http://www.microsoft.com/TechNet/boes/bo/sna/prodfact/attach.htm (PC Press Internet CD, 03/1996)
| Updated: March 15,1996 |  Go To TechNet Home Page |
Overview
Despite the growing acceptance of client-server solutions, the vast majority of corporate data and applications still reside on IBM® mainframes and AS/400® systems. While some companies have decided to off-load these information resources to new network-based servers, increasingly, CIOs are recognizing that integrating existing host systems into new network architectures can provide the most cost-effective migration solution for current needs. This solution can be referred to as "client-host." In this architecture, the host is the central server and the clients access host data through communications gateways that integrate the host systems with the new network architectures.
The recent availability of more robust Systems Network Architecture (SNA) gateways, intelligent host-aware client software, and easy to use client-host development tools provide the basis upon which to construct new business solutions. Client-host solutions can be seen both as a means to preserve an enterprise's investment in host systems as well as a move away from traditional terminal-host relationships towards new client-server architectures.
SNA Server and the Benefits of Using SNA Gateways
SNA Server Overview
Microsoft SNA Server is a LAN-to-SNA gateway that provides SNA communications for LAN-based services and multiple platform PC workstations running a variety of network protocols. SNA Server employs a client-server architecture that is tightly integrated with, and leverages the strengths of, Microsoft Windows NT Server. SNA Server can be configured as an IBM PU 2.0, PU 2.1, APPN LEN node or support a DSPU. LU services provided are LU 0, 1, 2, 3 and LU 6.2. SNA API support is comprehensive with the inclusion of APPC, EHNAPPC, CPI-C, CSV, LUA/SLI, and ODBC/DRDA. SNA Server also supports TN3270 clients via the inclusion of a TN3270 server and provides for high speed file transfer through support via APPC File Transfer Protocol (AFTP).
SNA Server allows for comprehensive, bi-directional SNA access while maintaining LAN protocol transport independence. All popular PC operating systems are supported including Windows NT Workstation, Windows, Windows for Workgroups, Windows 95, MS-DOS, OS/2, UNIX, and Apple Macintosh®. Multiple network protocols including Novell IPX™/SPX, TCP/IP, Banyan® VINES® IP, Named Pipes, AppleTalk® and RAS are also supported.
Benefits of Using an SNA Gateway
The majority of large enterprises that employ mainframes and AS/400 systems generally possess a variety of LANs but do not use SNA gateways. Direct connection of PCs to mainframes and AS/400 systems remains the most popular connection scheme. Despite widespread acceptance, these approaches are expensive, waste resources on both ends, and are difficult to administer. The drawbacks of direct connections to SNA based systems are alleviated through the use of flexible and robust SNA gateways such as Microsoft SNA Server. SNA Server provides many significant advantages for the desktop user, LAN administrator and host administrator, when compared to connecting PCs directly to SNA host computers.
Benefits to the Desktop User
SNA Server increases stability, saves memory, and reduces complexity at the desktop by allowing the choice of only one protocol per desktop. In contrast, when connecting directly, the DLC (802.2/LLC) protocol is required for connection to the host, in addition to a LAN protocol, such as TCP/IP or IPX/SPX, or Banyan Vines, to connect to the file/print/database/mail/systems management server on the LAN.
Benefits to the LAN Administrator
SNA Server is designed to provide easier administration, greater security, and configuration flexibility. When connecting direct, each desktop must be configured individually with the host's network address, LU name, and XID. Whenever there's a change on the host side, such as the XID is updated, all desktops must be reconfigured. In large organizations, where thousands of desktop systems need access to host applications, reconfiguration of large desktop populations can be an overwhelming task. With SNA Server, there's nothing to configure at the client; all host changes can be tracked centrally by the LAN administrator through the SNA Server Admin tool.
Benefits to the Host Administrator
SNA Server reduces the frequency of VTAM® gen re-definitions, lessens host memory requirements, frees-up expensive host CPU cycles, saves network bandwidth, and provides more reliability than direct connect client configurations.
A large component of the total cost of corporate software licensing is spent on training and supporting users. In some cases, enterprises are spending nearly 50% of their IS dollars just on training and support staff alone. This cost does not include the lost user productivity. Yet, with the exception of enhanced on-line help systems, today's client software products do little to help enterprises lower their software support costs for host applications.
The key to cost-effectively leveraging host information systems across an enterprise-wide client-server network is to begin with intelligent host-aware client software packages that can provide the graphical user interfaces (GUI) end-users expect. The following list provides an overview of Attachmate host-aware client products and their supported operating systems and host connectivity options.
Attachmate offers a number of host-aware client products that connect to IBM host systems from both graphical and non-graphical desktop platforms.
Intelligent, host-aware clients from Attachmate are considered the leading connectivity products in the industry - a statement supported by the fact that over 40 percent of all PCs and Macintosh computers connected to mainframe and AS/400 host systems already rely on EXTRA!, IRMA, or RALLY! for access to existing host applications. The information residing on these hosts is delivered through a graphical, point-and-click user interface to Windows desktops and may also be integrated into other desktop applications such as Excel and Word.
Attachmate's intelligent host-aware client products provide the end user or administrator with the flexibility to customize and personalize their host access environment with Toolbars, HotSpots, file transfer settings, colors, SmartPads and other productivity features. These settings are easily saved to a template that can be used any time a host application or information is accessed.
To further integrate host data in Windows-based applications, Attachmate clients support Tools for Microsoft Office Professional. Attachmate's Tools for Microsoft Office Professional give users of Word, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint®, and Microsoft Access® the power to seamlessly integrate data from host applications with their Microsoft Office applications, without requiring the user to leave the Microsoft Office environment. It contains tools for power users and programmers who want to write their own Word, Excel or Access solutions to integrate host data without the need to be a HLLAPI programming expert.
One Attachmate client in particular, EXTRA! Personal Client, provides advanced host-aware access to worldwide public and private information - anyplace information resides. EXTRA! Personal Client simplifies product choices because organizations can purchase one product for all of their Windows-based clients regardless of host access requirements.
Its host-aware technology manages the interactions with host information on behalf of a user, business process, or software applications. It removes the complexity of delivering host-based information by partnering with host applications, i.e. learning them so users don't have to and thereby allowing the administrator to lower training and support costs. The cost of software ownership is further reduced with its inclusion of a complete software management application that centralizes software distribution, inventory and metering.
EXTRA! Personal Client allows users to work with information they way they wish, whether that is directly interacting with the host application itself, employing Windows applications, or utilizing a custom client-server application that integrates host data.
Attachmate is committed to delivering its next generation Windows-based host access products for the Windows 95 and Windows NT platforms. These host-aware clients and tool kits are designed to be Microsoft Office 95 compatible and provide Office 95 users with direct access to host data and applications.
Attachmate Client Products Provide Robust Development Platforms
While the benefits of integrating host resources into client-server networks via SNA Server are numerous, all too often companies are slow to consider this approach because of their perception that the integration of host applications using host-aware clients is overwhelmingly complex. Some IS managers erroneously reason that if it takes 1-2 years to construct a single host-based application, then the task of integrating these applications into multiple client applications will be even more time consuming.
However, thanks to object-oriented client-host software tools, 90% of the development effort can be automated, so host integration can actually be accomplished faster, and at lower cost than would be spent on developing completely new client-server applications.
Attachmate Client Products and SNA Server team up to provide a robust client development platform.
Attachmate's EXTRA!, IRMA, and RALLY! support development of applications that provide access to host data without the need for programmers to understand or address any underlying application programming interfaces (APIs), networking protocols, or host application code. The point-and-click programming environment of Attachmate development products, such as QuickApp® and QuickPeer™, provide the means for any developer to produce custom Windows-based solutions without a comprehensive knowledge of traditional host APIs. These tools support all standard IBM APIs and are supported by SNA Server and Attachmate client products.
Attachmate TOOLS! for Visual Basic® and Attachmate TOOLS! for Microsoft Office Professional support developers seeking to produce custom Visual Basic-based solutions or integrate data programmatically into Office applications. Both tool kits include the Attachmate Enterprise Access Library™, a set of DLL-based APIs that provide the solution provider with access to all of EXTRA!'s workstation control features and access to host data via EXTRA!'s HLLAPI for Windows. Attachmate Tools for Visual Basic ships with additional Visual Basic-based custom controls that allow for integration of host data from several host screens, multiple host applications, and multiple hosts.
Attachmate's SELECT! software enables users of Windows and Windows NT to easily query host-based relational databases, transfer information between them, and dynamically link this information to a wide variety of desktop and server applications. SELECT! also provides IT administrators with a tool to facilitate developing the security and management controls required to prevent runaway queries and unauthorized access.
Attachmate clients and tools leverage the access provided by SNA Server to create an environment where users are motivated to access and manipulate information which previously was all but inaccessible. As a result, end-user productivity is maximized, even while network performance is optimized - all without exposure to the business risks or costs associated with replacing host resources.
SNA Server Integrates Heterogeneous Environments
Most enterprise environments include desktops running Windows, Windows for Workgroups, Windows NT Workstation, Windows 95, MS-DOS, Apple Macintosh, OS/2 and UNIX, with a networking mix that contains IPX/SPX, TCP/IP, NetBEUI, Banyan VINES IP, AppleTalk in addition to SNA protocols. IS directors wish they had a single solution to provide IBM mainframe and AS/400 data to every desktop. Corporate data on the host systems must be made available to users in the simplest and most efficient manner. The days of hard copy reports and hand keying of information back into disparate systems are long over. On-line access and the sophisticated integration of enterprise data offered by client-server technologies are demanded by end users.
Microsoft SNA Server provides the solution for this heterogeneous reality, while offering the extensibility demanded by the ever-changing computing environment. Large enterprises and small to medium organizations no longer have to worry about how users will access host data across the network today or tomorrow.
Flexible SNA gateway and intelligent client solutions for today's heterogeneous environments.
Integrating LAN and SNA Protocols Made Easy
Microsoft SNA Server provides a single access method for all IBM host systems by solving the problem of mixing disparate LAN and SNA protocols on a single network. Due to SNA Server's extensive support for SNA and LAN protocols, in most cases LAN administrators do not have to make any changes to their current network structure. It fits right in. Whether organizations are using protocols such as TCP/IP or IPX or need to support Banyan VINES IP, AppleTalk, NetBEUI or remote dial-up clients, SNA Server can meet the challenge. SNA Server extends access to all SNA functions to all network clients through its protocol-independent client-server architecture. The result is desktop users can use their favorite host access product no matter which client operating system or networking architecture is currently in place or planned for the future.
Scaleable Platform from 1 to 10,000 Host Sessions
Since SNA Server is an application integrated with Windows NT Server, it can grow with organizations as they increase the number of users connecting through the gateway, the number of host connections, or the types of applications that use gateway services.
SNA Server is also architected to take advantage of multi-processor versions of each of these systems. Running SNA Server on a multiprocessor system can dramatically improve performance in cases of high load or heavy traffic.
Hot Backup and Load Balancing
In any large IS environment, an individual gateway can be viewed as a single point of failure. For mission-critical use, Microsoft recommends a minimum of two SNA Servers to provide fault tolerance. Up to 50 SNA Servers can be grouped together to provide load balancing and hot backup, allowing sessions to be automatically rerouted to a backup gateway should the primary gateway or host link fail. The load balancing and hot backup features work both for mainframe connections and AS/400 connections-and both for dependent and independent LUs. For highest speed mainframe connectivity, SNA Server works with direct channel attached technology such as Barr System's Channel Adapter or Bus-Tech Inc.'s 3172-NT. Each of these devices can provide host access at speeds many times greater than the fastest direct LAN attachments.
Administration
A single Windows NT Workstation or Windows NT Server, located anywhere in the corporate network can configure and manage all of the SNA Servers in the network using graphical tools that are included with the product. If the servers reside at a central location, the IS staff can be responsible for the administration and monitoring of all host access. This can also be accomplished from the IBM host console because of the integration of SNA Server with NetView facilities.
Licensing Flexibility
For maximum acquisition and implementation flexibility, SNA Server licenses can be purchased using two different models.
Each of these models has specific advantages when implementing SNA Server solutions. The client based approach is more desirable in multiple server environments requiring extra capacity, load balancing or hot backup.
Joint Programs and Support
Microsoft and Attachmate have an established relationship that is reflected in a number of joint programs, such as SNA_Help. SNA_Help is a program that allows Microsoft field Account Executives and Systems Engineers to team up with Attachmate field Account Executives and Systems Engineers to jointly present solutions to SNA Server customers. In this way, the customer receives the comprehensive pre-sales information and support that is essential to an informed evaluation of SNA Server and Attachmate client products.
As the world's first and sixth largest PC independent software developers, Microsoft and Attachmate provide a range of Internet and client-host access products affording the flexibility to support an array of enterprise environments. From multi-host connectivity to highly optimized single-protocol solutions, performance and efficiency are inseparable design goals of both companies.
Cooperative support is a program where Attachmate and Microsoft work on mutual technical support issues as a team. The program includes accepting responsibility to work as the customer's advocate in obtaining resolution to problems that may reside in the other company's products. Attachmate is a member of Microsoft's Premier Support program and has direct links into Microsoft's SNA Server support and development groups. Similarly, Microsoft has built relationships within Attachmate's support and development groups.
When selecting any information system, vendor stability and track record can be as critical as product performance. Certainly Microsoft's leadership position in the industry is recognized. Equally, Attachmate's product and service reputation is respected as the leading provider of host connectivity for large enterprises world-wide.
The Microsoft Support Network offers the SNA Server user a wide range of choices and access to high-quality, responsive technical support. Microsoft recognizes that support needs vary from user to user. the Microsoft Support Network allows you to choose the type of support that best meets your needs, with options ranging from electronic bulletin boards to annual support programs.
Attachmate is a Microsoft Solutions Provider Partner and has a worldwide Developer Support Program that provides software, technical support, newsletters, and release updates to application developers. To facilitate client-host development, Attachmate offers a range of training programs at locations around the world.
Long recognized for its proficient technical support, Attachmate ranks number one in customer satisfaction among enterprise access providers and serves its customer base by telephone, via the Internet/WWW, CompuServe, the Attachmate BBS and FaxBack™ system, as well as through quarterly CD-ROM updates containing hundreds of pre-tested technical solutions. Attachmate's SupportWare™ programs provide customers with a wide range of annual customer support options.
Summary
Mainframes and mid-range computers will continue to provide the power, reliability, security, and management capabilities required by business-critical host applications for the foreseeable future. Faced with the challenge of optimizing information systems and providing access to corporate data for more users, the combined capabilities of SNA Server and Attachmate client products can maintain and improve the happy coexistence between host systems and client platforms.
For more information:
Contact your local Microsoft office or a Microsoft Solution Provider near you. In the United States, call (800) 426-9400 for product information or to locate a Microsoft Solution Provider. In Canada, call (800) 563-9048. Outside the United States and Canada, call your local Microsoft subsidiary or (206) 936-8661.
Contact Attachmate Sales at: 800-426-6283. Outside the United States or Canada, call the appropriate number listed below. Additional information about Attachmate products is available over the Internet at http://www.attachmate.com
© 1995 Attachmate Corporation and Microsoft Corporation.
All rights reserved. This document is for informational purposes
only.
MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IN THIS SUMMARY.
The information contained in this document represents the current
view of Microsoft Corporation on the Microsoft issues discussed
as of the date of publication. Because Microsoft must respond
to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to
be a commitment on the part of Microsoft, and Microsoft cannot
guarantee the accuracy of any information presented after the
date of publication.
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