sunflash-Distributed to mailing list sunflash@suntri sunflash-Send requests and problem reports to owner-sunflash@suntri.east.sun.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Florida SunFlash SunLink X.25 8.0 SunFLASH Vol 52 #26 April 1993 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- *********************************************************************** * - Supports Solaris 2.1 operating system * * * * - Terminal to host services over X.25 network using X.29. The Sun * * system can act as either a terminal server or a host. * * * * - Includes an easy to use OpenWindows tool for configuration and * * administration. * * * * - Transparent connectivity between IP Networks over private or * * public X.25 networks. * * * * - Highest X.25 performance in the computer industry - up to * * 2 MB/sec. * * * * - Provides a new X.25 STREAMS API for application development, and * * supports existing SunNet X.25 7.0 applications written using * * sockets. * * * *********************************************************************** Sun Microsystems Computer Corporation (SMCC) is introducing SunLink(R) X.25 8.0. SunLink X.25 8.0 is a new Solaris(R) 2.1 compatible X.25 networking product, which allows Sun(TM) systems to communicate and share resources over private or public X.25 Packet Switched Data Networks (PSDNs) with any other system which supports X.25. X.25 is the protocol standardized by CCITT and ISO for PSDNs. Sunlink X.25 8.0 supports the 1980, 1984 and 1988 versions of the CCITT recommendations and the ISO7776 and ISO8208 International Standards. SunLink X.25 8.0 differs from X.25 7.0 in it's licensing model. SunLink X.25 8.0 is now licensed per server using the popular industry licensing software FlexLM. In addition to a single license configuration, SunLink X.25 8.0 will be offered in a 25 license configuration for significant savings on a per user basis. SunLink X.25 8.0 is not a replacement for SunLink X.25 7.0. SunLink X.25 8.0 supports Solaris 2.1 while SunLink X.25 7.0 supports Solaris 1.x. They are not interchangable. There are currently no plans to transition SunLink X.25 7.0 off the price list. Both SunLink X.25 8.0 and SunLink X.25 7.0 will be offered by SMCC. FEATURES and BENEFITS --------------------- * High Performance - Runs at speeds up to 19.2 KB/sec. over standard SPARCstation serial port and at 2 MB/sec. using optional SunLink HSI/S product. * SPARCstation can act as both terminal server and host - Terminal to host communications are provided using X.29. The full set of 1984/1988 X.3 parameters are supported. Tty-like applications, such as uucp, are supported. * Simplified administration - Features a very powerful OpenWindows(TM) -based application, x25tool, which allows system administrators to configure and administer Sunlink X.25 8.0 more easily. * Versitle product which may be used on both Local and Wide area networks - Supports the LLC2 Link Layer protocol allowing X.25 to be used on Local Area Networks. * Transparent IP connectivity at high speeds - Users can run standard TCP/IP-based applications (eg. rlogin, ftp, NFS(R) ) or more specialized applications (eg. SunNet(TM) Manager, X applications, database applications) all over public or private X.25 networks. Defense Data Network (DDN) support is also provided. * Easy network administration - Provides a SunNet Manager Agent to allow users to monitor X.25 activity. HARDWARE and SOFTWARE CONSIDERATIONS ------------------------------------ * SPARC(R) processor-based system running Solaris 2.x operating system * Standard serial port for low speed X.25, up to 19.2 KB/sec. * Optional SunLink HSI/S card for high speed X.25, up to 2 MB/sec. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS --------------------- Q: What are the features of Sunlink X.25 8.0 ? A: SunLink X.25 8.0 enables Sun systems to communicate over public or private X.25 networks. Running on Solaris 2.1 in the STREAMS environment, it implements the 1980, 1984 and 1988 CCITT recomendations. The product incorporates the X.3, X.28 and X.29 specifications for terminal to host communications. IP over X.25 support is also provided. Q: What's new in SunLink X.25 8.0 ? A: SunLink X.25 8.0 is STREAMS-based software running on Solaris 2.1. It supports the 1988 CCITT recomendations for X.25, X.29 and X.3. Included is an easy-to-use OpenWindows-based application for configuration and administration. A new STREAMS programming interface (NLI) is provided. The product is also internationalizable. Q: Can SunLink X.25 interoperate with equipment from other vendors ? A: Yes. Sunlink X.25 8.0 will interoperate with any network or remote system that implements 1980, 1984 or 1988 X.25. Q: What X.25 API's are available ? A: SunLink X.25 8.0 provides two programmatic interfaces to the Packet Layer: (a) A STREAMS based NLI interface. (b) An implementation of the Sunlink X.25 7.0 socket interface, which is provided for backward compatibility. Q: Which interface should I use for application development ? A: It is recommended that you use the NLI interface for new development. The 7.0 socket-based interface is provided for backward compatibility only and may not be supported in future versions. Q: How can I run my existing Sunlink X.25 7.0 applications ? A: It should only be necessary to recompile your applications on Solaris 2.1, and they should be able to run on X.25 8.0 using the backward compatibility interface. Q: What advantages will the OpenWindows configuration tool give ? A: There are a number of advantages: (a) All the information on all X.25 parameters can be displayed simply and quickly using the mouse buttons. There is no need to examine a number of different configuration files. (b) Parameter values are checked as they are entered. (c) It is possible to update X.25 parameters while the system is running - it is not necessary to stop X.25 for the modifications to take effect. (d) The look and feel of the interface will be maintained in future versions. (e) It is possible to use the tool to monitor the status of the X.25 system in real-time. Q: What advantages will running IP over X.25 give me ? A: The IP over X.25 feature allows existing TCP/IP-based applications to run over a public or private X.25 network. This means that your favourite applications do not need to be ported to run over X.25. Q: What X.29 features are implemented ? A: Sunlink X.25 8.0 includes a PAD program and a daemon to accept incoming PAD connections. Optional security features are provided to regulate incoming PAD calls. The system administrator can choose which application is invoked by an incoming PAD call on a per-call basis. U.S. PRICING AND ORDERING INFORMATION ------------------------------------- THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS APPEAR IN BOTH THE END USER AND RESELLER PRICE LIST Description Order List Discount SunSpectrum S/W Number Price Category Enhancements ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- X.25 8.0 Media, Docs & License X25-P $2,950 B $50 X.25 8.0 Single License Upgrade X25-PF $1,025 N/D $50 THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS APPEAR IN THE END USER PRICE LIST ONLY Description Order List Discount SunSpectrum S/W Number Price Category Enhancements ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- X.25 8.0 25 User License X25-L25 $46,250 N/D $1,250 X.25 8.0 25 User License Upgrade X25-L25F $19,200 N/D $1,250 X.25 8.0 Documentation X25-D $145 N/D N/A (minimum order qunatity: 10) AVAILABILITY ------------ Immediate (c) 1993 Sun Microsystem, Inc. Sun, Sun Microsystems, the Sun logo, Sun Microsystems Computer Corporation, SunLink, Solaris, OpenWindows, NFS, and SunNet are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. All SPARC trademarks, including the SCD Compliant Logo, are trademarks or registered trademarks of SPARC International, Inc. SPARCstation is licenced exclusively to Sun Microsystems, Inc. Products bearing SPARC trademarks are based upon an architecture developed by Sun Microsystems, Inc. All other product or service names mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective owners. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ For information send mail to info-sunflash@Sun.COM. Subscription requests should be sent to sunflash-request@Sun.COM. Archives are on solar.nova.edu, ftp.uu.net, sunsite.unc.edu, src.doc.ic.ac.uk and ftp.adelaide.edu.au All prices, availability, and other statements relating to Sun or third party products are valid in the U.S. only. Please contact your local Sales Representative for details of pricing and product availability in your region. Descriptions of, or references to products or publications within SunFlash does not imply an endorsement of that product or publication by Sun Microsystems. Send brief articles (e.g. third party announcements) and include contact information (non-800#, fax #, email, etc) to: John McLaughlin, SunFlash editor, flash@Sun.COM. +1 305 351 4909