Power Tools 1993 October - Disc 2/Power Tools (Disc 2)(October 1993)(HP).iso/compet/vendor/ibm/analysis/fd349073.txt

Text File | 1993-09-09 | 17KB | 365 lines

________________________________________________________________________
|                                                                      |
|     Report prepared by:     Faulkner Information Services            |
|                             114 Cooper Center                        |
|                             7905 Browning Road                       |
|                             Pennsauken, NJ 08109 USA                 |
|              Telephone:     [phone]                             |
|                    Fax:     [phone]                             |
|                                                                      |
|    Report submitted on:     September 7, 1993                        |
|______________________________________________________________________|

NEW PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR IBM AS/400 SERIES F

The following text is an excerpt of IBM's September 7 announcement of
enhancements to the AS/400 Series F. These enhancements will be fully
incorporated into the IBM report by September 13.
   With the Version 2 Release 3 enhancements, IBM continues the AS/400
strategic focus on client-server, openness, and systems management while
significantly extending the system's graphical capability. The
continuing evolution of growth and performance further enhance the
AS/400 as a premier distributed client-server.
   o Client-Server, Openness, and Connectivity
       o Three new Server Series Models 100, 135, and 140 are included
         in Version 2 Release 3.
       o Integrated support for Apple Macintosh users, optimized 5250
         support for Hewlett-Packard and Sun users, high-speed
         communications, significant extensions to the Client Series and
         Server Series, preloaded IBM ValuePoint for AS/400, simplified
         ASCII printer support, and IBM AS/400 ImagePlus File Cabinet
         all extend the AS/400 system into new arenas.
   o Growth and Performance: New I/O, performance enhancements, and
     increased capacities include:
       o Three new Server Series Models
       o High-performance 9337 DASD
       o New 9406 DASD controller
       o Increased DASD capacities
       o Enhanced memory management
       o 3494 Tape Library Dataserver Model L10
       o Expanded software for the tape library
       o Improved tape save/restore operations
       o New printers
       o Expanded capacity of 5494 Remote Control Unit
   o System Management: The system management strengths of the AS/400
     system are further extended with the addition of:
       o Managed Systems Services/400
       o Netview Remote Operation Agent/400
       o ManageWare/400
   o Graphical Environment: The modern look and feel of the AS/400
     system is significantly extended with the addition of the
     following:
       o ValuePoint for AS/400, a new graphical workstation
       o Client-server tools
       o Graphical interface for system operations
DESCRIPTION

Growth and Performance

Client-Server Models:

Three new AS/400 Server Series Models 100, 135, and 140 are added in
Version 2 Release 3. These Server Series Models are specifically
optimized to provide high performance in the client-server environment.
While offering flexible configurations, these new models are compatible
with and preserve the strengths of the AS/400 product family. The new
models utilize the integrated operating system (OS/400) and offer a
totally integrated relational database, sophisticated systems management
tools, a variety of client types, and a wide range of connectivity
options. The Server Series Models offer an excellent solution for
customers and business partners requiring a full-function database
server.

9337 Disk Array Subsystem:

The performance and capacities of the 9337 Disk Array Subsystem are
extended significantly with the addition of new models.
   Write-assist disk (WAD) is moved to nonvolatile memory. Customer-
usable storage space is increased, performance is improved, and
reliability is extended. Maximum storage capacity per 9337 is increased
14% to 17%.
   User can switch, via software, to or from high-availability mode
(RAID-5) and non-high-availability mode on the same model. Previously,
user flexibility was limited because a specific model was dedicated to a
single mode. This new, extended capability enables users to maintain
greater flexibility in their availability strategies.

Expert Cache:

The performance of the single-level storage architecture in OS/400 is
enhanced by the addition of an expert cache algorithm that enable the
architecture to take better advantage of the main storage capacities
available today, particularly in batch processing environments. Elapsed-
time reductions for batch jobs could range up to 75%, depending on the
disk processing characteristics.

Tape Support:

Buffer handling is improved for high-speed tape drives, resulting in the
potential for improved save/restore rates for nondedicated save
operations. Assuming low system activity, the save/restore rate should
be approximately equivalent to the save/restore rate in a restricted
state. As a result, save/restore in a nondedicated mode using fast tape
drives can improve up to 50%.

9406 Maximum Main Storage:

Maximum main storage is increased on the 9406 F60, F80, F90, and F95
models.
     Maximum (MB)
    ------------------
Model    Current               New
=====    =======              ====
F60      256                   384
F70      512                   512  (no change)
F80      512                   768
F90      512                  1024
F95      512                  1280

9406 DASD Controller:

A new 9406 DASD controller transfers data at 20MB per second over a two-
byte-wide SCSI-2 interface, improving the internal transfer rate by a
factor of four.
   The new 9337 models combined with the new 9406 DASD controller can
result in very significant performance improvements in both batch and
interactive jobs. A typical interactive task could improve from 10% to
20%. Improvements are very dependent on the characteristic of the
individual job. The improvement of batch jobs, for example, will depend
on DASD speed and could range up to 20% to 30%.

9404 DASD:

Growth options for 9404 customers are increased. Maximum disk capacity
is raised to 19.7GB with the incorporation of a new 2GB drive. This 2GB
drive improves reliability by a factor of 1.8 times.

9404 High-Performance Magnetic Tape Adapter:

With the Magnetic Tape Subsystem Attachment/HP now available on the
9404, customers can select from a variety of 34xx tape devices that meet
the requirements of the additional 9404 DASD and the Server Series
Models.

5494 Remote Control Unit:

The capacity and flexibility of the 5494 Remote Control Unit are greatly
increased. The total number of devices attachable to the controller is
raised to 80. These devices can be a maximum of 56 twinaxial or up to 80
token-ring attached devices.

High Speed Communications Adapter:

A new High Speed Communications Adapter enables users to take advantage
of T1/J1 (1.544 Mbps) or E1 (2.048 Mbps) lines. Data rates are thereby
increased and transmission costs lowered.

3494 Tape Library Dataserver Model L10:

A new Automated Tape Storage Subsystem, capable of handling up to 2.4TB
(terabytes) of decompressed data, improves the speed and reliability of
tape handling. Using improved Data Recording Capabilities (IDRC) at 3:1
compaction can increase this capacity up to 7.2TB. AS/400 9404 and 9406
users may now significantly improve their backup/restore and
archive/retrieve procedures.
   The 3494 is designed to grow as storage and usage needs grow. The
entry-level configuration of one drive and 210 tape cartridge can be
expanded to combinations of one to eight drives and storage from 210 to
3040 tape cartridges.
   Backup Recovery and Media Services/400 (BRM Services/400) initial
support is for backup and restore capability. Also, as previously
announced, BRM Services/400 will be enhanced in the first half of 1994
to automatically migrate data between DASD and the tape library based on
customer-defined policies.
   A single Tape Library Dataserver can attach to multiple AS/400, RISC
System/6000, and ES/9000 systems.

Graphical Environment

IBM ValuePoint for AS/400:

Users now can take advantage of the PC's processing power, graphics, and
so on without the effort and cost of loading and customizing each PC.
These preloaded, programmable workstations greatly simplify the
installation of intelligent workstations for the customer. Selected IBM
ValuePoint workstations will be preloaded with DOS, Microsoft Windows, a
communications driver, and V2R2 PC Support/400 and V2R2 RUMBA/400; (V2R2
is supported via the normal PC Support update function). Various
connection types are also supported. These workstations will arrive at
the user's site ready to be plugged in, logged on to the AS/400 system
with a graphical log-on screen, and begin running. Valuepoint for AS/400
will be a member of the client Series.

Client-Server

Open Client Support

   o Apple environment now can realize the benefits of the AS/400 system
     and inexpensively. A new controller provides Macintosh users with a
     simple connections to the AS/400 system. This eliminates the need
     for costly gateway hardware, by attaching via LocalTalk (twisted
     pair) directly to the AS/400 system. A Macintosh can also be an
     AS/400 system console, thus eliminating the need for a twinaxial
     5250-type display.

   o Sun Polaris and HP/UX users can now take advantage of AS/400
     systems in their networks by attaching to the AS/400 system via the
     Workstation Control Program/400 (formerly AIX AS/400 Connection
     Program/6000) via TCP/IP. This fulfills a previous statement of
     direction.

Client Series:

The Client Series tool set adds workgroup solutions for work flow and
file distribution, and adds selected open server enablers. These tools
are available through IBM channels.

Server Series:

The Server Series offers:
   o Three new AS/400 Server Series Models specifically designed to
     deliver improved performance in the client-server environment.
   o Server Series LAN Packages that use new Server Series Models,
     providing platforms that address three client environments
     currently supported by the Client Series: OS/2, Microsoft Windows,
     and Apple Macintosh.
   o Server Series Solutions that use Server Series LAN Packages to
     deliver preloaded client-server solutions.

LAN Resource Extension and Services/400:

Customers can save time and leverage skilled resources using LAN
Resource Extension and Services/400 (LANRES/400). LANRES/400 establishes
a server environment on the AS/400 system to allow Novell NetWare
customers transparent access to host resources.

Graphical Operations:

A new graphical use interface for system operations expands the
usability of the AS/400 system significantly. End users and system
operators can now take advantage of the direct manipulation capability
of a programmable workstation (for example, point-and-click or drag-and-
drop) rather than having to type commands and command parameters to do
the same things.
   Numerous AS/400 tasks are covered in the first release. They include:
work areas; printer output; output queues; printers; jobs; job queues;
messages; message queues; sending messages; signed-on users; system
status; libraries; and objects.

Openness/Connectivity

TCP/IP Utilities/400:

Additional business solutions and improved productivity will benefit
customers in the TCP/IP environment through several extensions of the
TCP/IP Utilities/400 licensed program. Support for the DEC VT220 data
stream is added. Therefore, many terminals offered by various vendors
can now be attached to the AS/400 to take advantage of the additional
display and language functions. In addition, new remote printing support
is provided, and both remote log-on across multiple systems and Simple
Mail Transfer Protocol facilities are enhanced.

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN):

With the implementation of Bellcore National ISDN (US) and ISDN-Euro
(Europe), customers can take advantage of additional emerging
communications standards.

PC Support/400:

The selection of new devices is broadened by inclusion of a number of
new IBM and non-IBM laptop PCs in PC Support/400. Also, support of OS
6.0 and Novell NetWare 4.0 coexistence is added.

Systems Management

Managed System Services/400:

The management of software through its life cycle is greatly enhanced
with SystemView Managed Systems Services/400, which provides facilities
on an AS/400 system to receive, install, and activate software change
plans from a central site to plan and implement software changes on
remote AS/400 systems:

   o Unattended remote site management is strengthened
   o Software is handled consistently
   o Operator productivity is greatly enhanced

   The cost of transmission is reduced because the central site can
direct a change plan to set of AS/400 systems in one operation.
   In the first phase, a central site System/390 with NetView
Distribution Manager that is managing a network of AS/400 systems can:
   o Send, retrieve, and delete AS/400 objects, documents, libraries,
     folders, PTFs, files, and programs
   o Apply or remove PTFs
   o Perform an IPL
   o Run programs

   These functions can be automated and executed unattended.
   In the second phase, an AS/400 system can be the central-site system
managing other AS/400 systems and PS/2s running NetView DM/2.

NewView Remote Operations Agent/400:

NetView Remote Operations Agent/400 enhances the MVS customer's
centralized management of AS/400 systems from the mainframe. Network
control is improved and operator productivity is enhanced.

BEST/1 Capacity Planner:

Functional improvements to the BEST/1 Capacity Planner include support
for hardware and communications extensions and open interfaces for
improved automation.

Host Print Transform:

The incorporation of host print transform function into OS/400
standardizes programming support of ASCII printer in the operating
system in a single, easily understood, consistent manner. This makes it
easier to attach and support ASCII printers. PC Support/400 uses the
OS/400 host print transform function to combine the functions of client-
based print emulators with a single server-based emulator output for a
much greater consistency of print quality for ASCII printers.

Application Enabling
Multimedia:

The quality of multimedia is further improved by the addition of digital
video and digital audio to Ultimedia Host Support/400. The flexibility
and usability of AS/400 multimedia solutions is also enhanced by adding
user exits and OS/2 support to Ultimedia Host Support/400.

Additional Enhancements

Enhanced User Order Process (EUOP):

Enhancements in OS/400 now allow (only in the United States) customers
to send electronic requests to IBM Application Business Systems (ABS)
for assistance in ordering hardware, software, and services (including
PTFs) directly from ABS. When the request for assistance is sent, OS/400
will automatically include the system's hardware and software
configuration to ensure accuracy in preparing the order. A
representative from the AS/400 Fulfillment Center in IBM Rochester will
call the customer and assist in configuring and placing the order.

Performance Management/400:

Performance Management/400 is a service offering that automates
performance data collection, reduces the data daily, and manages the
amount of DASD consumed by the collected data. The information collected
is sent electronically to IBM where management level reports and graphs
are created and mailed to the customer. This allows customers to manage
their systems effectively without requiring a highly trained system
operator.

Other:

Minor enhancements are made to Performance Tools/400 and CICS/400.

________________________________________________________________________
|                                                                      |
|   Report prepared by:   Faulkner Information Services                |
|                                                                      |
|  Report submitted on:   September 7, 1993                            |
|______________________________________________________________________|