mexico Artisoft Customer Care * Free, unlimited technical support to registered owners and resellers * An unconditional money-back guarantee on all Artisoft hardware * Five-year limited warranty on all Artisoft hardware * A 30-day money-back guarantee on all Artisoft products To order any Artisoft product, call 1-800-TINY RAM. ARTISOFT INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 691 East River Road Tucson, AZ 85704 USA Sales/Customer service 1-800-TINY RAM Technical Support 1-602-293-6363 Headquarters 1-602-293-4000 Fax 1-602-293-8065 Offices in the Netherlands, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan and Mexico. Glossary of Terms Access method - A set of rules used by LAN hardware to direct traffic on the network, it determines which workstation will be next to use the LAN. It also distinguishes the various hardware types by governing electrical access to the cable that affects the LAN's features and performance. ARCNET, Token Ring and CSMA (Ethernet) are all access methods. Adapter card - Also called interface card, it is a printed circuit board that fits in the expansion chassis of a computer. Adapter cards physically connect the computer to the LAN cable and are responsible for getting raw bits of data from the computer onto the network cable. Application program - Software that carries out some useful task (word processing, data bases, spreadsheets, etc.) for the user. (Application programs differ from system software such as DOS, which is the software used by the computer itself to accomplish tasks for the application program. ARCNET - (Attached Resource Computer Network) A communications standard that employs a token-passing protocol and star topology, transmits data at 2.5Mbps and supports up to 256 nodes. Audit trail - A record of events taking place on the network. It is used to track who uses what resources, at what time, for what reason. A valuable management tool for security and/or billing. Binary file - A computer-generated file that employs the binary numbering system. A binary number allows only two values 0 and 1 (on/off). Most computers store information in binary form. Buffer - A temporary holding area for data until it can be accepted for processing. Cable - The transmission medium that connects computers on a LAN. Cable can be of different types: twisted-pair, fiber optic, coaxial, etc. Cache - A separate memory location that stores frequently used data, thereby improving system performance. Centralized network - A network that requires a dedicated file server (or servers) that cannot be used as workstations. The server's sole duty is to fulfill network requests. Coaxial - Electrical cable in which a solid piece of metal wire is surrounded by insulation and then by tubular metal whose axis of curvature coincides with the center of the piece of wire. Coaxial cable is more difficult to install and usually more expensive than twisted-pair. CPU - Central processing unit; the primary microprocessor chip in a PC. CSMA - Carrier Sense Multiple Access; signifying the method that nodes employ to communicate. In CSMA/CA (Collision Avoidance) the sending node asks permission from the intended receiver to send data; if the receiving node responds affirmatively, transmission takes place. In CSMA/CD (Collision Detection), nodes transmit at will; if a collision occurs, each workstation will re-transmit at varied, preset time intervals. Ethernet networks employ the CSMA/CD protocol. DMA - Direct memory access. A fast method of moving data from a storage device or LAN adapter card directly to RAM. DMA speeds processing. Driver - A piece of software that expands DOS's ability to work with network hardware and software. It tells DOS how to operate such things as logical drives, shared printers, spoolers and print queues. E-mail - Electronic mail. A message system on a LAN, which allows users to write messages and send them to others on the network. Computer files can also be sent via e-mail. Ethernet - A communications standard developed by Xerox and later standardized by the IEEE (standard 802.3). The most popular LAN standard, Ethernet transmits data at 10 Megabits per second (Mbps) and can be used with thin or thick coaxial, fiber optic or twisted-pair cabling. Often used in government, educational and scientific environments. File-and-record locking - Data management method that reserves files and records for the first user to request them, thus locking out all others, which is crucial in multi-user LAN applications. Hub - A hardware device that is the center of a star topology network. Servers can also act as a Hub of a LAN. IEEE - Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers. The IEEE is a publishing and standard-setting body responsible for many LAN procedures and protocols. IEEE 802.3 - A standard specifying a LAN using CSMA/CD (Ethernet). The actual standard would be read IEEE 802.3 10BASE2 or 10BASE5 or 10BASE-T. IEEE 802.5 - A standard specifying a LAN that uses a token-passing method on a ring topology (e.g. Token Ring). I/O port - Doorways through which information passes as it travels to or from an input-output device. Interface software - Procedures, codes and protocols that enable two devices to interact. Interface software such as NetBIOS enables a network operating system to communicate with an adapter card. IRQ - Interrupt request line. A communications channel by which devices interrupt a PC's microprocessor. A network request gets the servers attention through an IRQ. Logical devices - Disk drives and printers recognized by a system, although not physically present in the system. These devices are remote and differ from physical devices located on the workstation itself. Memory resident - Also called terminate-and-stay resident programs (TSR). These programs are executed and usually remain in the computer's RAM until the computer is rebooted. Network software is memory resident. NetBIOS - Network basic input/output system. A network interface software that communicates operations from the network operating system to the network hardware. Protocol - An entire set of rules for network communications between computers. These rules govern format, timing, sequencing and error control. Physical devices - Devices such as drives, modems and printers, which are physically located on a workstation, as opposed to logical devices. Queue - A line of tasks, such as print jobs or messages, waiting to be serviced. A task waiting in a queue can be assigned a priority, so that more important jobs can be executed before those less critical. Server - A computer providing service to LAN workstations and responsible for accommodating network requests. Also refers to the software program that allows the computer to share its resources. Token ring - An access method where a token (electrical signal) is passed from workstation to workstation. The token carries a node's request around the LAN, delivering it to the node with the proper address. ARCNET and Token Ring networks use this method of access. Topology - Description of the physical layout of a network, akin to a map of the "road" between computers connected on a LAN. Common topologies include bus, ring, star and tree. Twisted-pair - Two insulated wires twisted around each other, this type of wire is often used to connect telephones, terminals and computers. The wire may be surrounded by a shield, a jacket, some other type of insulation, or by other wires. Although unshielded twisted-pair wire is susceptible to electromagnetic interference, it is easy to install and less expensive than coaxial cable. Workstation - A computer used to gain access to a network server. Often inexpensive because it uses the resources, such as drives and printers, of network servers. Refers as well to a network program that redirects requests to a server. A workstation is also known as a node, a redirector or a requester. c1992 ARTISOFT, INC. All rights reserved. Artisoft, ArtiCom, AE-1, AE-2, Central Station, LANcache, LANtastic/AI, LANtastic Z, Sounding Board and StationWare are trademarks; Artisoft Authorized Five Star is a service mark; and LANtastic, AE-3 and The Network Eye are registered trademarks of Artisoft, Inc. Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. NetWare is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc. Other company names, brand names and product names are the trademarks and/or the property of their respective companies. Specifications subject to change without notice. (1) Quoted from The Microsoft Systems Strategy: Windows (2) Pre-release pricing may change prior to actual shipping date, according to Microsoft's Windows for Workgroups Technical Presentation to resellers, 9/92. (3) IDC 1992 NIC Market Analysis, May 1992 (4) Ibid. (5) Frost & Sullivan Computer Technology Review, December 1, 1991.