dwn@swbatl.UUCP (4007) (12/16/89)
I'm soliciting suggestions on how to solve the following problems: 1 Have 5 PC-XT's, 8 MAC's (IIx's and IIcx's) that need to be able to share data as smoothly as possible, from several applications such as spreadsheets and word processors. 2 Need to implement something(s) that will provide this group of users with data from VAX-VMS running ALL-IN-1, IBM 3090's on VM, several Unix systems, (from different applications on each), and possibly other as yet unknown system/appl's. Probably want SNA/VTAM access with an API for the VM stuff? 3 Probably need to process the data collected from said applications into a "least common denominator" format, or into a dbmgr that both the PC's and MAC's can use. Some data will arrive as formatted by the DB report generator (FOCUS, INFORMIX, DATATRIEVE, etc.), other data will be formatted for printing. 4 Provide backup for the PC's and MAC's across whatever network is implemented. 5 Provide spooling & printing services to Laserwriters, line printers, plotters, etc. from the MAC's and PC's, so as to "share" all such devices. 6 Provide "pooled" modem service and access to an existing Ethernet WAN running XNS and TCP/IP. I would prefer to provide networking, data processing, spooling and printing, etc. from a Unix system of some sort. Item 3 will have to be done monthly for 20 or so reports, and I only know how to set this up for automatic processing in a Unix environment. Oh yeah, the MAC users want (have seen) the kind of network where their "remote" disk pops up on the screen like an extra local drive, and has a complete MAC interface as far as folder (directory) and file display is concerned. Also, it seems likely that, if any system meets all these needs, the number of work-stations supported will increase (double/triple). I know some of this software has to reside on the PC/MAC, but it must have something on the other end, also... does any TCP/IP product provide a MAC "look" to MAC's, and a "D" or "E" drive to the DOS folks? All suggestions so far have involved a server running Novell Netware, or some such, and a Unix box for the rest. Can all this be put together on a Unix box, and not mess with another OS? Unix, file server, application server, net-bridge... can I do all this on one system? E-mail, and I'll be happy to summarize. Post and I'll be happy to read. Respond, I'll be happy. -- name & address (this account) -> uunet!swbatl!dwn OR dwn@swbatl.swbt.com David Neill office -> 405-278-4007 -> uunet!swbatl!oktext!mktco Mgr - Mktg.(SWBTCo) home -> 405-749-1141 -> uunet!swbatl!oktext!frodo!david