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From: pilger@uhunix1.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu (Eric Pilger)
Newsgroups: comp.protocols.nfs
Subject: Re: info requested on pc-nfs vendors
Keywords: NFS, ethernet, PCs
Message-ID: <9199@uhccux.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu>
Date: 3 Sep 90 17:48:09 GMT
References: <6197@bgsuvax.UUCP>
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Organization: University of Hawaii
Lines: 36

In article <6197@bgsuvax.UUCP> rama@bgsuvax.UUCP (Sub Ramakrishnan) writes:
>
>(1)  Is there any vendor who provides PC-NFS at a better price?
>
The only one I've looked into so far is FTP Software's PC/TCP +
Interdrive.  It's not any cheaper than the usual 33% educational
discount from Sun, and much more than the current 50% discount.

>(3)  Any compelling reasons to go with SUNs PC-NFS?
>     If we go with the SUN alternative, is it better to
>     buy the ethernet cards from them or from a third party?
>     Any recommendations about potential third parties?

Sun supports NIS (being careful not to use that YP word.)  I have been
told that FTP Software's Interdrive (NFS) allows you access to
anything below your mount point, even if it's not yours.  PC-NFS does
not have this weekness.  Sun also produces some nice mail and tar
software to complement PC-NFS.

The one flaw I've found in PC-NFS is its weakness supporting my X
server software.  The people who wrote the software claim it's the
fault of PC-NFS, and the TCP/IP they supply does work much better.
Any word on improvements from the Sun camp?

As for hardware, I tested the 3Com I got with PC-NFS against a Western
Digital with on board memory and found hardly any difference in
performance.  Since Sun seems willing to give the discount on the card
as well as the software, it usually works out cheaper just to buy it
from them.

I have worked with PC-NFS for at least 3 years and have always been
quite impressed.  However, I'm always interested in alternatives.  Any
other experience out there?

				 Eric Pilger
				 NASA Infrared Telescope Facility