dave@soph.UUCP (Dave Brownell) (01/24/85)
Two weeks ago I posted a query about products allowing IBM hosts to
connect to an Ethernet, in particular with channel connect hardware.
I got a lot of responses, so I'm posting this edited summary, even
though haven't had the time to talk with any of these companies yet.
Thanks to the many who responded to my query.
Dave Brownell
EnMasse Computer Corporation
enmasse!dave@Harvard.ARPA
{genrad,harvard}!enmasse!dave
----------------------------------------------
Summary:
There are four companies providing hardware, and two of them
provide networking software to go with it. Software for the other
two companies exists, but nobody reported direct marketing
arrangements.
The software is mostly TCP, and VM/CMS is the preferred environment.
One MVS implementation is here now, one is promised, and an XNS
implementation is also on the way.
Companies:
IBM --
Provides a DACU ("Device Attachment Control Unit"),
a channel interface to a 4-slot UNIBUS controlled by
an IBM PC. Interlan and 3Com controllers have been
mentioned.
WISCNET network software (from University of Wisconsin)
runs with the DACU on VM/CMS (?? also just VM ??);
supports TCP on Ethernet. Throughput is according to one
source 'not great', but the code seems reliable. It also
runs on other hardware: X.25 using a series 1, and ProNet.
FTP and TELNET are provided.
ACC; Washington, DC --
Provides channel hardware and controller for some standard 68K
configuration.
TCP code written by UCLA is available either from ACC (?) or from
Network Solutions. IBM is reputedly considering an OEM
agreement if 2Mb/s FTP throughput is achieved; this runs
on MVS.
Auscom; Austin, Texas --
Provides a channel interface to a QBUS, but do not provide
Ethernet hardware or software.
"Internet" provides TCP/IP (?) to run on this.
Spartacus; Bedford, MA --
Provides a channel connect (3 Mb/s) and TCP/IP to run under
CMS. Their software connects IBM PCs as 3270 family
terminals.
Promise MVS and XNS support in that order, to be available
early 3Q 85.
Several people mentioned actually using IBM's DACU to talk with
a number of Vaxen and Suns. It seems that a number of people like
the look the Spartacus product, though nobody has seen it yet.
There are a few university sites now running Auscom's product, and
ACC is said to be delivering first product in February.
--
Dave Brownell
EnMasse Computer Corporation
enmasse!dave@Harvard.ARPA
{genrad,harvard}!enmasse!dave