New tool allows access to data hosted on multiple enterprise servers
SAN MATEO (08/12/97) — IBM today sent to beta testing a Java-based version of its eNetwork Host On-Demand software designed to give corporate users access through their browsers to data scattered across multiple servers in the enterprise.
With Version 2.0, IBM officials claim that users in an enterprise now can all get the same level of access to large host-based databases whether they are connected through an in-house network or are using a portable system off-site.
“We hope this will open a new page in Java-based access products through being able to access multiple hosts through multiple servers at the same time,” said Joe Makoid, vice president of sales and marketing at Bus-Tech, an IBM business partner.
Makoid said his company has been using the product to access information residing on IBM’s mainframes, AS/400s, and a number of Unix-based host systems using a single Host On-Demand connection.
Ideally suited for users who already use a browser to access data on host-based systems, the new version also may appeal to those users considering low-cost network computers because the product is written in Java. Version 2.0 can talk with standard telnet servers over IP connections and can launch its own window, thereby leaving the browser free to access other Web-based data and functions.
The latest version reportedly lowers service costs because it allows each user to automatically download the same and latest version of the software every time, company officials said.
Other new features of the product include:
A wider range of Telnet server support, including TN5250 emulation in order to reach AS/400 servers, and VT100 and VT220 to reach ASCII hosts
Web-based server configuration and administration, making it easier to carry out routine system administration chores
The ability to print host-based screens to a local printer
Copy-and-paste features that make it easier for users to transfer information to and from their desktop applications or the Web
- Support for a new Java-based API that lets other programs use the emulator data stream to provide more flexible user interfaces for access to data that is specifically intended for a user’s needs
IBM expects to ship the product later this year. Pricing on the product will be determined on a concurrent user basis, company officials said.
Users who want to be part of the beta program should contact IBM at https://www.networking.ibm.com/eNetwork/OnDemand/hod.html.
IBM, in Armonk, NY, can be contacted at https://www.ibm.com.
