Nixdorf Computer AG is starting to beta test software designed to take its Unix systems deeper into corporate IBM territory by enabling them to operate as true SNA mainframe hosts. Using the Targon Network Host SNA software, existing networks of 3270 terminals can access Unix applications on Nixdorf’s Targon Unix machines through another SNA host or via PU2 peripheral controllers, and SNA LU0 is supported, enabling applications on the Unix system to communicate with IBM mainframe applications on other SNA hosts. Targon Network Host provides support for SNA Physical Unit Type 5, enabling a system to operate as an SNA host with its own domain. The systems, developed in the US at Nixdorf Computer Engineering’s Santa Clara facility, has been installed at one site; current plans, which in view of pending acquisition by Siemens may be subject to change, are for one more beta site this year and general availability early next year. Currently available SNA products from Nixdorf and others stop short of providing host capability, providing either terminal or batch RJE emulation, or more recently LU6.2/PU 2.1 Advanced Program-to-Program Communications. Targon Network Host does not currently support LU6.2, but Nixdorf says this is planned for a later release. Initiated as a long-deceased joint development with Amdahl that capitalised on the mainframer’s early access to System V.3 due to its privileged position with AT&T, Targon Network Host is based on the System V.3 Streams mechanism – which should enable considerable flexibility in extending the group of products. Using the ability to mix and match protocols under Streams, Targon Network Host/SNA facilities could in future share Open System Interconnection or TCP Ethernet local area networks. Nixdorf plans to implement Open Systems and TCP/IP protocol stacks in later releases. Targon Network Host provides its own network management facilities for management of the Targon Network Host network only; future enhancements here include increasing integration with SNA network management systems. Targon Network Host could respond to commands from a remote network management system, for instance.
