Trouble in fault-tolerant paradise?
IBM cuts US tags on the new Stratus System 88sOne wonders why IBM has made significant price cuts on the System 88 4576 fault-tolerant processors, sourced from Stratus Computer Inc when the things were announced a mere three months ago (CI No 1,405). The cuts apply to the US only, and IBM UK says that the although the market is restricted largely to banks, the 4576 is still a strategic product. As from July 3, the 4576 number 1591 with 8Mb of memory costs $21,000, down from $33,570. The 1592 with 16Mb, and 1593 with 32Mb are $42,000 and $84,000 respectively, reduced from $67,150 and $134,500. Conversion from the 1591 to 1592 is $21,000, formerly $33,580. The 1592 to 1593 is $63,000, down from $86,830, and the 1591 to 1593 is $73,500, reduced from $108,150.
Linkway 2.00 version of the object- oriented development language
LinkWay Version 2.00 is an application development language that enables users to create, present and modify applications containing text, pictures, video images and sound. Version 1 was launched in the UK last July (CI No 1,214), and IBM says that this version has VGA graphics, an enhanced paint program, improved text editors and a full function script language. It is available either as a single or local area network package from August 3 in the US. The script language enables users to express functions with a subroutine capability and provides a user interface. A new type of text button, the reference button, enables users to navigate through a hypertext space, and the paint program produces pictures without using additional tools. Memory requirements for objects have been reduced, and provisions are made for the use of extended memory. The mouse-based point and shoot interface is said to make production of new applications easier, and the subroutine facility enables application designers to share functions. Version 2.00 is upward-compatible from LinkWay 1.00 and 1.01. Version 2.00 contains conversion routines that exchange images with Storyboard Plus and can increase the library of pictures and scanned images available. LinkWay Version 2.00 operates with the following configurations. PS/2 models require 512Kb memory, a PS/2 mouse, one disk drive plus an additional disk drive, and IBM recommends a fixed disk or local area network connection along with additional 128Kb memory. The Personal Computer, Portable Personal Computer, and XT or AT require 512Kb memory, a Microsoft mouse or compatible, graphic display, and two disk drives or a fixed disk or a local area network connection. Again, a fixed disk or local area network connection along with an additional 128Kb memory are recommended. The PC Convertible needs 512Kb memory, a Microsoft mouse or compatible, and a colour display. A single Linkway pack contains a Program License Agreement, and two 3.5 1Mb disks, and can only be used on one machine at any one time. The Local Area Network Pack has the same contents as the Single Pack, and it may used on up to 50 machines concurrently under the control of a local area network program. However, Local Area Network Pack licences are available only to customers with an Educational Allowance Amendment in effect. The Linkway Single Pack costs $140 and the Local Area Network Package is $980. Upgrades are $70 and $250 respectively.
Automated Operations Control for MVS
Automated Operations Control/MVS – AOC/MVS – is a systems management product for automating console operator functions. A NetView application, it supports single and multisystem MVS environments and replaces the ACO SolutionPac. Functions include automated responses for console messages, policy implementation and management, operator usability dialogues, a real-time data store for automation information, and interfaces for installation developed procedures. It provides drop-in procedures, full screen menus, has AOC/MVS panels and uses Interactive System Productivity Facility. AOC/MVS procedures manage MVS, JES, TSO, VTAM, and Resource Measurement Facility. The procedures can start, recover, monitor/restart
and shutdown other subsystems. Message Automation procedures can be invoked when specified messages occur and AOC/MVS will automatically invoke installation recovery procedures. It provides support for SYSLOG, LOGREC, SMF and MVS Dump data sets. AOC/MVS will inquire about the status of Buffers, JES2 spool and JES3 spool. When an installation defined threshold is reached, recovery actions are automatically executed. Other services that provide support for AOC/MVS automation and installation procedures include Automation Control File, Automation Status File, and Automation Timer Support. AOC/MVS controls the initialisation, start, recovery and shutdown, and restart of resources, and it controls automation for the focal point and monitors the status of each remote system using the Status Display Facility. AOC/MVS runs as an application under NetView Version 1 Release 3. Costs range between $10,800 for group 18 and $84,000 for group 60. The Distributed System Licence Option starts at $8,100 and rises to $63,000. Basic monthly licences are from $225 to $1,750, and the distributed option ranges between $168 and $1,312. It will be available in the US on February 15, 1991.
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Data Collection on 7525S, 7527S
The Data Collection Edition family of Data Collection Programs is a general purpose system for collecting data using the 7525 and 7527 data collection terminals. The three data collection licensed programs that have been modified are Data Collector Version 1.1, 5250 and Mapics Data Services Version 1.1, and 3270 and Copics Data Services Version 1.1. IBM says that they have been enhanced with the addition of a more user-friendly touch screen interface and a choice of file editors. Network growth is possible through an increased number of defined transaction file types and Mapics/DB templates, and Data verification at the Data Collector Controller is provided. Version 1.1 became available on June 29.
