L M Ericsson Telefon AB is attempting to enhance its profile in wide area data communications with the launch of the NM400 network management system for large corporate data networks (CI No 1,185). Also as part of the move, Ericsson is in the process of increasing its data networking marketing staff in 11 European countries. The Swedish firm sold its Z division, which specialised in terminals and personal computers, to Nokia in April 1988 as part of its efforts to concentrate on core communications businesses; Ericsson had bought the unit with Datasaab in 1981, but admits to major problems with the computer venture: it says that resources previously reserved for the computer division will now be diverted to data communications. The NM400, dubbed The Organizer, will be sold as part of the company’s Eripax X25 packet-switching networks, but may be made available as a stand-alone system in the future; it provides management of configuration, performance and security as well as support functions: the company sees the system’s major strengths in its operator interface and log functions. Ericsson promises that The Organizer will support other vendors’ networking products in the future, and address the management of voice and multiplexer networks, through interfaces with its MD110 and related switching systems; it also says the network management system will adhere to OSI/Network Management Forum specifications as they develop. The NM400 uses a VAXStation 2000 from DEC and a terminal emulator to enable users to enter the IBM NetView environment. Through an OEM agreement with Canada’s Eicon Technology Corp, it will have X25 gateways for IBM personal computers in the third quarter of 1989; further gateways will be introduced including products for Novell NetWare networks, TCP/IP local area networks, PS/2s and OS/2 machines. Most installations of the Eripax X25 system are in stock exchanges, government departments and public utilities.
