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Path: sserve!newshost.anu.edu.au!munnari.oz.au!bunyip.cc.uq.oz.au!harbinger.cc.monash.edu.au!yeshua.marcam.com!usc!girtab.usc.edu!not-for-mail From: reick@girtab.usc.edu (Michael Reick) Newsgroups: comp.unix.bsd Subject: Platform decision Date: 23 Jan 1994 03:16:26 -0800 Organization: University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA Lines: 62 Sender: reick@girtab.usc.edu Distribution: world Message-ID: <2htmaa$i0b@girtab.usc.edu> References: <1993Dec22.212934.20204@ringer.cs.utsa.edu> <1993Dec28.074548.17971@citrus.SAC.CA.US> <JKH.94Jan2232628@whisker.lotus.ie> NNTP-Posting-Host: girtab.usc.edu Ok, here's the deal. I am currently in the works of designing a system, which will have to be set up and running in a few months. I need to support a large number of users through high-speed modems, and also through a T1 line to the Internet. The prototyping for the server has been done on a Sun using SunOs 4.1.1. What I need from the operating system is: Multitasking (goes without saying) Multithreading: the server is designed to spawn threads for each user, these threads interact through monitors to a large amount of data, and pass messages to each other. Multithreading because I want these threads in the same address space (i.e. the same process) UNIX socket support: for network communications Good tty support for fast modems Efficient memory management: the system needs access to lots of information quickly, and without programmer overhead. I am expecting to have to support up to 64 users over modem lines, plus as many as I can cram over the T1 line (the protocol for the service requires a bandwith of 1000-3000 cps, so I guestimate 50-100 users) The fine folks over at Sun recommend a SparcSystem 10, running Solaris. Good points: 135 MIPS with one processor (ability to add up to 4 gives me an advertised 500 MIPS). Multithreading support which allows separate threads to be run on separate processors efficiently. A large background of support and services. Bad points: $23,000 for the machine (yes, its loaded, but $1995 for a c++ development package? $2000 for a tape backup? this stuff is expensive!) I also considered several smaller Suns running in a network, but I think that any cost effectiveness will be lost in the extra hassle. I also know little about the "real dirt" on Solaris, as far as its good points versus bad. Also, the machine may be a bit "overpowered" at this point (is there such a thing?) Another option is an Intel based 486 or Pentium machine, running Linux, UnixWare, or some other x86 UNIX flavour. I have not had very much experience with x86 Unices, and I expect that even the fastest Intel PC will not be able to give me the UNIX power I want. Good Point: these machines are *cheap*, and hardware for them is *cheaper*, and the UNIX is either *cheap* or -*<free>*-. Bad Point: will it keep up with the modems, and the T1 line? Will my programming interface be the usual clusterfuck I have come to expect from programming DOS on these same machines? At Comdex Fall 93 in Vegas I saw them demo'ing the PowerPC, and it was very impressive, although I had a hard time getting any real details from the people there. Does anyone know about this machine, what hardware does it support, what software can I run on it, and most importantly, who do I get ahold of to pitch me on one? In summary, I am asking for advice on the best machine/OS combination fo my task. Any replies will be appreciated, *even* flames (you know, some people never _think_ unless they're griping about something) E-mail would especially be appreciated. Unless I find a better solution, I am currently working on finanacing the Sparc 10. M.