TITLE
    SNA■ps and IBM IN (International Information) System (9/94)
Article ID:
Created:
Modified: 		16336
9/21/94
9/21/94
TOPIC



    I need some information on SNA*ps and IBM IN (International Information System). I want to connect an AppleTalk LAN to a remote IBM IN System with standard IBM EDIFACT in a 3270 environment.

    I also want to do mail and file transfer with the host. I'm thinking of using CCMail or WordPerfect Mail for Macintosh, because it's compatible with the mail system on the Host which is based on Memo by Verimation.

    Can you suggest a compatible solution?

DISCUSSION


    There are several solutions from several vendors that can potentially solve your problem. You need to first establish a physical network connection and then select the software to do what you want done.

    Note: We are not endorsing any of the products mentioned here. You must evaluate third-party products to best meet your needs.

    To connect Macintosh computers to an IBM mainframe remotely, the customer needs to have a SNA*ps Gateway from Wall Data, here is how it works:

    Mac clients ----> via AppleTalk ----> SNA*ps Gateway ----> IBM Mainframe.

    The SNA*ps Gateway is software running on a Macintosh computer with Mac OS, and talks in two protocols, AppleTalk and SNA.

    To have 3270 emulation on a Macintosh, use the SNA*ps 3270 GC (Gateway Client) product in conjuction with a SNA*ps Gateway. For a single user environment use the SNA*ps 3270 product. Both of these products provide file transfer using IND$FILE.

    The remote connection between the SNA*ps Gateway and the IBM Mainframe can be accomplished using a pair of WAN bridges or routers that can handle SNA traffic like Cisco, WellFleet, 3Com, CrossCom, Proteon, Andrew, and so on. (Some of these vendors can encapsulate SNA inside TCP/IP.)

    3270 emulation on a Macintosh will enable end-users to use the existing Memo mail system on the IBM host. This solution requires an on-line (real-time) connection between the Macintosh and the IBM Mainframe.

    However, if you need a Macintosh mail client on your desktop computers, and you want a LAN client/server mail environment, then you might consider Memo LAN from Verimation, Inc. who also provides Memo on the IBM host. Also a client/server mail implementation won't have as much impact on the WAN link's bandwidth as 3270 emulation because mail clients can work off-line.

    Here is some information regarding Memo:

    Memo is Verimation's client/server business communication system servicing corporate computing users on multiple platforms including MVS, VSE, VM, OS/400, LAN, Windows, OS/2, DOS, and Macintosh. Memo LAN is a full-function E-mail and office automation system that can run either standalone in a LAN configuration or in cooperation with Memo mainframe or Memo AS/400 in a client/server configuration to achieve a true enterprisewide business communication system. Memo LAN features comprehensive messaging, directory and calendar services, workflow facilities, and gateways to other popoular mail systems. The workflow facilities, are incorporated into the calendaring and scheduling services to manage and track all business transactions, work commitments, and personal time. Memo LAN is a message Handling System (MHS)-based Windows application that operates on all major LAN operating systems. Communication can be established to popular mail systems including HP Desk, Profs, SNA Distribution Services (SNADS Dissos, AS/400, and so on), All-in-one, Wang Office, X.400, MS-Mail, and so on, Telex, and fax. Memo application programming interface (API) services provide powerful integration for mail-enabled applications making Memo a complete enterprisewide mail communications system. 800-967-6366

    If you are interested in Lotus cc:Mail, the Verimation, Inc. product will enable a Macintosh cc:Mail client to talk to Memo on the IBM mainframes.

    Here is the product information for cc:Mail:

    Memo/cc:Mail allows users of the Memo enterprisewide E-mail system and users of cc:Mail to exchange messages with one another. Messages can be sent to one or several cc:Mail recipients in the same way as sending a message to another Memo user. Conversely, Memo users can receive messages from a cc:Mail originator. Memo/cc:Mail fully supports the distribution of Memo and non-Memo formats (binary files, graphics, RFT, FFT, and so on) across the gateway. Memo is an enterprisewide client/server business communication system servicing corporate computing users on multiple platforms including MVS, VSE, VM, OS/400, Windows, OS/2, DOS, and Macintosh. Comprehensive features include easy-to-use intuitive user dialog, intelligent forms, bulletin boards, application programming interfaces (API), Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), calendar and resource scheduling, a common look and feel across platforms, and gateways to other mail systems including PROFS, Distributed Office Support System (DISOSS), SNA Distribution Services (SNADS), X.400, Digital Equipment Corp., HP, Want, MS-Mail, cc:Mail, WordPerfect, Message Handling System (MHS), and so on. 800-967-6366

    Another vendor that provides similar service is SoftSwitch. Here is information on them:

    SoftSwitch Inc. and its Enterprise Mail Exchange (EMX) technology will enable the company to link E-mail applications with mainframe E-mail backbones and legacy data. 610-640-9600


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Document Information
Product Area: Communications-Networking
Category: Emulation & Data Transfer with Non-Apple Computers
Sub Category: File Transfers
Keywords:

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