 
This letter is intended to update you on changes in the host access
environment as well as HP's plans to better focus resources and the
corresponding changes to the PC ARPA/NS product line. You should
share this information with your customers you feel appropriate.
 
This update covers 3rd party products available to replace HP's PC ARPA/
NS product. As you are aware, the November 1, 1992 introduction of the
J2246A product, HP PC ARPA and Network Services, was the last release
of HP ARPA/NS.
 
HP will continue to sell and support the present J2246A product until
we are certain that there are a number of equivalent solutions available.
We will give you ample notice when the J2246A product will be discontin-
ued. We have been working closely with several 3rd party vendors to
ensure equivalent functionality and to establish upgrade programs to aid
in this transition.
 
Below is a list of 3rd party vendors and contacts that are presently
offering upgrades from HP ARPA/NS to their products. We are continuing to
discuss plans with a number of 3rd party vendors and will keep you
updated.
 
   Note: If your customer currently uses HP's NS/VT there is a migration
         path to Walker, Richer, and Quinn's product. This product works
         with WRQ's Reflections terminal emulator product. WRQ is also
         offering an upgrade program for AdvanceLink terminal emulators
         to Reflections.
 
         At this time, note that only WRQ supports applications which
         are written to the NetIPC API of NS.
 
         Today, the only 3rd party offering functionality equivalent to
         DSCOPY is WRQ.
 
Below is the current status:
 
   Vendor             Contact                Comments
 
 
   MicroSoft        TBD                  Offers ARPA connectivity in
                                         LAN Manager environment but has
                                         NOT announced any upgrade plan.
                                         Plans to support WINSOCK.
 
   NetManage        1-408-973-7171       Offers ARPA connectivity in LAN
                    Sales Dept.          Manager & Netware environments.
                    (has upgrade plan)   Offers WINSOCK support today.
 
   Novell           1-800-772-UNIX       Offers ARPA connectivity in
                    (has upgrade plan)   Netware environments.
                                         Plans to support WINSOCK.
 
   SPRY             1-206-286-1412       Offers ARPA connectivity in LAN
                    David Pool or        Manager & Netware environments.
                    Sales Dept.          Is interested in support of NS
                    (has upgrade plan)   software but no firm plans.
 
 
   Tymlabs          1-512-478-0611       Is interested in support of
                    Cathy Balch          HP's NS/VT functionality but
                                         no firm plans.
                                         Currently working on allowing
                                         Business Sessions to be compat-
                                         ible with WRQ protocols.
 
   Walker, Richer,  1-800-736-2332       Offers ARPA connectivity and
   and Quinn        (has upgrade plan)   has NS/VT connectivity to
                                         HP3000s and NetIPC application
                                         support in LAN Manager &
                                         Netware environments.
                                         Supports HP's WSOCKETS API.
                                         Also, plans to support WINSOCK.
 
In early January, IND will make available to all HP Field Networking and
Business consultants 3rd party product literature and upgrade offerings.
We encourage each Sales Representative to start working with their
customers and 3rd party contacts above to begin selection of a 3rd party
solution that best fits their needs.
 
If you have further questions, please contact the Network Sales Center
at 408-447-4444. 