Linux Magazine / June 1999 / NEW PRODUCTS

 

Cygnus Announces Release of GCJ

Cygnus Solutions announced the release of its GNU Compiler Java Edition (GCJ), including Open Source Java libraries.

Java application developers can take advantage of the performance gains offered by GCJ, a Java compiler built with GNU C Compiler (GCC) technology and which allows Java source code and Java byte codes to be compiled to native instructions. GCJ lets developers write applications in the Java programming language for the Linux operating system. By compiling the machine code rather than byte code, GCJ enhances application performance more than 20 times the average performance for an interpreted application.

GCJ: Allows apps to perform 20x better.

Cygnus also released LIBGCJ, the runtime that goes with the GCJ front end to EGCS. LIBGCJ includes parts of the Java Class Libraries, plus glue to connect the libraries to the compiler and the underlying operating system.

Currently the compiler source parser does not understand JDK 1.1 extensions to the Java programming language. It does not support inner classes, for example.

The new Java front end is very easy to download and install. Since it is fully integrated into EGCS, you can simply follow the "EGCS download and build instructions" at the Cygnus Web site. Note that you'll want to configure EGCS to use the Java garbage collector and the appropriate threads system.

Cygnus' GCJ technology was developed using the GNUpro framework. GCJ-compiled applications, while running native, are not subject to many of the performance and memory management challenges that embedded developers face when using the interpreted or just-in-time models.

GCJ is a clean room implementation of a Java language compiler that provides developers the flexibility to seamlessly link C/C++ functions to the Java programming language.

GCJ and the libraries are obtainable immediately for Linux OS. Embedded developers who wish to use GCJ may contact Cygnus for availability on the more than 125 host/target combinations in the Cygnus product matrix. For more informa-tion, check out Cygnus's site at http:// Sourceware.cygnus.com.

Penguin Computers Speeds Ahead With AMD K6

For those users who prefer the speed of AMD K6 processors, Penguin Computers recently announced that a new line of Linux-based computer systems enhanced with AMD K6 technology is now available.

The AMD K6 series from AdvancedMicro Device, Inc., comes in desktop, server, and workstation models from Penguin. Those with the AMD K6-3 processor operate at the same performance level as machines powered by Intel's Pentium III.

Penguin builds every computer and system to the buyer's specifications and puts only Linux on its computers. To mark this new offering, Penguin is aggressively pricing systems featuring high performance AMD processors, starting at $990.

Penguin's President Sam Ockman hopes that "this product offering will make Linux-based systems an even more attractive" ALTernative to traditional options." The company has an Intel-based product line as well.To place an order, contact http//www.penguincomputing.com.

GraphOn Simplifies Network Admin With Enhanced Server Software

GraphOn Corporation announced it has added several important new features to its thin, server-based connectivity software, GO-Global version 1.6, GO-Joe version 2.3, and GO-Between version 1.1.

Users will now have optimized data compression for more speed, inter-national keyboard compatibility, improved password security, shared TrueType font capability and support for Red Hat Linux 5.1. GraphOn is also unifying its server component, GlobalHost, so that a single Universal X Server operates with all the latest versions of GraphOn's GO-Global (Windows), GO-Joe (Java) and GO-Between (Windows Terminal Server/ multi-user NT) clients.

The unified GlobalHost simplifies network administration, making it easy to integrate mixed desktop environments in enterprises. This enables IT managers to focus on applications rather than on OSs or hardware and simplifies network management. Additionally, telecommuters can access business critical applications from a centrally managed server.

GraphOn's new releases also feature a proprietary algorithm that keeps the client's password encrypted both in transit and on the server. This end-to-end encryption protects the user's password from being seen in transit, and only decrypts it on the UNIX or Linux server. For added security, users can encrypt their entire session using third party security products.

GO-Global 1.6 and GO-Between 1.1 share TrueType fonts between server and client, reducing network traffic. Where previously, bitmaps of the font characters were sent from the server to the client, the new GO-Global and GO-Between packages install a library of TrueType fonts on the X server and copies them onto the client system on demand for use as Windows fonts. With the new versions, GO-Global and GO-Between send only the character name and information instead of the entire bitmap.

GraphOn sales support will provide information to help IT managers or systems integrators using GraphOn's products to apply custom keytables to support international keyboards. For more information about GraphOn's connectivity software and revisions, go to http//www.graphon.com.

Network Technologies Catalog Showcases Hi-Tech Extras

Total Control: New classroom systems allow instructors control over student PCs.

Take a look at Network Technologies Inc.'s latest catalog for a full range of splitters, switches and cabling for PS/2, Sun and Mac systems.

The color-coded catalog is broken down into six product areas:

* Keyboard/Video/Mouse (KVM) Switches -- Allow one keyboard, mouse and monitor to control up to 128 computers, facilitating cross-platform access and maximizing existing equipment. KVM switches, with new OSD (On Screen Display) -capable module interface for PS/2, Sun and Mac CPUs, provide an easy-to-use screen menu to control an entire network. Also, the KEEMUX series of electronic KVM switches allow all CPUs to boot error free.

*Video Splitters -- Allow users to simultaneously display the same high-res image on as many as 100 different monitors.

* KVM Splitters -- Allow up to four keyboards, monitors and mice to be connected to the same computer.

* KVM Classroom Systems -- Created for schools and corporate training centers, the OSD-capable module interface puts on-screen control of up to 32 users, keyboards, monitors and mice at the instructor's fingertips. The instructor can broadcast his or her screen to all users, observe users' screens, and disable keyboards and mice to focus users' attention.

* Video Only Switches -- Allow multiple computers to share one monitor, giving users access to more than one CPU or platform simultaneously. Video Matrix switches allow multiple users to be connectedto multiple displays.

* Cabling -- For keyboards, video and mice to provide connectivity at 1600x1200 resolution with no loss of signal.

Color photographs, diagrams, and application specifications are included in the 52-page catalog. For international applications, appropriate line cords are available. The product catalog is free and can be ordered on-line at http//www.networktechinc.com.

New Raven Out For Apache Server

Hi-Tech Dream World: The 52-page catalog offers switches, splitters and cabling.

Covalent Technologies, Inc., announced a new version of its Raven SSL security add-on for Apache.

Raven provides RSA-licensed 128-bit strong cryptography and works seamlessly with the Web server. The latest version, Raven SSL 1.4.0, includes Apache 1.3.6 support, a new certificate management interface, and new configuration options. Further enhancements include DSO module support for easier server maintenance and incorporation of other Apache modules. Distributions include a complete binary Apache server distribution and pre-patched Microsoft FrontPage support. Numerous platforms are supported, including AIX, Linux, Solaris, SGI IRIX, QNX, Free-BSD, and Digital UNIX.

Windows NT and Data General support will soon be released. As well,Covalent hopes to introduce additional products in the upcoming months in response to the needs of commercial enterprises using the Apache Web server for e-commerce and other secure data applications.

More information about the Raven SSL module, including a free 30-day evaluation copy, is available at http//www.covalent.net. Get your name on the mailing list and receive periodic announcements of new versions and other product information.