The IBM TCP/IP Connection - Issue 1994-02 - October 1994

The IBM TCP/IP Connection Issue 94-02		        October 1994 (C) Copyright International Business Machines, 1994

A TCP/IP Built for Business: TCP/IP V3R1 for MVS
On September 30, IBM's newest version of TCP/IP for MVS became available. With IBM's TCP/IP for MVS, you can bring the power and resources of your MVS systems to TCP/IP networking environments. With TCP/IP for MVS, your MVS systems can act as peers with other hosts in open TCP/IP networks. Your applications can be shared transparently across MVS, UNIX**, VAX, and other environments. You can also send messages, transfer files, share printers, and access remote resources across a broad range of systems from diverse vendors. IBM's TCP/IP for MVS is the first choice for MVS TCP/IP connectivity. Designed to meet the needs of enterprises with complex networking requirements, TCP/IP for MVS applies IBM's experience in the design and development of large systems to the implementation of TCP/IP on the mainframe. TCP/IP V3R1 for MVS offers a wide range of client/server applications, programming interfaces, and connectivity options, plus the data integrity and performance that you've come to expect from IBM.

OpenEdition MVS integration
Now, TCP/IP for MVS supports OpenEdition* MVS, a set of open, vendor-independent standards incorporated in MVS/ESA Version 5. With the new OpenEdition MVS Sockets application programming interface (API), you can write applications to an already familiar UNIX-based interface. Your applications can then take advantage of a more efficient cross-memory path.

Application development
With this release of TCP/IP for MVS, you'll receive more application programming interfaces (APIs) to help you develop new and better applications for network connectivity. New and enhanced APIs include IMS Sockets support, Sockets Extended, REXX Sockets, and the X/Open Transport Interface (XTI). With TCP/IP for MVS, you can develop applications using well- known programming languages, like assembler, COBOL, PL/I, and C.

Network Print Facility
TCP/IP for MVS features a new Network Print Facility (NPF), which lets you print data from your MVS system on printers anywhere in your TCP/IP network. Through the options of NPF, you can choose which printer you want to use and the processing to be performed. You can also send print output to multiple destinations, retain data sets after processing, and queue data sets that can't be delivered immediately.

System security
New enhancements to TCP/IP for MVS allow you to control the remote log-in services provided by the Telnet server on the MVS host. One such enhancement is IP-address-to-LU-name mapping, which lets you tie groups of IP addresses to specific applications. This means that you can more easily access the applications you use most. It also means that you have more control in determining who can access which applications.

High-speed file transfer
TCP/IP for MVS now includes both Pascal and C FTP servers, enhancing its file-transfer capabilities. You can resend large files in less time, use less bandwidth when transferring files, and recover files more easily. Both FTP servers include a checkpoint/restart function, data compression, tape support, and other new features. Additionally, the C FTP server has delete/catalog options that automatically handle file-transfer failures, so you don't have to.

Terminal access
If you need to access 3270 mainframe applications from UNIX and other systems, you can do so easily with the Telnet tn3270 support provided by TCP/IP for MVS. Telnet features include full-screen and ASCII line-mode support. TCP/IP for MVS also gives you Unformatted System Services (USS) Message 10 support, making it more transparent to access 3270 systems through Telnet if you're accustomed to SNA networks.

LAN and channel interfaces
TCP/IP for MVS provides broad support for LAN and channel attachment interfaces. Supported LAN interfaces include Ethernet, token ring, PC Network, and FDDI. Channel attachment support includes channel-to-channel (CTC) 3088 support, High Performance Parallel Interface (HiPPI), ESCON*, HYPERchannel**, and Continuously Executing Transfer Interface (CETI).

Service and support
IBM provides worldwide service and support for TCP/IP for MVS. IBM's technical support structure is easy to use and offers a variety of services, ranging from base support included with the product to more sophisticated fee services. You can pick the support you need from a portfolio of services, offering various levels of access to IBM experts.

TCP/IP V3R1 for MVS highlights

 * REXEC server
 * Network database system
 * RouteD server enhancements
 * NCPROUTE server that supports ACF/NCP IP dynamics and SNMP
 * User-set limits for Telnet sessions
 * New NETSTAT functions
 * SNMP remote PING function
 * SMF enhancements
 * Packet tracing
 * X.25 improvements
 * National language support and DBCS enhancements
 * Numbered and documented error messages
 * Kerberos support

For more information about TCP/IP V3R1 for MVS, read "We are Listening...To YOU" later in this newsletter.

Meet the Makers
Want to meet the people behind the IBM TCP/IP scenes? Look for us at the IBM booth at the following shows and conferences: Interop      October 24-28    Paris Guide        November 7-11    Atlanta NSTC Update  November 7-11    Orlando

Want a Sneak Preview?

There are three TCP/IP previews available through your IBM account representative on 3.5" HD diskettes. Each interactive preview provides a high-level marketing overview of its product, contact numbers for service and education, and a glossary of networking terms. Previews are available at no charge. Currently, the following TCP/IP previews are available:
 * TCP/IP V2.0 for OS/2
 * TCP/IP V2.1 for DOS
 * TCP/IP V3R1 for MVS

Previews are optimized for 486/33 machines and VGA resolution, but will run on 386DX/20+ machines (animated sequences may be slow). They run under WIN-OS/2 or native Windows 3.1 and require about 3MB of hard disk space. RAM requirements are those specified as the minimums for the operating systems.

The TCP/IP for OS/2 and DOS previews can be found on the current Networking Systems CD-ROM collection kit (SK2T-6022). The MVS preview will be included in the next update. For details on this CD-ROM and how to get yours, see "This CD Is Just What I Needed" later in this newsletter.

Internet Access Made Easy with OS/2
The new release of OS/2, called Warp, includes a number of TCP/IP applications, which are bundled together as a package (the IBM Internet Connection for OS/2), and included as part of the Warp Bonus Pak. Using the IBM Internet Connection for OS/2, in conjunction with a service provider such as IBM Internet Connection Services, you can gain access to the Internet.

Simple installation and automatic network connection and registration make accessing the Internet easy for users with all levels of experience. Easy-to-use graphical interfaces mask the traditional network complexities - allowing you to focus on the information and services that you want rather than spending time learning the nuances of networking.

Installing the Internet Connection for OS/2

Installing the Internet Connection for OS/2 is simple. Just insert the first Internet Connection for OS/2 diskette in your diskette drive, type A:INSTALL, specify the drive where you want to install the Internet Connection for OS/2, and select the Install push button. The installation program displays a progress indicator, which shows the percentage of completion for the installation.

Registering with a Service Provider

Registration and connection to the Internet is easy, too. The Internet Connection for OS/2 is pre-configured for registration and connection to Internet Connection Services. If you want to use another service provider, the Internet Connection for OS/2 allows you to configure other connections. You will need to provide some additional configuration information such as the provider's phone number, a subnet mask, and default servers - all of which is supplied to you by your service provider.

Using the Internet Connection for OS/2

Once you have connected to a service provider, you can use the programs provided in the Internet Connection for OS/2 to:
 * Send electronic mail
 * Access online bulletin boards
 * Explore the Internet
 * Access information on other computers
 * Transfer files between computers
 * Create quick-access icons

Sending Electronic Mail

ULTIMAIL LITE provides an easy-to-use interface for creating, sending, and receiving electronic mail. UltiMail Lite supports the MIME protocol, which allows you to send multi-media mail such as video and audio clips.

Accessing Online Bulletin Boards

NEWSREADER allows you to share information with others using the various newsgroups on the Internet. A newsgroup is basically an electronic conversation among people who share a common interest. You gain access to these newsgroups by connecting to a USENET news server. On a USENET news server, you will find facts, opinions, and information on almost any subject.

Exploring the Internet

GOPHER** provides a hierarchical, menu-driven interface to assist you in finding, displaying, and transferring information that is maintained on the Internet.

An abundance of information is available on the Internet - free software, the latest weather and news, directories of Internet users, electronic books, forums, recipes, and more.

Accessing Information on Other Computers

TELNET and 3270 TELNET allow you to log in to other computers on the Internet. Once you are logged in, you can access information and programs located on other computers.

Transferring Files Between Computers

FTP is an application that allows you to transfer data between your computer and other computers on the Internet.

Creating Quick-Access Icons

The Internet Connection for OS/2 also provides a set of templates. A template is an object that you can use as a model to create additional objects. For example, if you use Telnet to frequently access three different computers, you may want to use a template to create three instances of the Telnet icon, each with a different label and each connecting to a different computer when you select it.

Redbooks - Another Key to Your TCP/IP Success
The talented people who write our Redbooks have recently published a new edition: TCP/IP for DOS Windows Interoperability and Coexistence.

TCP/IP for DOS Windows Interoperability and Coexistence (GG24-4374) is unique in its detailed coverage of IBM TCP/IP V2.1.1 for DOS, the latest version of IBM TCP/IP for DOS. It focuses on how TCP/IP V2.1.1 for DOS can be used in both DOS and Windows environments with various operating system platforms, communications media, and protocol stacks.

This document was written for system engineers and customers who will evaluate the product possibilities and who will install and use the product. The reader is assumed to have a basic knowledge of TCP/IP. This redbook is 285 pages.

In addition, the following Redbooks on TCP/IP and related topics are currently available. Each is a unique, how-to publication that has been written by highly-skilled technical professionals to help you get to the heart of planning, installing, and maximizing the performance of your IBM hardware and software. You can order individual copies or customized sets of publications, called GBOFs, which relate to specific functions of interest to you. For a complete listing of redbooks and their GBOFs, see the "Bibliography of International Technical Support Centers Technical Bulletins" (GG24-3070). The August edition of the Networking Systems CD-ROM now contains 106 redbooks, an increase of 24 from the previous CD-ROM.

The Market Leader in TCP/IP for VM Systems
IBM recently announced a new release of TCP/IP for VM. IBM's TCP/IP for VM is the first choice for VM TCP/IP connectivity. Designed to meet the needs of enterprises with complex networking requirements, TCP/IP for VM applies IBM's experience in the design and development of large systems to the implementation of TCP/IP on the mainframe. TCP/IP for VM Version 2 Release 3 offers a wide range of client/server applications, programming interfaces, and connectivity options, plus the data integrity and performance that network users have come to expect from IBM.

High-speed file transfer
TCP/IP for VM now includes File Transfer Protocol (FTP) shared file system support. Your FTP clients can access enterprise data from anywhere within VM's hierarchical file system or CMS minidisks. TCP/IP clients on other systems can also store files into VM host file systems by using FTP. With this FTP access capability, TCP/IP for VM lets you continue to use VM's shared file system for storing large amounts of enterprise data, while expanding your VM environment and moving toward the future with TCP/IP.

Application development
With TCP/IP for VM, you receive various application programming interfaces (APIs) and services to help you develop new and better applications for network connectivity. You can work with remote procedure call (RPC) libraries and the Network Computing Services (NCS) programming interface to build distributing applications and allow for distributed processing. With an enhanced Sockets library from TCP/IP for VM, you can easily move UNIX applications to the System/390* host. TCP/IP for VM also allows you to evoke high-quality graphics with the Motif/X toolkit and provides better security with Kerberos client/server services.

Remote printing
TCP/IP for VM gives you the advantage of printing data from your VM system on remote printers in your TCP/IP network. With support for line printer router (LPR) and line printer daemon (LPD), TCP/IP for VM delivers enterprise-wide network printing support.

Network management
You can use IBM's award-winning NetView* family of products with TCP/IP for VM through Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). You can manage TCP/IP for VM with any management product that supports SNMP, including IBM NetView for AIX* and equivalent vendor programs. TCP/IP for VM also supports Routing Information Protocol (RIP), which helps automate the administration of routing tables.

With an optional offload feature, you can reduce host processor usage by processing TCP/IP protocols in an attached 3172 Interconnect Controller Model 3. You can also manage your 3172 controllers through the 3172 SNMP agent support provided by TCP/IP for VM.

Terminal access
If you need access to 3270 mainframe applications from UNIX and other systems, you can do so easily with the Telnet tn3270 support provided by TCP/IP for VM. Telnet features include full-screen and ASCII line-mode support.

Network interfaces
TCP/IP for VM provides broad support for LAN connectivity, channel attachment interfaces, and WAN support. Supported LAN interfaces include Ethernet, token ring, PC Network, and FDDI. Channel attachment support includes channel-to-channel (CTC) 3088 support, High Performance Parallel Interface (HiPPI), ESCON*, HYPERchannel**, and Continuously Executing Transfer Interface (CETI). TCP/IP for VM includes SNALINK and X.25 support for wide area networks.

Service and support
IBM provides worldwide service and support for TCP/IP for VM. IBM's technical support structure is easy to use and offers a variety of services, ranging from base support included with the product to more sophisticated fee services. You can pick the support you need from a portfolio of services, offering various levels of access to IBM experts.

TCP/IP V2R3 for VM highlights

 * Improved installation, serviceability, and maintenance
 * Recommended service upgrade (RSU) for preventive service
 * New Pascal routines for VM/ESA

Minding Our Manners: Internet Etiquette
If you plan to correspond with others over the Internet using a NewsReader, remember there are definite guidelines outlining Internet etiquette. The news.announce.newusers newsgroup contains information about the Internet and the etiquette guidelines for network interaction. This newsgroup contains valuable information for new users and should be reviewed in its entirety. Below is an excerpt from one of the articles in this newsgroup.

A Primer on How to Work With the USENET Community
by Chuq Von Rospach

USENET is a large collection of computers that share data with each other. It is the people on these computers that make USENET worth the effort to read and maintain, and for USENET to function properly those people must be able to interact in productive ways. This document is intended as a guide to using the net in ways that will be pleasant and productive for everyone.

This document is not intended to teach you how to use USENET. Instead, it is a guide to using it politely, effectively and efficiently. Communication by computer is new to almost everybody, and there are certain aspects that can make it a frustrating experience until you get used to them. This document should help you avoid the worst traps.

The easiest way to learn how to use USENET is to watch how others use it. Start reading the news and try to figure out what people are doing and why. After a couple of weeks you will start understanding why certain things are done and what things shouldn't be done. There are documents available describing the technical details of how to use the software. These are different depending on which programs you use to access the news. You can get copies of these from your system administrator. If you do not know who that person is, they can be contacted on most systems by mailing to account "usenet".


 * The article discusses several aspects of Internet etiquette and concludes with the following:

Summary of Things to Remember

 * Never forget that the person on the other side is human.
 * Don't blame system admins for their users' behavior.
 * Never assume that a person is speaking for their organization.
 * Be careful what you say about others.
 * Be brief.
 * Your postings reflect upon you; be proud of them.
 * Use descriptive titles.
 * Think about your audience.
 * Be careful with humor and sarcasm.
 * Only post a message once.
 * Please rotate material with questionable content.
 * Summarize what you are following up.
 * Use mail, don't post a follow-up.
 * Read all follow-ups and don't repeat what has already been said.
 * Double-check follow-up newsgroups and distributions.
 * Be careful about copyrights and licenses.
 * Cite appropriate references.
 * When summarizing, summarize.
 * Mark or rotate answers or spoilers.
 * Spelling flames considered harmful.
 * Don't overdo signatures.
 * Limit line length and avoid control characters.
 * Please do not use Usenet as a resource for homework assignments.
 * Please do not use Usenet as an advertising medium.
 * Avoid posting to multiple newsgroups.


 * This document is in the public domain and may be reproduced or excerpted by anyone wishing to do so.

Read Any Good Books Lately?
IBM's TCP/IP V3R1 for MVS information has been substantially enhanced to meet your needs. Here are the some of the results:
 * New! The TCP/IP for MVS: Planning and Migration Guide helps you make a smooth transition from previous releases.
 * New! The TCP/IP for MVS: Performance Tuning Guide helps you set up your system for better performance.
 * New! The TCP/IP for MVS: IMS TCP/IP Application Development Guide helps you adapt your IMS environment for use with TCP/IP for MVS.
 * The TCP/IP for MVS: Customization and Administration has been reorganized to completely document the installation and customization tasks.
 * The TCP/IP for MVS: Diagnosis has been revised to document improved tracing support within applications, and to describe when and how to run a trace and how to effectively use a trace to diagnose problems. This book describes common types of problems for each component and the diagnostic procedures to resolve those problems.
 * New! The TCP/IP for MVS: Network Print Facility describes how to use the new print feature and its panel interface.
 * New! TCP/IP for MVS: Preview is an interactive demo that describes the product at an overview level.
 * New! The TCP/IP for MVS messages are now completely documented. (See "We are Listening... To YOU" later in this newsletter.)

Distribution of Softcopy Publications
Softcopy for the TCP/IP V3R1 for MVS library will be shipped to all customers who purchase a new TCP/IP for MVS license and to all customers who already have a license for TCP/IP for MVS. The softcopy will be shipped on a CD-ROM or 3480 tape cartridge that will also include softcopy libraries for all other Networking Systems products such as VTAM and NCP. (You choose the medium.) New CD-roms or 3480 tape cartridges are shipped every quarter.

Crossbook-Linking Enhancement
Enhancements have been made to the TCP/IP V3R1 for MVS softcopy library that take advantage of BookManager's linking functions to improve usability and retrievability. These functions allow you to move between related pieces of information within the same softcopy book or between softcopy books.

Links to additional information are highlighted when you view the book. Simply move your cursor to a highlighted word, phrase, reference, command, message ID, or configuration statement, and press Enter. Additional information will automatically be displayed.

This CD Is Just What I Needed!
In our previous issue of the TCP/IP Connections newsletter, we told you about the wonders of the Networking Systems CD-ROM. This CD contains numerous product publications and redbooks that cover the range of networking hardware and software that we produce. It also contains multi-media previews for several of our products. Since so many of you expressed interest, we thought it would be helpful to provide additional ordering information. This CD can be read using the DOS and OS/2 library readers included in the softcopy package. If you have BookManager READ installed on your VM, MVS, or AIX/6000 system, the redbooks can be uploaded and read on these systems, or put on a shared system where they can be accessed by everyone in the enterprise.

You can order the Networking Systems CD-ROM as easily as you order any other publication. The order number is SK2T-6022. Customers in the USA can order the CD-ROM by calling 1-800-879-2755 or by faxing 1-800-284-4721. If you are a registered customer of DIAL IBM, you can use PUBSYSTEM. If you are a registered customer of IBM LINK, you can use PUBORDER. If you are a resident of one of the following countries, you can order by fax, phone, or INTERNET (where numbers/IDs are provided):

Australia Phone:	354-9408

Belgium Phone:	32-2-225-3738 Fax:	32-2-225-3478 Internet: beibmwxp@ibmmail.com IEA:	beibmwxp at ibmmail

Denmark Phone:	 45934545 x.3576 Internet:	dkibmnd9@ibmmail.com IEA:	 dkibmnd9 at ibmmail

Czech Republic Phone:	42-2-67106250 Fax:	42-2-67106402 Address:	IBM Ceska Republika (IBM CSR) spol. s r.o.  		attn.: Vojtech Ralek Murmanska 4/1475 105 00 Praha 10

Ecuador Phone:   	593-2-565100 Fax:       593-2-565145 Address: 	IBM DEL ECUADOR Av. Almagro 2054 y Whimper Quito

Germany Serving:	Registered IBM customers Phone:  	0130-7031 Fax:       0711-785-5116

Israel Phone:  	03-6978901 Fax:   	03-6959985 Internet:	erochman@vnet.ibm.com Mexico Phone: 	(905) 627-1163 Netherlands Serving: 	Registered IBM customers Phone:  	31-205133920 Fax:      	31-205133296 New Zealand Phone: 	064-4-5765674 Panama Phone:  	(507) 639977 x.405 Fax:      	(507) 693604 South Africa Phone:   	027-011-224-3242 Fax:     	027-011-224-3188

United Kingdom Phone:  	0256-478166 Fax:       0256-843173 Address: 	IBM Publications Unit 14 Kingsland Industrial Estate Bilton Road Basingstoke, Hampshire RG24 0LJ Payment is primarily via monthly invoice from IBM. In certain countries, you can directly charge your purchases with a major credit card.

TCP/IP for MVS: We Are Listening ... To YOU
IBM's TCP/IP for MVS development team has listened to you, our customers, in order to provide you with a product that meets all your business needs. We asked what you needed, you told us, and the result is TCP/IP Version 3 Release 1 for MVS. Some of the product improvements are described below. Improvements to the documentation are described in the section called "Read any Good Books Lately?".

"We need a cost-effective TCP/IP solution."

We have produced a TCP/IP for MVS that can save you money. TCP/IP V3R1 for MVS provides:
 * A new Network Print Facility, which saves on programming and support costs. Some companies spend as much as $120,000 a year ($2500 per month) on print support, which can be eliminated with this feature.
 * IP Address to LU-name Mapping, which eliminates the need to convert CICS and VTAM applications to provide security and access to TCP/IP. In early testing, the savings for some have been over $2000 per month.
 * Message 10 Support, which can save large Telnet user groups over $3600 per month by returning to the MSG 10 screen instead of restarting Telnet every time.

These are only a few of the many money-saving improvements in the latest release. In early testing, the savings realized through these and other improvements totaled over $25,000 a month. Though many customers may not realize the same total savings from all of these functions, it is clear that TCP/IP V3R1 for MVS will save you more money that it costs.

And while the list price of the TCP/IP V3R1 for MVS product is higher than the V2 list price, your bottom-line cost may be equal or less. This is due to the fact that the V2 product required the PASCAL Library and the C/370 Library, while TCP/IP V3R1 for MVS eliminates the PASCAL prerequisite and supports MVS OpenEdition V5, which provides the C/370 function at no additional charge. Thus, the bottom-line price of V3R1 could be 15% less than the cost of V2.

And, IBM's TCP/IP for MVS is priced competitively. Most other vendors charge a base one-time charge (OTC) price plus annual maintenance fees. They charge additional costs for many of the features that are already included in IBM's TCP/IP V3R1 for MVS.

When comparing prices, be sure to include all the hidden costs such as maintenance, priced features, prerequisites, and annual maintenance on the prerequisites. And, consider the flexibility benefits of IBM's monthly license charge (MLC) structure. IBM's MLC offering allows you to use TCP/IP V3R1 for MVS for a low monthly investment for as many months as you need. There are also several discounting options, such as the distributed systems license option (DSLO), multiple operating system pricing (MOSP), and special quantity bids. Best of all, IBM provides world-wide, 24-hour support and service for this functionally rich product at that same low MLC price. "We need a better printing solution"

Introducing TCP/IP for MVS's improved Network Print Facility (NPF)! This is just what you need to reroute print data to the IP network. The new Network Print Facility:
 * Accepts print data from normal MVS sources and routes it to TCP/IP-supported printers. It even transforms VTAM and JES output print data into a format that existing Line Printer Daemon (LPD) functions can process.
 * Emulates VTAM and JES destinations and sends the data to the LPD using a routing table. JES2 and JES3 output, VTAM SNA character stream (SCS, or LU type 1), and 3270 data stream output (LU types 0 and 3) for MVS/ESA (MVS/SP Version 3, 4, and 5) are all supported.
 * Provides exits, allowing you to substitute your own routing to customize the Network Print Facility to suit your particular installation requirements.
 * Provides a queue manager facility to manage the print data sets, check the state of all jobs in the queue, and allow you to handle files requiring additional processing.
 * Provides an ISPF user interface for interaction with the queuing mechanism.

The Network Print Facility is a free optional feature. It is the only print facility of its kind that allows you to retry failed print jobs and has an ISPF operator interface. Due to the early test program, it is already being used by numerous delighted customers.

"We need better performance."

Well how about this... TCP/IP V3R1 for MVS has eliminated the 5,000 sessions limit! Now, you can control the number of sessions. Only the size of your mainframe limits the number of users that can be supported.

Other key performance improvements include:
 * 64K window and large envelope support, which allows reduction in CPU load for CTC, ESCON CTC, and HIPPI environments.
 * 64K MTU for improved CTC, ESCON CTC, and HIPPI performance.
 * TCP retransmission parameters and delay ACKs to help improve performance of low speed networks, such as X.25.
 * 3172 Model 3 support of the Pentium processor, which provides improved throughput by as much as 40-60% when compared to a 50 MHz processor for an OS/2 offload environment.
 * FTP data compression enhancements that can benefit the TCP/IP environment where network bandwidth is constrained.

In addition, the new Performance Tuning Guide, which covers TCP/IP for MVS, VM, DOS, OS/2, OS/400, and AIX RISC/6000, provides helpful instructions for monitoring, tuning, and capacity planning. An early user of the book says it is "the most comprehensive document on TCP/IP performance ever seen".

"Give me an API that I can use...without having to go back to school."

Up until now, your choices for using Socket calls have been limited to the C socket API or the low-level, language-independent IUCV/VMCF interfaces. But what if you wanted the ease-of-use capabilities that the C socket API provides, but you don't know C language programming?

With TCP/IP V3R1 for MVS, Sockets Extended brings the functions of the socket API to the COBOL, PL/I, and Assembler languages. Now, you can write TCP/IP programs using the high-level socket interface without using C.

Sockets Extended can be used to write IMS application programs that communicate with TCP/IP clients (called explicit-mode programs). In addition, TCP/IP V3R1 for MVS gives you the capability to easily convert your current, legacy IMS programs to TCP/IP-capable programs.

Sockets Extended can also be used in the CICS environment, allowing CICS users to take advantage of new calls introduced in Sockets Extended without rewriting their applications. In addition to Sockets Extended, CICS Sockets has enhanced its diagnostic reporting by recording socket activity with CICS trace records.

In addition to the Sockets Extended API, with the IMS TCP/IP feature, you also get the IMS Assist module and the IMS Listener.

The IMS Assist module will convert your traditional IMS calls to the appropriate socket calls for communications with TCP/IP programs. Thus, IMS MPP programmers, who use the Assist module, require no TCP/IP skills.

The IMS Listener is an IMS batch program that serves as the entry point into IMS for TCP/IP clients. TCP/IP clients connect to the IMS Listener and the Listener then schedules the appropriate IMS transaction (the server). The IMS transaction then takes the connection from the listener, either directly (explicit program) or by use of the Assist module (implicit). You now have a TCP/IP connection between your remote TCP/IP client and the IMS program. The best part is that your IMS program is the same one used by your SNA devices.

"There are lots of things we'd like to see in an FTP server."

The quality and function of the existing FTP server (written in PASCAL) has been improved, but the real news is that a completely new version is available in C for MVS/ESA users.

The C server was developed using object-oriented techniques based on a client-server model. This new server offers improved quality, maintainability, and extendibility.

The improvements satisfy the following customer requirements:
 * Checkpoint/restart (in RFC 959)
 * Multiple get support for JES output
 * Direct access to tape (C FTP server only)
 * Data compression (in RFC 959)
 * Dynamic start or stop FTP trace
 * Support for FTP record structure (C FTP server only)
 * Support for STORCLAS and DATACLAS (MGMTCLAS was provided in 2.2.1)
 * Option to delete files if FTP fails a STOR (C FTP server only)
 * Full function PROXY FTP server
 * SITE DEST to RSCS nodes

In general, functions are more reliable and complete in the C Server. Although both servers appear parallel in function, the new C Server is superior. Examination of both servers' JES interface support shows the C server supports all transfer modes, while the PASCAL server is limited to STREAM. The C Server also resolves several integrity problems that remain in the PASCAL server. In the future, enhancements will be limited to the C FTP Server.

"Document the messages....please!"

We heard you loud and clear. And, as a result, the new IBM TCP/IP for MVS: Messages and Codes manual is a complete revision of the previous version. Previously, finding a message explanation was a frustrating experience for the TCP/IP user. Error recovery was difficult, if not impossible, since the majority (90%) of the error messages were not documented. And the 10% of the messages that were documented were either unnumbered or did not follow any consistent numbering scheme.

In response to this #1 source of customer dissatisfaction for the TCP/IP documentation, all 11,000 TCP/IP for MVS messages are now numbered and documented in an easy to understand format. The manual is divided into 4 sections. The messages are arranged alphanumerically in the first 3 sections with product and type identifiers assigned to each of the TCP/IP components. In addition, the system and sense codes associated with the product are explained in the last section of the manual. This major documentation and programming accomplishment represents an industry exclusive for the TCP/IP product.

The Messages and Codes manual is also available on CD-ROM and is enabled for the Online Message Facility (OMF). For the first time, users running OS/2 can click on a message and have help at their fingertips!

"Is there any way I can influence the product?"

An extensive early test program that lasted over 10 months allowed a selected group of customers to get a head-start using the new TCP/IP functions while providing IBM with valuable feedback. Over sixty customers installed TCP/IP V3R1 for MVS. The early test customers included MVS/ESA and MVS OpenEdition accounts in the U.S., South America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia. These customers heavily exercised Telnet, FTP, IMS and CICS Sockets, and the Network Print Facility. Over 100 Problem Tracking Reports were opened and resolved for early users - resulting in significant reliability and usability improvements to TCP/IP V3R1 for MVS and its documentation.

Contact your IBM account representative if you'd like to participate in programs like this in the future.

And finally, a message from us to you.

Quality is a commitment made by the team that developed TCP/IP V3R1 for MVS. More testing, more early test customer accounts, better information, and new packet trace facilities are just a few of the additions and improvements.

We built IBM's TCP/IP V3R1 for MVS with you in mind. We know there are new business areas and opportunities opening up with the Internet every day. TCP/IP V3R1 for MVS is built for your business future as Internet access becomes more essential for business success. We know that when you consider our money-saving improvements, our functional improvements, and our commitment to quality, you'll see we are the right choice for your business today.

At Your Service
This portion of our newsletter contains some frequently asked questions and their answers. If you have questions that you would like to see answered in this newsletter, please send them to TCPIPNEWS@VNET.IBM.COM.


 * How do I display the TCP/IP CSD level?

In OS/2, use the SYSLEVEL command. In DOS, use the TCPLEVEL command.


 * SYSLEVEL does not show the NetBIOS kit level. How do I display its CSD level?

When starting NetBIOS, a version number is displayed on the first line of the NetBIOS window. (UN09313 corresponds to version 2.0.8)


 * Sometimes the NetBIOS kit starts with an error.

Make sure that TCP/IP starts before NetBIOS kit. Remove the TCPSTART from OS/2 StartUp, if exists. Use a 'Call' to issue TCPSTART from STARTUP.CMD before the NBTCP is executed. For example, your STARTUP.CMD would include: CALL C:\tcpip\bin\tcpstart START "NetBIOS/2" c:\netbios2\nbtcp 89.0.0.1 89.255.255.255 EXIT


 * I'd like an explanation of fonts as used by PMX. How are they accessed? Exactly what do I need to do to add fonts for use by PMX?

Like most X servers, PMX has the standard fonts from the X Consortium. We have all the fonts from release X11R5, but only the 75 dot-per-inch version, not the 100 dot-per-inch version. The fonts are in a "portable compiled font" form. At this time we do not provide access to PM fonts, but we are working on it. For information about adding fonts (or porting them), access PMX Help, then the section "Configuring PMX". Under there is a section called "Font Options". And under there is a section on "Using Font Utilities to Customize Your System". You may also want to look at the information about "What To Do If Fonts Are Missing" (as mentioned below).


 * What is the meaning of the "cannot convert to Fontstruct" message I so often get on the AIX system when trying to run applications on OS/2 with PMX?

The message you see means that the application looked for a font using a particular specification, and did not find a match. Most applications will use a more general specification if a specific font specification fails. You will see only the failure messages and not the successes. When running PMX, access PMX Help, then the section "Using the OS/2 X Window System Server". Under that is a section on "PMX". Especially of interest to you is "What To Do If Fonts Are Missing".


 * I'd like a step-by-step explanation of how to port fonts either from OS/2 to AIX or vice-versa and how to install them once ported.

If you want more information on how PMX does things, and how to import fonts or configure PMX font access, access PMX Help, go to the section "Configuring PMX", and under that, "Font Options". Under "Font Options" there are a number of subsections about fonts. Importing fonts is discussed extensively. An alternative to importing fonts is to use a font server on another machine.


 * It takes 90 seconds to resolve a name or an IP address. What is wrong?

Ensure that the RESOLV file includes a valid IP address of the domain name server. Add one, if needed. If a domain name server is not used, delete the RESOLV file and use the HOSTS file.


 * An RPC_TIMEOUT error occurs when copying large files to and from an OS/2 NFS mounted drive.

Change buffer size by specifying the -b parameter with NFSSTART and/or NFSCTL commands. Decrease the buffer size to the lowest MTU size of the links involved.


 * Can multiple domains be specified in a single Domain Name Server?

Yes. Remove the DOMAIN statement in the boot file. Specify each domain name in the domain data files.


 * Two hosts are connected via SLIP, but the PING command fails.

Verify that the SLIP settings are the same on both sides of the connection. The settings usually in error are: MTU, baud rate, buffer setting, and compression setting. Check the modem manual for details. Also, follow the steps in the Installation and Administration for manual slip connection.


 * When a secondary DNS becomes active, it resolves host names successfully but not the IP addresses.

Specify 2 secondary files in the boot file for the secondary DNS. For example: secondary test.rtp.ibm.com 9.67.30.1 c:\\tcpip\\etc\namedb\sec.dom secondary 30.67.9.in-addr.arpa 9.67.30.1 c:\\tcpip\\etc\namedb\sec.rev

Closely--and getting closer with each release of TCP/IP for MVS. There's the CICS Sockets support, explained in IBM TCP/IP for MVS: CICS TCP/IP Socket Interface Guide and Reference. Then there's the FTP-SQL support provided by the new C-FTP server with enhancements over the Pascal FTP server's support of this DB2 interface. Look in the IBM TCP/IP for MVS: User's Guide for information on this feature of FTP. And there's the enhanced Network Database System (NDB), a Remote Procedure Call (RPC) client/server application. The Network Database System provides direct access to MVS DB2 subsystems from a variety of workstation and mainframe platforms. No specialized or dedicated hardware and software is needed to act as a gateway.
 * How does TCP/IP relate to DB2?

Just what you'd expect for any TCP/IP client/server application: TCP/IP on the MVS host, where DB2 is, and TCP/IP on the client platform. TCP/IP for MVS provides a sample NDB client that can be built and run on AIX on IBM RISC 6000, DOS/Windows, OS/2, UNIX (developed on Sun Microsystems**), MVS, or VM. The sample code can be used as-is to provide an interactive interface to DB2 or modified to suit local installation needs and platforms.
 * What is required to use TCP/IP for MVS' Network Database System?

With TCP/IP V3R1 for MVS, you now have the ability to specify which DB2 subsystem on which MVS host you want to access, whether DB2 responses are displayed on the screen, and whether data from DB2 queries is returned a buffer at a time or as a continuous stream. You can also tailor storage usage to suit your needs by changing the size of the output buffer. In addition to the SQL SELECT statement, requests to DB2 can now be any SQL statement interactively or dynamically supported by DB2. And query data, which is returned in table format (rows and columns), can be any SQL datatype (including decimal and long variable character) except graphic datatypes.

Most importantly, while providing direct TCP/IP access to DB2 through a variety of features and options, NDB utilizes DB2 authorization and Unit of Work support, ensuring database security and integrity. For information on installing the Network Database System, see the IBM TCP/IP for MVS: Customization and Administration Guide. For information on using NDB, see the IBM TCP/IP for MVS: User's Guide.

Are You Behind the Times?
Have you ever encountered a problem in a product, spent hours trying to determine the origin of the problem, only to discover that a fix for the problem was made available months ago? Well, to help you avoid this situation, we are including a list of the latest CSDs for TCP/IP. This way you can ensure that you always have the latest.

An Easier Way to Obtain Fixes
Did you know that you can obtain Corrective Service Diskettes (CSDs) electronically? If you have access to the Internet, you can FTP as Anonymous to SOFTWARE.WATSON.IBM.COM.
 * Fixes for TCP/IP for OS/2 are located in pub\tcpip\os2.
 * Fixes for TCP/IP for DOS are located in pub\tcpip\dos.

You can also obtain CSDs via modem connection from the NCSBBS bulletin board at (919)517-0001. Set your modem settings to: none,8,1.

We Would Like to Hear From You
The goal of this newsletter is to be informative and interesting. We hope we have achieved that goal. We welcome comments and suggestions. Please send them to TCPIPNEWS@VNET.IBM.COM. Also, if you would like to be notified via Email of new editions of the TCP/IP Connections newsletter, please send your name and Email address to TCPIPNEWS@VNET.IBM.COM. Contributing authors: Michele Carlo, Leslie Carlos, Larry Garrettson, Claudia Harris, David Herr, Gretchen Moore, Debbie Morrison, Salil Muma, Mary Nisley, Dan Patel, Tina Slavin, Al Springer, Ken White, Greg Williams, Gail Wojton


 * Trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.


 * Known trademark of others identified below.
 * Gopher is a trademark of the University of Minnesota
 * HYPERchannel is a trademark of Network Systems Corp.
 * Sun is a trademark of SUN Microsystems, Inc.
 * UNIX is a trademark of X/Open Company Ltd.
 * X-Windows is a trademark of Massachusetts Institute of Technology.