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IBM ImagePlus VisualInfo Library Server Version 1 Release 1 for AIX Simplifies Document Management
Announced on July 30, 1996
Software Announcement 296270
At a Glance
IBM ImagePlus VisualInfo Library Server Version 1 Release 1 for AIX:
o Extends document-management services to a client/server
environment for small workgroups as well as large enterprises
o Manages multiple object types, including spread sheets, graphics,
word processing, audio, and video with rapid access to this
information
o Provides a work-management capability to streamline business
processes
o Enables integration of line-of-business applications and
complementary offerings, providing functional extensions through
an open system design
o Provides an industrial-strength solution through robust system
services
o Integrates with VisualInfo Version 2.1 and VisualInfo Version 2.1
for MVS/ESA
Overview
The ImagePlus(R) VisualInfo(TM) Library Server Version 1 Release 1
for AIX(R) is now available as part of the VisualInfo client/server
solution. In conjunction with the rest of the VisualInfo solution,
the VisualInfo Library Server Version 1 Release 1 for AIX provides a
client/server document-management offering that:
o Simplifies your enterprise's paper-intensive processes
o Expands your availability of data
o Increases your responsiveness to your customers' needs
With its open design and rich function, ImagePlus VisualInfo is
well-suited for a wide spectrum of document-management applications
including:
o Claims Processing
o Underwriting
o Records Management
o Credit Card Application Processing
o Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable
The VisualInfo solution is complemented by the following IBM
products:
o FlowMark(TM)
o FaxRouter/2 Version 2
o ImagePlus Capture Facility/2
o ImagePlus Intelligent Forms Facility/2
IBM Services and Business Partner offerings can provide a wide
variety of industry-specific or cross-industry business solutions.
The VisualInfo Library Server manages a range of documents such as
images, graphics, audio, video, spread sheets, and word-processing
text. In addition to data, the library stores workflow definitions
that may be used by a folder and workflow application to help you
organize your work and streamline your business processes. The
information is categorized in a library server running on the
AIX/6000(R) operating system and stored in the object servers
available on OS/2(R) or MVS/ESA(TM), and is accessible through
clients for OS/2 and Windows+.
Intended Customers
Customers who deal with large volumes of paper, high-storage costs,
extensive retrieval activity, and whose documents need to be accessed
by multiple users at the same time.
Key Prerequisites
VisualInfo Library Server Version 1 Release 1 for AIX runs with
VisualInfo Version 2.1 Object Server and Client functions.
VisualInfo Version 2.1 (workstation or MVS(R)) is a prerequisite of
VisualInfo Library Server Version 1 for AIX.
Planned Availability Date
August 2, 1996
Program Number
5765-258
DESCRIPTION
VisualInfo manages an organization's data from small workgroups up to
the enterprise level. Flexible product design allows the system to
grow with the business. You acquire what is needed when it's needed.
The introduction of the AIX Library Server expands your choices to
address population growth by taking advantage of the scalability of
the RISC System/6000(R) product family. The VisualInfo Client
function's ability to communicate with MVS/ESA, OS/2, and AIX library
servers allows you to select the environment and processor power
necessary to meet your capacity requirements without redesigning
applications or retraining support staffs.
VisualInfo enables you to configure the solution to meet your
performance and access requirements, and promote library object
management policies that are implemented across multiple object
servers within the enterprise.
The distributed design allows you to add capacity to the system in a
variety of ways. Object servers can be added to distribute data
throughout the enterprise. Placing data close to those who use it
optimizes access time. Larger library server platforms can replace
smaller ones to handle increasing index capacity needs.
In addition to information accessibility, the industrial strength
feature of the server, which includes high data integrity, system
managed storage, controlled data access, high volume data management,
and central system administration support, enables you to feel
comfortable running critical business applications.
LAN and host-based hierarchical storage management of DASD and
optical devices is offered to free end users of having to know the
location of information. Through user-defined storage management
policies, use of storage resources is automated and optimized.
System administration of the enterprise storage management can be
performed from a single point in the network. Furthermore, remote
administration of LAN and host-based library servers and object
servers are provided. Online administration during system operation
is also available.
Various levels of security protection assist businesses in managing
mission-critical assets. Data access can be controlled at the user
or workgroup level. A configurable access control mechanism is
offered to allow a wide range of implementations from no control to a
very restrictive access to library objects.
Backup and restore support is provided using standard AIX backup and
recovery function.
VisualInfo allows you to establish a single point of control for
locating and managing all of your business information, no matter
where in the enterprise it is stored. Information can be organized
at a variety of levels. Closely associated objects can be assigned
to a document, documents can be grouped in folders, and folders can
be placed inside of other folders. Users can assign indices to
objects in the library to facilitate storage and retrieval. The
system provides safeguards against the loss and misplacement of file
folders or documents which is common in the manual processing of
information.
The advantages of integrating image technology within a current
business environment have become generally accepted. VisualInfo
extends these advantages by storing not only image formats, but also
a full range of document types, including spreadsheet, audio, video,
and word-processing text.
VisualInfo extends the document management paradigm beyond images of
paper documents to include all forms of business communications. It
provides the ability to store advanced documents, information created
by other applications, and the associated business process
information, into a single-data library. This enhances data
availability within the organization, allowing businesses to be
responsive to their customers.
The open-product design strategy enables the creation of an
environment integrating OS/2, MVS and AIX. VisualInfo supports
integration at many levels with varying degrees of granularity.
The open system architecture supports device independence at the
servers.
o Machine Types -- Library servers can run on any processor that
supports standard OS/2, MVS/ESA, or AIX Operating Systems. Object
servers can run on any processor that support standard OS/2 or
MVS/ESA Operating Systems.
o LAN Environment -- A variety of LAN environments are supported
including IBM Token-Ring LAN and Ethernet. VisualInfo can coexist
with Novell NetWare. All VisualInfo components for OS/2 and AIX
can operate natively in a TCP/IP environment. Advanced
program-to-program communication (APPC) applications such as
VisualInfo Library and Object Servers for MVS/ESA can operate in
the TCP/IP environment through the AnyNet(R)/MVS feature of
Virtual Telecommunications Access Method Version 3 Release 4.2,
which provides the necessary Multiprotocol Transport Networking
Support.
Customers seeking industry-specific or cross-industry business
solutions may select from a wide array of applications provided by
business partners and IBM Service organizations. Customers who want
to customize the solution can leverage application development tools
and application programming interfaces to integrate the system with
their own line-of-business applications.
PRODUCT POSITIONING
ImagePlus VisualInfo Library Server Version 1 for AIX extends IBM's
production imaging client/server solution to the mid-range platform.
This function will be incorporated into the next update of VisualInfo
Version 2. Version 1 is being made available, at this time, to
enable you to include imaging into the AIX environments today.
STATEMENT OF GENERAL DIRECTION
VisualInfo Library Server Version 1 for AIX will be incorporated into
the next update of VisualInfo Version 2, anticipated in
September 1996. At the same time, the single byte translated
language versions of VisualInfo Version 2 will be made available.
This release of VisualInfo may include the following:
o OS/2 library/object servers -- English and single byte
translations
o AIX library/object servers -- English only
o OS/2 client function -- English and single byte translations
o Windows client function -- English and single byte translations
In the fourth quarter of 1996, the VisualInfo product will be updated
with the following:
o Double byte (DBCS) and bidirectional translations for all servers
and clients.
REFERENCE INFORMATION
Refer to Software Announcements 296-172 and 296-173, dated
May 28, 1996.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Specified Operating Environment
Hardware Requirements: The VisualInfo Library Server for AIX
operates in the following generic configuration class:
o A single VisualInfo Library Server for AIX and one or more OS/2 or
MVS/ESA-based VisualInfo Object Servers, and one or more
VisualInfo Client workstations.
The VisualInfo Library Server for AIX requires the following
hardware:
o Minimum 33MHz RISC System/6000 based processor (uniprocessor)
- 128Mb memory
- 4 gigabyte fixed disk
Fixed disk recommendations are the minimum required for
installing all required software and do not necessarily include
storage for customer data. Storage requirements for customer
data are customer specific.
o Display
o LAN adapter
- IBM Token-Ring or Ethernet, providing connectivity to the LAN
o One drive capable of reading 8-mm tape
This is used for installation of the VisualInfo Library Server for
AIX.
o Note: AIX components require an OS/2 client setup for system
administration and system configuration utilities.
Software Requirements: A VisualInfo system consists of the following
components:
o Library Server (for OS/2, AIX, or MVS/ESA)
o Object Server (for OS/2 or MVS/ESA)
o VisualInfo Client (OS/2 or Windows)
o Concurrent User
A functional VisualInfo system, based on the Library Server for AIX,
requires one of the following VisualInfo software components:
o IBM ImagePlus VisualInfo Version 2.1, (PN 33H6069) with the latest
V2.1 corrective service level (Fixpak1 and Fixpak2) to enable
migration and integration with the Version 1 Library Server, or
o IBM ImagePlus VisualInfo Object Server Version 2.1 for MVS/ESA
(5655-A01) with the workstation based library server and one
concurrent user (feature 0004 basic or 0005 upgrade) with the
latest V2.1 corrective service level (Fixpak1 and Fixpak2) to
enable migration and integration with the Version 1 Library Server
The VisualInfo Library Server for AIX requires all the following
programs:
o AIX Version 4.1.4 (5765-393)
o DB2/6000(TM) Version 2 Release 1 (PN 41H2128, with PTFs U441267,
U442530, and U443297)
IBM DB2/6000 is a user-based product. The VisualInfo Library
Server Version 1 Release 1 for AIX requires multiple DB2/6000 user
licenses for execution. The number of DB2/6000 user licenses
required is not directly related to the number of VisualInfo
users.
o IBM VisualAge(TM) CSET++ Version 3 Release 1.3 (5765-421, with PTF
U443309), or later
LAN Adapter and Protocol Support is required. One of the following
is needed:
o SNA Server/6000 Version 2.1 or later
Note: All VisualInfo components for OS/2 support SNA attachment
when configured with Communication Manager/2.
o TCP/IP support (included with the AIX operating system)
Version 4.1.4 (must always be installed) Note: TCP/IP must be used
for configurations of the Library Server for AIX with an Object
Server for MVS/ESA.
Note: All VisualInfo components for OS/2 support native TCP/IP
protocols when configured with TCP/IP for OS/2 or IBM LAN Server
Version 4 for OS/2.
For migration information, refer to the Planning and Installation
Guide and the product README files (on the product media). The
following migrations are supported:
- VisualInfo Library Server Version 1 Release 2 for OS/2 with
either DB2 Version 1 or DB2 Version 2 to VisualInfo Library
Server Version 1 Release 1 for AIX
- VisualInfo Version 2 Release 1 (library server function) to
VisualInfo Library Server Version 1 Release 1 for AIX
- The limited availability Version 1 of VisualInfo Library Server
for AIX to this general availability version of VisualInfo
Library Server Version 1 Release 1 for AIX
Network Configuration: The VisualInfo Library Server for AIX uses
APPC services provided by SNA Server/6000 Version 2.1 or TCP/IP
services provided by AIX Version 4.1.4.
Note: All VisualInfo components must be configured for the same
communications protocol such as all TCP/IP or all SNA.
Compatibility: VisualInfo Library Server Version 1 for AIX has been
restructured from the product at limited availability and is not
compatible with other VisualInfo Version 1 products, including the
limited availability version of VisualInfo Library Server Version 1
for AIX. VisualInfo Version 2.1, including object server and client
functions, or VisualInfo Object Server Version 2.1 for MVS/ESA,
including the library server workstation feature, are required to run
the VisualInfo Version 1 for AIX. Both require the latest level of
corrective service (Fixpak1 and Fixpak2) for migration/integration to
VisualInfo Library Server Version 1 Release 1 for AIX.
Customers running the limited availability version of VisualInfo
Library Server for AIX must upgrade their AIX software from Version 3
to Version 4 before installing VisualInfo Library Server Version 1
for AIX (general availability version).
The latest corrective service level for the VisualInfo Version 1.1.2
servers is required to support migration to the new VisualInfo
Library Server Version 1 for AIX.
Limitations: VisualInfo is licensed based on concurrent usage.
Concurrent users are defined as the number of unique user ID and
workstation ID pairs logged in the VisualInfo library. A user ID is
required for any VisualInfo utility or any other client application
including the complementary products, such as FaxRouter/2. A
VisualInfo user can log in to the Library Server from an unlimited
number of applications and workstations at the same time.
Note: All VisualInfo components must be configured for the same
communications protocol, such as all TCP/IP or all SNA. A concurrent
user is part of the VisualInfo Version 2.1 package. Additional
concurrent users can be ordered under the VisualInfo Version 2.1
ordering information. Refer to Software Announcement 296-173, dated
May 28, 1996, for more information.
Performance Considerations: System performance will vary depending
on the CPU speed, available memory and DASD storage, and network
speeds, as well as the number of active users accessing the library
services. Performance information will be available from your IBM
representative at general availability.
Planning Information
Installability: ImagePlus VisualInfo Library Server Version 1 for
AIX is not compatible with the limited availability version
previously distributed to some customers. These customers should
obtain VisualInfo Version 2.1 or VisualInfo Object Server Version 2.1
for MVS/ESA with its workstation feature as a prerequisite of
VisualInfo Library Server Version 1 Release 1 for AIX.
Packaging: An 8-mm tape is the only distribution media for the
VisualInfo Library Server Version 1 Release 1 for AIX.
Security, Auditability, and Control
The VisualInfo servers use the security and auditability features of
their prerequisite operating systems.
Additional security and auditability features of the VisualInfo are:
o Logon protection
o Encrypted password protection
o Access Control to documents defined by System Administrator
User management is responsible for evaluation, selection, and
implementation of security features, administrative procedures, and
appropriate controls in application systems and communication
facilities.
ORDERING INFORMATION
The following hardcopy publications will be available at product
availability. To order, contact your IBM representative.
Order
Title Number
IBM ImagePlus VisualInfo
Planning and Installation Guide GC31-7772-01
IBM ImagePlus VisualInfo
System Administration Guide SC31-7774-01
IBM ImagePlus VisualInfo
Licensed Programming Specifications GC31-7739-01
IBM ImagePlus VisualInfo
Messages and Codes SC31-9065-01
New Licensees
Orders for new licenses will be accepted now. Shipments will occur
on general availability. ImagePlus VisualInfo Library Server
Version 1 for AIX will be available until September 27, 1996, when it
will then be available as part of the VisualInfo Version 2 updated
product.
Unless a later date is specified, orders entered prior to the planned
availability date will be assigned a schedule date of August 2, 1996.
Shipment will commence on the planned availability date.
Orders entered after the planned availability date will be assigned a
schedule date for the week following order entry.
New users of VisualInfo Library Server for AIX should specify:
Type Model
5765 258
Basic License: To order a basic license, specify the program number
and feature number 9001 for asset registration. Specify feature
number 3690 for a one-time charge.
Note: The general availability version of VisualInfo Library Server
Version 1 for AIX has been repriced for a one-time charge. The
previously announced usage features are being withdrawn. These
include basic features 4840, 4841, 4842, 4843, 4844, 4845, 4846,
4847, 4848, and 4849. Also withdrawn is the DSLO feature 9510.
Upgrade features 4002 and 9522 are also withdrawn, including upgrade
tier features 1028, 1029, 1030, 1031, 1032, 1033, 1034.
Specify the feature number of the desired distribution medium shown
below.
Basic Machine-Readable Material: To order, select the feature number
of the desired distribution medium:
Feature
Environment Number Distribution Medium
AIX 5902 8-mm tape
Customization Options: Select the appropriate feature number(s) to
customize your order to specify the delivery options desired. These
features can be specified on the initial or MES orders.
Example: If publications are not desired for the initial order, and
for future updates, specify feature numbers 3470 to ship media only,
and 3480 to ship media updates only. In the future if publication
updates were required, order an MES to remove feature number 3480,
and the publications will ship with the next release for the program.
Feature
Description Number
Initial Shipments
Serial Number Only (suppresses shipment
of media and documentation) 3444
Ship Media Only (suppresses initial
shipment of documentation) 3470
Ship Documentation Only (suppresses
initial shipment of media) 3471
Update Shipments
Ship Media Updates Only (suppresses
update shipment of documentation) 3480
Ship Documentation Only (suppresses
update shipment of media) 3481
Suppress Updates (suppresses update
shipment of media and documentation) 3482
Expedite Shipments
Local IBM Office Expedite
(for IBM use only) 3445
Customer Expedite Process Charge
($30 charge for each product) 3446
Expedite shipments will be processed to receive 72-hour delivery from
the time IBM Software Manufacturing Solutions (SMS) receives the
order. SMS will then ship the order via overnight air
transportation.
Unlicensed Publications: A memo and one hard copy of the following
publications are supplied automatically with the basic
machine-readable material.
Order
Title Number
ImagePlus VisualInfo Planning
and Installation Guide GC31-7772-01
ImagePlus VisualInfo
Administration Guide SC31-7774-01
IBM ImagePlus VisualInfo
Messages and Codes SC31-9065-01
IBM ImagePlus VisualInfo
Licensed Program Specifications GC31-7739-01
For information regarding additional VisualInfo publications, refer
to VisualInfo Version 2 product announcements.
Subsequent updates (technical newsletters or revisions between
releases) to the publications shipped with the product will be
distributed to the user of record for as long as a license for this
software remains in effect. A separate publication order or
subscription is not needed.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Licensing: The program in this announcement is licensed under the
terms of the IBM Customer Agreement.
Variable Charges Apply: No
Installation License or Location License Applies: No. A separate
license is required for each machine on which the licensed program
materials will be used.
Usage Restriction Applies: Yes
VisualInfo is licensed based on concurrent usage.
Concurrent users are defined as the number of unique user ID and
workstation ID pairs logged in the VisualInfo library. A user ID is
required for any VisualInfo utility or any other client application
including the complementary products, such as FaxRouter/2. A
VisualInfo user can log in to the Library Server from an unlimited
number of applications and workstations at the same time. One
concurrent user is entitled in the prerequisite VisualInfo
Version 2.1 package. Additional concurrent usage may be purchased
under the Version 2.1 package ordering information.
Educational Allowance: A 15% discount is available to qualified
education customers. The educational allowance may not be added to
any other discount or allowance.
Volume Discount: Not applicable
Warranted: Yes
Licensed Program Materials Availability: Restricted Materials -- No.
This licensed program will be available without source licensed
program materials. It will be available in object code.
Testing Period: None. Satisfaction Guarantee: Yes. IBM provides a
two month unconditional guarantee for any reason for basic licenses.
IBM will credit the price paid. The guarantee period starts:
1. 10 days after IBM ships the program, or
2. On the day IBM authorizes the customer to make an additional
license copy.
Program Services: Central Service, including the IBM Support Center,
will be available until December 31, 1997. Program Services offers a
method of reporting code-related problems for VisualInfo Library
Server for AIX. The base set of Program Services is provided as part
of the IBM basic software license agreement. Problems may be
reported via facsimile, or U.S. Mail, and will be responded to using
the same method as submitted. IBM will respond to customer inquiries
within two business days of e-mail or facsimile receipt, and seven
days of mail receipt advising of the problem disposition.
o Fax Number
408-463-2952
o Mailing Address
IBM Corporation
555 Bailey Ave.
Dept. W35/D370
San Jose, CA 95141
IBM Support Services: Ongoing technical support services for this
product are available for a fee on an hourly or subscription basis
from the AIX Support Family of services. These technical support
services include operational assistance, remote and on-site
consulting, system planning and design, project management, and
implementation. For additional information, contact your IBM
representative or authorized remarketer, or call 800-CALLAIX
(225-5249).
Complimentary Introductory Support: A Complimentary Introductory
Support period of 60 days is provided to customers who acquire from
IBM, solutions that include RS/6000(TM) brand systems and this
program. This support will apply to the first installation in the
customer enterprise.
CHARGES
Contact your IBM representative for charges information for this
announcement.
(R) Registered trademark of International Business Machines
Corporation in the United States or other countries or both.
(TM) Trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in the
United States or other countries or both.
+ Registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation