3Com Corp, San Jose, California has announced two software products that enable personal computers to connect directly with Open Systems Interconnection host systems. 3Com claims that its OSI/ES with Demand Protocol Architecture and OSI InternetBIOS are the first FTAM/VTP/NetBIOS products for personal computers. OSI/ES is compatible with Novell Inc’s NetWare and Microsoft Corp’s LAN Manager and the software provides a tool to upgrade personal computer workgroups for operation in personal computer-to-host networks, increasing the number of functions that can be performed from the desktop. OSI/ES costs $650 for a single user licence, $2,500 for a 10-user licence, and $5,000 for a 30-user licence. OSI/ES InternetBIOS products cost $1,300 for a server licence. Shipments will begin next month.
