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000469_news@columbia.edu_Sun May 28 18:35:15 1995.msg
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From: jh@germany.eu.net (Joerg Heitkoetter)
Newsgroups: comp.protocols.kermit.misc
Subject: Kermit for remote software configuration?
Date: 28 May 1995 20:35:15 +0200
Organization: EUnet Deutschland GmbH, Research & Development
Lines: 68
Message-Id: <3qafp3$qi1@Germany.EU.net>
Nntp-Posting-Host: jazz.germany.eu.net
Apparently-To: kermit.misc@watsun.cc.columbia.edu
Dear folks,
I would like to get in contact with people who have used Kermit for remote
configuration purposes, more specifically, I want to have your opinion on the
usefulness of Kermit for the following (special) purpose: I have a Kermit
server (actually a whole bunch of servers behind a modem rack) for customers
that have received an Internet access kit, and now want to register with us...
So the story goes like this: after purchasing an IAK you unpack the software
on your PC/Mac/Linux box/whatever and start a registration client; this
client prompts you for some information, that begins with your name, and ends
with your (hopefully valid) credit card information; then you press the "send"
button, and a modem connection is established from the PC to an Internet
provider's registration server; this server checks in the infos the client
sends; (e.g., credit card validity); and from a set of generic configuration
files, it creates a bunch of special purpose configuration files that are then
copied onto your hard disk; you can now re-boot your machine (if it's a PC),
and use the IAK to "surf" the Internet. C'est ca.
* Now--What's the deal?
Well--more and more Internet Access Kits (IAK) providers realize that an
initial installation via a simple dial-in connection is the easiest way to
pre-install their software with an Internet provider's (IP) set-up; e.g. the
provider's DNS server address, POP server, local phone numbers for various
POPs (points of presence/dial-in nodes), et cetera. (e.g. NetManges'
Automatic Internet, that comes with their latest Chameleon IAK).
* What's the problem?
All of these IAK provider's systems use their own configuration protocol,
hence they are incompatible. As an Internet provider, we would like to see a
general purpose solution to this remote configuration problem. (Otherwise we
would have to set up dozens of servers for various IAKs...)
* What's Kermit gotta do with it?
Personally, I would like to see such a solution being realized on "top" of the
Kermit protocol being released either as a freeware or low-fee solution, for
various reasons; I think the top two points are:
(a) a relatively short developmental effort, since Kermit is more than
well-tested; it would only need some macro programming on the client and
server side.
(b) Kermit runs on almost any OS, hence, remote configuration would be
possible due to portability for all these OSs; not only for a single OS,
like today's special purpose solutions.
* Drawbacks?
The only drawback I could think of would be (a) the legal problems that arise
iff IAK providers would bundle Kermit versions wih their kits without prior
checking with the Kermit Software, i.e. Columbia U; or (b) is the "Kermit
community" at large (or FdC in particular) is uninterested in this idea.
Thanx in advance for your comments!
--
Have fun, -joke
====== ____ == Jvrg Heitkvtter
===== / / / __ __ _/_ === Research & Development
==== /---- / / / ) /___) / ==== EUnet Deutschland GmbH
=== /____ (___/ / / (___ ( ===== Emil-Figge-Str. 80, D-44227 Dortmund
== ====== Tel/Fax +49-231-972 -00/-1111
"Failure is perhaps our most taboo subject." --John Gall, "Systemantics"