Q: What are the hardware platforms the Apple Workgroup Servers are based on?
A: The Apple Workgroup Server (AWS) 60 is based on the Macintosh Centris 610, the Apple Workgroup Server 80 is based on the Macintosh Quadra 800, and the Apple Workgroup Server 95 is based on the Macintosh Quadra 950. The Apple Workgroup Server 95 has additional hardware which further enhances the disk I/O performance and memory subsystem performance of the Macintosh Quadra 950, to make it an even more powerful, more scalable server platform. The AWS 95 ships with parity memory (DRAM) to ensure data integrity. The AWS 95 also uses a highly optimized, server version of A/UX 3.0.1, Apple’s version of the Unix operating system. The hardware and operating system work together to make the AWS 95 the highest performance server from Apple.
Q: Will customers who are currently using their Macintosh Centris 610s, Macintosh Quadra 800s, and Macintosh Quadra 950s as servers be able to upgrade their systems to the Apple Workgroup Server 60, 80, and 95 server specifications?
A: From a functionality perspective, yes. For example, owners of Centris 610s will be able to purchase the new AppleShare 4.0 software and install it on their Centris 610. The customer will gain significant performance over running AppleShare 3.0 on their Centris 610. What may differ are the peripherals on an upgraded Macintosh and the AWS 60. For example, the AWS 60 will ship with larger capacity, faster performance drives and more memory than may be found on the customer’s Centris 610. If there are differences in performance in a customer’s existing hard drive and a drive that ships with the AWS 60, there will be a difference (though it may not be dramatic) in overall system performance. System documentation will be different from documentation found in a Centris 610 - it will be focused on operating the AWS 60 as a server as opposed to a client machine. On-line documentation for the server documentation will be available on the AWS 60. This example applies to comparing the AWS 80 and the Quadra 800 and the AWS 95 and the Quadra 950. In the case of upgrading the Quadra 800 to an AWS 80, the AWS 80 will have options, such as an internal Digital Data Storage - Data Compression (DDS-DC) 4mm tape backup drive that the customer will not be able to upgrade to because the tape drive will not be available in a stand-alone upgrade kit. In the case of upgrading the Quadra 950 to an AWS 95, it will be more “complete” an upgrade because the customer can purchase an upgrade kit that contains hardware such as the custom PDS card, all the system software that will be found on the AWS 95 (operating system, on-line documentation viewer, backup utility), and a set of server oriented documentation that will be found on the AWS 95. The customer will also be able to purchase a complete upgrade kit option that also contains an internal DDS-DC 4mm tape backup drive (in addition to the PDS card, system software, and documentation). Again, the overall performance of an Quadra 950 that has been upgraded to an AWS 95 may be different from an AWS 95 in that the performance of hard drives and amount of DRAM in the system will affect system performance.
Q: Should a customer take the upgrade option or purchase a complete AWS system?
A: It will be more attractive to buy the entire system because, for the AWS family, it will be easier to install and configure a factory-built Apple Workgroup Server. In addition, performance and more complete system integration will most likely be better on a factory-built AWS because of the reasons cited above: higher performance hard drives, larger capacity drives, options that may not be available as upgrades (such as DDS-DC drives), and more DRAM will be available on factory-built Apple Workgroup Servers. It will be more cost-effective to purchase an AWS than purchasing the Macintosh it is based on and upgrading it to be an AWS.
Q: Is Apple certifying certain high speed drives for its servers and if so, which brands?
A: Apple is working closely with third-party peripheral (i.e. hard drives, tape backups, other mass storage devices) providers to ensure that they are compatible with the Apple Workgroup Server family. We are working first with providers of Macintosh peripherals because those will be the first vendors our customers will go to for 3rd party peripherals. Customers should ask the third-party vendor if their product is compatible with the Apple Workgroup Server family.
Q: How does the AWS fit into the PowerPC server strategy?
A: The AWS server family is for customers who demand well performing server solutions from Apple today. Apple will ensure a smooth application transition for both end users and application developers of AWS servers today. Hardware can be redeployed as a powerful '040 desktop machine. Server applications running on AWS's will be binary compatible with the PowerPC server platform - though significant performance will be gained if the application is recompiled specifically for the PowerPC operating system.
Q: Why is Apple getting into the server business?
A: For numerous reasons. From a business perspective, there is a big growth in client/server computing - big opportunities for Apple in the server business. Apple can sell complete client/server solutions, where Apple not only can provide the easiest to install and use clients, but the easiest to install, use, and manage servers. We need to offer high-end AppleShare solutions for our customers. Finally, Apple has unique vision for client/server computing - specifically, “client/client/server” computing. The Apple Workgroup Servers will be the foundation for innovative client/client/server applications from Apple.
Q: What does "concurrently active users" mean?
A: Concurrently active users is defined as those who constantly use the server to read or write data. Remember: actual usage patterns vary by workgroup or application.
AWS 95 Q&A
Q: Can you use the Processor Direct Slot (PDS) Card found on the AWS 95 in other Macintosh systems to make them into more powerful servers?
A: No. The PDS card has been designed specifically for the Macintosh Quadra 900 and 950.
Q: What electrical class machine is the AWS 95?
A: The AWS 95 is a Class A machine.
Q: How does the PDS card & A/UX achieve the dramatic gain in performance and greater SCSI expansion capabilities?
A: There are four major performance enhancements from the PDS card and A/UX. These are:
- The PDS card has two SCSI DMA channels. This allows the microprocessor to off-load disk-to-memory data transfers to separate circuitry, which in turn increases the server’s performance. A/UX has new drivers that support SCSI DMA.
- The PDS card has a second level 68040 memory cache, which reduces the amount of time the microprocessor spends getting information from DRAM.
- A/UX supports asynchronous I/O, which basically allows the operating system to issue commands without having to wait for each command to finish before issuing the next command. This allows the server hardware and operating system to be much more effective and efficient.
- There are 4 SCSI buses on the AWS 95. A/UX can take full advantage of all the buses and is not limited to 7 SCSI devices. The AWS 95 will be able to support up to 20 SCSI devices (no more than 7 SCSI devices per SCSI bus).
Q: The AWS 95 uses A/UX. Why A/UX? Will I need help from someone well-versed in Unix to be able to make the system work well?
A: A/UX 3.0.1 has been tuned and enhanced to make it an even better OS for providing network services. The AppleTalk protocol stack, file system calls have been optimized. New OS calls have been added to specifically meet database needs. A/UX is multitasking, tunable - it's a robust OS for delivering network services. A/UX has a System 7 user interface - in most cases, the system administrator will be interacting with this interface. In the cases where the system administrator will need to work with Unix, the documentation provided with the Apple Workgroup Server 95 offers easy to understand assistance.
Q: I'd like to put both a CD-ROM drive and a DDS-DC drive into the AWS 95. Is this possible?
A: No. There is only one removable media bay on the AWS 95 plastics. For the times that the system administrator needs a CD-ROM drive to load/reload software, they should attach an external CD-ROM drive to the AWS 95 (for those customers that have an internal DDS-DC drive configuration). For those system administrators who have big requirements for a CD-ROM drive attached to a server, they will go with external CD "Jukebox" alternatives vs. a single CD-ROM drive. For those customers who require an internal CD-ROM drive, there will be an internal CD-ROM drive upgrade kit for the Q900/950 that will also work with the AWS 95.
Q: Is it true that the AWS 95 won't support Token Ring network cabling system, and why doesn't it?
A: Yes. Token Ring is not currently supported on the AWS 95, because the A/UX Server Operating System does not currently support Token Ring. In cases where customers require faster performing AppleShare on Token Ring cabling systems, we recommend that the customer purchase the AWS 80 to do AppleShare over Token Ring.
Q: The Apple Workgroup Server 95 is based on the Macintosh Quadra 950 hardware and plastics. Why should I buy an Apple Workgroup Server 95 instead of a Macintosh Quadra 950?
A: We’ve enhanced the Macintosh Quadra 950 so it delivers even more powerful performance as an integrated server platform. Servers require a fast memory subsystem and fast hard disk input/output. We developed the Apple Workgroup Server PDS Card for the Apple Workgroup Server 95 to meet those requirements. This card contains a second-level 68040 memory cache to reduce the amount of time the microprocessor spends getting information from RAM. The PDS card also has two SCSI DMA channels that allow the microprocessor to offload disk-to-memory data transfers to separate circuitry, which increases the server’s performance. The latter feature works only with A/UX 3.0.1 (the server’s operating system). In addition, most configurations of the Apple Workgroup Server 95 come with an internal DDS-DC 4mm tape drive. On-line documentation and a backup utility are provided to make system administration easy.
Q: The Apple Workgroup Server 95 uses A/UX. Will I need help from someone who is well versed in UNIX to make the system work?
A: A/UX 3.0.1 is a version of A/UX 3.0 that has been enhanced to provide network services. A/UX 3.0.1 features the easy-to-use Macintosh System 7 interface as its primary user interface. In most instances, the system administrator will be working with this interface. For the occasions when the system administrator needs to work with the UNIX operating system interface, the documentation provided with the Apple Workgroup Server 95 offers easy-to-understand guidance.
Q: What is a DDS-DC tape drive and why does Apple offer one in the
Apple Workgroup Server 95? Can I use a CD-ROM drive with the Apple Workgroup Server 95?
A: DDS-DC, or Digital Data Storage-Data Compression, is a leading tape-drive technology and is used in the 4mm tape drive in the Apple Workgroup
Server 95. The DDS-DC drive, together with the bundled Retrospect Remote software, offers one-step backup of large volumes of data (4 to 6 gigabytes, depending on content). For loading software, users can connect an external CD-ROM drive to the Apple Workgroup Server 95. Workgroups that need to work with several CD-ROM discs concurrently can connect third-party “jukebox” drives that accommodate multiple CD-ROM discs. The AppleCD™ 300i CD-ROM drive upgrade kit for the Macintosh Quadra 900 and 950, which can also be used with the Apple Workgroup Server 95, will be available for customers requiring an internal CD-ROM drive.
Q: Competitive server platforms are boasting some impressive speed ratings for their processors. How does the 33-megahertz 68040 processor in the Apple Workgroup Server 95 compare?
A: The performance of the 33-megahertz 68040 Apple Workgroup Server 95
is very competitive with the performance of high-end 80486-based servers running Novell NetWare and NetWare for Macintosh NLM (NetWare Loadable Module). The speed and performance of a server are determined not only by processor clock speed, but also by how well the server hardware subsystems work with the server operating system. In general, the performance of a server will be limited by the input/output capabilities of the network or the hard disk before it is limited by the microprocessor’s capabilities. The Apple Workgroup Server 95 was optimized specifically to provide fast network and hard disk input/output, as well as high-performance computing capabilities.
AWS 80 Q&A
Q: The AWS 80 is a Q800 with higher end configurations (more memory, larger drives, optional internal DDS-DC drive). Why should someone buy an AWS 80?
A: For the following reasons:
- Preinstalled and bundled AppleShare 4.0 with AWS 80 configurations.
- Our goal is to deliver plug and play server solutions.
- The bundled solutions will be more cost effective than someone buying a Q800, adding more memory, larger hard drives, buying a third-party internal DDS-DC drive (Apple will not be providing a stand-alone DDS-DC upgrade kit), and AppleShare 4.0 on their own.
- Platform for more upcoming soft-bundled solutions - we'll be delivering soft-bundled solutions for the AWS 80 (i.e. Information Access, others).
Q: What configurations will the AWS 80 come in?
A: Consult the price list for configurations and SRPs.
Q: I want to run communications services such as the Apple Internet Router and Apple’s SNA•ps, MacX25, and MacX.400 gateway products. Should I buy an AWS 80?
A: Yes. For those customers who require the above communications services listed above, the server platform of choice is the AWS 80.
AWS 60 Q&A
Q: The Apple Workgroup Server 80 is based on the Macintosh Quadra 800 hardware and plastics. Why should I buy an Apple Workgroup Server 80 instead of a Macintosh Quadra 800?
A: AppleShare 4.0 software is included with the Apple Workgroup Server 80.
In addition, some configurations of the Apple Workgroup Server 80 will be available that feature more RAM, higher-capacity hard disk drives, an internal CD-ROM drive, an internal DDS-DC drive, and other system enhancements.
Q: Can the Apple Workgroup Server 80 work with a Token Ring network system? Will it support communications products such as Apple Internet Router, SNA•ps, MacX25, and MacX.400?
A: Yes, customers can use the Apple Workgroup Server 80 to work with AppleShare over Token Ring networks. (Customers will need to install an optional Token Ring interface card.) The Apple Workgroup Server 80 supports the communications software listed, and is the ideal server for running communications applications in Macintosh workgroups.
AWS 60 Q&A
Q: The AWS 60 is a Centris 610 with higher end configurations (more memory, larger drives). Why should someone buy an AWS 60?
A: For the following reasons:
- Preinstalled and bundled AppleShare 4.0 with AWS 60 configurations.
- Our goal is to deliver plug and play server solutions.
- The bundled solutions will be more cost effective than someone buying a Centris 610, adding more memory, larger hard drives, buying a third-party internal DDS-DC drive (Apple will not be providing a stand-alone DDS-DC upgrade kit), and AppleShare 4.0 on their own.
- Platform for more upcoming soft-bundled solutions - we'll be delivering soft-bundled solutions for the AWS 60 (i.e. Information Access, others).
Q: What configurations will the AWS 60 come in?
A: Consult the price list for configurations and SRPs.
Q: The Apple Workgroup Server 60 is based on the Macintosh Centris 610 hardware and plastics. Why should I buy an Apple Workgroup Server 60 instead of a Macintosh Centris 610?
A. AppleShare 4.0 software is installed on the Apple Workgroup Server 60, and on-board Ethernet is a standard feature. In addition, Apple Workgroup Server 60 configurations will be available that feature more RAM, higher-capacity
hard disk drives, an internal CD-ROM drive, and other system enhancements.
This combination of features makes the Apple Workgroup Server 60 more cost-effective than a Macintosh Centris 610 and AppleShare 4.0 software purchased separately.
Q: In what workgroup situations would the capabilities and performance
of the Apple Workgroup Server 60 be most advantageous?
A: For small workgroups that need only basic file and print services, the price and performance mix of the Apple Workgroup Server 60 is just right. For situations in which a file server with expansion capabilities is required, the Apple Workgroup Server 80 or the Apple Workgroup Server 95 is a better choice.
AppleShare Q&A
Q. Will AppleShare 4.0 and AppleShare Pro support MS-DOS/Windows clients?
A. Yes, both can support MS-DOS and Windows PCs via Farallon’s PhoneNET PC or COPSTalk from CoOperative Printing Solutions.
Q. Which version of the AppleShare client software works with AppleShare 4.0 and AppleShare Pro?
A. AppleShare 4.0 and AppleShare Pro ship with AppleShare Workstation 3.5. Both programs work with existing AppleShare Workstation (3.0 or 7.x) software, but customers should install the latest version. All future versions of AppleShare Workstation (including those shipped with system software) will be based on version 3.5.
Q. Apart from running under different operating systems, do AppleShare 4.0 and AppleShare Pro have the same feature sets?
A. Yes, with some minor differences. For example, AppleShare Pro supports
up to 200 concurrent users and up to 5,000 open files; it does not support Apple II systems. AppleShare 4.0 supports up to 150 concurrent users and up to 346 open files; it supports Apple II users logging on to the server.
Q. Why do AppleShare 4.0 and AppleShare Pro run only on select Apple hard- ware platforms, while AppleShare 3.0 runs on most Macintosh models?
A. AppleShare 4.0 and AppleShare Pro were designed with one goal in mind--to achieve dramatically improved performance over that of AppleShare 3.0, without changing features. To attain this goal, we had to modify more than just the server software. In the case of AppleShare Pro, the hardware and operating system of the Apple Workgroup Server 95 allowed us to increase performance by four times over that of AppleShare 3.0. For AppleShare 4.0, the on-chip instruction cache of the 68040 microprocessor and the performance-tuned hardware of the 68040-based Macintosh product line provided us with the most powerful and robust server based on the Macintosh operating system.
Q. What products are available from other companies that augment the features of AppleShare?
A. Server Manager from Santorini is a remote administration tool that allows network managers to administer the server from their desks. Nok Nok AppleShare from Trik logs server usage so administrators can account for client connections and create client bill-back systems.
Q. What improvements have been made to the AppleShare Print Server software in AppleShare 4.0 and AppleShare Pro?
A. The basic features haven’t changed, but we’ve modified AppleShare Print Server to be more robust in heavy usage environments. High-end print servers, including Compumation’s Print Central, also work with AppleShare to provide solutions for complex workgroup environments in which users print large files (such as photographic images) and need comprehensive print queue management capabilities.
Q. How is AppleShare positioned against Novell NetWare?
A. AppleShare is not intended to compete head-on with Novell NetWare. Rather, it’s targeted at workgroups that use primarily Macintosh computers; NetWare is ideal for mixed Macintosh/PC or PC-only workgroups. The performance of AppleShare Pro, in particular, is on par with Novell NetWare for Macintosh, and its competitive advantages are in ease of use and low life-cycle cost. AppleShare is so easy to use, it doesn’t even require a full-time administrator; NetWare servers typically require a dedicated administrator, as well as a certified NetWare consultant for setup and maintenance.
AppleSearch Q&A
Q: How does AppleSearch work? Is it a client/server version of something like On Location?
A: No. AppleSearch brings a high end, relevance ranking search engine to the Macintosh platform and provides a more natural and intuitive way for users to access the information they want. It is meant to be a workgroup server for departmental usage and provides the additional capability of allowing users to create and schedule Reporters, saved queries that proactively find new information of interest on an on-going basis.
Q: How does the search engine work?
A: The search engine provides an interactive way to structure a query request until you find the information you are looking for, or a set of documents related to the topic.
When a folder of information (an AppleSearch information source) is indexed by the AppleSearch server software, an index is generated that stores the following information: frequency of occurrence of words within each document (adjusted for relative document length), relative frequency of words among the documents, relative proximity of words within documents. When a search query is executed, these factors are processed by specific algorithms to return all documents that appear to be most relevant to the user's query. The relevance ranking algorithm is a key part of the search engine, but there are other tools that make it easy to narrow and expand the scope of a query, such as term expansion and setting additional search options.
Q: This search engine sounds familiar. Are you licensing the technology?
A: Yes. We have licensed the basic search engine, but since no public announcement has been made, we cannot comment further at this time.
Q: Is the search-engine and indexer language independent? If not, what
languages will the initial release support?
A: The search engine requires "stemmers" for each language that it can support. Stemming enables the search engine to treat words in a search query as root words. We are looking to third parties to develop stemmers for requested languages.
The initial release of AppleSearch will support English text only. Plans are in the works to support French, Spanish, Italian and German in future versions.
Q: Is AppleSearch a client application or a server application?
A: AppleSearch is a workgroup information access service. As such, it incorporates both server and clients in the Client/Client/Server model. The server side of AppleSearch contains the search engine, information indices and an AppleSearch Reporter database. The client side is a fully functional client that supports search queries to the database on demand or on a scheduled basis. AppleSearch Newspapers reside on the client.
Q: Can AppleSearch be used to search content on a user's own system?
A: AppleSearch is a workgroup service, not a single user product.
Q: Will there be AppleSearch clients for platforms other than Macintosh and if so, which platforms and when?
A: We are actively investigating means by which non-Macintosh AppleSearch clients can be made available. Our first priority is Windows clients, although it is too early to say when this will be available.
Q: Is AppleSearch an application or a service? If it's an application, doesn't this bring you into direct competition with your ISVs?
A: AppleSearch is a service, in fact, an enabling technology, in that its SDKs will allow it to be customized for organization, or vertical market-specific solutions. They will also allow AppleSearch to be integrated into larger organization-wide solutions. As an application, it is a natural outgrowth of other services like AppleShare. AppleShare gives users security-based access to shared files - AppleSearch broadens this access with intuitive, proactive tools.
Q: You claim you'll be providing an SDK for developers to develop client side 'reporters' for AppleSearch. When will the SDK be available and what can ISVs do to add value to the base technology?
A: AppleSearch Client API Developer's Kit will be available with the first release of AppleSearch. To add value, an ISV could:
• Design a look and feel interface for the AppleSearch client so that it fits in with the way a type of customer does their work (AppleSearch-lawfirm, AppleSearch-helpdesk for instance)
• Integrate the AppleSearch client with document file format translator technology that is not yet supported (EasyOpen, CommonGround, for instance)
• Integrate the AppleSearch client with support for graphics and images
• Integrate AppleSearch with a larger total solution (such as document management)
Additionally, an AppleSearch Newspaper File Format Developer's Kit will also be made available with the first release of AppleSearch. An ISV could:
• Design a look and feel format that would appeal to a specialized audience (technical newsletter, sophisticated layout, etc.)
Q: Do I have to buy AppleShare to use AppleSearch?
A: AppleShare is not required to use AppleSearch since AppleSearch can work with FileShare as well; however, AppleShare is highly recommended because of its folder management capabilities and ability to support more users than FileShare. The AppleSearch server utilizes access privileges from System 7's Users and Group or AppleShare service to authenticate users for content access.
Q: Can I use MacTCP?
A: The initial release of AppleSearch requires AppleTalk.
Q: Does AppleSearch work with A/UX?
A: AppleSearch works in the MacOS partition of A/UX.
Q: What kind of content can you access with AppleSearch today? Is it possible to access on-line news? Are you planning to evangelize on-line services?
A: AppleSearch users can access (search and retrieve) documents in folders on the AppleSearch server. How content gets into these folders is incidental, whether it already resides on the server, coming in through a on-line feed or via CD-ROM. They may be internally generated or externally purchased content.
The "news" content we show in some demos came over an FM broadcast carrier provided by a third-party vendor. Their technology places content from a variety of feeds into a folder on the AppleSearch server. Evangelism plans are to be determined; however, technically, minimal to no effort is required to make content available to AppleSearch users.
Q: Will AppleSearch be offered as part of an on-line information service such as America On Line or CompuServe? If so, how will Apple license this technology?
A: ESD is working with Apple On-line Services to collaborate on bringing on line services to AppleSearch users. How this will be licensed is yet to be determined.
Q: Will AppleSearch work with Apple's forthcoming PDAs?
A: At this stage, we cannot comment because Apple's PDA products are still under development.
Q: Will AppleSearch work only on Apple's server platforms? Can you use AppleSearch on all the AWS products?
A: Yes. Our current plan is that AppleSearch is a service for the Apple server platforms only. In addition to the new Apple Workgroup Servers 60, 80 and 95 (the 95 File and Print configuration is required in order to have enough memory), the AppleSearch will also support the Quadra series and the Centris 610 and 650.
Q: Is AppleSearch the technology demonstrated by John Sculley late last year under the code name “Rosebud?”
A: Yes. AppleSearch is based on the Advanced Technology Group's Rosebud, along with some other technology projects.
Q: Is AppleSearch a front end to WAIS (Wide Area Information Server)?
A: In its initial release, AppleSearch is a workgroup service product. Discussions are underway with third parties who are interested in making a WAIS gateway to AppleSearch so that AppleSearch users can access content on the WAIS network.
Q: How is AppleSearch different than Gofer? How can it be used with Gofer?
A: AppleSearch's differentiation from Gofer include the relevance ranking feature, enhanced query features (related terms, etc.) and the ability to have personalized, intelligent agents (AppleSearch Reporters) automatically finding and retrieving information you request in the form of customized AppleSearch Newspapers. Discussions are underway with third parties who are interested in making an AppleSearch client to Gofer so that Gofer users can access content on the AppleSearch server.
Q: Isn't AppleSearch poised to compete directly with document management products such as Lotus Notes?
A: We believe AppleSearch and Lotus Notes serve different needs. Notes is a much broader solution that obliges a customer to convert many aspects of its systems, while AppleSearch is more of an enabling, workgroup infrastructure product that can be used with virtually no changes to existing systems.
Q: When will AppleSearch ship?
A: AppleSearch will ship in Q3 (CY). Beta versions are currently being evaluated by customers.
Q: What is the price of AppleSearch? Will you charge for clients?
A: Pricing information is not yet available. An AppleSearch server and an AppleSearch client will be sold standalone. Packaging that will make AppleSearch attractive for workgroups will also be available.
Q: Will the AppleSearch Server index content stored on mounted server?
A: Not in Version 1.0 - the AppleSearch server filters content sources based on locally attached volumes, like CD-ROM devices and hard drives. Client users can disconnect from an AppleSearch server and connect to another to conduct another search.
