S3 Unveils IBM-Based Board

DUBLIN -- Silicon & Software Systems (S3) today announced a low-cost Application Reference Board for Network Processing applications. The PCI plug-in Application Reference Board is based on the IBM PowerNPTM NP4GS3 Network Processor. The board, with its associated development support, enables Network Equipment Providers to rapidly develop advanced Network Processor (NP) applications utilizing the benefits of the IBM PowerNPTM NP4GS3 device and S3's in-depth network processing systems knowledge. The PCI based form factor of the board offers users a choice of development environment based on either an industry standard PC or any other PCI based system. S3 and IBM Microelectronics have cooperated closely to create this comprehensive development environment, which also includes technical support offerings from S3 as part of the package. In addition, the board can readily be customized by S3 for volume production, offering customers a fast route to market for IBM PowerNPTM based systems. S3 has also announced today a series of Vertical Reference Applications (VRAs) for use with this Application Reference Board. These customizable applications address Server Load balancing Switches and Provider Edge MPLS VPN routers. S3 will complement these offerings with a range of consultancy and implementation services via its recently established Network Processing Solutions Center. Bernard Neeson, S3's VP Sales & Business Development said "The S3 Application Reference Board addresses a critical need in the expanding NP market. It provides an advanced, low-cost development environment making it feasible for development engineers to each have their own dedicated NP-based workstation. Working closely with IBM, S3 have created this innovative enabling technology by leveraging our Network Processing Systems knowledge, our unique combination of in-house design capabilities and our customizable IP." Silicon & Software Systems IBM Corp.