---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Florida SunFlash SunConnect Announcements SunFLASH Vol 51 #17 March 1993 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- This article contains four (4) SunConnect announcements from the recent INTEROP show in Washington DC. Sun Microsystems Computer Company specific announcments with part numbers, prices, etc. will be posted soon. -johnj ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- SunNet Manager Leads Market In Shipping Applications SunConnect Announces Free Software Offer For Lexcel Lance+ Customers MCI and SunConnect Announce Development Agreement Enhanced SunLink Enterprise Computing Products -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: SunNet Manager Leads Market In Shipping Applications Contact: Claudia Carasso or Sally Swift Org: Hi-Tech Communications Phone: (415) 904-7000 SunNet Manager Leads Market In Shipping Applications New study reveals most third-party applications shipping for SunConnect* platform INTEROP, Washington, D.C., March 10, 1993 A new study conducted by Brandywine Network Associates, Inc., an independent consulting firm for the computer networking and network management industry, reveals that SunConnect's SunNet Manager leads the distributed network management market with more than 35 third-party applications available today. Network management applications, such as configuration control, trouble-ticketing, and diagnostic/recovery tools, are to network management platforms what off-the-shelf applications are to operating systems: software for leveraging the underlying technology to deliver a broad range of solutions to the marketplace. Such third-party applications also validate and drive market acceptance for the underlying technology. "This study confirms that the SunNet Manager environment delivers what customers need today: ready-to-use, proven applications," said Stan Baldwin, director of marketing for SunConnect. The Brandywine study focused on identifying and verifying the status of third-party network management applications for the following management platforms based on UNIX: o Cabletron Systems Corp.'s Spectrum o Hewlett-Packard's OpenView o IBM's NetView/6000 o SunConnect's SunNet Manager To qualify for the Brandywine list, an application had to be: o A turnkey management package designed specifically to leverage platform capabilities; o Available only from a third-party supplier that participates in the platform vendor's partnership program; o Shipping now. Double the Applications of Nearest Competitor The study concluded that SunNet Manager has more than double the number of qualified applications of the nearest competitor: SunNet Manager 35 Hewlett-Packard OpenView 16 Cabletron Spectrum 7 IBM NetView/6000 5 "Today's networks are so complex that it's impossible for any single vendor to provide customers with a comprehensive solution set," said Jill Huntington-Lee, principal of Brandywine Network Associates. "The only possible model is cooperation amongst a platform provider and third-parties to put the pieces of this intricate puzzle together. SunConnect has been successful in this market because they're leveraging third-party expertise to increase the depth and breadth of their platform and the set of solutions it provides." "We use SunNet Manager as the core network management platform for the configuration, fault and performance monitoring services that are crucial to the reliable operation of our enterprise network," said Jeff Payne, manager of network administration, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. "We recently integrated Networx Inc.'s Paradigm into our network management system to provide us with automated incident and trouble ticket notification, and plan to do much more with it. If our network continues to grow at the same phenomenal rate, I don't believe we could survive as a support organization a year from now without a growing number of commercial applications available to support these important functions." About Brandywine Associates Brandywine Network Associates (BNA) is an independent consultancy servicing the computer networking and network management industry. BNA is capable of providing customized product evaluations, market research reports, and written articles in areas such as enterprise-wide network management, network management protocols, local area network management and LAN Internetwork infrastructures. Jill Huntington-Lee is a principal of BNA with more than 10 years in the networking and communications industry. She received her Masters Degree in computer science from the University of Virginia and is a member of the IEEE and the Association for Computing Machinery. About SunNet Manager SunNet Manager is a distributed management system that provides a comprehensive software environment for integrated network management solutions. It is based on a protocol-independent distributed management architecture that supports open industry standards such as SNMP, TCP/IP and ONC RPC. SunNet Manager offers an open and intuitive graphical network topology display and a complete set of applications for automated fault isolation, diagnosis and network monitoring and control. In addition, SunNet Manager provides distributed manager/agent services, open APIs for developers and a site license for SNMP agents. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: SunConnect Announces Free Software Offer For Lexcel Lance+ Customers Contact: Allyson Ebel Org: Hi-Tech Communications Phone: (415) 904-7000 x 211 Contact: David Kaufman Org: DeskTalk Systems, Inc. Phone: (310) 323-5998 SunConnect Announces Free Software Offer For Lexcel Lance+ Customers SunNet Manager* and DeskTalk's TRENDsystem* Replace Lance+ Network Management System While Providing Extended Capabilities INTEROP--WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 10, 1993)---- SunConnect, Mountain View, Calif., and DeskTalk Systems, Inc., Torrance, Calif., have announced a free software offer to replace the recently discontinued Lexcel Lance+, a UNIX-based enterprise network management system. The combination of SunConnect's SunNet Manager 2.0 software and DeskTalk's TRENDsystem, a popular SunNet Manager partner application, will replace the proprietary applications of Lance+, while providing users with a growth path and extended capabilities. Like Lance+, the SunNet Manager product handles mapping, event management, monitoring, and alarm handling, while adding the ability to integrate third party applications. DeskTalk's TRENDsystem provides a complete relational database system for SunNet Manager software with reviewing and reporting tools and provides full support for Novell's LANtern* probes, sold by Lexcel as LanceTaps. In addition, TRENDsystem includes RMON MIB support , an extensive set of precompiled MIBs and over 25 built-in reports. TRENDsystem also includes MIBwalker, a powerful SNMP MIB tool that replaces Lexcel's MIB tools. "The combination of the SunNet Manager and TRENDsystem products provide a logical replacement for Lance+," said Stan Baldwin, director of marketing for SunConnect. "SunConnect's extensive partner program offers Lexcel's customers with a wide range of additional application options. Furthermore, SunNet Manager is a strategic product for Sun with significant planned enhancements. By using SunNet Manager, Lexcel customers will be assured of receiving products and services that will meet their growing needs." "This joint offering will leverage the investment already made by Lance+ customers by providing full support for Novell LANterns as well as a growth path to RMON capability," said David Kaufman, president of DeskTalk Systems. "The ability to add third-party applications that are integrated into a coherent management system creates an invaluable opportunity for Lance+ customers demanding complete management solutions." Included in the free software offering is one fully operational copy of SunNet Manager 2.0, DeskTalk's TrendBase* (database), TrendStart* (with MIB and MIB tool), and TrendRMON* (LANtern support). To learn more about the offer, Lance+ customers should contact SunConnect at 1-800-241-CONX. DeskTalk Systems, Inc. is a full service systems integration firm specializing in delivering business solutions involving computer communications, networking, distributed database applications and graphical user interface technologies. DeskTalk is the first vendor-independent systems integrator to focus on developing and providing enterprise management products and services. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: MCI and SunConnect Announce Development Agreement Org: Hi-Tech Communications Contact: Claudia Carasso Phone: (415) 904-7000, x241 MCI and SunConnect Announce Development Agreement Aimed At Multi-Billion Dollar WAN Market Delivers customer network management solution for broadband packet networks INTEROP, WASHINGTON, D.C., March 10, 1993 - SunConnect and MCI today announced a new agreement aimed at providing thousands of medium- and large-scale organizations with an affordable alternative to costly private-line wide area networking services. The companies are incorporating SunNet Manager*, SunConnect's distributed network management platform into HyperStream, MCI's communications solution for both today's frame relay and SMDS-based internetworks and future broadband ISDN-based networks. HyperStream's customer network management service-called HyperScope- can be used with SunNet Manager software to monitor and control complex enterprise communications systems in high-speed, wide area virtual data networks. "HyperScope provides our customers with an easier and much more affordable way to control the cost, usage and the deployment of domestic and international network resources," said Paul Weichselbaum, vice president of data product marketing at MCI Communications Corp. "We chose SunNet Manager-a market leader with a large installed base worldwide-because we knew it would enable us to produce a well-tested customer network management solution that would be familiar to users, and would be supported by a wealth of third-party applications." "SunConnect and MCI understand that the only way to make building and managing global networks a reality is through the partnering of industry leaders," said Denis Yaro, vice president and general manager of SunConnect. "Our agreement with MCI is focused on giving customers flexible, cost-effective options for building and managing global networks." SunConnect has shipped nearly 9,000 copies of SunNet Manager software, and is used by more than 80 partners for a broad range of network management solutions that enable users to maintain and control their enterprise communications systems. Managing Global Network Resources The addition of SunNet Manager software to the HyperScope product ensures that customers switching to LAN Interconnect systems from leased-line services will continue to have a high degree of control over their complex internetworks. Specific benefits that SunNet Manager brings to HyperScope include: o Third-party applications-Applications built on SunNet Manager give users advanced analysis capabilities and sophisticated visual displays. HyperScope includes enhanced visual formats for viewing and analyzing network data, based on an application called SAS/CPE for Open Systems developed by SAS Institute, a SunConnect partner for management solutions. Independent developers will continue to provide additional applications for SunNet Manager customer network management environments. o Familiar SunNet Manager environment-Users can access HyperScope services through SunNet Manager, using familiar GUIs and commands. o Easy access to information-A broad range of network data will be available 24 hours a day, so that users can request information at the exact time it's needed. Other information will be easily accessible in a convenient, timely manner. o Graphs and charts-SAS Institute's SAS/CPE for Open Systems solution gives viewers graphing capabilities that make it easier to collect, display and analyze large volumes of network data. Platform of Choice for Global Networks SunNet Manager software is rapidly being adopted by telecommunications companies as the platform for integrating multiple global networking services. At Interop Spring '93 in Washington, DC, users can view Siemens Stromberg- Carlson's new SunNet Manager solution for SMDS services. This solution will be demonstrated in Siemens' and Bell-Atlantic's booths at the show. The demo will utilize a conference-wide SMDS network based on Siemens' EWSM call switching system. Other SunNet Manager telco partners for global networking services include: o British Telecom o Clear Communications o Cray Communications o Fore Systems o MCI o Motorola Mobile Data Division o NYNEX ALLINK Company o SIEMENS Stromberg-Carlson o Telecom Australia o Telecom Finland o T3Plus Networking o WilTel Network Services About MCI MCI, headquartered in Washington, D.C., offers a full range of domestic and global telecommunications services through one of the world's largest state-of-the-art networks. With 1992 revenue of over $10 billion, the company is the second largest long distance provider in the U.S. and has more than 60 offices in 55 countries and places. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Enhanced SunLink Enterprise Computing Products Org: Hi-Tech Communications Contact: Sally Swift Phobe: (415) 904-7000 SunConnect Targets SNA Connectivity With Enhanced SunLink Enterprise Computing Products Rightsizing efforts get boost from expanded mainframe-to-Sun system links, enhanced integration of SunNet Manager and IBM NetView, and support for Solaris 2.1 INTEROP, WASHINGTON, D.C., March 10, 1993 - SunConnect today announced that its complete SunLink line of enterprise integration products-which enable users to share information and resources across multivendor internetworks-now support Solaris 2.1, the SunSoft distributed computing environment that is optimized for global networking. The move to Solaris 2.1-plus new Sun system SNA integration capabilities that have been added to SunLink SNA products-make rightsizing more accessible and convenient for current users of IBM and compatible mainframes. Product enhancements also offer a more integrated and efficient network management solution, a factor that is critical for users making the transition from large-scale, centralized computing to a distributed, heterogeneous enterprise system. "Users are gravitating to high-performance SPARC systems as the most powerful and cost-effective choice for distributed enterprise computing," said Anil Uberoi, group marketing manager of networking products, Sun Microsystems Computer Corporation. "With enhanced SunLink products, mainframe users can complement their computing resources with SPARC systems running the Solaris operating environment and avoid disrupting established enterprise networks or discarding valuable equipment. No matter what hardware platforms or networking solutions users choose, SunLink connectivity offers an affordable, efficient method for global integration." Enhanced Rightsizing Capabilities New SunLink enhancements, including the move to the Solaris 2.1 operating environment, represent the efforts of SunConnect and Sun Microsystems Computer Corporation to make downsizing convenient and affordable for current IBM SNA/mainframe users. Added capabilities include new LAN options for Sun system-to-mainframe connections, more terminal emulation options, greater choices for configuring gateway links, and improved performance. Leading third-party software vendors have already incorporated the SunLink technology into widely used commercial applications and developer tools, giving users more choices for integrating SPARC applications into enterprise SNA environments. "The new SunLink features gave us a cost-effective way to connect client PCs and workstations to our mainframe system," said Paul Nash, UNIX( system consultant at the Counsel for Scientic Industrial Research. "Now we have a head start in our plans for rightsizing onto a midrange UNIX platform. The best part is that the SunConnect solution has delivered on its promise of affordability, functionality and reliability." New network management features in the enhanced SunLink products focus primarily on expanding the links between SunConnect's SunNet Manager and IBM's NetView. "We're making it easier for NetView users to manage the TCP/IP segments of their complex enterprise internetworks," said Stan Baldwin, director of marketing at SunConnect. "Now, administrators of SNA systems have more control over a broader range of devices-without having to leave the SNA environment." Expanded SunLink SNA Solutions Major Sun system-to-SNA enhancements are offered by two SunLink products: SunLink SNA 3270/RJE, upgraded to version 8.0; and SunLink SNA Peer-to-Peer, also upgraded to version 8.0. SunLink SNA 3270/RJE SunLink SNA 3270/RJE is part of SunConnect's family of 3270 emulation gateways, and links Sun systems to IBM and compatible mainframes. The product gives Sun workstations (as well as ASCII terminals and PCs) interactive access to mainframe applications and services by emulating the IBM 3278 display terminal and IBM 3287 printer. Enterprise computing enhancements in SNA 3270/RJE 8.0 include: o New TN3270 server capabilities-This new feature allows users to operate emulation programs locally, eliminating the need to log on to the gateway for all terminal-based activities. Benefits include: - Freedom to choose terminal emulation package: Users can select local emulation packages based on the features they need, and don't have to be retrained to operate the gateway's emulation system. The TN3270 server has already been successfully tested with 12 popular industry TN3270- compatible emulation packages. - High availability options to ensure maximum uptime for TN3270 clients. - Wider range of computer types: Since TN3270-based terminal emulation packages are available for many types of desktop systems, users now have an ideal way to integrate PCs, Macintoshes, UNIX and non-UNIX workstations over high-speed SDLC, Token Ring, BSC, FDDI or other connections with a single gateway. o TN3278 client functions-Users who wish to take advantage of TCP/IP on the mainframe can run SunLink's TN3278 display terminal emulation software, which offers a range of 3278 emulation capabilities. Users can also run SunLink CG3270, a color, graphic, window-based 3270 emulation program, communicating over a TN3270, SNA or BSC connection. o Support for Ethernet (802.3) and FDDI-Now users have additional options for LAN links between 3270 clients and mainframe hosts. SunConnect is one of the few vendors supporting SNA traffic over FDDI, ethernet (802.3), and Token Ring. o SNA/RJE 3770 emulation-SNA 3270/RJE 8.0 can emulate either a 3270 cluster controller for direct log-on capabilities or a 3770 remote job entry (RJE) station for bulk data transfers. This allows network administrators to choose the most convenient and effective connectivity solution for their particular enterprise computing needs. o Double byte support for 3270 emulation in Asia. o Backward/forward compatibility-Current users of SNA 3270 7.0 will be able to integrate the new version into their present systems. A 7.0 client can communicate with an 8.0 SNA 3270/RJE gateway, and an 8.0 client can communicate with a 7.0 gateway. SunLink SNA Peer-to-Peer 8.0 SunLink SNA Peer-to-Peer provides a comprehensive set of SNA services (e.g., LU6.2, CPI-C, DIA) that allow Sun workstations and servers to communicate and share resources with IBM and compatible mainframes. When combined with SunLink SNA 3270/RJE, the product provides maximum functionality for enterprise connectivity. SNA Peer-to-Peer also integrates SunNet Manager with IBM NetView, giving SNA network administrators new ways to view, manipulate and respond to information about the status and performance of their TCP/IP systems. New enterprise computing features in SNA Peer-to-Peer 8.0 include: o CPI-C Capabilities-Support for IBM's Common Programming Interface for Communications (CPI-C) allows end users and developers to use the standard SNA APPC/LU6.2 API for creating open, distributed applications that can operate across diverse hardware and software platforms. CPI-C is a key element of IBM's System Application Architecture (SAA). o Support for Ethernet (802.3) and FDDI-Now network managers have more ways to connect SPARC systems to mainframe applications and services. Sun clients communicate with the Peer-to-Peer Sun-to-SNA gateway over Token Ring, Ethernet, FDDI, SunLink X.25 or any IP routing technology. The gateway communicates with the SNA host over Token Ring, Ethernet, FDDI or SDLC. SNA Peer-to-Peer can also work together with SNA 3270/RJE for expanded gateway performance and functionality. o Support for SNMP "traps"-Previously, NetView administrators were able to view and respond to SunNet Manager "events." Now, SNA Peer-to-Peer adds support for SNMP generic traps, which can capture information from any networked computer or hardware device that has SNMP capabilities. Enhanced "RUNCMD" support also permits communications from the SNA network back to the SPARC environment. Third-Party Applications and Tools Many major software developers have already incorporated SNA Peer-to-Peer capabilities into their enterprise computing solutions and distributed applications. These developer tools and applications allow users to run SPARC applications in an SNA environment and to develop their own distributed applications for mixed SNA-TCP/IP global internetworks. Vendors and applications supporting SNA Peer-to-Peer include: Database Platforms o Oracle (SQL*Net*) o Sybase (Net Gateway*, Open Server*, Open Client*) o Ingres (Ingres/NET*, Ingres/Gateway*, Ingres/Open SQL*) o Informix (INFORMIX-Gateway with DRDA*) Applications o Lotus (Lotus NOTES*) o StarWare (Connect400*) o Techgnosis (SequeLink*) o Legent Corp. (XCOM 6.2*) Middleware o NetWise (RPC TOOL*, RPC EXEC*) o PeerLogic (PIPES*) o Covia Technologies (Communications Integrator*) o Beachwood Data Systems (CMI*) SunLink Family The following SunLink products support Solaris 2.1: SunLink SNA 3270-RJE 8.0, SunLink SNA Peer-to-Peer 8.0, SunLink CG 3270 8.0, SunLink BSC 8.0, SunLink DNI 8.0, SunLink TE 3278 8.0 Product Availability SunLink products running under the Solaris 2.1 operating environment, including version 8.0 of the SNA connectivity products, will be available in 60-90 days. SunConnect, a business unit of Sun Microsystems, Inc., develops and markets products that accelerate the growth, use and management of global networks. SunConnect's United States headquarters is located in Mountain View, Calif. For more information on SunConnect's products in the U.S., please call (800) 241-CONX. SunNet Manager is a distributed management system that provides a comprehensive software environment for integrated network management solutions. It is based on a protocol-independent distributed management architecture that supports open industry standards such as SNMP, TCP/IP and ONC RPC. SunNet Manager offers an open and intuitive graphical network topology display and a complete set of tools for automated fault isolation, diagnosis and network monitoring and control. In addition, SunNet Manager provides distributed manager/agent services, open APIs for developers and a site license for SNMP agents. Sun, the Sun Logo, Sun Microsystems, SunConnect, the SunConnect logo, Sun Microsystems Computer Corporation, the Sun Microsystems Computer Corporation logo, SunLink, SunNet Manager, and Solaris 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. Products bearing SPARC trademarks are based upon an architecture developed by Sun Microsystems, Inc. Hewlett-Packard and Open View are trademarks of Hewlett-Packard Corporation. IBM and NetView are trademarks of International Business Machines, Inc. Cabletron and Spectrum are trademarks of Cabletron Systems, Inc. UNIX is a registered trademark of Unix Systems Laboratories. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 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. John McLaughlin, SunFlash editor, flash@Sun.COM. +1 305 351 4909.