DEC yesterday also extended the scope of its integration programme for MS-DOS micros with a new release of its Personal Computer System Architecture, PCSA, software, and, as previously noted (CI No 1035), has put its weight behind Microsoft Corp’s OS/2 LAN Manager. Release 2.1 of PCSA includes an enhanced version of VAX/VMS Services for MS-DOS, which now includes support for the IBM Micro Channel Architecture, allowing PS/2 Models 50, 60 and 80 to be transparently integrated within a DECnet network. And the new release also includes an entry-level PC LAN server based on the MicroVAX 2000 hardware, for the integration of local area networks of personal computers within a VAX network: it is suitable for local nets of between eight 8 and 30 users. The new local net supports electronic mail, broadcast and print services, and installation and security features, and supported applications include Lotus 123, dBase III and WordPerfect. Based on Ethernet, MS-Net, NetBIOS and Open System Interconnection standards, the product costs UKP12,600 – half the price of a normal MicroVAX 2000, but the company justifies that by saying it has changed the ROM so the thing can support only two users – and is available immediately. DEC says it now has a team of 400 working in the US on its personal computer integration programme, and plans to be the market leader in this field by mid-1989: additions to the LAN Server will allow integration of both MS-DOS and Apple Macintosh personal computers in the future. DEC will support OS/2-based systems in future, and is finalising discussions with Microsoft on the OS/2 LAN Manager technology.
