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From: sjl@amdahl.UUCP (Steve Langdon)
Newsgroups: net.micro.att
Subject: Re: 3bnet (really ISO OSI)
Message-ID: <1651@amdahl.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 10-Jun-85 19:45:20 EDT
Article-I.D.: amdahl.1651
Posted: Mon Jun 10 19:45:20 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 12-Jun-85 07:58:37 EDT
References: <1800@ukma.UUCP> <202@uwvax.UUCP> <283@cuae2.UUCP> <2258@sun.uucp> <327@cuae2.UUCP> <367@petrus.UUCP>
Organization: Amdahl Corp, Sunnyvale CA
Lines: 41

...
> > ISO protocols are coming! Perhaps you need the proceedings of the Networking
> > Sessions from the last UNIFORUM (Jan., 1985).
> 
> Where have we heard *this* one before? For some excellent insight into
> whether ISO is worth waiting for, particularly if you already have TCP/IP,
> check out the chapter "The Illusion of Vendor Support" in Michael
> Padlipsky's recent book "The Elements of Networking Style".  You might also
> check out the recent ARPA RFCs and related discussions on a proposed DoD
> conversion from TCP to ISO TP-4.
> 
> If you're unable to find these references, the bottom line is "don't hold
> your breath". Despite massive hype, ISO is likely to remain just (a lot) of
> paper for at least the next 5 years.  As far as I'm concerned, AT&T's
> versions of Unix will remain useless to me as long as they refuse to support
> TCP/IP.
> 
> Phil

Your comments on the ISO OSI protocols would have been appropriate if
you had posted them in 1980, but are rather dated in 1985.  If you want
proof I would recommend that you have a look at the demo planned for
the AUTOFACT '85 show.  Over a dozen vendors including AT&T, DEC, Gould
Honeywell, HP, IBM, Motorola and NCR are due to participate in a multi-
vendor network based on OSI protocols.  Despite Mr. Padlipsky's superb
piece of polemic, the OSI protocols are going to be implemented and used.

I would be the last person to claim that the OSI protocols will displace
TCP/IP in a short period of time.  However, you should have noted that
the NRC report on transport protocols recommended that ISO Transport
class 4 (TP4) should replace TCP.  While the DOD is likely to take it's
own sweet time about implementing the change, you can be sure that NATO
pressure will lead to use of TP4.

By the way, I agree with your contention that TCP/IP support is something
that is useful in current systems.
-- 
Stephen J. Langdon                  ...!{ihnp4,hplabs,sun,nsc}!amdahl!sjl

[ The article above is not an official statement from any organization
  in the known universe. ]