Apollo Computer has introduced direct-connection Ethernet support for its graphics workstations and servers. The add-in card, the Exos 202-M4 Ethernet controller board which has on-board TCP-IP support, is supplied by Excelan. Apollo says that the decision to enhance its proprietary Domain token-ring architecture to run on Ethernet was taken because of customer demand. The company also intends to develop Domain to run om a variety of other networks adding that Ethernet was the first because it is the prominenent competitor in its marketplace. It maintains that its token-ring product is still viable and will remain so, but sees around 25% of its high-end workstations shipping with the VME add-in cards during 1988. The terms of Apollo’s OEM agreement with Excelan were not disclosed except that it is open ended with an option to sell the Exos board throughout its life as a product.
