From the networking point of view, Microsoft Corp’s new Windows NT is described as a superset of Windows 3.1 for Workgroups, extending networking abilities up to high-end client-server environments. The Advanced Server version of the operating system is designed for central management of complex networks, with support for LAN Manager, Digital Equipment Corp Pathworks, Novell Inc NetWare, Banyan Systems Inc Vines, Unix and SNA environments. It includes centralised security with a single log-on, and has a series of graphical tools to manage user accounts, monitor and diagnose performance, handle tape back-up and provide anti-virus protection. It includes a Remote Access service for remote users and can support Apple Computer Inc Mac clients transparently. Microsoft SQL Server for Windows NT is a 32-bit version of the company’s SQL Server. It has 2Gb of address space and over 1Tb of storage.
SQL Server
It interoperates with Microsoft SQL Server for OS/2 as well as Sybase Inc SQL Server for Unix and VMS, and supports applications written to the Open Data Base Connectivity application interface. SNA Server for Windows NT provides SNA support between local networks and IBM host systems, and supports multiple concurrent SDLC, X25, DFT and 802.2 connections. It provides open support for 3270 and 5250 terminal emulators for Windows, Windows NT, MS-DOS and OS/2 desktops, and supports SNA applications through the APPC, CP-I, CSV and LUA application programming interfaces for each desktop environment. Microsoft boasts it could take as little as a year for Windows NT to surpass other established high-end systems as the platform of choice for corporate networking and high-end business applications. The company’s declared goal is to deliver 1m copies in the first year; at the launch, Gates asserted that most NT sales would come from people upgrading existing Windows machines. The SQL Server for Windows NT starts at UKP800 for a single-user licence, rising to UKP12,000 for 1,000 users. SNA Server for Windows NT for 20 users starts at UKP2,000 and rises to UKP4,800 for 250 users. OEM customers are expected to get the software at up to 80% off list, depending on volume.
