SHORT TAKES

MOTOROLA COLLABORATES WITH CALDERA SYSTEMS

Tempe, AZ — Reinforcing its recently announced Linux strategy, Motorola Computer Group Monday announced that its Linux-based embedded computing platforms now ship with the newest version of Caldera Systems’ OpenLinux operating system.

As a result of MCG’s collaboration with Caldera Systems, the SLX Series of network appliances for Internet, intranet and extranet networking applications and the emS Series for telecommunications, imaging and industrial automation applications are now available with OpenLinux 2.3, a fast, easy-to-use and Year 2000 Ready version of Linux. For additional information visit http://www.mcg.mot.com/linux , http://www.calderasystems.com or http://www.mcg.mot.com

ANSYS AND ENGINEOUS ANNOUNCE ESP PROGRAM

Canonsburg, PA — ANSYS, Inc., a global provider of advanced computer-aided engineering (CAE) software, announced a partnership with Engineous Software, Inc., a privately-held developer of design automation/optimization software through the ANSYS, Inc. Enhanced Solution Partner (ESP) Program. The ESP Program is a strategic initiative that allows world-class companies with specialized software packages to integrate their products as well as marketing efforts with ANSYS, Inc. design, analysis, and optimization software. With this partnership, Engineous can quickly and easily deploy Engineous’s iSIGHT 4.0 design exploration software with the ANSYS analysis environment.

“We are delighted to add Engineous as a solution partner,” said Paul Bemis, vice president of Marketing, ANSYS, Inc. “It’s the open architecture of ANSYS that allows ESP members to create custom-built products that harness the broad range of ANSYS capabilities. Once a product like iSIGHT is integrated with the ANSYS program, users gain access to additional, specialized capabilities from within the ANSYS simulation system.” For more information visit http://www.ansys.com.

MOTOROLA TO BUY GENERAL INSTRUMENTS

Austin, TX — Telecommunications giant Motorola today announced it would buy General Instruments in an $11 billion stock swap. Motorola will exchange 0.575 of its shares for each General Instrument share, or 214 million shares, based on yesterday’s closing price of $50.50. Following the merger, Motorola shareholders will hold approximately 17 percent of Motorola stock.

The companies expect to close the deal during the first quarter of next year, subject to regulatory and shareholder approval. AT&T subsidiary Liberty Media Group, the largest General Instrument shareholder, has agreed to vote for the merger.

NANOVATION TO ACQUIRE APOLLO PHOTONICS

Miami, FL — Nanovation Technologies Inc. announced that it has entered into an agreement to purchase Apollo Photonics Inc., a company that develops innovative software tools for the design, modeling and simulation of photonic and optoelectronic devices and systems.

Nanovation is a pioneer in developing technologies that can dramatically improve data, voice and video transmissions in the telecommunications and computing industries. The acquisition is part of the company’s strategic plan to further the development of its advanced photonic technology. Terms of the sale were not disclosed. For additional information visit http://www.nanovation.com

M4 DATA TO PARTNER WITH BENCHMARK TAPE SYSTEMS

Melbourne, FL — M4 Data announced that it will incorporate Benchmark Tape Systems Corporation’s family of DLT products into its latest library offerings. As a library partner for Benchmark, M4 Data will offer Benchmark’s DLT1 tape drive with leading price/performance metrics to its customers worldwide, providing them with a wide range of incrementally scalable automation solutions.

The Benchmark DLT1 tape drive offers a 40 GB native capacity (80 GB compressed) and a 3 MB/second native transfer rate (6 MB/sec compressed), providing enterprise reliability and performance at low-end server pricing. Benchmark DLT1 is read compatible with the DLT4000 utilizing DLTtape IV media. The Benchmark DLT1 is available in internal and external configurations and virtually all software packages are supported. Designed with automation in mind, the Benchmark DLT1 features soft unload capability. For additional information visit http://www.BenchmarkTape.com.

ANCOR TO PROVIDE SWITCHES FOR ADIC OPEN SAN SOLUTIONS

Minneapolis, MN — Ancor Communications Inc. announced an agreement to provide its GigWorks MKII Fibre Channel eight-port switches for Advanced Digital Information Corporation’s complete storage area network solution, called Open SAN Solutions.

“We are extremely pleased to be able to offer the Ancor Fibre Channel switches in our Open SAN Solutions package,” said Bill Britts, ADIC’s executive vice president of sales and marketing. “The Ancor switch’s ability to create a highly scalable SAN fabric with flexible, high-bandwidth throughput is a key element in our efforts to give IT departments proven tools to handle their 100% a year data growth. The two companies are working closely to provide high performance backup solutions today with proven interoperability and a growth path to expanded SAN capabilities tomorrow.”

EXABYTE ADDS MORE SOLUTIONS TO ESP CHANNEL PROGRAM

Boulder, CO — Exabyte Corporation announced the addition of More Solutions Inc. into the Exabyte Solutions Partner (ESP) channel program. The strategic business partnership combines More Solutions’ customized storage solutions and world-class support with Exabyte’s premier tape technology and storage automation. The combination of More Solutions’ customer-centric solutions, experienced consultants and strong customer base, with Exabyte’s leadership in tape storage technology, allows partners to meet the needs of existing customers while developing joint solutions designed to grow with their customers.

“We have had a long successful business relationship with More Solutions, and the ESP program resulted from the interaction and business activities we developed with them over the years,” said Bill Marriner, president and chief executive officer of Exabyte. “More Solutions epitomizes the caliber of partner we have attracted through our ESP program. The company possesses superior knowledge of the worldwide storage market, as well as a thorough understanding of technology implementations.” For additional information visit http://www.exabyte.com.

— This file compiled by Steve Fisher, HPCwire managing editor. Email: [email protected]

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