Milpitas, California-based Adaptec Inc has launched the TotalAdvantage VL, a complete Small Computer Systems Interface host adaptor kit that combines Fast SCSI and Enhanced IDE capabilities on a single 32-bit VESA Local-Bus board. As the latest member of the company’s Altra line of host adaptor solutions for single-user and small-office environments, TotalAdvantage VL, enables Windows users to upgrade their standard IDE system to connect both high-performance SCSI or new Enhanced IDE drives at a low cost, claims Adaptec. The firm says the kit means that users will no longer have to ditch expansion motherboards or buy two boards, one for Fast SCSI and one for Enhanced IDE, in order to upgrade the performance and functionality of their standard IDE VESA Local systems. It is claimed that the TotalAdvantage VL offers full VESA, Video Electronics Standards Assocation, Local-Bus performance as well as communications to as many as 11 internal and external peripheral devices, including seven SCSI devices, two IDE or Enhanced IDE devices, and two floppy drives. Adaptec says the kit provides everything needed for installation: the AVA-2825 multi-input-output host adaptor, EZ-SCSI Lite software, Flexi-driver for easier Enhanced IDE installation, installation guide and documentation. The product is available now to distributors and resellers and costs $200.
