Wollongong Group Inc has unveiled what it is describing as the first commercially available Apple Computer Inc Macintosh-resident Network File System client for corporate networks. PathWay Client NFS for Macintosh, Release 1.0, represents Macintosh-to-VAX and Macintosh-to-Unix remote file sharing servers as desktop icons on Macintosh computers. The software runs on Macintosh computers with AppleTalk networks, or on Macintoshes with an Ethernet interface – no hardware router connection is required. Wollongong, based in Palo Alto, California, says PathWay for Macintosh offers advantages such as access to increased data capacity, centralised information for easier maintenance and back-up, as well as file sharing between operating systems such as VAX/VMS, Unix and IBM VM and MVS. Using 35Kb RAM, PathWay for Macintosh enables Macintosh computers to function as distributed clients to remote Network File System servers so that users can run local applications and access files stored thoughout the network. When a remote Network File System directory is mounted, all files appear as Macintosh file and folder icons, and may be used with local Macintosh-based applications or by running the application directly off the server. Once loaded into the Macintosh System folder, the new software makes DEC VAX, Sun Microsystems workstations and other Network File System-compatible systems appear as disk drive icons on the desktop. The product comes bundled with Macintosh TCP for TCP transport commun-ication, and includes a print server application that allows other computer systems access to printers on LocalTalk networks – thus, machines from DEC, Sun, NCR and IBM can use a standard print interface to send print requests to LocalTalk-based printers such Apple LaserWriters or Hewlett-Packard LaserJets. PathWay Client NFS for Macintosh comes bundled with an SNMP, Simple Network Management Protocol agent, and is priced at $200 for a single license. Reductions are available for licences on five, 10, 20, 50 or 100 users; delivery is scheduled for October 1990 through The Wollongong Group’s distributors and direct sales forces.
Content from our partners
