Making It Easier to Link LANs and Large Systems

New Open Systems Adapter Drives Down Cost of Computing

FISHKILL, N.Y., Nov. 22, 1994 ... IBM today unveiled a connectivity product that makes it much easier for customers to link System/390* processors with networks of personal computers, servers and networking devices -- another major stride in the transformation of large scale computing.

The Open Systems Adapter (OSA) allows customers to link dozens of local area networks with their IBM host, an advancement that enhances the role of large systems as enterprise-wide servers with unmatched capabilities.

With OSA, customers can directly attach up to 80 Token Ring or Ethernet LANs to their host server. Customers with fiber distributed data interfaces (FDDI) can connect as many as 32 LANs.

The features provided by OSA, developed by IBM's Large Scale Computing Division (LSCD), are contained on an integrated card that slides inside the host.

The new product also extends simplicity to operations. That's because OSA cards on multiple host systems can be controlled from a single workstation.

"This product represents a lot of complex function wrapped in a simple package," said Nick Donofrio, general manager, LSCD. "In many respects, it's symbolic of the transformation of large scale computing because it's easy to use, small, supports client/server applications, and ultimately drives down the total cost of computing for customers."

Customers are increasingly turning to mainframes as large servers for enterprise-wide computing. That's because doing so brings the mainframe's unmatched capabilities to LANs, including such essential functions as data security, unlimited storage, and simplified management.

Integrated on the OSA card is a channel adapter, a control unit and LAN adapters. OSA supports SNA/APPN, TCP/IP, and IPX communications protocols.

"OSA provides a new degree of flexible connectivity between the host server and desktop systems, and networks in general," said Donofrio. "When teamed with our other leading client/server software products, OSA delivers large system muscle to end-users. Yet it's simple. End-users need not learn anything new to gain access to host services."

OSA will be rolled out in stages. Initial availability will be March 1995 for high-end (711-based) ES/9000* models. Availability for other configurations will follow in 1995.

Trademarks

* Indicates trademark or registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.