Tucson, Arizona-based Artisoft Inc has introduced an entry-level network operating system, Simply LANtastic. Aimed at the small business and home office environment with two to 10 nodes, Simply LANtastic provides basic file-, printer- and CD-ROM-sharing features as well as electronic mail, but lacks some standard LANtastic features such as advanced management and tight security, which people do not want at this level, says the company. Instead, it has been adapted to cater for the novice network user: available for either MS-DOS or Windows, it has a single integrated install program, and a single menu program providing all control functions. The company says that the Simply LANtastic network can integrate with Artisoft’s core LANtastic v5.0 network, and that it is due to ship in the US in early December – and at an unspecified future date in Europe. It will be available in software-only kits, with pricing starting at $80 per node, as well as two separate hardware bundles with new internal and external adaptors. The first hardware bundle is priced at $150 and combines one Simply LANtastic node with a new internal adaptor. This 10Mbps Ethernet-compatible self-terminating adaptor incorporates a standard RCA connection, and is software-configurable via the ALICE controller also used in Artisoft’s NodeRunner and NodeRunner/SI adaptors. Artisoft will also be offering a second bundle with the Simply LANtastic network software and a new external adaptor. This 10Mbps adaptor will plug into a personal computer’s parallel port and includes an RCA connector. Pricing and availability of this will be announced at a future date. The company also has plans for a dedicated server version of LANtastic to complement the existing range, but as yet no further details are available.
