MRIDLEY@HSCvax.McMaster.CA (02/05/90)
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
I'm interested in discovering if anyone has experimented with a
product called V-Server from Virtual Microsystems. V-Server is a
DECnet box which links to a VAX and allows any connected VT
terminal or PC to run PC software.
Essentially the V-Server is 4 PC/ATs in a box.
The implementation I would have is to string some CD-ROM drives
off of each of these 4 PC/ATs and provide remote access to the
databases using our Ethernet (TCP/IP). Its not exactly multi-user
since each user gets his/her own PC/AT and copy of the database
but it does allow 4 simultaneous connections. It is possible to
add up to 100 V-Servers per network.
I've tried the CD-NET solution. The problem is twofold:
1) we use 3Com's 3+ LAN software; the ultimate RAM pig (104K
worth of drivers). By the time I loaded everything I needed
I had only 434K of usable RAM. To implement CD-NET with 3+
would require workstations with add on memory (Above Board,
etc.); a costly and limiting proposition.
2) the hospital which we serve and which is linked to our
Ethernet does not use PCs as staff workstations. They
strictly use VT100/220s. A micro LAN based solution makes it
difficult for them to access the resource.
The V-Server solution is nice because it offers widespread access
and, presumably, superior performance. The downside is, of
course, the need to replicate the hardware and database for each
simultaneous user.
Any experiences or comments???
Mike Ridley
Systems and Technical Services
Health Sciences Library
McMaster University
(mridley@mcmaster)