cptcam@amsaa.arpa (02/23/86)
I have been given the task of planning a proposal to establish a LAN of micros for my office of 20 analysts. We currently use 7 dumb terminals on a hard wire to a VAX/UNIX system. We also have a dedicated word processor and 4 printers of various quality. I envision a system that permits us to keep as much as possible of the current system and maintain selective interaction with the micro based network. In other words, both micro based and mainframe based usage for all terminals, sharing of printers, interaction with the word processor... Questions? 1. Can I avoid using a consultant? 2. Is it possible to consider integrating the dumb terminals? 3. Is it possible to integrate the word processor? 4. What hardware, aside from the computers, hard drive backup, additional printers and monitors is required in a LAN? Parameters: 1. Ratio of terminals to analysts is to be 1/2. 2. Ratio of printers to analysts is to be 1/4 (DQP mostly). 3. Graphics, statistics, spreadsheet, database, project management, word processing, mathematic modeling, and CAD are the common interactive applications we perform. 4. 1st brainstorm says use 1 PC/AT, 3 PC/XT, 6 PC, 7 existing dumb terminals, 4 existing printers plus 3 new printers, hard drives in the AT and XTs. 5. Cost is not a limit yet. What I need is some good opinions, experiences, and a better feel for the technology involved. Please refrain from brand name references as we will shop later based on what we learn. Thanks to all who can help. <cptcam>