barryf@aix01.aix.rpi.edu (Barry B. Floyd) (03/20/91)
Given my operating environment I hope to successfully implement an "NFS" based file sharing system, where the server is not located within our office LAN but as an aspect of our distributed NFS file system (distributed over our campus broadband TCP/IP network on many nodes). My local operating environment entails compatiblity with MS Win 3.0 enhanced mode. We use many of the major applications, sometimes in concert, under Win 3.0 on Zenith '386 AT class computers. Many years ago we purchased Excelan's LAN WorkPlace for DOS, with its TCP/IP, NETBIOS, and Socket Library modules. Novell recently released an upgrade to this product line, after purchasing Excelan a couple years ago. They announced (and pictured) Win 3.0 applictions which perform FTP functions (File Express and Serving FTP); Telnet functions; and inherent support for NFS, X Windows, SQL Database services, etc. The latter functions are "supported" to the extent that they provide TCP/IP support. I have read an article (in the NetWare Users Group newsletter - Netware Connection) describing support for NFS (and OS/2 HPFS) through Novell v3.11. You must purchase v3.11 simply to obtain NFS services, and this only as a server not as a client (i.e. no mention of Novell nodes accessing Unix NFS servers on our campus TCP/IP network). This product seems to be targeted at Unix users who may care to store files on Novell servers, along side DOS files and OS/2 HPFS files. I, and apparently many others, are in a similar predicament looking for "the" solution. I require a native Win 3.0 "network drive manager" application which simply requires TCP/IP (and/or NDIS) network adapter drivers to access dozens (hundreds) of Unix NFS servers. Ideally, this service would function along side FTP and TELNET application(s) using the same driver(s) and adapter. Ideally this level NFS of support should be found in Win 3.0 File Manager, but is not. Several products seem to meet these needs. Plowing through the "noise" (of late) I am to understand that Sun's PC-NFS works, with some reservations as to how well it works with ftp and TELNET applications. B&W offers an NFS implementation, though I do not recall reading how well it behaves with any of the TCP/IP app's. I don't recall if FTP Software offers an NFS implementation, though I do recall many happy customers with respect to their ftp and TELNET applications. Some people have had complaints about WinQVT Net v1.x (I am now using WinQVT 4.5x), mainly installation and configuration. I would be interested in seeing comments on the product, from those hurdling initial problems (especially with respect to working with an NFS implementation). Does it support ftp and TELNET? Any chance of QPC Software releasing an NFS implementation? I hope this clarifies my intent in participating in the discussion. I made an initial attempt to lay to rest the "deficiencies" subject line, I hope this second attempt sticks. Here is a sample rating chart which might assist in our endeavors: Product Name and Company Drivers Satisfaction Rating and product version # Required used w/:ftp telnet ---------------------------------------------------------------------+ B&W NFS | | | | (phone: ) comments: Sun PC-NFS | | | | (phone: ) comments: Novell v3.11 w/NFS | | | | (phone: (800) 346-7177) comments: Novell LAN WorkPlace | | | | (phone: (800) 346-7177) comments: does not deliver a, native TCP/IP, NFS client product. FTP NFS? | | | | comments: ---------------------------------------------------------------------+ Comments might focus on use of DOS windows within Win 3.0; ease of configuration given hands-on experience; things to watch out for; etc. Drivers needed might include Clarkeson PKT drivers; NDIS drivers; proprietary drivers; etc. Satisfaction rating based on compatibility with other ftp and Telnet services running in concert, such as: Crashes, Works, No Problems, Some Problems, etc. State version numbers and list phone numbers when available. Version numbers are required, so that we know which products we are comparing. barry -- +--------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Barry B. Floyd \\\ barry_floyd@mts.rpi.edu | | Manager Information Systems - HR \\\ usere9w9@rpitsmts | +-Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute--------------------troy, ny 12180-+
beame@maccs.dcss.mcmaster.ca (Carl Beame) (03/22/91)
In article <BK-=R#D@rpi.edu> barryf@aix01.aix.rpi.edu (Barry B. Floyd) writes: >Many years ago we purchased Excelan's LAN WorkPlace for DOS, with its >TCP/IP, NETBIOS, and Socket Library modules. Novell recently released >an upgrade to this product line, after purchasing Excelan a couple years >ago. They announced (and pictured) Win 3.0 applictions which perform >FTP functions (File Express and Serving FTP); Telnet functions; and >inherent support for NFS, X Windows, SQL Database services, etc. > > >I, and apparently many others, are in a similar predicament looking for >"the" solution. I require a native Win 3.0 "network drive manager" >application which simply requires TCP/IP (and/or NDIS) network adapter >drivers to access dozens (hundreds) of Unix NFS servers. Ideally, this >service would function along side FTP and TELNET application(s) using >the same driver(s) and adapter. Ideally this level NFS of support should be >found in Win 3.0 File Manager, but is not. > >Several products seem to meet these needs. Plowing through the "noise" >(of late) I am to understand that Sun's PC-NFS works, with some reservations >as to how well it works with ftp and TELNET applications. B&W offers an >NFS implementation, though I do not recall reading how well it behaves >barry > > >-- >+--------------------------------------------------------------------+ >| Barry B. Floyd \\\ barry_floyd@mts.rpi.edu | >| Manager Information Systems - HR \\\ usere9w9@rpitsmts | >+-Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute--------------------troy, ny 12180-+ Beame & Whiteside Software Ltd (416) 648-6556 has three products which MIGHT solve your problem. I beleive that FTP and SUN also have one of the three. 1) BWNFS/EXCELAN - An NFS client for LWP (Lan WorkPlace for DOS) V 3.4-3.5 2) BWNFS/LWP - An NFS client for LWP V4.0 3) BWNFS/BWTEL - An NFS client for NDIS drivers (EXOS2x5 driver is available) SUN and FTP Software have #3 as well. - Carl Beame Beame & Whiteside Software Ltd.