SAA Networking Services/2 Version 1

System Application Architecture Networking Services/2 Version 1.0 provides Advanced Peer-to-Peer Networking capability and addition to SAA Common Communications support in OS/2 Extended Edition. It provides end node and network node support, enabling workstations to participate in a peer network. Networking Services/2 is said to provide performance improvements and reduce network definition. It supports the SAA Common Programming Interface for Communications, CPI-C, claimed to enable greater portability of applications across different environments. Users need not modify existing APPC programs to use Networking Services/2 functional capabilities. It requires a machine that supports OS/2 Extended Version 1.2, Version 1.3 or OS/2 Extended, Japanese Version 1.2. It became available March 29, and a program package costs $200 in the US, with additional licences $150 each.

Networking Services/2 Direction

IBM says that it intends to integrate the function of Networking Services/2 with the Communications Manager function of OS/2 Extended Edition. The integrated Networking Services/2 function will have the same language support available with OS/2 Extended, but surprisingly enough, announcements will be based on IBM’s technical and business judgement.

Common Communications Support Protocols, APPN Networking End Node

IBM has extended SAA Common Communications Support to include APPN end node protocols. The protocols enable a system, in an SNA network, to provide LU 6.2 logical network services that use network definition and dynamic end point registration. This is done transparently, using the Common Programming Interface for Communications, CPI-C. APPN end node protocols provide certain functions that include enabling the SAA CPI-C interface to exploit APPN, selecting an attached APPN network node as a services provider, and establishing network services paths to control point-to-control point sessions.

Teleprocessing Network Simulator Version 3 Release 2

Teleprocessing Network Simulator is a licensed program for testing telecommunications application, access and control programs. Release 2 for MVS/370, MVS/XA, MVS/ESA, VM/SP, VM/XA and VM/ESA is enhanced to provide the Interactive Data Capture Utility as an end-user controlled method of creating TPNS scripts for 3270 devices. Support is provided for the simulation of Airline Line Control terminals with a 3745 Communication Controller, and Structured Translator Language has been enhanced with additional statements and functions. Network and terminal simulation capabilities are expanded to support intermediate network node links on Token-Ring networks and control point-to-control point sessions between simulated node type 2.1 end nodes and APPN nodes. It uses existing attachment interfaces and is designed to run in a virtual storage environment. The virtual region size for executing average network with TPNS Version 3 Release 2 is 1.5Mb, and for simulation runs, disk storage space is required for the partitioned data sets. For 390 Groups 20 to 80, prices range between $116,800 and $319,750, monthly licences start at $1,825 and rise to to $4,440 for Model Group 80.

NetView Distribution Manager Release 3 For MVS

NetView Distribution Manager is a Communication and System Management licensed program providing services for the centrally controlled distribution of data objects and implementation of software and licensed internal code changes in SNA networks. Release 3 for MVS runs under MVS/ESA SP Version 4 Release 1 and Release 2, MVS/SP Version 3 Release 1, MVS/SP Version 2 Release 1 and Release 2 and MVS/SP Version 1 Release 3. It is claimed to expand the range of supported end nodes by adding workstations connected either directly to the host or through intermediate nodes, also it provides a Distribution and Change Control Application Programming Interface so that user-written applications can interface with NetView DM. In conjunction with NetView Distribution Manager/2 at a workstation, Release 3 controls distribution and installatio

n of system software, user and vendor software, software changes, and data files. It initiates remote procedures at the workstations and supports these workstations either directly connected to a host or through NetView Distribution Manager acting as intermediate nodes. Each authorised workstation may issue send commands to transfer software or data files to the host, and Distribution Manager/2 keeps track of the installed software. There is centrally controlled distribution and installation of 3174 licensed internal code and distribution and installation of 9371 licensed internal code on 9371 Distributed Processing Program Executive/370 systems. For System 390 groups 18 to 80, the basic charges range from $39,600 to $246,950, while distributed system licence options are from $29,700 to $185,219. Monthly licences start at $1,980 and rise to $3,980, and the distributed options ae between $1,480 and $2,389. The NetView Distribution Manager and Change Control Application Program Interface feature costs between $11,170 and $69,640 for groups 18 and 80, while the distributed sytems option is from $8,380 to 52,230. Basic monthly licences start at $558, going up to $1,120 for Model Group 80, and distributed system licences are between $441 and $840. The base feature is available from June 28 and the Change Control Application Programming Interface from March 27, 1992.

NetView Distribution Manager/2

NetView Distribution Manager/2 under OS/2 on a workstation in conjunction with NetView Distribution Manager Release 3 for MVS at a central site, will distribute data files and software, install software at a workstation, and install updates as required. The workstations can be attached directly to a host, on a local area network attached to a host or on a stand-alone local area network. Distribution Manager/2 consists of the Base and local area network Download Utility. The Base feature addresses distribution and change management functions on host-attached workstations by using LU 6.2 and SNA/DS protocols, and distribution of software and data to Receiver workstations on a network. Distributor workstations must run under OS/2 Extended and have the NetView DM/2 base feature. The Receiver workstations can be OS/2 or MS-DOS-based and have the NetView DM/2 LDU feature. Available from June 28 this year, the base feature is $450, a distributed systems option is $350 and the local network download feature comes in at $50.