Bus-Tech Offers New Migration Console Solution; zCON Provides Reliable Support and Migration Path for IBM 3174 and 2074 Controllers.

BURLINGTON, Mass. -- Today, Bus-Tech(R), Inc., a leading supplier of data center connectivity products, announced the release of its new zCON Master Console Controller solution that serves as a reliable alternative for companies that are faced with IBM's phase out of 3174, 2074 Model 1, 2 and 3 controller support. The zCON is a Multiple Image Facility (MIF)-capable console support controller with increased support for up to 128 console sessions each running TN3270E emulation.

"There is a significant need for companies that are currently looking for an interim solution to their IBM 3174 and 2074 Controllers that they can depend on," stated Ralph Armstrong, Vice President of Product Management of Bus-Tech, Inc. "Companies facing this phase out are now able to have a reliable and versatile solution in our zCON product that delivers the benefits of console consolidation and networking with total migration flexibility."

The zCON can help customers to consolidate many console sessions and multiple controllers onto a smaller number of machines. For older systems, customers may have invested in 3174 controllers as the attachment between the mainframe and the consoles, and in this case each LPAR requires a separate 3174 controller for the consoles. A single zCON Console Controller is designed to replace the console support function of up to one hundred twenty eight (128) IBM 3174 non-SNA Establishment Controllers.

The zCON Master Console Controller connects to a host system with one or two ESCON channels, either point-to-point or switched through an ESCON Director. An individual session cannot be shared between LPARs, but a single zCON can have sessions configured in different LPARs, different hosts, and on different channels. The zCON can be used as a shared controller, which permits session connections to multiple attached Mainframes and LPARs.

Where the zCON uses a TN3270E client for connection, this means that the console can reside on the customer's TCP/IP infrastructure, and may be local in the data center or remote.

About Bus-Tech, Inc.

Bus-Tech, Inc. founded in 1987 is the industry's leading provider of state-of-the-art connectivity solution for the data center to Original Equipment Manufacturers. The company's powerful suite of adapter and platform solutions satisfy even the most rugged demands of data processing professionals for high-bandwidth, high-availability, and high-performance connectivity. With more than 15,000 installed sites worldwide, Bus-Tech is a recognized leader in the data center interconnect market. Headquartered in Burlington, MA, the company is privately held with locations around the world. For more information about Bus-Tech and its products, please visit the Bus-Tech World Wide Web site at http://www.bustech.com, send email to [e-mail], or call 800-284-3172 or 781-272-8200.