In the rapidly evolving landscape of 1992, where businesses were increasingly reliant on robust computing infrastructure, Memorex Telex Corp. made a significant announcement. The Dallas-based company unveiled not only a cutting-edge personal computer but also a strategic alliance that signaled a major foray into the high-performance server market with the “1992 Tricord Super Server”. This move highlighted the growing demand for powerful server solutions capable of handling increasingly complex business applications and larger networks.
The announcement, made on a Monday, introduced two key developments. First, the spotlight shone on the Memorex Telex 8092-66 personal computer, a machine boasting the brand-new, high-speed 66-megahertz Intel 486 microchip. This PC promised a substantial performance boost, up to 30 percent faster than comparable 50-Mhz systems, a leap that was crucial as software applications became more demanding.
Todd Mavis, the director of Memorex Telex North American Network Systems Marketing, emphasized the necessity of such processing power in contemporary business environments. He noted that the increasing adoption of 32-bit applications by users was driving the need for more robust systems. The Memorex Telex 8092-66 was specifically designed to cater to this demand, positioning customers for the anticipated arrival of advanced operating systems like Windows NT, UNIX, and OS/2 in the coming year. This forward-thinking approach demonstrated Memorex Telex’s commitment to providing future-proof solutions.
Set to be available in September, this new personal computer was equipped with impressive specifications for its time. It included 4MB of RAM, expandable to 32MB, ensuring smooth multitasking and efficient handling of demanding software. A 1.44-MB, 3.5-inch diskette drive provided standard data access, while the inclusion of one internal and three external drive bays offered ample connectivity for additional storage devices. Furthermore, six expansion slots, parallel and serial ports, a VGA/SuperVGA video controller, and a 101-key keyboard completed the package, making it a versatile and powerful workstation for business professionals. The base price of $3,699 also included a one-year warranty with next-day, on-site service, underlining Memorex Telex’s commitment to customer support.
However, the more strategic announcement was the technology partnership with Tricord Systems Inc. of Minneapolis. This collaboration was geared towards the development of a new line of “1992 tricord super server” systems. These were envisioned as powerful multiprocessor computer systems designed to support large local area networks, addressing the burgeoning needs of enterprise-level computing.
Mavis elaborated that Memorex Telex would leverage Tricord’s existing PowerFrame super-server technology as the foundation for the Memorex Telex 8600 family of super servers. This strategic alliance allowed Memorex Telex to quickly enter the super-server market by utilizing proven technology. The agreement also encompassed service and support for both Memorex Telex and Tricord super server systems, ensuring comprehensive customer care. Mavis confidently stated that the relationship with Tricord positioned Memorex Telex to deliver the “best technology available” to the market, emphasizing the company’s commitment to offering top-tier server solutions.
Rick Lottie, vice president of sales and marketing for Tricord, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of the rapidly expanding super-server market. He expressed pleasure that Memorex Telex had chosen PowerFrame technology as the cornerstone of its Memorex Telex 8600 product line. This partnership validated Tricord’s PowerFrame technology and underscored the growing importance of super-servers in the evolving IT landscape of 1992.
The service agreement further detailed that Memorex Telex would provide optional on-site warranty and non-warranty maintenance for the Tricord PowerFrame series of servers. This comprehensive service offering reinforced the commitment of both companies to ensuring customer satisfaction and system reliability.
Memorex Telex Corp., at the time a subsidiary of Memorex Telex, N.V. of Amsterdam, held a prominent position as one of the world’s leading suppliers of computer equipment, services, and accessories. The announcement of the “1992 tricord super server” partnership and the new high-performance PC solidified their commitment to innovation and their ambition to cater to the evolving demands of the business computing world in 1992 and beyond. This strategic move was poised to strengthen their position in the market and provide businesses with the powerful server solutions they needed to thrive.
