Xref: utzoo comp.protocols.tcp-ip:16358 comp.protocols.tcp-ip.ibmpc:6070
Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!mips!apple!portal!cup.portal.com!Will
From: Will@cup.portal.com (Will E Estes)
Newsgroups: comp.protocols.tcp-ip,comp.protocols.tcp-ip.ibmpc
Subject: B&W, FTP, Intercon, Interlink, and TGV Utilities Agreement
Message-ID: <42921@cup.portal.com>
Date: 3 Jun 91 21:35:01 GMT
Organization: The Portal System (TM)
Lines: 30

In UNIX Today!, May 13, 1991, on page 10, there is a very
interesting article that discusses a project by the five
subject companies to develop a full-function network operating
system on top of TCP/IP.  I'm very interested in hearing more
about this project if any of the players involved would like
to share, either privately or publicly.

After reading the article, a number of questions come to mind:

1) Why did this group choose to create its own authentication, timing,
and other basic services?  Why not just implement the OSF services?
Was the desire to have a completely public-domain alternative to
the OSF services?

2) Why is Sun absent from the list of sponsoring companies?  
Since you are using their RPC for these services, it seems
like they have a lot to gain (publicity-wise, at least).

3) The article says that the initial project concentrates on mail
and print services.  Can someone explain exactly what is being done
here, and why are SMTP/POP and LPD-type utilities not sufficient
for the desired purpose?

This strikes me as an interesting agreement, somewhat in the spirit
of FTP's initial packet-driver effort.  With strong support from the
user community it might just succeed.

Thanks,
Will Estes        Internet: Will@cup.portal.com
                  UUCP: apple!cup.portal.com!Will