Network Support Library/RoseWare - Network Support Library.iso/sna/br816.txt

Text File | 1993-10-01 | 21KB | 370 lines

September 7, 1993

IBM/SNA BROCHURE - V4.0


Transitioning in the '90s

Corporate information systems are in transition.
    Business is growing more competitive, rewarding those organizations
nimble and flexible enough to respond to shifting market directions.  As a
result, large, centralized, networks - typified by the IBM Systems Network
Architecture (SNA) - are shifting more and more to a distributed approach
employing local area networks (LANs).
    This shift from less-flexible mainframes to networked desktop
workstations is not without its challenges.  Businesses have made significant
investments in their existing legacy systems, and the thought of abandoning
that investment is untenable.  The challenge is to implement a distributed
architecture that preserves the legacy network while integrating the best
networking solutions available.  All of this requires a vendor with an array
of safe and reliable technology solutions and strategies.

The SynOptics Solution

    SynOptics Communications, the world's leading provider of hub-based
IBM- compatible Token Ring solutions, offers such a strategy.
    SynOptics delivers the network fabric that allows organizations to
build scalable enterprise-wide networks to support their data communications
needs within the context of their existing SNA infrastructure.  Built with
intelligent hubs that link computers and provide common integrated network
management, the network fabric provides a flexible means of supporting
reliable networking in the three key applications environments:  facilities
networks, remote offices and the network center.
    For the IBM/SNA environment, the network fabric represents a solid
foundation for building distributed LAN environments.  It seamlessly merges
LAN technology into the legacy system - while preserving the SNA investment.
    Whether you follow the IBM networking blueprint, move towards an
alternative open systems environment, or adopt a combination of both,
SynOptics can help you get there from here.  It's a well-conceived strategy
for establishing a network that combines the best of both worlds.  And it's a
scalable solution, so you can make the transition at your own pace -
maintaining total control over your changing environment.
    It's a safe - and smart - choice.  Only from the market leader.


The Evolving IBM/SNA Environment

    With more than 50,000 networks connecting over 8 million users, SNA
remains the primary solution for large IBM environments.
    Unfortunately, this architecture wasn't designed for the local area
networks (LANs) that are becoming a common element in today's rapidly-changing
business world.  Advances in desktop applications such as electronic mail,
word processing and spread sheets have driven a need for new networking
solutions.  The current trend is towards implementing less centralized, less
hierarchical environments using departmental-based resources such as file
servers throughout the network.  This places less emphasis on mainframe-
centric architectures and more on distributed computing - changing the way
network resources are accessed and used.
    In a client/server environment, SNA devices connected to the LAN
become "peers" to other resources on the network, capable of communicating
with any other end node regardless of access method, networking protocol or
physical location.  This peer- networking concept represents the architecture
that IBM will ultimately embody in its scheme to support distributed LANs:
Advanced Peer-to-Peer Networking, or APPN.

Integrating LANs into the SNA Environment
    Agile and nimble, LANs deliver the flexibility to selectively
deploy capabilities and solutions that meet local user requirements.  Each
network segment can be tailored to provide the precise capabilities required
by the group.  And LANs offer sophisticated, standards-based management,
delivering enhanced control over the entire network.
    The advent of PC-based applications, coupled with an industry trend
towards "rightsizing" - a cost-savings effort to offload large-scale network
systems to desktop workstations - have made the client/server architecture an
attractive complement to the SNA environment.  As a result, a number of SNA
networks are starting to add LAN technology to their existing legacy
networks.  The end result - an integrated system supporting multiple
protocols and powerful management capabilities - provides a hybrid solution
that satisfies the organization's ultimate business goals.

The Great Divide
    The affiliation between centralized, traditional IBM networks and
distributed multi- protocol LANs poses an interesting challenge to IS managers
responsible for implementing an integration strategy.  From a business
perspective, most organizations won't sacrifice their existing network in
favor of a new one.  The legacy system represents a tremendous investment -
not only in terms of equipment, but also in time and training.  It's a
trusted, predictable environment that has been developed and refined over
years to fill a specific set of needs.
    What's required is a strategic approach that retains the best
qualities of the existing SNA architecture - such as predictable service
levels - while introducing the ease-of- use advantages of distributed LANs.
The result is a fully integrated network that combines the reliability of
mainframe-based systems with the flexibility of distributed computing while
avoiding the need to build parallel networks.

The SynOptics Path to Network Integration
    SynOptics offers a complete SNA/LAN strategy that lets you integrate
the LAN capabilities you want, when you want them - at your own pace.
    SynOptics offers a range of IBM-compatible solutions that seamlessly
merge with your SNA network, allowing you to integrate industry-leading LAN
solutions into your legacy system.  SynOptics' scalable approach lets you add
LAN functionality incrementally, so your evolution can take place as quickly
- or as slowly - as you like.  And through cooperative efforts with IBM and
other leading vendors, SynOptics has developed solutions that transparently
blend the SNA and LAN worlds - creating a single, cohesive networking system.
    It's a complete solution that considers every possible option.
Whether you build upon the existing mainframe-centric SNA platform or migrate
towards a more open environment, SynOptics can help you get there safely and
securely.


Legacy Networks and LANs

    SynOptics reduces the complexity of adding LAN functionality to your
SNA network.  Through a variety of IBM-compatible connectivity,
internetworking and management solutions, SynOptics provides seamless
integration for everything from small workgroups to extended enterprise
networks.

Network Environments
    SNA networks can be divided into three basic application
environments:  remote or branch offices; facilities or departmental networks
housed in a building or campus; and the network center, where servers and
mainframes traditionally reside.  All three segments are typically connected
in a hierarchical arrangement, allowing data to flow to and from the central
mainframe.
    SynOptics offers a host of solutions that address the needs of each
specific environment, as well as the overall enterprise.  You can start small,
maintaining complete control over the integration process.  And SynOptics'
scalable, hub-based architecture lets you add to each environment as
requirements dictate.

Branch Solutions
    Remote offices demand stand-alone solutions that meet local
requirements.  And SynOptics delivers with a complete and cost-effective
method for starting and expanding small networks.
    The LattisRing(tm) family of workgroup hubs deliver simple, plug-and-
play Token Ring connectivity for linking desktop computers and shared
peripherals in the branch office or smadepartment.  Offering IEEE 802.5
compatibility and featuring active per- port retiming technology co-developed
with IBM, the LattisRing hubs offer a scalable solution for supporting from
16 to 80 host connections - meeting the needs of smaller environments.  And
LattisRing operates over your existing media, whether it's shielded twisted
pair IBM cabling or unshielded twisted pair telephone wire - eliminating the
expense of adding a new cabling system.

Integrated Management
    For autonomous branch offices, where trained on-site networking
personnel are non- existent, centralized management - the ability to monitor
and control remote sites from a single console - becomes essential.  And
SynOptics provides a complete branch office management solution that utilizes
the existing SNA architecture, delivering a maximum return on your existing
network investment.
    LattisRing stackable hubs come preconfigured with integrated Simple
Network Management Protocol (SNMP) capabilities, allowing you to monitor and
control network activity with precision.  Locally, the Lattis EZ-View(tm)
management application offers a simple, graphics-based solution that lets you
observe network performance down to the port level - delivering complete
troubleshootiand automated fault resolution capabilities.
    For centralized management, SynOptics has a solution that allows you
to manage remote Token Ring networks from the existing SNA network data center
using NetView or an SNMP-based management station like the IBM NetView/6000.   SynOptics' SNA gateway solution converts
an OS/2-based desktop computer into a gateway capable of transmitting SNMP
data over existing SNA Synchronous Data Link Control (SDLC) wide-area links.
The information can be sent to a central IBM management station, where
network managers have full access to SynOptics' sophisticated graphics-based
management solutions.
    By encapsulating SNMP for transmission over SNA networks, the
SynOptics gateway offers a reliable, predictable internetworking and
management solution that leverages existing investments in costly leased
serial lines.  The need to install a parallel network is eliminated - while
the benefit of centrally managing your remote LANs is maintained.

Tailored Solutions
    SynOptics offers reliable, compatible solutions for SNA branch
offices and remote sites.  The LattisRing hubs deliver IBM-compatible Token
Ring connectivity for introducing distributed LANs to the existing SNA
environment.  And SynOptics' SNA gateway solution lets you send
SynOptics-generated SNMP management data over your existing SDLC serial
lines.
    It's a safe way to start your migration from hierarchical
environments to peer-to-peer LAN-based networks - while preserving the
investment in your existing network infrastructure.



Department Solutions

    For more complex facilities or departmental networks, SynOptics
offers a flexible solution for adding LAN technology to the SNA environment.

Modular Platform
    SynOptics' System 3000(tm) offers a moar platform for building
custom networks designed for your specific needs.  Individual modules
supporting 4- and 16-megabit-per- second Token Ring can be installed in System
3000 intelligent hubs to link IBM workstations, servers and cluster
controllers on a common system.  And for SNA networks in transition, SDLC-to-
LLC2 conversion capabilities via the Model 3800 Multi- media Router will give
you the flexibility to support both SDLC and Token Ring connectivity from a
common hub platform.
    For SNA networks moving towards an open systems environment, the
System 3000 also supports Ethernet and FDDI connectivity - simultaneously.
It's an integrated solution for implementing multiple access methods within
your SNA network.
    The System 3000 supports multiple protocols, adding diversity to
your legacy network.  And complete IBM compatibility means you can link the
hubs directly to your existing equipment - and support peer-to-peer
communications within the SNA architecture.

Linking Departmental Sites
    In a distributed environment, connectivity between departmental
locations is essential.  SynOptics' Token Ring internetworking products make
that possible.
    SynOptics' integrated local Token Ring bridge supports high-
performance interconnections between Token Ring networks.  Installed in a
System 3000 hub alongside Token Ring host modules, the bridge allows you to
establish backbone access to centralized resources such as file servers and
IBM hosts - creating a true client/server network.  A stand-alone version of
the bridge is also available for the non-modular LattisRing hubs.
    The bridges supports the IEEE 802.5 Source Route Transparent (SRT)
standard, combining IBM's source routing algorithm with the transparent
bridging commonly employed by other protocols.  The standard allows both
source-routed and non-source- routed data to be supported - providing
complete end-to-end connectivity for both IBM and non-IBM traffic.

Complete Management
    For departmental networks, SynOptics offers a complete management
solution that extends the Optivity(tm) network management system to a variety of
management platforms - including IBM's NetView/6000, Hewlett-Packard's
OpenView and Sun Microsystems' SunNet Manager.
    Optivity is SynOps' premier network management application for
managing the key building blocks of the network fabric- intelligent hubs,
routers, bridges and end- systems - as a cohesive unit.  IBM's NetView/6000
provides comprehensive, centralized management functions for multivendor
environments.  The new Optivity for NetView/6000 application represents a
comprehensive LAN management solution, providing key physical-layer management
capabilities to the existing management system.
    Optivity for NetView/6000 addresses a critical issue for SNA
environments migrating to client/server LANs:  preserving existing investments
by leveraging the infrastructure already in place.  It's an integrated
solution that offers a familiar platform for managing the SynOptics
environment, seamlessly merging physical-layer information with upper- layer
data.  You maintain complete control of the entire network - from a single
management console.


Enterprise Solutions

    While client/server computing is designed to reduce demands on the
central mainframe, distributed LANs still need access to the network center.
SynOptics' SNA strategy delivers that access with a flexible solution that
merges the best of both worlds.

Connecting the Enterprise
    System 3000 hubs installed in the network center offer a flexible
platform for connecting all departmental networks and branch offices on a
common system.  As you migrate towards a fully integrated SNA/LAN environment,
you may need to connect disparate networks.  SynOptics' Model 3800 integrated
multiprotocol routing solution makes that possible.
    The router offers a number of high-performance solutions for merging
the SNA and LAN environments.  For networks following the IBM networking
blueprint, the router's SDLC-to-LLC2 conversion capabilities support a smooth integration of
SNA and Token Ring LANs.  The router can also transport SNA traffic across
multiprotocol internetworks, connect existing IBM SDLC controllers and
front-end processors, and establish backbone networks for connecting
enterprise IBM hosts.
    For the open systems environment, the router supports a fully-
integrated, seamless transition to multiprotocol networks.  Simultaneously
supporting any combination of Token Ring, Ethernet, FDDI or wide-area network
connections, the router allows you to build high-speed backbones between
diverse network segments.  Or you can establish a collapsed backbone to bring
all links back to the network center for enhanced control.
    As for the future, SynOptics will continue to develop IBM-
compatible solutions for merging distributed LANs into the SNA environment.
For existing legacy networks incorporating LAN technology, SynOptics delivers
a safe and smooth transition - both today and in the future.

Automated Management
    The enterprise network is difficult to manage and control -
especially if it's in transition.  A combination of SynOptics solutions -
including Optivity for NetView/6000, the Network Control Engine(tm) and
LattisWare(tm) Solutions software t can help automate the process while
seamlessly integrating SNMP management with the existing SNA environment.
    Optivity for NetView/6000 delivers specific fault, performance and
configuration data for monitoring activity and diagnosing problems anywhere on
the network.  Seated at a central management station in the network center,
you can obtain detailed statistics from individual ports on the network -
giving you unparalleled control over the entire system.
    In particularly complex environments, the Network Control Engine can
help reduce the amount of data converging on central management resources.
The NCE(tm) - a modular processor installed in System 3000 hubs at strategic
locations throughout the network - collects and analyzes management nformation collected within its domain.  Only critical information is
forwarded to the management station, ensuring that everything you see is truly
important.
    To further automate enterprise management, SynOptics has developed
extensions of two LattisWare Solutions for the SNA environment.  LattisWare
Solutions are a family of software tools designed to simplify and automate
routine and time-consuming management tasks.  The two applications -
RouterMan(tm) and PathMan(tm) - provide detailed infor for precise network
management and control.
    RouterMan allows network managers to see, in a graphical format, the
status, configuration and overall health of any selected router on the
network.  And PathMan offers the unique ability to actually trace the path of
a data packet through the network, graphically displaying each component on
the route and their current status.  It's a focused solution for tracking
specific problems - and it's the only one of its kind.

Comprehensive Solutions
    With Optivity for NetView/6000, the NCE and the LattisWare
Solutions, SynOptics delivers all the management functionality required for
your enterprise SNA/LAN integration project, giving you complete control over
your evolving network.


SynOptics:  Safe Choice, Smart Solution

    If you're transitioning your SNA network from a host-centric
environment to one that places more emphasis on networks, SynOptics has a
comprehensive strategy that addresses all of your concerns.
    SynOptics' LAN integration strategy for SNA networks is a complete
and well- conceived approach that meets your every need.  Modular, scalable,
standards-based solutions let you add what you want, when you want it.
Seamless integration between SynOptics and IBM management solutions give you
complete network control.  And SynOptics' commitment to preserving your
network infrastructure means you don't sacrifice any of your existing
investments - making SynOptics a cost-effective solution.

Complete Business Solutions
    SynOptics' superiority in the IBM arena is well documented.  By
offering the best solutions available today, SynOptics has earned the position
as the world's leading supplier of hub-based IBM-compatible Token Ring
solutions.  SynOptics understands the issues you're facing.  And SynOptics is
committed to consistently delivering leading- edge solutions that address your
specific needs.  Our support of the IBM/SNA architecture, as well as other
alternatives such as the Novell environment, means you'll never be locked into
any single solution.  You have the flexibility to evolve your network in the
direction you choose.

Service and Support
    To ensure your distributed LANs are implemented to your precise
specifications, SynOptics also offers a comprehensive service and support
program for your network.
    In the U.S., the LattisSupport(tm) program is designed to maximize your
network's efficiency by providing just the right level of assistance - before,
during and after the sale.  Choosing from a menu of installationaintenance
and consulting services, you - working with SynOptics - can build a support
program that addresses your specific needs.
    Outside the U.S., you have access to a wide range of service and
support options available through local resellers.  And no matter where your
company is, our strategic alliances with dedicated systems integrators -
including IBM - means you're working with professionals who understand your
network and where you're taking it.


The Obvious Choice
    When you're integrating LANs into your network, it makes sense to go
with the market leader.  And since its inception in 1985, SynOptics has been
a pioneer in the local area networking and intelligent hub fields, developing
and delivering reliable and proven solutions that address today's requirements
while anticipating your future needs.
    For more information about SynOptics solutions for the IBM/SNA
environment, call toll-free (800) PRO-NTWK.  It's the safe choice - and a
smart solution.



BR505-816US-A