Unisys Corp has announced the CNMS Common Network Management System, describing it as an advanced system for managing the operation of large computer networks, and new communications software that extends the capabilities of its DCA Distributed Communications Architecture networks. The Common Network Management System operates on two Unisys U 6000 Unix systems configured as management client and management server, and it uses standard X Window terminals. Its design is based on the International Standards Organisation Open Systems Interconnection network management model, and uses the Common Management Information Protocol, CMIP. The system takes Oracle Corp’s eponymous relational database manager as its management information base, using it as a repository that keeps track of the computers, terminals, communications processors, multiplexors, data files, programs, and other objects in the network. Release 1 of the network management system is for OS 1100 mainframe customers with fast-growing networks that contain typically thousands of terminals, personal computers and workstations, as well as mainframe-information hubs. Release 1 takes advantage of Unisys’ proprietary DCP Distributed Communications Processor family, which provides 1100 and 2200 users with dynamic routing, automated node re-configuration and fault reporting capabilities. The network management system monitors the activity of the processors and other Unisys DCA, systems in the network, filtering the operational data, correlating related events and reporting them to the operator as action-oriented notifications. Another feature is the system’s ability to track changes in the network configuration automatically, even down to terminal level. Together with Single Point Operations, SPO – launched in the fourth quarter last year to provide integrated operator control of multiple 1100/2200 hosts and their associated peripheral subsystems – the network management system provides Systems Management Service functions specified in the Unisys Architecture. The new software for the Distributed Communications Processors and 2200/1100 mainframes implements native OSI and TCP/IP protocol stacks, which can out-perform current network gateways, according to Unisys. Users can build high-performance, multi-protocol, multi-vendor networks that enhance the value of their investment in Unisys’ Distributed Communications Architecture systems, the company claims. These products implement key networking services defined in the System Connectivity Services module of the Architecture. In the 2200/1100 information hub environment, System Connectivity Services are provided by the host-based Communications Management System CMS1100 and either the Unisys Host LAN Controller, or the software in the Distributed Communications Processor. The new Communications Delivery 5R2, CD5R2, software implements the OSI Transport Layer ISO 8073 Class 4, Connectionless Network Protocol ISO 8473 and End System to Intermediate System ES-IS routing protocols ISO 9542. CMS1100 can now provide a native OSI stack conforming to the US GOSIP Version 1. This software release positions the 2200/1100 as an end system, providing host services in a multi-vendor network. Open Systems Release 3 for the DCP family, also new, will provide Intermediate-System to Intermediate-System routing and Internet IP routing for TCP/IP packets.
Private X25 nets using DCPs
In an OSI network, a processor with Open Systems R3 will operate as an intermediate system, providing network routing services over both the local and wide area net. Open Systems R3 will provide as well OSI Transport Class 0 and 2 for connection-oriented networks. OSI and TCP/IP packets can also be routed across a Distributed Communications Architecture sub-network, thus protecting existing hardware and software investments. Open Systems R3 also introduces a new X25 product, X25-DCE, which enables the processor to perform the functions of an X25 packet switch and attach X25 devices. This enables users to build a private X25 packet network based on the DCP ha
rdware. Common Network Management System Release 1 will ship in December, with a typical system configuration costing around $140,000 for both hardware and software. Availability and pricing of Release 2, which will add Simple Network Management Protocol support to Release 1, will be announced next year. Unisys will begin shipping CD5R2 and Open Systems Release 3 software to current OS 1100 and DCP licensees in the next couple of weeks. The new X25-DCE product costs between $2,630 and $8,000 depending on the size of the DCP processor in use.