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From: bin@primate.wisc.edu (Brain in Neutral)
Newsgroups: comp.protocols.tcp-ip
Subject: Re: Using PCs as Terminal Servers?
Message-ID: <3119@uakari.primate.wisc.edu>
Date: 18 Sep 90 15:34:56 GMT
References: <12018@chaph.usc.edu>
Sender: bin@primate.wisc.edu
Reply-To: bin@primate.wisc.edu
Lines: 26

From article <12018@chaph.usc.edu>, by cyamamot@aludra.usc.edu (Cliff Yamamoto):
> Now, since it seems PCs can do almost anything, does anyone know if there
> is a software package that will make a PC into a terminal server.  You
> know, like one of those $1500 Bridge Communication Terminal Servers that
> have a built-in floopy drive for logging and upload.  They have about
> 8 - 9.6Kb serial ports on the back.

Datability (manfacturer of Vista T.S.'s) makes a product (VistaWare
Server Software) for $695 that turns PC's into terminal servers.  I'm
not sure how much of a bargain this is.  It supports 4 serial ports and
2 parallel ports, which isn't that many.  If you have to buy the serial
cards too, you're starting to inch up to where it might be worth just
getting a real server.

On the other hand, the product does include the stuff in it to translate
between LAT and TCP/IP, which provides (to quote the glossy) "existing
LAT-only servers with access to TCP/IP systems and TCP/IP systems with
access to LAT services".

You can get a free demo diskette (1-800-DIAL-DSS, NY 212-807-7800) so that
you can (quoting again) "start experiencing the thrill today".

I have never used the product.

Paul DuBois
dubois@primate.wisc.edu