IBM Corp this week stepped up its campaign to have the mainframe regarded as a giant server by adding LAN File Services/ESA and release 2.1 of LAN Resource Extension and Services for VM and MVS. LAN File Services/ESA for MVS/ESA and VM/ESA provides OS/2 LAN Server and Network File System clients with a seamless link to ES/9000 resources and enables implementation of an enterprise-wide file system strategy where data is positioned based on requirements for sharing. It replaces Workstation LAN File Services/VM and adds support for MVS/ESA. LANRES/MVS 2.1 and LANRES/VM 2.1 enable the mainframe to become a transparent resource for Novell Inc NetWare servers, and in the new release add support for IBM’s 26-mile fibre-optic Escon channels, so that the server does not have to be near the mainframe. The new 3172 Interconnect Controller Model 3 adds an Escon adaptor to complement the new software. LANRES/MVS and LANRES/VM Release 2.1 are out now for a one-time $12,600 per server. LAN File Services/ESA follows in October at the same price. The 3172 Model 3 is out next month, and costs from $25,500 to $54,000, IBM said.
