The Sarde System                 document storage/WORM drives
Document Storage System Uses WORM Drives
 
Microbytes Daily News Service
Copyright (c) 1989, McGraw-Hill, Inc.
Sarde offers a system that combines safe, long-term storage of
very large document libraries with the ability to rapidly locate
and access any document in the collection -- even over
intercontinental distances.
 
The Sarde system can store up to 5 million pages, depending on
the configuration. Linking the system to databases makes it
simple to display, manipulate, or print your document at any
station connected to the central server, either by a LAN or by
high-speed (56,000 bps) public networks, such as Transcom
International and the AT&T Accunet 56. At this speed, you can
transmit a letter-size page over any distance in under 6 seconds,
according to the company.
 
You input paper documents via a 300-dpi digitizing scanner using
standard Group 3 and Group 4 fax compression methods.
Alternatively, you can send documents that are already in digital
form directly to a WORM (write once, read many times) optical
disk drive for storage. In either case, the system stores the
documents as pure images; there is no distinction between
graphics and text.
 
The Sarde system can handle up to five WORM drives through direct
access, or it can work through a jukebox that manages up to 131
disks on four drives.
 
Once your document is on an optical disk, a management unit links
it to various databases. By querying the databases, you can
easily and rapidly locate the document and transmit it to your
workstation. You can select a workstation that meets your
specific needs, but the company recommends an 80386 machine with
at least 2 megabytes of RAM, DOS 3.31, and a 40-megabyte
hard-disk drive.
 
Once the document reaches your workstation, you can view it on
a high-definition monitor (1660- by 1220-pixel resolution
recommended), print it (preferably on a laser printer), or
manipulate it.
 
A complete configuration includes software, a CPU, a scanner, a
printer, an optical disk drive, and one optical disk.
 
Price: 400,000 French francs.
 
Contact: Sarde S.A., 2, rue Maurice Hartmann, 92130 Issy Les
Moulineaux, France, 33-47-36-70-70.
 
                              --- Martha Hicks
 
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