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From: go@orstcs.cs.ORST.EDU
Newsgroups: comp.lsi
Subject: Anyone using SECS?
Message-ID: <245200001@orstcs>
Date: Sat, 2-May-87 14:31:00 EDT
Article-I.D.: orstcs.245200001
Posted: Sat May  2 14:31:00 1987
Date-Received: Tue, 5-May-87 04:49:32 EDT
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Nf-ID: #N:orstcs:245200001:000:1576
Nf-From: orstcs.cs.ORST.EDU!go    May  2 11:31:00 1987


Bear with me if this isn't the correct spot for this...

Recently, I have had an occasion to look at a communication
"protocol" called SECS (Semi Equipment Communications Standard)
levels 1 and 2.  After reading the SEMI documents (revised 1986)
I wanted to get some "feedback" from other users.  At the top
level, I completely understand what SECS-I and II are trying to
do, but am confused on a couple of points:

   1)  The protocols claim to have originated before the ISO/OSI
       model, however, they claim an initial release of 1980.  If
       my memory is correct, the ISO/OSI model appeared in the
       late 70's?  They must have worked on SECS for 2 or more
       years in a vaccuum.

   2)  SECS-II, the stream/function level appears to be somewhat
       uncertain of its purpose:  It appears as an application-
       layer in places, but does some of the very-low-level
       ack/nak stuff too.  Why?  This might make it cumbersome
       to apply on top of an existing LAN -- lots more overhead
       unless LAN is MUCH HIGHER SPEED than SECS message traffic.

Anyway, my main question is: How widespread is the use of SECS
(someone must be really chuckling over the pronunciation of the
acronym by now...); is it gaining in popularity or declining?
Do you recommend its use or not?  Why?  Should I take my question
elsewhere (...dcom) ?  Since is it for semiconductor manufacturers
I thought I would start here.

Thanks.  I'd be glad to post results to net, and all that.  Please
mail responses to me for now.

Gary Oliver
...!hplabs!hp-pcd!orstcs!go