1999 02 canadian computer wholesaler

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GRAND PRIZE DRA% in a two year lesseona brand new 1999 •

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IG RAND PRIZE DRAW in a Cambridge

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February 1999

EYEONTHEINDUSTRY '

Speedy ProcessorsRedefineLow-EndComputing ,.

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Vol.5 No.2

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By David Tanaka

TECH CHECK

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System Integrators: AreYouReadyfor Pentium II? ..

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By GraemeBennett

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PRINTER S Printers'99: MarketFocusesonNetworking, InternetPrinting,Color andSupplies ..12

By JegEvans

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The Editor's Desk

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TECH TALK TheProm ise of LED: AffordableColor andHigh Performance?..

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Cartoon

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By Alan Zisman

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LABTEST PowerSystems Opportunities inSeriousPerformance!

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Industry Flash

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By SeanCarruthers s tt s

COLL ABORATION/WORKGROUP Collaboration MovesBeyondE-Mail, Messaging ...

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New Products

By Antanietta Palleschi

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INCONITE AXAPPLICATIONS WhichApplicationsShouldYouSel in1999?

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ByJohn Nevvcombe

Reader Poll

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C s mTa c T : LElrERS Canadian Computer Wholesalerwelcomes your opinions on current issues in the market, plus your feedback on ourpublication.

HHNS We welcomeyour ideasregarding news andfeature topics forCanadian Computer Wholesaler.

Feel free to contact the editors directly with your suggestions.

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Fax: (416)588-8574 E-mail:ccw@tcp.ca

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Editor: Grace Casselman Call: (403) 262-7890 Fax: (403) 262-7892 E-mail:grace casselman@tcp.ca

Associat eEditor:JeffEvans Call: (416) 535-8404 Fax: (416) 588-8574 E-mail:jeff evans@tcp.ca Lab Test Editor: SeanCarruthers Call: (416) 535-8404 Fax: (416) 588-8574 E-mail:sean carruthers©tcp.ca

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Please write: The Editor; Canadian Computer Wholesaler 200 - 99 Atlantic Ave., Toronto, Ontario M6K 3J8

TEST LABS W e'dliketohearyourfeedbackand suggestions onour Test Labsreviews section.

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E DI T O R ' 5

DESK

hether we' re t a lking about the home or business market these days, buyers are really eating up color printers.

In some cases, literally.

In f act, a m ong the rather impressive claims that surround Tektronix's s olid-ink color printers (a competitor to many laser printers on the market), is this rather delectable tidbit: the ink sticks are edible.

But, as H a rvey Shaffer, Tektronix Canada "The Inc.'s national sales manager was quick to point out regarding the edible ink stick: "I can tell you, it doesn't taste all that

strated a number of new offerings, including the $799 Epson Color 900 ink-jet printer, which the company says prints 12 black pagesper-minute or 10 in color — at 20 Publisher/ExecutiveEiTitor J. David Ritter per cent page coverage.

AssociatePublishers Judy Prange But what about the Hari Singh Khalsa printer's ink?

Editor Grace Casseiman When asked about (grace casselmanLatcp.ca) Associate EditorJeff Evans t he edibility o f h i s (jeff evans@top ca) company's c o n sum,;«i)i;;;;l „'!",,-';Lab -':".-", TestEditor Sean Carruthers ables, Latta explained !i5'4 „„ (sean. carruthers@top.ca) Epson's ink-jet printers ContributingWriters Graeme Bennett (with the exception of John Newcombe some very h i gh-end Antonietta Paiteschi David Tanaka models) use dye rather Alan Zisman than pigment to color its Cop T ed ! t i ng Sharlene Myers interest of less toxiaStthing ink, in"Ithecould Art Direch)r Sherly Ho probably lick icity.

ProductionStaff Karin Hartwig that cartridge and I wouldn' t I Jana Koiar die." He quickly added: "But liegionoiSalesggapager Jamie Leighton I won' t!" (jamie leightonOtcp.ca) USA ACanadaSales 1-877-608-2688 have people good!"

Good call, Mr. Latta.

(Toll Free) Ext.317 Oh, real ly,Mr .Shaf' fer?

O f note, Epson recently AdvonisingSales Scott Piccolo The point, according to eating Our ink! introduced its $999 PhotoPC (scott piccoloOtcp.ca) the company, is all about being 750Z megapixelcamera, to Bill Young environmentally friendly — as deliver eight-inch by 10-inch (bi!Lyoung@tcp.ca) Te<>onir Canada s opposed «making a foray into photos at resolutions of 1,600 Controller Linda Lovegrove R' h McB the snack market. Indeed, by 1,200. (Along with all Accounting Farida Aini 'Circulation Kim Jewison Tektronix is certainly upfront sorts of nifty features like Peundeio Kent Liqin Chen that the sticks are foul-tasting and definitely u s i n g solarenergy to save battery life, Li Ding PowerPoint presentations can be downnot nutritious.

Canadian Computer Wholesaler loaded from the PC to the camera — the Still: imagine the possibilities! is yublished 12, times a year by Upon noting my pointed interest in ca m era can be hooked to a multimedia proGadekin International Tektronix's edible ink, Rich McBee, general j e ctor or a TV, for presentations!) The camComputer Publishers inc. manager of Tektronix Canada Inc., interject- e r a can als o be directly hooked up to a numunderlicence from ed: "The last thing we want is to have people b e r of Epson Stylus color ink-jets, for printAll rightn reserved. eating our ink!" ing withoutaPC. Tektronix's real theme has to do with The Lexmark 5770 Photo Jetprinter, Toronto Office Suite 200 - 99 Atlantic Ave. pushing the penetration of color in corporate p r i ced at $600, takes the concept one step Toionto, Ont. Canada M6K 3J8 ing built-in slots, it can print phoprinting, both via solid ink printers like the f u r ther. Us Tel: (416) 535-8404 Fax: (416) 588-8574 Phaser 840 and color laser printers like the t o s from an y cameras using CompactFlash Vancouver Office Phaser 780. Indeed, International Data Corp. o r SmartMedia memory, without involving a Suite 503-425 Carrag St. says revenues from desktop color laser printc o m puter.

Vancouver, B.C. Canada V6B 683 ers will show a compound annual growth Expect substantial growth in quality Tel: (604) 608-2688 Fax: (604) 608-2686 rateof 26 per cent between 1998 and 2002. color printersand the accompanying lucrais'ik:" lii;;(j !!li''8i,':~~-'" Taipei Office (Compound annual growth for unit shipti v e consum ables as the market for digital PRISCO ments in the category is predicted at 43 per c a merasxpands. e Meanwhile, as the price Tel: 886-2-2711-4833 Fax: 886-2-2741-5110 cent over that same time period!) premium for corporate color continues to Internet e-malt address:cew@tcp.ea Of n o te, l a s t m o nt h T e k tronix dr o p , you' 11 see more buyers devour color Web Site:http:/twww ccwmag.corn announced it's moving from an authorized a n d colorcapable printers as alternatives to Subscri ption applicationsaad change of addnns aonresmustbe pre-approval model to a post-sales registra- m o nochrome lasers. made ia writing tooneof theabove addmaea Here's something worth pointing out. tion model, to deliver "open sourcing" to the Free subscription to qualified individuals, $110 perpearfor nonqualifiedsubscribers. channeL For more on the printing market, T o f urtherits promotion of color printing, conleau of canadiancomputerwholesaar subject to copyright. please check out this issue's special feature: T e ktronix continues to offer free black ink Matedal and advertising deusaed by Canadian Computer Whoaralerin this publication maraoi be repmducetl ia any farm "Printers '99," (page 12), by C C W's to customers of its solid ink-based color without penuiauoL All sights dived. The opinions expmned ia articles are aot acccssarny nose of the publisher.

AssociateEditor JeffEvans. printers.

Epson Canada Inc. was among the All yo u can eat...? (ttgl Prlnied in Canada Postage paid, in Vancouver B.C vendors exhibiting at the recent Comdexl 1267698 Canada West show in Vancouver. Product Grace Casselman ISSN 1203-3138 marketing coordinator, Tim Latta, demonEditor

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(NB) — Swiss bankers have announcedthat the Swiss banking transfer network ,4 will effectively be closed el for four days over the New Year's break, owing to worries about how bank transfers will operate.

The Swiss Bankers Association (SBA) has warned members to be extremely wary of initiating transfers that operate during the period Dec. 31, 1999, to Jan. 3, 2000, owing to the risk of problems at any stage in the transfer.

The SBA said it had issued the recommendation after consultations with a number of parties, including the Federal Banking Commission, the Swiss central bank, and the Swiss Stock Exchange. Transfers over the four-day period which originate in, pass through, or terminate in Switzerland, are impacted by the advisory, officials said.

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SAP Canada Inc. says its Small and Medium Enterprise business unit (targeting organizations with revenues of less than $250million), has exceeded revenue expectations of $10 million for 1998. In fact, the unit will achieve more than $12 million in sales, according to Len Vanspall, director for SAP Canada's small and medium enterprise unit He said those results will double next year.

Sales through SAP Canada's Certified Business Solutions (CBS) account for more than 50 per cent ofnew SAP Canada customer signings.

Key to the focus on smaller businesses is SAP's Accelerated SAP methodology. CBS customers experience an average implementation of 20 weeks, SAP claims.

SAP'sCBS salesare handled bythree Canadian resellers: FinTech Services Ltd. of Calgary; Optimum Software Solutions of Toronto; and Primonics Inc. of Montreal.

Of note, Fintech went public on the Alberta Stock Exchange last October. Then in December, the company acquired Canadian Consult ing Associates Ltd., also of Calgary. The combined companyisexpected to have 20 SAP clients and $12 million in revenues.

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CORRECTION: Supercom's Digs are Big! "I'I

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Introducing Sapergisk andtheLS-I 20drive.

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Supercom's new Markham, Ont., headquarters are a healthy 120,000 square feet. We left off a zero in our recent coverage of that facility's opening and the distributor's 10th anniversary celebrations. (CCWJanuary, page 8.)

Our apologiesl IIII

IIIOIftakl3: "I love you, man."

— Sun Micros sy tems CEO Scott McNealy, to Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, during a Dec.'14 press conference,

Every reseller in Canada is authorized to sell Fujitsu's feature-packed PrintPartner lasers. We add punch to your sales with a printer for demo offer" ($150 off the 16DV, or $200 off the 16ADV). And with every

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PrintPartner 10V 10 ppm print speed / 40 MHz processor / 250 sheet input tray/3 MB RAM/PCL 5e emulation/ D

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* Reseller printer for demo program allows for one PrintPsrtner 16DV at $150.00 off and/or one PrintPartner 16ADV at $200.00 off.

Contact your distr)butor for details. t Bonus offer, direct from Fujitsu Canada, valid on purchases of printparlner 10V, 16DV, or 16ADV from January 1 to April 30, 1999. Bee printer carton for redemption coupon, or visit www.fujitsu.ce/coupon. anerly Ingram Mloro 3D afore Tosh Data Nat'I. 18006695588 Qua.,Anantic, Ont. Nat'I. 18006683450 Tor. (905)47m2 180(k3610964or Qua.180%3614)667 Van.(604)2739328 Tor. (905) 6708899 1800361.7057(Fr.) B.C. 14)006630960 EM) Tahnology Buperoom ProData Nat'I .1800.2657212 Nat'I.18006633362 Nat'I.18009494567 Man., Sask., Alta., B.C. Tor. (416)BBM449 Tor. (905) 9408899 Tor. (905) 4151166 18006678274 MB.(514)7454500 Van. (604)2738783 MB. (514)3351166 Minn. (204)2310590 Van.(604)2700324 B.C. t ~ Van. (604) 2762677Cal. (403)2508881 PilntPsrtner and Warranty Plus are trademarks of Fuiitsu.

Fujitsu Canada, Inc. 1-800-263-8716 ext.2719 QuebedAtlantic: 1-800-663-0756 Toronto: (905) 602-5454 ext.2719 Montreal: (514) 685-6262 www.fujitsu.ca

FU ITSU

COMPUTERS, COMMUNICATIONS, MICROELECTRONICS

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I N D U ST R Y

Column

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hile most companies would consideran 80 percentmarket sharethe pinnacle of success, it's just not good enough for Intel Corp., at least according to one recent news report. It seems that the company's hold on CPUs for PCs has fallen slightly below that lofty height, and it's the low end that's to blame.

In its "November Retail H a rdware Report," Reston, Va.-based PC Data reports that sub-US$1,000 PCs made up 58.5 per cent ofthe U.S. market in November. A year earlier, they accounted for 33.8 percent.

Meanwhile, unit sales of over-US$1,500 PCs accounted for only 10 per cent of November '98 sales,a decline of 52 per cent from November '97.

When you look at the CPUs powering these low-end machines, you might see the source of Intel's concern. According to PC Data, "AMD's K6-2 processor was the leading processor choice for sub-US$1,000 PCs for the fourth consecutive month with 35.3 per cent share in November. PCs based on the National Semiconductor (Cyrix) MII processor accounted for 30 per cent of sales, and

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Celeron-based PCs had a pproximately 22 per cent."

It should be pointed out that these figures reflect the U.S. market, which is in some ways quite different than the Canadian scene.

For example,a large partofAMD's penetration is tied t o t h e success of Packard Bell/NEC in the U.S. market. PC Data says that Packard Bell/NEC is in the Number Two spot in retail sales in the U.S., right behind Compaq.

However, specific brand names aside, if one looks at the computer advertisements in this country, AMD- and Cyrix-powered systems are becoming a common offering, right along side the Celeron-driven machines.

When low-cost computers were not the huge market opportunity they are today, Intel served that niche by "trickling down" slower processors as faster ones were introduced, but that wasn't its only strategy.

The 486SX, for example, was essentially a 486DX without a cop r ocessor, which could be produced m ore economically. A s originally conceived, the Celeron was essentially a sixth-generation Pentium II chip without Level-2 cache, which was also less costly to produce.

And like the 486SX, the earlyCelerons suff ered performance deficiencies in some areas. It was amply demonstrated, for example, that on some benchmark tests,a 266MHz Celeron would not perform much better than a fifthgeneration Pentium. Intel soon added 128KB of Level-2cache and Celerons became competent performers. In early January, Intel introduced two more products to the Celeron family: processors working at 366MHz and 400MHz. Intel says they offer 10 per cent and 20 percent more performance, respectively, over the 333MHz version.

Intel says the 400MHz Celeron will cost US$158 in Plastic Pin Grid Array (PPGA) packaging or U S$166 in S i ngle Edge Processor Package (SEPP) in quantities of 1,000 or greater. When the company introduced the 333MHz Celeron last August, it set the price at U S $192. Meanwhile, the 450MHz Pentium II, also introduced in

~ CA N ADIAN COMPUTER WHOLESALER February 1999http Jtwww.ccwmag.corn

August, carried a price tag of US$669.

In November, AMD i n troduced a 4 00MHz version of it s AM D K 6- 2 3D processor, along with 333MHz and 350MHz versions. This line includes a 3D instruction set the company is calling 3DNow! And AMD says Microsoft's DirectX 6.0 API (Application Programming Interface) is optimized for 3DNow, which allows software developersusing DirectX to enhance the 3D performance of their applications. When announced,the 400MHz K6-2 was priced at US$283 in 1,000-unit quantities.

In terms of what these chips cost in the real world, at the beginning of the year, a 333MHz Celeron chip was selling at retail in Canada for about $200, a 333MHz AMD K62 3D cost $180, while a 350MHz Pentium II cost about $400. (A 450MHz Pentium II was around $800.) This creates an interesting situation for PC makers. As the performance of the so-called budget chips — the Celeron and AMD K6-2 — improve, they become viable alternatives to the slower Pentium Ils. This isn't just true for budget systems destined for the home. For example, Compaq Canada Inc. announced in early January that its Deskpro EN and EP commercial desktop systems would be offered with 400MHz Celeronprocessors.(Compaq alsooffers the Presario 5150, which uses the AMD-K62/400 processor.) What this means for consumers is increased choice — or increased confusion depending on your point of view.

For example, recent computer store ads have listed Pentium II and Celeron systems with comparable features priced within $100 of each other. CCW

David Tanya is a regular CCfV columnist.

B ased in Toronto, he i s E ditor of The Computer Paper, and can be reached at david tanaka@tcp.ca.

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from LegeSecurityEasy provides protection from unauthorized users (lock on front panel, keyboard and mouse) SecurityEasy is the essential t " I,"' tool to enhance computer security and privacy.

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T EC H

C H EC K

Column

fear Pentium III?

by Graeme Bennett When your customers ask whether the motherboard they buy today will be compatible with the Pentium III, do you know the answer?

Asus thinks it does. The motherboard manuCi facturer has already posted a Pentium III-compatible BIOS update for its popular P2B 440BX motherboard at http: //www.asus.corn.Abit quickly followed, with a freely downloadable Pentium IIIcompatible BIOS upgrade for its popular BH6 motherboard. Other board manufacturers, too, are expected to provide BIOS updates that will, News.cornreports, allow virtually any BX-class board to be used with the Pentium III. As well, many believe that because Abit's popular BH6 board allows custom voltage settings as well as a PCI clock divisor of /4, it will allow the PCI and AGP subsystems to work correctly with the rumored 133MHz bus on a future version of the Pentium III, codenamed Coppermine. Intel is expected to use an improved manufacturing process to fabricate Coppermine chips with a .18-micron die size, yielding chips capable of running at speeds of 600MHz or more.

The Pentium III (formerly code-named Katmai) will be officially released on Feb. 28.

The chip will be initially available at 450MHz and 500MHz speeds, and will include improved multimedia capabilities — enhancing both 2D video and 3D graphics. But according to early testers, it will provide only nominal improvements in everyday apps. The new instructions, as successors to Intel's current "MMX" instruction set, are sometimes referred to as KNI (Pentium III new instructions); however, their official name is Streaming SIMD Extensions (SSE). They are perhaps best thought of as Intel's answer to the 3Dnow! instructionsinAdvanced Micro Devices' K6-2.

AMD's not standing still either. Its next-generation K7 chip is expected to ship on June 23.

Of course, there's always an element of uncertainty when predicting compatibility with unreleased products. Last-minute changes (such as the Pentium III's rumored frequency lock that could spell an end to overclocking), may affect compatibility with current designs.

Will your motherboard be able to support UDMA/66? With the forthcoming enhancement to the Ultra DMA (direct memory access) hard drive specification known as UDMA/66, inexpensive EIDE mass storage devices are poised to provide performance comparable to much more expensive Ultra Wide SCSI 2 drives. Abit says its upcoming products, code-named Camino and Whitney, are the only chipsets slated to support UDMA/66. However, this news does suggest that a new round of motherboard upgrades (or add-on UDMA/66 controller cards) will be likely when the 133MHz bus versions of Pentium III and UDMA/66 devices become available later this year.

Although the 366MHz and 400MHz models include 128KB of Level-2cache like the 300A and 333MHz chips,the new CPUs are available also in a square pin package that the company calls Socket 370. A strong resemblance to the old Pentium design is only superficial, as Socket 370 processors cannot be used in older Socket 7 motherboards, the way competing chips from AMD and Cyrix can.

10 ~ cANADIAN coMPUTER wHQLEsALER February 1999 httpltwwwccwmag.corn

However, some manufacturers, including MSI and Abit, have announced converter cards that can adapt a Pentium II Slot 1 motherboard to accept the Socket 370 processor.

The new Socket 370 chips are less expensive than their Slot 1 cousins. As well, the smaller size of the new format makes it possible to shrink the size of tomorrow's PCs, possibly leading to other savings.

In fact, sm artresellersare expechng Celeron sales to pick up over the next few months as new system buyers eschew the higher-priced Pentium II in favor of a low-cost Slot 1 (or a Slot 1 board with an adapter for a Socket 370 chip!) solution. That will allow them to later drop in a 500MHz or better Pentium III as prices fall.

Sources close to Intel say the company is planning to put special circuitry on its forthcoming chips to completely eliminate or greatly reduce the potential for overclocking. However, the end of the line for overclockers hasn't yet come.

In fact, the Socket 370 version Celerons seem to be at least as overclocking-friendly as recent Slot 1 models, which daredevil computer users have found can, with the right motherboards and cooling, easily be pushed beyond their stated limits.

Tanner, planned for the first half of 1999, is a 32-bit workstationclass CPU, and will be followed by chips code-named Coppermine and Cascades for desktop and server applications. By mid-2000, Intel expects to be shipping its first 64-bit processor — a chip it calls Merced. Intel also provided some details on the Williamette (also 32bit) and Foster (32-bit again) chips it expects to succeed the Pentium II and Xeon families at speeds up to 1Gigahertz by 2001 and beyond.

Intel is already working on chips more advanced than Merced.

Next in line will be a processor code-named McKinley. This chip will, Intel says, achieve twice the performance of Merced and is expected to run at speeds starting around 1GHz (1,000MHz).

And a CPU called Madison, due around 2002, will be aimed at high-end workstation and server applications. Following it will be an IA-64 CPU (currently code-named Deerfield), which will be a "price/perf ormance processor."

National Semiconductor, which now owns Cyrix, isn't standing still either, but it doesn't have the market momentum of its primary competitors. The company is pinning its hopes on a chip it calls M3, expected to debut in the 600MHz to 800MHz range, along with a chip code-named Jalapeno, expected to start in the 600MHz range in the fourth quarter. Wtt FOR FURTHER READING • Motherboard and CPU reviewshttp: //www. tcp.ca/gsb/reviews/motherboards • AMD K7http: //www.anandtech.corn/reviewslprocessorslamdk7I Graeme Bennett is a regular CCH' columnist and reviewer. Based tn Vancouver,he is Senior Editor for The Computer Paper. He is a former computerreseller and can be reached atgraeme bennett@tcp.ca.

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P RI N T E R S

Hardware « ",eu

on Networking, Inter net Printing, Color and Supplies

by Jeff Evans

ar fromenabling a "paperless office," personal computers and laser, ink-jet and impact printers have caused a quantum leap in the amount of printed materials produced in the computerized world, For resellers, the instant gratification element of printing technology offers great business opportunities in hardware sales, net-

worked printer solutions, maintenance and especially in printing supplies. For the last two years, the sales of printing supplies such as ink and toner cartridges, plus paper, has outpaced thevalue of printer hardware sold in Canada.

With the Web look becoming the network users' and managers' interface of

'.-wCom~ Printgt' l'nnovetiona in 'ISSS.' g,.

Up ttP@times~r piacassing: —eithir via a ~ chip in tha printer itself, or ia,.iha case af the -"". Cheaptra rt perSOnafprinterS, by taking adV&tage Ofmuah faSter PCCPUS.Ntgyyark laaarS With Spaada in the 24- to 40-ppm range are now the norm. j;;" lfightat rasoluhtsni whether real or imaslneti —&re mast printers ware limited tp 300-dpi raso4~j",Itihcn +W' lh yea~a„'569+hE@0W t~ty laWf utitdm ahd iPrinthrebnM720, I,„+. Or 1;44gedpl:": I resolutian. But understand the dubious nature of some resolution claims. For example,"1,200-dpi , . class" resolution often mean 600-dpi true resolution, artificially enhanced by image smoothing tricks

I ' '<+ ap~ s t a ~ i f pl +qIQ-~ I ~ ck a WQ'.ptutiaufatt stung hyfh4i cialmsfg corn~ra.". (;~ tolutioh, protests tha't tits proprietary HP print Qhuch its'Cpson @n3I.exmark of 'I;440 oi" 1',200-dpi raus „head, iak, and software technology results in higher "real" text and image quality than the higher res='..:; -,-:,= ~ "«hlutiotimtmPatithni., . 14 ~ ~ u a ,>~., @ g " Phtrto-INafity tttilor ='1'n praclca, tnejihoto q'tiaIIty is tgfftcult to achiavix often Aiiianding i $aciai ink and paper combinations, and a degree of careful software tuning. In professional graphics art, as well.fts corpoittta marketing and commuhicatfons. users wig demand and4iay for true photo-real.

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- - istic ~ ili t y. „: 4I",Na~ i t t g ~ There are cnttsidarabi@4totenti@l advantages to buying ha'.Patworktjl printer as a : packbII'$ with a Ii@installt'td'network Iotas aca card'fNIC). There is likely to be a pariag of some con... tinued discomfort, complexity, and compatibility problems until true Internet printing-standards are ;,~,.runive~ adopted and Spilt into operathlg systemspftware, plus server and'printer Infrdwara. In the tjj.-„meahtlhafa,100MhPS Cayaeity ia maraaSIITIfliithe nein. «««I:.'ti>P;:I':„;, «I;; .,''.j>,; ':;:-".: ';;,P @ t-,r ,

12 ~ CANADIAN COMPUTER WHOLESALER February 1999

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choice, network printers increasingly are displayed as assets on the user's Web browser screenfor the purpose of either printing a document or managing the print system. So companies such as H ewlett-Packard, Lexmark and Xerox, which for years have offered proprietary printer management software,are now faced with the universal Web format and are working to adopt industry wide standards for printer management.

When completed, this will mean much better and more usable printing solutions. In the meantime, many vendors are including a complete Web site on the built-in hard drive of some network printer models, so that endusers can simply call up the URL of a printer, from anywhere inthe world and exchange and print documents.

The «olor of Money Now that even near-photographic quality hard-copy hascome down to commodityprice levels, color is increasingly a viable option. Over the last four years, color laser printers have declined in price from the $20,000 range to less than $4,000, while increased reliability and lower supply costs have reduced operating costs to a fraction of their former levels.

P RI N T E R S

Color printers have higher ticket prices and generally higher maintenance overheads, while color toner and ink costs several times as much per output page as black and white.

Color hardcopy often benefits from special high-quality high-priced paper, and color graphics demand higher-end computers, graphics cards, monitors and mass storage.

The Battle of the Bran4(js With the major profit opportunity coming from sales of ink and toner cartridges, the major printer vendors have a vested interest in encouraging end-users to buy only namebrand replacement cartridges. (Some companies, such as Xerox, have responded by carefully engineering toner cartridges to be almost impossible to recycle for additional use.) Many corporate end-users are happy to be captives of their printer manufacturersthe potential for damage to printers, or badquality output makes anything but name

viding advice on such issues.

For the home PC user, a personal lettersize color ink-jet printer will do a little of everything — handling graphics and text, color andmonochrome, atreasonable speed and quality. This is the reason that the color ink-jet, from vendors such as Canon, HP, Epson and Lexmark, has become the vastly preferred printer in the home market.

However, a $200 ink-jet can't handle a highvolume duty cycle from either a speed or Buyer Be+rare durability standpoint isn't particularly well End-users of printer supplies in the Canadian suited to use on a network can't handle overmarketface a hazard in the form of unscrupusize pages and often costs much more in suplous telemarketing scamsters who phone plies and maintenance than the original purcompanies pretending to be the regular ven- chase price.For most businesses, a netdor of printer supplies, and fast-talk the worked. monochrome laser is the standard unwary purchaser into buying supplies at and preferable solution. Depending on budget greatly inflated prices. For l e gitimate and needs, the reseller has to calculate the resellers, part of developing a beneficial long- best solution in terms of speed, paper capaciterm relationship with customers involves ty and size, networkability and security. staying actively in touch with clients and pro- There is still a durable market for impact

brand supplies more risk than they are worth.

However, for many users at the mid-to lowend of the market, off-brand supplies at discounts of 40 to 50 per cent are an irresistible bargain.

Refiller companies such as Toronto's Image Control Ltd. can realistically offer good quality at a very attractive price — particularly in product categories such as black ink or toner.

Some Players: Brother (http//vwwv brother corn/E-product/e-prodca.html)has traditionally focused on high value, easy-to-use printing products for the home and small office. Products include a new line of fast, inexpensive lasers, such as the HL-1040iM 10-ppm personal laser, and the HL-2060 21-ppm network laser printer. Brother is the leader in the North American multifunction market, leveraging its experience with both fax and printer technology to bring costeffective, well-designed hybrid products to market, including the IntegiFAX 675. Finally, Brother has had a very durable success story with its P-Touch labelling system devices, including the new PT-530model.

Canon(http//wwwcanon.ca), is the volume leader In the ink-jet printer market In Canada. The company is also a major supplier of: monochrome lasers (such as the LBP-246024-ppm 600 by 600 dpi workgroup printer), color laser printers (such as the C LBP 460 PX 600-dpi, 4-ppm color/16-ppm monochrome), and multlfunction devices (including the MultiPASS C3500400-dpi monochrome, and MultIPASSC5500600-dpi color models). Current Canon inkjets include the BJC-7004 Photo printer — a 1,200 by 600 dpi printer with impressive features such as water-resistant ink, and full edge-to-edge bleed printing, plus a Ipaphics software suite. Canon also offers: a BJC-5000tabloid size (11 by 17inches) color pdinter; the BJC-4400 and BJC-4300desktop printers;andthe portable BJC-50and colorBJC-80 models.

Compaq(httpg/innnevcompaq.cpm), announced a range of consumer-oriented Ink-jet printers in Its product rollouts in June and September. (These are OEMed Lexmark printers.) When Compaq acquired Digital Equipment Corp. (http//www digita(.corn/printers/products/prt products.htmii, it also picked up Digital's extensive printer line. Current products (some of which are available only In Europe) include: laser printers, such as the new LN20color laser printer; dot-matrix printers; line-matrix printers; and a range of print networking productsand printsewer and management products forVMS, Unix,and Windows networks.

Epsoti (http/twwwepson.corn J, has rebounded with its line of Epson Stylus color printers. Currently, Epson's printer product line includes more than a dozen Stylus ink-jet models, such as the letter-size Epson Stylus Color 400, 440, 600 and 640 models and the tabloid-plus sized Epson Stylus Color 3000, Stylus Color 1520 and Stylus Photo EX models. Epson also has a strong resence In the dot-matrix/Impact printer market with 11 models, including the FX-2180.

Fujltsu (http//www.fujitsu.ce/printers/qrinters,htmJ,carries a line of four PrlntPartner business monochrome lasers, ranging from the entry-level PrlntPartner 10V (a Computer Paper Editor's Choice winner) — a 10-ppm printer with a 40MHz RISC processor and optional PostScript and network connectivity upgrades), to the'PrintPartner 16 ADV — a17-ppm printer with a 125MHz RISCprocessor, and both PostScript Level 2 and Ethernet IOBase-T network interfaces. Fujitsu also carries three dot-matrix printers: the DL3700 Pro, DL3800 Pro, and the DL6000Pro and DL6600Pro. Hewlett-Packard(http//wwwhp.corn),is the traditional leader in the business laser and networked laser products, and also in Ink-jet technology. The company'sdominance has been frequentl y challenged by competitors such as Epson, Canon and Lexmark, but HP is constantly leapfrogging others with improvements in network printer management, ink-jet printhead technology, Ink formulation, graphics and print driver software. It also delivered entirely new product categories such as its Digital Capture and Send (DCS)technology (Including the CapShare 910 Information Appliance, and the HP 9100 Digital Sender).

HP has nine multifunctian devices (including the new HP LaserJet1100A and 3100, the HP OfflceJet Series 700 and the color-capable HP OfflceJetPro Series 1170C).There are 10 wide-format HP printer models, ranging in paperwidth capacity, from 24 to 54 inches. HP has at least 36 models of network printers currently available, including six models of color LaserJet laser printers, 11 models of networked color or monochrome Ink-jet printers, 19 monochrome laser printer models, and two network "mopiers." For individuals, there are 17 personal ink-jet printer models, and nine personal lasers. As well, HP has five models of line Impact printer available, ranging In speed from 500 lines per minute to 1,400 lines per minute.

Lexmark (http//www.lexmark.corn): owns Its own fundamental print engine and printhead technologies — a definite advantage If these technologies are better than the competition's versions. Lexmark has just released an innovative photo printer: the Photo Jetprinter 5770, a 1$00 dpi, $549 true photo-quality Ink-jet printer, which allows the user to print directly from a digital camera's CompactFlash or SmartMedia memory card. As well, Lexmark announced support for a picture printing option that allows the Photo Jetprinter to print images directly from a parallel port lomega Z)p dffve attached to the parallel port of the printer. Added to a very comprehensive line of networked laser printers, color lasers and personal and workgroup httpJAvwwccwmag.corn

Fe bruary 1999 CANADIAN COMPUTER WHOLESALER

] 13

P RI N T E R S

printers, which are the best tools for printing multi-page forms. There is also a rapidly increasing market for networked color printers, whether that means color laser printers or copiers, high-capacity ink-jets, or Textronix's solid-wax printers.

Perhaps the most rapidly growing category of printers is the multifunction device (MFD), which is by definition, not just a printer: MFDs typically include scanning, copying and faxing features as well as simple printing. Increasingly, networking options and high-speed monochrome laser models are offered to the enterprise market, and color ink-jet models are increasingly popular. A large installed base of color MFDs may make color faxing a common feature of the printer market in the future.

Where are the Margins?

Printer hardware, particularly in the retail and small business segments of the market, is often a loss leader. In addition to the profits in selling supplies, a major business opportunity for technically proficient resellers is in upselling professional computer users to additional service contracts, or printer models that have extended or enhanced warranty coverage. Most printer vendors explicitly recognize the great divide between the price-oriented retail customer and the mission-oriented professional client. By establishing a relationship of trust and value for money, resellers can ride the new wave of printing to a profitable 1999. C4W OKIJET 2500

Jeff Evans is Associate Editor of Canadian Computer Wrolesalen Based in Toronto, he can be reached atjej f evans@tcp.ca.

ink-jet printers, the Photo Jetprlnter 5770 i's a convincing example of how Lexmerk stays in the front rank of the printer field through careful attention to both users' needs and the possibilities contained in rapidly changing technology.

NEC Technologies(http//vvvvvvnectech.corn/printers/index.htm/ currently offers nine printers, including six monochrome lasers (SuperScrlpt 660 Plus, 870, 1260, 1260N,1760, 1765), three ink-jets (SuperScript 750C,650Cand 150C), and two SuperScript Color Lasers (4400end 4400N). NECTech's printers tend to be excellent value, well-designed products. Its new laser printer is particularly impressive, designed from the ground up to be a leader in Internetbased printing, color faxing, high speed and lower cost of ownership.

Ok)data(http//vvvvvvokidata.comJ,well known for its rugged, inexpensive LED printers, had been somewhat overshadowed by larger players in recent years, end has staged a comeback campaign, with new printers and multifunction products aimed at moving the company up into the networked business printer market Current products include: eight models of nine-pin impact printers; six models of 24-pin impact printers; 10 models of Okipage LED monochrome printers, including the 20-ppm 600 dpi Okipage 20 series; two ink-jet printers, including the 1,200 by 600dpi,5-ppm Okijet2500; end the Okioff ice 44 multifunction device, a 600-dpi class, four-pege/copies-perminute LED printer/scanner/copier/fax.

Tektrenlx (httpj/vvvvvvtek.corn/Co/or Printers/, is very well-known and respected In the professional graphic arts, technical and corporate markets â&#x20AC;&#x201D; due to its printers' durability, reliability and low cost of ownership.

Tektronlx rolled out e major new wave of printer models last fall, which have been well received in initial tests. By concentrating on the professional market, Tektronix has developed a no-compromise policy of quality engineering.

The company bases Its printers on two completely different technologies: part of the line uses Tektronix's unique solid-Ink media, while the rest uses more industry-standard monochrome or color laser technology. There are currently 13 models of Tektronlx Phaser printers, all of which are color or color-capable networked or networkable devices. Seven Phaser models are oriented towards the business market, and six towards the design and publishing market. The top-of-the-line Phaser 780 tabloid sized, 1,200 dpi color laser is aimed at the high-end graphic arts professional, and features sophls-

14 [ CANADIAN COMPUTERWHOLESALER February 1999

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tlcated color matching and calibration features, with print sizes of up to 13 by 19 inches (tabloid with bleed). The Phaser 740L is described es e color-capable printer, since ell it needs to turn it from a monochrome to color model is the addition of a pack of color toner cartridges Tektronix makes a strong business case for color as a normal feature of ag business printers.

Xerox(http//vvvvvvxerox.corn/printJ,hes a full range of printer products, ranging in price from e few hundred dollars for e personal laser or ink-jet to hundreds of thousands of dollars for high-volume document systems. The product line is grouped into categories that include desktop (26 models of printer and multlfunction devices), workgroup (18models of printers and printing systems), high-volume print-production systems (33 models) color (13 models, ranging from personal ink-jets to the DocuColor 70 Digital Color Press), largeformat (the ColorgrafX graphic arts and Xerox Engineering Printer lines) and multifunctlon products (five color copier/printer models, four WorkCentre monochrome copier/printer models, and 10Document Center models). Xerox was the first to offer a 40-ppm workgroup laser. The company goes head-tohead with Lexmark, HP and other networked printer vendors; in some highend areas, it seems to have very little direct competition.

They Also Print..

A wide variety of specialized players fulfill hard copy needs in niche markets, or though they may have a Iow profile in Canada, nevertheless have some impressive products.Sony(httix//vvvvvvsony.ca/ lists 23 different models of photo and video printers (including the UPD6500 ID card printer, UP960video graphic printer, and UP890MD Medical graphic printer), while Polaroid (http//vvvvvvpolaroid.corn/products/alsohes a line of slide printers (including the DayLeb II Slide Printer), and the ColorShot Digital Photo Printer, which can print photo quality prints from a PC In as little es 15 seconds. Kyocera (http//vvvvvvkyocera.corn), has a line of network lasers including the 28-ppm FS-7000, and offers innovative printer management software. Panasonic (htt(x//vvvvvv.panasonic.corn),a part of the giant Matsushlte conglomerate, has: a wide range of laser printers (KX-P6100, II-P6500, KX-P4440); multifunctlons (KX-PS600, PC/FAXStore 40/80); eight models of dot-matrix printers; and four models of Monet color laser printers, including the KX-P8420. Even Nintendo(http//vvvvvvnintendo.corn/hes a tiny, monochrome printer, which is used to pffint out pictures created on the GameBoy handheld entertainment device, with the aid of the Nintendo video camera peripheral and software.

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Column

The Promise of LED: Affordable Colorand High Performance? dvances in color page printing are on theverge of shaking up the networked business market, foretelling eventual fallout into the mass market.

"Color page printing" is used for want of a more sexy term — you' ll see why in a moment.

Popular ink-jet printers, like dotmatrix models, print a line at a time — you

can watch the page being produced, strip by snip. This means they don't need high-end microprocessorsor a lot of RAM to storean entire page's design. This helps keep the price low, ensuring their popularity, but also ensures slow speed.

The alternative has been page printers — in most cases, but not always, laser printers. Most page printers have their own CPUs and RAM; some lower-end models use the processor and memory on the computer, resulting in a cheaper printer, but one that' s dependent on the computer's resources. In either design, the entire page is laid out, then printed at once.

While most page printers have used laser technology, some have used an alternative — a row of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), instead. This technology has beenaround for years, used primarily in a series of black and white printers from Okidata. Not needing the rotating mirrors and focusing lens required by laser technology, these printers have been smaller, lighter and less expensive than comparable laser printers. At the same time, they have offered laser-quality print-outs.

Offering a "laser-quality" printer has sometimes been a bit of a challenge. Okidata Canada's general manager Lon Campbell talks about retail salespeople who haven't shown the company's products to customers shopping for a laser printers — they' ve known enough about the company's products to realize that they' re not laser printers, but not enough to realize that they really do offer comparable quality.

While LED printers have quietly occupied a nicheinthe lasermarket foryears,the advantages of the technology become clearer when stepping up to laser-quality color printers. While color ink-jets are the major player in the home/small office market, the technology is simply too slow for adoption in the 16 ~ CANADIAN COMPUTERWHOLESALER February 1999

The OtddataOKtPAGEBc8-ppm color printer is pricedat lessthan$5,000

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larger business market. At the same time, color laser printers have remained large, slow and expensive.

Much of this is due to the complexities in moving those mirrors and lens back and forth, while moving the paper through the printer four times (once for each color). By contrast, recently introduced LED color printers again require fewer moving parts, and follow a straight-through paper path.

The result: less complexity and better paper-handling,even with heavy paper stock, transparencies, envelopes or labels. And that translates into lower prices and faster print speeds.

While color laser printers from major players such as Hewlett-Packard offer color print speeds of four pages per minute, Okidata's newly-released Okipage gc offers 600 dpi color printouts at 8-ppm — possible because the paper only needs to pass through the printer once.

The Okipage 8cfeatures a base of 32MB RAM (expandable to 80MB), a 100MHz MIPS 4700 RISC CPU, and both Adobe PostScript Level 3 and PCL Sc page description languages, at a suggested price of less than $5,000. A networked version includes 10/100Mbps Ethernet.

Okidata is no longer alone in pushing LED over laser. Lexmark recently introduced the technology into its line, with its high-end Optra Color 1200 promising 12-ppm color print-outs. The printer offers a straight-through "in-line" paper path, with four separate LED printheads. Its higher speed, however, comes at a cost of about US$9,450.

Still, the simpler technology and higher performance of the LED models seems a compelling argument — rumor has it that other laser stalwarts are taking a second look at using LED for some of their future models. If so, as LED becomes more widely adopted, prices could drop to a level where those color printers could become standard office equipment. LtW] Alan Zisman is a regular CCW columnist. Living in Vancouver,he is a computerjournalist and teacher, and can be reached at azisman@home.corn.

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Power Systems

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by Sean Carruthers here are always customers willing to pay for the best that money can buy. While this group may be relatively small, these are the users who really drive technological progress.

Many of these buyers are garners or are involved in high-power content creation. When they go shopping for a new system, they want all the bells and whistles, and they want something that rips. They' re looking for the fastest PC CPU (currently 450MHz for the Pentium II, although that will soon change), despite the cost premium. They want the best and fastest optical drive available and an amazing video card with both 2D and 3D capabilities.

This month, we challenged computer vendors to come up with a consumer-focused dream system that would appeal to the most power-hungry users. Despite leaving the possibilities wide open (we didn't set a price cap, and didn' t specifyparticular components or processors), the systems sent for review were generally similar in nature and pricing.

Most of the systems were based on the 450MHz Pentium II CPU and were well-turned out for multimedia, with DVD players and good video and audio. Surprisingly, only two of the systems featured high-capacity removable storage options (one LS-120 drive, and one CD-R). The good news: all of the systems had at least one full-sized bay free, allowing for the potential addition of a removable storage drive.

Testing this month was done using BAPCo's Sysmark 98 benchmarking software. The computers were tested in 1,024 by 768 screen resolution, with a 32-bit color depth.

Regular readers will notice that the benchmarking software this month is slightly different from our previous package, Sysmark 32. Sysmark 98 is designed to work better with Windows 98 than the earlier version of the benchmarking suite. In addition, instead of simply testing office productivity suites, Sysmark 98 tests a number of multimedia suites for content creation, to reflect the growing use of computers for multimedia viewing and production in a home setting.

Because of this switch, our benchmarking now reports only three numbers: Office Productivity, Content Creation and Sysmark 98 (an overall score). With the release of the new package, the numbers have been recalibrated to reflect a more recent "base" platform (in this case, a Pentium II 233MHz machine with 64MB RAM, and a 4MB video card). A score of 100 on Sysmark 98 would reflect a machine of equal performance with theirbase model. Scores derived using the older Sysmark 32 should NOT be compared withthese numbers, and vice versa.

T

18 I

CANADIAN COMPUTER WHOLESALER February 1999

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Suggested Retail Price:$3,499 Although it features the distinctive curvy front-piece of the rest of the Presario line, the 5660stretches out a little bit, with a taller case and more goodies packed inside.

Software: "The operating system is Windows 98.

"Software includes: a Microsoft pack (Encarta 98, Money 98 and Bookshelf 98), Ulead's Photo Express, Moto Racer from Electronic Arts and Incoming from Rage.

Components: "A Compaq two-button PS/2 mouse is standard with the 5660. The keyboard is Compaq's own, and is both multimedia- and Internet-enabled.

There are specific buttons for CD-player applications and mail (among other functions) in addition to the standard Windows keyboard.

"The machine has both a 56Kbps internal PCI modem (with the Rockwell chipset) and an Ethernet jack. This makes the 5660 ready for either a standard Internet connection through an ISP, or a cable modem. Of course, the Ethernetjackallowsthe computer to connectto a localnetwork, as well.

"The 12GB hard drive offers plenty of room for multimedia applications and files.

"At 4MB, the video memory is a bit low for a high-performance system, but there is an expansion slot on the card for more SGRAM. "The 5660contains a DVD playerand software.The DVD video playback is generally good, although there is quite a bit pixellation evident, especially in patches of solid color.

"With the Aureal A3D 360-degree audio, sound quality is quite good.

'T he joystick port (normally included on the front of new Presario models but displaced here by the FireWire port) is included on the rear of the machine.

Expaudability: "There are three slots for SDRAM. "There are two ISA slots and one PCI slot.

"Two full-sized bays are available.

"The machine features has USB and two FireWire ports for attaching peripherals and multimedia devices.

Although it turned in a slower score on the benchmarking than most of the other machines, the Compaq Presario 5660 may be just too tempting to resist for other reasons. Firstly, with USB and FireWire ports right on the front of the machine, it is easy to attach devices. Also, with both a modem and an â&#x20AC;˘ I(Ic) Ethernet jack, the systemcomes ready-to-go for a few different methods of Multimedia: I' "The front of the machine features a flip-up panel hiding the "Digital getting on the 'Net. With I t wo USB a n d t w o Creativity Imaging Center." It features two USB ports and one IEEE-1394 (FireWire) port for digitalvideo input. A FireWire port is on the back of the FireWire ports onboard, the 5660 is ready for a machine.

"In addition to the standard VGA monitor port, there is also a digital flat- variety of multimedia applipanel port on this machine. Although many users may not need this port cations. Overall, it's an in the near future, it nevertheless makes the machine ready for the impressive machine ready to take on a number of different promised boom in flat-screen LCD monitors. 'at4 high-performance areas. , t'

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"SoundBlaster's PCI 128 card provides excellent sound reproduction.

"The system comes with the Altec Lansing ACS45multimedia speakers.

Street Price:$1,799

Elco's machines often castan eyetow ardsthe user's budget,andthe V8 machine tested this month fits well within that arena.

Software: "The operating system is Windows 98.

cards (one mounting bracket is shared). eThere are two USB ports.

Components: "A 56Kbps internalPCI modem from U.S. Robotics is installed.

"The 6.4GB Seagate hard drive is smaller than many of the other drives in this roundup, but should still be large enough for many users.

"At only 350MHz, the Pentium II chip included in this system is slower than the other machines tested this r month. Still, performance was fairly good.

"The system includes the Liteon wireless keyboard and the Microsoft IntelliMouse.

Multimedia: "This was the only one of the machines this month that did not have a DVD drive included. Instead, there's the speedy 40X CD-ROMfrom Liteon.

"The EONtronic 3DFX Banshee card with 16MB onboard provides both 2D and 3D.

20 ( CANADIAN COMPUTER WHOLESALER February 1999

Expaudability: "There are three slots for SDRAM. "There are two full-size bays available, and one 3.5-inch slot with an external opening.

"The user can install two PCI and two ISA cards, or one PCI and three ISA

ht t p ilwww.ccwmag.crrm

Although it doesn't quite boast the specs of the other machines this month, the V8 model we looked at this month is worth a look for users on a budget. It's a fairly basic machine, with some room for a bit of expansion down theroad but enough guts in it right now to handle 3D gaming with ease, and a number of other multimedia applications.

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"The 16MB Graphics Blaster video card provides great video display.

"The SoundBlaster Livel environmental audio card delivers excellent audio Street Price:$3,399 playback.

"Cambridge Soundworks PC Works' four-point multimedia speaker set-up is included to take advantage of the SoundBlaster Live! 3D audio.

With the only non-tower case submitted this month, Empac's Azure system offers high performance and expendability, while allowing the user to put "S-Video, comp and SPDIFvideo-out ports are included. the monitor on top of the computer when space is tight.

Expandability: "There are three slots for SDRAM. Software: "The operating system is Windows 98.

"The user can install one PCI card and two ISA cards, or three ISA cards (one mounting bracket is shared). " One full-sized bay and one 3.5-inch slot are available.

Components: "The 10.1GB Western Digital hard drive provides plenty of space for multi- "There are two USB ports. media applications and files.

"A 56Kbps internal PCI modem from GVC is installed.

The Azure is a nice system with good multimedia A KeytronicWindows keyboard comes with the system, as does a options. Although the DVD playback on the model we tested could stand to be a bit smoother, the machine Microsoft IntelliMouse. offereda good selection of video and audio compoMultimedia: nents overall. With most of the PCI slots already taken "Creative Labs' 2X DVD and DVD player software is included. The DVD up, most internal component expansion will have to take video playback is generally good, but suffers from a jitteriness, which is place on the ISA side and through plug-in devices. This product is definitely worth a look. dist racting.

DVD video playback is smooth and high quality. Minor pixellation occasionally appears in solid patches, but not enough to be distracting.

"The 8MB ATI video on the motherboard provides a great display quality.

Street Price:$3,699 "Sound is high quality. The Polk Audio multimedia speakers are very good.

The Pavilion 8390 is interesting for a few reasons. The casing comes in a "Video out and S-video ports are included. grey color instead of the more traditional off-white, and also features a ded- "There is a serial port on the front of the machine dedicated to digital camera communication. icated digital camera port right on the front of the box.

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Software: Expaudability: "There are two USB ports.

"The operain tg system isW indows 98.

"The 8390 comes with a Microsoftpackage (Works, Mo ney98,Encarta 98, The user can install two PCI cards and one ISA card, or Picture It!, Creative Writer 2), Intuit's Quicken, Intel VideoPhone, McAfee one PCI card and two ISA (one of the mounting brackets Virus Scan, and Africa — The Serengeti (on DVD). is shared).

"There is one full-sized bay available for expansion.

"There are three slots for SDRAM. Components: "The 10.2GBQuantum hard drive offers plenty of space for'multimedia applications and files.

While the design of the Pavilion 8390's case is eye-catching, the "The keyboard is multimedia and Internet enabled, with CD player controls rest of the system is worth looking at too. The DVD playback is topand one-touch Internet application launch keys. notch, as is the rest of the audio and video on this system. The only minor "A 56Kbps LTPCI WinModem is included with the system. quibble would be the serial port on the front of the machine, without some sort of cover. It takes away from an otherwise attractive-looking package.

Multimedia: With the Internet-enabled keyboard, extensive software bundle and great "The system features a 2X Hitachi DVD player and DVD player software. multimedia options, this makes a great high-performance family machine.

"Creative Labs' 2X DVD player and DVD player software is included. DVD video playback was smooth, although there were some video glitches in Street Price: $2,728 menus and when switching between scenes. Some pixellation is evident in solid patches, but picture quality is generally good.

T' he system comes with a pair of Yamaha Ml multimedia speakers.

One of the better bargains this time out, the iNet Pro machine offers a lot of machine forlessmoney thansome ofthe othercontendersthismonth.

Expendability: "There are three slots for SDRAM. Software: "The operating system is Windows 98.

"There are two full-sized bays available for expansion, onefront-mounted 3.5-inch bay,and a 3.5-inch bracket hidden inside the machine for an additional hard drive.

Components: I

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"A U.S. Robotics 56Kbps modem is installed.

"The 9.1GB Seagate hard drive offers fast performance, and has a lot of room onboard for multimedia applications and files.

"The iNet comes with a Lite-On Internet keyboard and the Microsoft IntelliMouse.

"The user can install three PCI cards and one ISA card, or two of each (one of the mounting brackets is shared).

"There are two USB ports.

Tl et

The iNet Pro machine shows how you can get more for less, with a lot of great components, but not necessarily all the newestand most expensive.The9.1GB drive is agood example.The Multimedia: "For AGP video, the Diamond Viper 550offers great performance, with 16MB system offers less than the newest drive available, but it's still high quality and features enough space to satisfy most users. In the end, this configuraonboard.

"SoundBlaster Live! features environmental audio, for a more immersive tion allowed the iNet Pro to perform really well in the benchmarking, offer decent multimedia performance, yet still come in at a reasonable price. audio experience. httpJtwww.ccwmag.corn February 1999 cANADIAN coMPUTER wHQLEsALER [

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"The 16MB Else Erazor II AGP video card provides great 2D and 3D display, and comes with its own cooling fan.

Overall "The sound card is a Diamond Monster Sound MX-300 3D PCI card, and Street Price:$3,695 sound quality is excellent.

Smart Machine's Viper M450 is an impressive machine, from its massive "Cambridge Soundworks' four-point PC Works multimedia speakers are case and expandability, to the performance and included components and included to take advantage of the 3D sound card. software.

Expandability: "There are three slots for SDRAM. Software: "The user can install three PCI card and one ISA card, or two of each (one "The operat ing system isW indows 98. ofthe mounting bracketsisshared).

"Adaptec's Easy CD Creatorsoftware isincluded.

"Microsoft's Office 97 professional is installed (includes Word, Excel, "Three full-sized bays are available for components.

"There are six bracket spaces available for InterOutlook, Access and Power Point). nal 3.5-inch devices.

'The games Half Life Day One and Recoil are included.

"There are two USB ports.

'The DVD title Telling Lies inAmerica comes with the system.

Although a machine of this size certainComponents: "The case for this system is quite large, offering a lot of room for expansion. ly isn't for everyone, power users will love the Viper M450 from Smart It may be a bit imposing in smaller spaces though.

"The system features IBM's 16.8GB DeskStar hard drive. With a drive this Machine. It comes with a bunch of size, it's hard to imagine the user running out of hard disk space for quite software, tons of room for expansion of components, butalready includes a while! enough good stuffinside to suit "An internal 56Kbps U.S. Robotics modem is included.

"In addition to the DVD drive, there is also a Panasonic 4X write (8X read) almost everyone's needs. The inclusion of the CD burner is a nice touch, CD-R drive included in the system.

"A Logitech Mouse Man Plus wheel mouse is included with the system, as allowing users who are serious about content creation to make quick largewell as a Keytronic Windows keyboard. capacity removable backup copies of their work. And with the extra-large 16.8GB hard Multimedia: "Toshiba's 5X DVD and DVD player software come with the system. DVD drive installed, there's lots of room for applications video playback is smooth and high-quality, although there is some minor and files, for even the most space-hungry applications.

It's hard to imagine anyone finding this machine lacking. pixellation at times in solid patches.

"Diamondalsoprovides the sound via the Monster Sound MX300. Sound quality is excellent.

"Altec Lansing's ACS45.1multimedia speakers are high quality.

Street Price:$3,199 Distributed in Canada by Supercom, the Touch system tested this issue offers a lot in the way of multimedia and storage.

Software: 'Theoperating system isW indows 98. " Lotus Smart Suite Millenium Edition is included.

"The system comes with McAfee's Anti-Virus software.

Components: The 13GB hard drive from Western Digital offers lots of space for multimedia applications and files, with room to grow.

'The 2X speed LS-120 drive offers high-capacity removable storage, while remaining backward-compatible with floppy disks.

A 56Kbps PCI modem from U.S. Robotics is included with this system.

'The Touch machine comes with a Windows keyboard and the Microsoft IntelliMouse.

Expendability: "There are three slots for SDRAM. 'Three full-sized bays are available for expansion.

There is one 3.5-inch bay on the front of the machine, although space is tight.

"The user can install two PCI cards and one ISA card, or one PCI and two ISA (one of the mounting brackets is shared).

Although it looks a bit plain at first sight, the Touch system packs a great multimedia punch, with great audioand video components and a lot of storage space with its 13GB hard drive. Additionally, the brandnew 2X LS-120 removable drive is a good alternative to a floppy drive, Multimedia: "The machine includes a front-loading 6X Pioneer DVD drive and DVD play- allowing faster access to the 120MB back software. DVD video performance is good, although a bit pixellated removable disks, while remaining backward-compatible with floppies. With extra occasionally.

"The Diamond Viper 550 AGP card with 16MB onboard offers great display space for additional components, this system is certainly attractive. quality.

Editors' •

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22 [ CANADIAN COMPUTERWHOLESALER February 1999

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PentiumH350MHz

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Pentium H 450MHz

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512KB

Pe n tium II 450MHz 512KB

Pentium ll 450MHz

512KB 128MB SDRAM

128MB SDRAM

128MB SDRAM

128MBSDRAM

128MB SDRAM

128MBSDRAM

128MB SDRAM

Compaq

Epox Pll 440BX

AsU.S. P28440BX

Hewlett-Packard

AsU.S. P28440BX

AsU.S. P28440BX

AsU.S. P2B440BX

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100MHz

100MHz

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Windows 98

Windows 98

Windows 98

Windows 98

Windows 98

Windows 98

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Western Digital

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IBM DeskStar

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10.1GB

EL 10.2GB

16GP16.8GB

13.0GB Pioneer 6XDVD

TX 12.0GB

Hitachi 2XDVD

Liteon 40XCD

Creative 2XDVD

Hitachi 2X DVD

standard

standard

standard

standard

standard

standard

ATI RagePro

EDNtronic 3DFX

Graphics Blaster

ATI RageProAGP8MB

DiamondViper

Else Erazor II

DiamondViper 550

AGP 4MB

Banshee AGP 16MB

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Fe bruary 1999 CANADIAN COMPUTER WHOLESALER ~23

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Groupware's definition is broadening to include business-to-business collaboration and knowledge management.

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by Antoni etta Palleschi Collaborative computing today is much more than deploying a mail server or a messaging system, it's about a platform that allows an organization to extend collaboration outside to customers and suppliers, and maximize its human capital.

Groupware has traditionally been considered to be software that lets employees collaborate over a company's LAN, WAN and corporate intranet. Now, groupware's definition is broadening to include business-to-business collaboration and knowledge management.

Today's business imperative is not just about infrastructure. It's about setting up shop on the Web, engaging and retaining customers and making sure employees who are in contact with clients have the most current information.

"The Web is opening up new ways of having collaborative computing applications work together. It is making systems cheaper, easier to access and the Web is increasing the functionality of applications," said Dave Marshall, director of Canadian software research with Toronto-based International Data Corp. (Canada) Ltd. The next wave of collaborative computing, once we get past the Y2K crunch, will be about companies using existing resources more efficiently, Marshall said.

S om e

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Micro softExchangeServer5.5, Standard/EnterpriseEditions hnp://www.micmsofi.corn/canada/pmducts/pmdre f/599 ov htm

Vendor: MicrosoftCanadaCo. Feature Highlights: g Microsoft Exchange Server5.5Standard Edition contains: • Exchange5.5server • Outlook97client • MicrosoftMailconnector •MicrosoftExchangeandLotusNotesconnectors •Internetnewsservice •MicrosoftVisualInterDev •MicrosoftExchangechatsewice •Supportfor Internetstandardssuch asSMTP,POP3, IMAP4, LDAP v.3andNNTP • I Exchange Server55 Enterprise Editioncontains: •Unlimitedstorage • X.400 connector • IBM OfficeVislon/VM andSNADSconnectors

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Vendor: LotusDevelopmentCanada

Feature Highlights:

Feature Highlights: Notes Cl R5 ientfeatures include; • New user interface •Headlinespagetotrackupdatestomail,calendar,Websites,

g GroupW)se 5.5contains.

• • Universalmailbox • E-malcapabi l lities •Documentmanagement • Personal calendaring •Rules-basedmessagemanagement •Groupschedulingandtaskmanagement • GroupWisie maging • Conversationplace • • Personaladdressbook • IMAP4 andPOP3 serversupport • MAPIsupport •Java-andHTML3.2-enabledversionofGroupWlseWebAccess • GroupWisW eebPublisher • Multiple language support •GroupWi seagentsandgateways •vCard

Platforms:

Platform:

MicrosoftClusterServersupport in ExchangeServerEnterprise EditionrequiresWindowsNTServer 4,0Enterprise Edition.

ExchangeincludesversionsofOutlook for Win32,Win16and Macintoshplatforms.

GroupWis e5.5providescgentsforWindowsNT4.0,Windows98, Windows 95,Windows3.1,Unix,andMacOS7.1orabove.The serve rsitsonNetWare4.1andabove,UnixandWindowsNT Server4.0.

Pricing: The Standard Edition starts atUSS999,while the Enterprise Edit ionstartsatUS83,549.TheMicrosoftExchangeServer StandardEdition,withfive client accesslicences is USS998.

The MicrosoftExchangeSewer Enterprise Editionwith 25clientaccessgcencesisUSS30 9.

Pricing: Cost ranges fromaUS8718SRPforafive-user licenceto a

24 /

CANADIAN COMPUTER WHOLESALER February 1999

US832,625 SRPfora250-user licence.

andnewsgroups •EnhancedCalendarandSchedulingfeatures • Native supportofInternetstandardMIME,POP3or IMAP)lAP and securityusingSL,S/MIME,andX.509certiyicates Dominofeat R5uresinclude, • Internetmassaginganddirectories • Directorycatalog •Designapplications with CO RDA-standarddistributed objects, Java,orJavaScdipt •Dominoadministrator

Platforms: ThereareNotes clients for Windows9x,WindowsNT4.0,

MacintoshPowerPC7.6andPowerPC8.1.

The serversupportsWindowsNT4.0,AIX, HP.UX, SunSolaris,OS/2,AS/400andS/390.

Pricing: Notes4.6desktop(onelicence) sells for US 892.Notes Designer for Domin4. o6sels for US 8548.

Shlpplng:Scheduledfor the endof 1998.

http g/www. ccwmag. corn

C0LLA80RAI I 0 N I W0 R K GR0U R

. Oves Collaborative Computing Defined Five years ago, collaborative computing was defined as some type of e-mail that drove a simple scheduling application. Today, the definiflon starts at the notion of multifunction groupware and messaging and stretches out to all manner of collaborative computing tasks, such as: corporatewhiteboards, video-conferencing, chat, group scheduling, workflow and document management — across communities as farflung as the Internet's reach.

Ron Cheung, president of Toronto-base EntreVision Inc., an e-commerce solution provider, says messaging is but one aspect of collaborative computing, and in fact, isn't always required in a collaborative solution. "Collaborative computing is any tool that facilitates collaboration and communication," he said, explaining that this includes a wide range of technologies, even tools which don' t utilize the Web at all.

But at its most basic, collaborative computing is technology that is designed to help people work together. "It would be a mistake therefore for organizations to be trying to make long-term deployment decisions based on which e-mail system they feel inclined to deploy," said Nathaniel Palmer, senior analyst with The Delphi Group Inc. in Boston.

According to Palmer, as has happened in the desktop suites arena, there's not enough differentiation between the messaging aspects of the leading products — Lotus Development Corp.'s Notes/Domino Server, Microsoft Corp.'s Exchange Server or N ovell I n c.'s GroupWise — to push objective consideration of the offerings one way or the other. He said as more companies embrace Web-based collaboration and business applications become Web-enabled, collaborative technologies are beginning to be embedded as standard features in all applications. "Anyone who has made a computing purchase in the last 18 months has the infrastructure for collaborative computing. You have groupware in every box today."

Groupware to the Next Level Businesses are taking intranet-based groupware to the next level by collaborating with customers and suppliers over intranets, extranets and the Internet. The payoff: fewer mistakes in project design, data entry and manufacturing; faster agreement on issues; and faster time to market.

"Collaboration in a department or an organization is essential but collaboration across functional boundaries is even more important today than before. Extending that information network outward is becoming more and more important to the competitive nature of companies," Cheung said.

One issue is the vast amount of information found on the Web, and the other is that companies want very sophisticated tools to access the information, he said. "The level and sophistication of the interface is much greater now. Organizations are revamping sites, in order to profile visitors, find out what interests them, and set up systems that will personalize questions and will show visitors certain information based on that query," Cheung said. "So there is much more data out

ai,

essaging

there and more and more businesses want that functionality."

According to Kevin Hunter, sales and product marketing manager for Microsoft Exchange with Microsoft Canada Co., the market-place competition has demanded businesses operate with less inventory and faster turnaround time. "In order to do that you need to get rid of paper-basedprocesses,and you need to automate processes around this supply chain."

Hunter notes that many businesses are achieving this functionality through business-to-business collaboration. Businesses are extending the standard features of groupware — messaging, workflow and document management — to their customers and suppliers via their intranet and extranets.

But businesses aren't necessarily doing business-to-business collaboration as part of standard groupware packages. "Groupware has become fixed in people's minds as Lotus Notes, but it's really for broader collaboration and information sharing," says Adina Levin, a senior consultant at research firm CAP Ventures Inc. in Norwell, Mass.

Think of this broader collaboration in terms of "super-workgroups."

This super-workgroup concept is taking hold in large companies.

Many organizations, for example, want to automate the procurement process over intranet and extranets, says Levin. Extending groupware capabilities to their customers and suppliers, these companies hope to improve purchasing pracnces for both direct resources — materials used in manufacturing — and indirect resources, which include goods and services supporting maintenance, repair and operations.

The Delphi Group's Palmer agrees that collaboration between vendors and customers is important, but he warns the tools that enable extended groupware capabilities aren't quite up to snuff.

"Technologies for business-to-business communications are much more primitive than companies would want them to be," he said.

The technologies may be primitive, but companies are forging ahead with their collaborative efforts using traditional groupware technology, says Ross Chevalier, director of technology with Novell Canada. He said with GroupWise 5.5, users can write a document and through the WebPublisher interface make it available on the Web. 'That's the first step. Since the information store is fully secured by Novell Directory Services, organizations can take collaboration a step further. Businesses can give their customers a unique ID and password and they can access certain information."

Real-Time Collaboration A big part of business-to-business collaboration involves real-time collaboration or instant communication. Lotus's Sametime technology will allow users to communicate instantly with co-workers and work simultaneously on documents or other files. The Sametime products can also be used for on-line meetings and application sharing. Lotus is also providing tools to support the development of third-party applications for Sametime.

"All of our Web-based usage has been about asynchronous communication. We will move in R5 to a concurrent model," said Peter http Jtwww.ccwmag.rom

Fe bruary 1999 CANADIAN COMPUTER WHOLESALER )

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Carrescia, business development manger with Lotus Development Canada. He said the new release of Lotus Notes R5 and Domino R5 include functions that allow users to chat on-line in real time, for example. Distance learning is the main use for the technology now but real-time collaborative software can also be used for project management and remote support, Carrescia noted.

Microsoft also has plans to add support for NetMeeting and NetShow conferencing software in Outlook, said Hunter. The messaging client will also gain features to monitor whether colleagues are online and to exchange peer-to-peer instant messages. In addition, Outlook will include an Application Design Wizard organizations can use to develop customized collaborative applications. Despite the plans, Hunter says real-time technologies are still in the early adoption stage. "At a recent Exchange. Forum, I showcased NetShow and while users think its cool, the technology is still in the pilot or proofof-concept stage and has a way to go before wide adoption," he said.

Novell's Chevalier said there are no present plans to incorporate real-time voice and video into GroupWise because the corporate demand for real-time collaboration just isn't there. itttn, Bandwidth limitations also inhibit the lr wide adoption of real-time collaboration technologies, according to vendors. Other so reasons relate more to corporate culture.

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which, at least in its more rudimentary forms, resembles chat. "Chat has a pretty bad reputation as being a time waster," says Mark Levitt, research director with Framingham, Mass.-based IDC. "But I think it also has the potential of being a productivity enhancer because it gets people to work together. People don't have experience with chat systems, but that might be changing."

Knowledge Management Meets the Web This movement towards synchronous communication will increase the spread of knowledge management through the enterprise, according to Lotus's Carrescia. "Knowledge management is basically the capture of the knowledge of the enterprise and the sharing of that information.

This is something Lotus has been doing for years," he said.

Knowledge management is an emerging discipline and practice.

According to IDC, it offers companies compentive advantages by capitalizing on the intellectual capital located throughout the organization, whether in documentation, entrenched in business processes, or embodied in people's mental maps, skills and habits.

The groupwarevendors adopt broader or narrower definitions, depending on their product line, said Levitt. "Regardless, it is certain that new classes of collaborative intranet applications will arise to support knowledge creation, dissemination and transfer activities."

According to Novell's Chevalier, GroupWise 5.5 currently offers the ability to store and gather information from a corporate or institutional base through the integration of document management. "Once you establish these knowledge stores, you then need to get to the information. That is the biggest challenge going forward for companies once they get past year 2000 — managing their data. And managing that information is the business of knowledge management, which is highly transitory and challenging for businesses on the whole."

Microsoft meanwhile, is working to bolster Windows NT, the SQL Server database, and Exchange Server as foundations for future knowledge management solutions, said Hunter.

But some analysts say knowledge management and collaborative computing aren't the same things. "Knowledge management is not the next evolution in collaborative computing but it may be the next evolution in buzzwords. You' re starting to see that from Lotus and others that avoided the groupware term when they saw it losing its shimmer and then began using collaborative computing. Those same vendors are now starting to talk about knowledge management," Palmer said.

"While it is an application that may involve collaboration and groupware, it is still a separate application." CCJII Antonietta Palleschi is a Toronto-basedjournalist who specializes in high-technology reporting.

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f you hear someone sneaking up behind you, it's probably the taxman; %hat he wants;;,I,,'htl~l>j> ". is no surprise. .:,',g:~E';, Each year at this time, Canadians begin the annual task of collecting their tax infor- "".;,,',,'> mation, as they face the daunting spectre of preparing their annual return. Many people will pass the job on to their accountant or a tax preparation service. But thrum is another choice —.,::,",:.',:i,',.'-;.',",,"< $'.,..'; to use tax preparation software. It makes the process less time-consuming and more accurate, :,'...",'jv and removessome of the mystery from the whole process ofpreparing your return.And dare, .',;I'(('<l;, I say, it may even be more fun! ,-:'Ii'" j Although this article deals with several leading packages, it's only a selection; there are literally hundreds of packages available. And note: the firms designing tax software work within very narrow time windows, between updating the software to reflect tax changes, getting the package approved by Revenue Canada and sending it out the door before people ~t their T-4 slips. Therefore, the following discussion is based on the headstart versions of the software — there may be slight differences in the final versions.

1st:.general, all of the software reviewed delivers on the promise of simplifying the 'process of'preparing a tax return.Allofthe packages offer good value, provide comprehen': .'>i',,'. w': .-' , sive, taX irxformation and planning tools for about the same amount as tax preparers charge for oneji~ ~ ,-.( T his software could be used by multiple family members.) p-:: Tfie'.p also provide built-in help and tax tips and have a diagnostic routine to veri ' .there. rue no major errors or missing information. Given that most of the packages deliver " ' ",'~ ~ Con =,' the choice of a package is largely dependent on personal taste. For this 'n;"this"review will not rate the packages, but will highlight key features and benefits.

"-.'~;:;- "=';: - .;-"<':. ':::,8&' Many people choose tax preparation software because they are not comfortable with '~ ~ s~ d w n nrt some help. All of the packages offer a "guided tour" approach, to 4 t j ~ 5kuuegh":t6esteps of preparing their retuin. Several of the packages use multi' ' nt~ e p ntent to assist the user, others just provide a path to follow through the forms and ~y e h e lp. @e, multimedia approach does add some jazz to the process, "rn"DI re'ha'rd drive space and m ore computing power; Some provide advice ,

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firth tax e'xperts. But for users who are comfortable with the tax rules and prefer to attack their ':.' u w~, the packages also allow for that flexibility. " es now offer the ability to download software directly, while still pro'' vs''g boxed:~ n s . The Internet also allows for easy bug fixes. This method of distribution ~ also.'e@cpur~ the.flms to keep the size of the executable file to a minimum, so users aren' t dQwn16aEL..=: ~ "-"=,=-:,—,.~ - =-~ -.-= '4 ~ ~ , tax s oftware has included increased planning capabilities. That means prod@ units,@e u~ t h roughout the year. The packages typically provide a Registered Retirement '-plinner-te calculate the fax beneflts of varlo'us contribution levels and esti. Some of the planners can also optimize RRSP contributions between a 1 '® h the e f f ect of income splitting using a spousal contribution. For the tru y - "

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I NCOM E T A X A PP L I C A T I O N S

statistic-hungry user, CanTax will predict total lifetime income and the amount of tax to be paid. (This can get somewhat depressing!)

No discussion of tax software would be complete without at least a mentionof the e-file program run by Revenue Canada. The leading packages (QuickTax, Can Tax and Home Tax) all can generate the files required to electronically file your tax return. Unfortunately, Revenue Canada still requires that you use a middle party for the actual transmission. However, the software firms do provide facilities for the e-filing service themselves (either under contract or directly). In addition, all of the packages offer professional versions for tax preparers, which allow personal users to have a local provider file their return. The cost of theservice varies from $4.95 up to $50.

E-filing a return means the information is directly entered into the Revenue Canada computers and therefore reduces the time to process a refund. If a refund is sizable, a reduction of between one to three weeks in processing a refund can offset the purchase cost.However if the user either owes money or has a relatively small refund, e-filing is less appealing. Last tax season, Revenue Canada ran a pilot project in the Maritimes where taxpayers could file their returns using a touchtone phone, providing the speed of e-filing without the cost of the service bureau. The trial was apparently successful, so we might expect this service to be rolled-out nationwide.

Some packages, alphabetically:

CanTax 7-1 98 ~I ~ Thi s i s the granddaddy of tax software packages and in past years that often showed! But last year the package was

revamped and is now far more visually appealing — although the developers do persist in using Courier 8 to display some information, which is harder to read. I was impressed with the business income section where the information was collected using a simple template, rather than the more complex tax schedule. CanTax also includes a very extensive library of help files and advice (including Revenue Canada documents). One important note, due to tax reform in Q uebec, Can Tax cannot produce a Quebec income taxreturn.

Can Tax forgoes multimedia content, relying on its extensive text library of help and tax tips (from tax author Evelyn Jacks). This package is sold through resellers and directly, either in box form or electronically (a 1.3MB executable).

I I'Ahorr ' 'Bt eNtur cerot Cost: $36.95

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http: //www.cantax.corn

Home Tax

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HomeTax comes in both 16- and 32-bit versions. .= The 32-bit version has enhanced graphics and is a full multimedia product, including tutorials on how to use the program and video tax tips. This gggggg®' year, look for greatly improved planning tools, in particular the "Your RRSPs in Action" module to optimize RSP contributionsand retirement income, and a planning tool for Quebec residents to determine whether they should be using the General or Simplified return. The package has beefed up the tax tip section, including tips from commentator Brian Costello and context-sensitive tax information.

Cost: $29.95 http: //www interlog.corn/-hometax/

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QuickTax

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This package comes in a Deluxe and a Basic version. The Deluxe version adds multimedia features and some additional planning features. Quickn~~ O Tax is from Intuit, (the maker of erI Quicken), so it is able to import tax data directly from Quicken. QuickTax still provides one of the most visually appealing user interfaces, with easy-to-read screens and a simple icon-bar.

There is also a nice graphic summary displayed, which shows the effect of each item the user enters on the form. It adds a sort of race-like nature to entering your return — how low will it go?

Intuit also offers good on-line tax advice, in the software, and also at the Web site.

Cost: Basic — $34.95 Deluxe — $39.95 http: //www.quicken.ca

Tax Wiz

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This package is only available by electronic delivery, with a download of 639KB. It's very easytouse and hasa good layout on the screen.

The "guided tour" was very well implemented. Although it follows the general layout of the tax return, this package seemed to follow a more logical pattern than some of the others. I also liked the simple icon bar and menus — they provided easy accessto any partofthe program.

Cost: $26 http: //www.taxstuff.corn [CCW

February 1999

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httpJtwww.ccwmag.corn

John Newcombe is an accountant and information technology consultant with a background in taxfor smalland home-based business. He can be reached by e-mail at pj n Cmneware. corn.

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Software to Grow On ATI has announced three new graphics boards for the Apple Macintosh market, using the Rage 128 graphics acceleratorchip.ATIsays these products "demonstrate ATI's ongoing commitment to the Mac market."

The new products include: the Xclaim VR 128 multifunctional 128-bit accelerator (priced at $349, including the TV-tuner); ATI'S Rage Orion aimed at the Mac power gamer, priced at $299; and the Nexus 128, priced at $459 — a 128-bit graphics card meant to deliver professional 2D and 3D performance "at a mainstream price." Seehttp.//www.atitech.corn.

Strategic Connections lnc., of Richmond Hill, Ont., says its Napoleon Workstation Elite and N apoleon Workstation EIS applications will help small businesses grow.

The products include tools to enhance business management.According to the company, Napoleon Workstation EIS, with 150 built-in management reports and grading methodology, lets an entrepreneur see where the business is profitable, from a product, customer, category, or sales rep point of view. The software works behind the scenes to draw data from the business's accounting and inventory management systems and turn that data into information. Connectors for AccPac, Great Plains Dynamics, Business Vision and Visual Account Mate are available.

Workstation Elite includes functions within Workstation EIS, plus marketing and sales management. The Marketing Console lets the entrepreneur create, support and measure marketing initiatives. The software also provides funnel management of sales opportunities. Through its Outlook Connector, itcan pass sales opportunitiesthrough the Internet to any sales rep's desktop or mobile computer.

The Napoleon Workstation EIS and the Workstation Elite are priced at $3,000 and $5,000 respectively. See htrp//wwwstrat-con.corn.

Intel ships New Xeon Processor Intel Corp. has announced 450MHz a dditIons to i t s Pentium II Xeon processor family.

The new processors include 512KB, 1MB and 2MB of Level-2 cache, and are intended to support servers and workstations using four or more processors.

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In 1,000-unit quantities, the 450MHz Pentium II Xeon processor with 512KB of Level-2 cache costs $824. With 1MB of Level-2 cache, it costs $1,980, and with 2MB ofLevel2 cache, costs $3,692.See http//www.Intel.corn. CCW

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Our Question to You: Bill C32, instituted on Jan. 1, may dramatically increase the costs of CD-recordable media as it requires a tax of up to 50 cents per 15 minutes of digital recording time on blank CDs.See htrp//wwwtcp.ca/gsb/reviews/storage/cdr-Q199html.

With the proposed levy potentially adding $2.50 to the price of blank CD media, how would this impact the CD-R market?

This levy would have little effect on sales.

This levy would slow sales, but the media would persevere.

The market wo uld abandon the media and move to CD-RW. The market would abandon CD technology altogether and move to other removable storage options.

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