Eicon announces Access for Windows Release 4.20, the only PC-to-host connectivity solution that provides interoperability with any Data Link Switching (DLSw)-enabled router.MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 10, 1996--Eicon Technology Corporation announced today the availability of Access for Windows Release 4.20, a powerful Windows communications solution for desktop-to-mainframe or desktop-to-AS/400 connectivity. Access for Windows is the only SNA (Systems Network Architecture) IBM's mainframe network standards introduced in 1974. Originally a centralized architecture with a host computer controlling many terminals, enhancements, such as APPN and APPC (LU 6. connectivity package that includes Desktop Data Link Switching See DLSw. (DLSw) technology. Desktop Data Link Switching technology encapsulates native SNA within TCP/IP TCP/IP in full Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol Standard Internet communications protocols that allow digital computers to communicate over long distances. , making it routable while retaining its SNA advantages. Access for Windows' Desktop DLSw allows native SNA data streams to traverse TCP/IP backbones into a DLSw-enabled central-site router. There is no need for intermediate SNA routing/bridging/gateway devices. "Access for Windows allows us to attain Advanced Program-to-Program Communications (networking, product) Advanced Program-to-Program Communications - (APPC) An implementation of the IBM SNA/SDLC LU6.2 protocol that allows interconnected systems to communicate and share the processing of programs. (APPC (Advanced Program-to-Program Communications) A high-level protocol from IBM that allows one program to interact with another across the network. It supports client/server and distributed computing by providing a common programming interface on all IBM platforms. ), 3270, and TCP/IP connectivity across our network," says Michael Gibbs, communications engineer for American Airlines. "With Desktop Data Link Switching, we see much faster response times without giving up any of our SNA functionality. The overhead on each workstation has also decreased because of the advanced features that Access for Windows provides." Support for Router Interoperability Standards Access for Windows' Desktop DLSw supports both versions of the industry-standard DLSw specification, RFC (Request For Comments) A document that describes the specifications for a recommended technology. Although the word "request" is in the title, if the specification is ratified, it becomes a standards document. 1795 and RFC 1434, making it highly interoperable. Corporate MIS therefore has the flexibility of choosing the partner DLSw router from a wide range of router vendors including Bay Networks, Cisco Systems, Novell, IBM (International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY, www.ibm.com) The world's largest computer company. IBM's product lines include the S/390 mainframes (zSeries), AS/400 midrange business systems (iSeries), RS/6000 workstations and servers (pSeries), Intel-based servers (xSeries) , Proteon and 3COM. "With Desktop DLSw, Access for Windows is the only PC-to-host connectivity solution to include SNA over TCP/IP connectivity as a standard option," says Maks Wulkan, Eicon Technology's executive vice-president. "This new release of Access for Windows shows Eicon's continuing commitment to the huge existing Windows 3.x market. While 32-bit clients are gaining support, Eicon understands that a significant number of Eicon's customer base are not planning to migrate to the new platforms until 1997 or later." The Desktop DLSw connectivity option in Access for Windows allows for simultaneous host sessions through different vendors' routers to multiple destinations such as IBM mainframes, AS/400 systems, or even APPC engines. This feature is incorporated into both Access for Windows 3270 for IBM mainframes as well as Access for Windows 5250 for AS/400 systems. Desktop DLSw is also ideal for remote users who need to access their host applications over dial-up connections. Users can connect directly to a DLSw-enabled router using dial-up TCP/IP over PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol) The most popular method for transporting IP packets over a serial link between the user and the ISP. Developed in 1994 by the IETF and superseding the SLIP protocol, PPP establishes the session between the user's computer and the ISP using and SLIP protocols without any intervening gateway devices. Comprehensive Novell NetWare Support Access for Windows also provides support for Novell's enterprise gateways: NetWare for SAA 2.0 (with Access for Windows 3270) and NetWare for SAA - AS/400 Edition (with Access for Windows 5250). Access for Window's new functionality brings the full benefits of Novell's NetWare Directory Services See eDirectory. (networking) Netware Directory Services - (NDS) Novell, Inc.'s directory services for Netware, Windows NT, and Unix. The NDS directory represents each network resource (user, hardware, or application) as an object of a certain class, where each class has (NDS), Load Balancing and Hot Standby. Other Advanced Features -- Remote users can access their IBM hosts over ISDN ISDN in full Integrated Services Digital Network Digital telecommunications network that operates over standard copper telephone wires or other media. without using any intervening gateways or routers. The result is increased speed of access to host applications compared to when using an analog connection. Users connect using the Eicon DIVA adapter card and there is no need for a modem. -- Access for Windows supports integrated Advanced Program-to-Program Communications (APPC) connectivity. WinAPPC support over Desktop DLSw, 802.2 LLC and Eicon Gateways enables Access users to enter the world of distributed computing. -- Microsoft Systems Management Server Microsoft Systems Management Server (SMS) is a systems management software product by Microsoft for managing large groups of Windows-based computer systems. SMS provides remote control, patch management, software distribution, and hardware and software inventory. (SMS) support enables Access for Windows to be quickly and easily distributed to a large user base. -- An enhanced user interface includes a new graphical toolbar and a toolbar editor, allowing increased productivity for the end-user. Pricing and Availability Available June 10, Access for Windows is priced at $225 for a single user copy. The software is available on CD-ROM CD-ROM: see compact disc. CD-ROM in full compact disc read-only memory Type of computer storage medium that is read optically (e.g., by a laser). (diskette version available by special request). Competitive upgrades are available for $75. For more information, customers should call 214-239-3270 or contact the company on the World Wide Web: http://www.eicon.com/. Eicon's range of SNA host access products include support for DOS (Access for DOS), Windows 3.x (Access for Windows), Windows 95 and NT (Aviva), and OS/2 (Access for OS/2). About Eicon Technology Eicon Technology is a worldwide provider of desktop and server-integrated information access solutions for the networked enterprise. The company develops, markets and supports hardware and software products that enable personal computers from a wide range of industry-standard platforms and operating environments to access corporate internetworks, IBM SNA networks and on-line information services. Eicon's products are distributed in over 60 countries. Eicon Technology is traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE) Canada's largest stock exchange, trading approximately 1,200 company stocks and 33 options. and Montreal Stock Exchange Montreal Stock Exchange See Bourse de Montreal, Inc. (Canadian Derivatives Exchange) under the symbol EIC. -0- Access for Windows, Desktop DLSw, DIVA and Aviva are trademarks of Eicon Technology Corporation. All other product or service names mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. CONTACT: Chris Chilton Patty Anderson/Michael Thacker Eicon Technology Neva Group 214-239-3270 617-441-4000, ext. 232/249 chrisc@eicon.com panderson@neva.com mthacker@neva.com |
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