3Com Corp, Santa Clara, California has bundled several of its hardware and software products to create 3+Open Client-Server System, claiming it to be the first such system developed by a networking company. The system is offered with software interfaces to enable it to be used with kit from DEC, IBM, Apple Computer, and the generality of Unix systems. 3+Open Client-Server System consists of 3+Open LAN Manager, the new 80386-based 3Server/500, the company’s network workstations, and electronic mail and internetwork capability. It comes in two standard packages, both available next month, and each includes 3Server/500 preloaded with 3+Open LAN Manager with Demand Protocol Architecture and the appropriate combination of 3Stations. The introductory price with one 3Station/2E is $19,250; after October the price will go up to $21,495. With 10 of the 3Station/2E machines and 3+Open Mail, 3+Open Internet and 3+Open LAN Vision installed on the server, it’s $41,925. Internetworking options are 3+Open TCP; the GS/X25 gateway for Ethernet, token ring and broadband local area networks; and the 3+Open Maxess Systems Network Architecture gateway for access to IBM hosts. 3+Open TCP, out in October, is $350 for the single user version, $2,000 for a server licence. GS/X25 gateway server and router for TCP/IP is out next month, GS/X25 3’r XNS, October; GS/X25 for Open Systems Interconnection, November, at $12,500 to $20,500 depending on configuration. The Maxess SNA Gateway, October, is $6,000 for the SDLC link version, including necessasry co-processor board; the Token Ring version – no co-processor needed, costs $3,400.
