[comp.sys.mac] appletalk to tcp/decnet

maa@ssc-vax.UUCP (Mark A Allyn) (06/13/90)

I have a requirement where I have a mac, a postscript printer, and
a VAX running VMS with DECNET.

For security reasons, I cannot have a hard disk drive in the mac. I need
to have the VAX serve as a file server for the mac; to all appearences to
the user and the applications running on the mac, the files should appear
as if they are on a local disk where in fact they are on the VAX.

In addition, the mac will have a postscript laser printed connected to 
it on its Appletalk. The users on the VAX (other than those on the mac
itself) must be able to send files to the post script printer in the same
manner as if the printer was local to the VAX; ie; using the sys$print
utility. Idealy, the process of the mac and its network interface would
handle remote prints without any affect on the mac's user.

I relyze there are two ways of doing this; 

1. Buy a piece of software to allow the VAX to 'talk' tcp/ip and get
   a 'Gator box' or some other widget for the mac so that it can
   'talk' tcp/ip over the ethernet.

2. Buy a piece of hardware/software whatever for the mac so that it can
   'talk' decnet over the ethernet.

My questions are:

1. What is the best way (DECNET or TCP/IP) to do this and why
2. What products are available for the mac for both decnet and
   tcp/ip; I need names and contacts.

Please email or phone me. Thanks!

Mark Allyn
Boeing Co. Mail Stop 8Y-03
PO Box 3777
Seattle Wa 98124
206-773-8981
uw-beaver!ssc-vax!ssc-bee!maa