[544] in comp.os.os2.announce archive
NEW OS/2 APPLICATIONS: MicroGate's MG3780 and BSCAPI
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Michael_Evans@bocaraton.ibm.com)
Sat Jan 13 07:17:59 1996
To: os2ann.DISCUSS@bloom-picayune.MIT.EDU
Date: Sat, 13 Jan 1996 10:24:55 GMT
From: Michael_Evans@bocaraton.ibm.com
Reply-To: mgate@io.com
Submitted by: Michael Evans (michael_evans@bocaraton.ibm.com)
Source: John Nichols (mgate@io.com)
Date received: 1996 January 4
Date posted: 1996 January 13
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For Immediate Release
For Information, call:
John Nichols (512)345-7791, E-Mail MGATE@IO.COM
MicroGate Corporation Announces MG3780 for OS/2
Austin, Texas, January 2, 1996 -- MicroGate Corporation today announced
MG3780 for OS/2. MG3780 for OS/2 is an enhanced communications application
program for exchanging batch data with host mainframe computers using the
2780/3780 Binary Synchronous Communications (BSC) serial protocol. This new
OS/2 product joins MicroGate's other 2780/3780 emulators, which are widely
used in insurance, finance, and retail applications.
Using MG3780, PCs running OS/2 can communicate with host Job Entry
Subsystems as RJE terminals, exchange data with remote host computers, or
function as remote BSC printers. Applications for MG3780 include Point-of-
Sale (POS) data capture, Remote Job Entry (RJE), Electronic Data
Interchange (EDI), Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), batch file transfer,
and remote printing. MG3780 features include native-mode Presentation
Manager user interface; auto-dialing of switched BSC modem connections
using "AT" commands; comprehensive scripting; attended and unattended
sessions; real-time display of communications statistics and serial signal
states; context-sensitive on-line help; session event logging; multi-level
communications trace; and extensive configurability for different BSC
environments.
MG3780 for OS/2 costs $ 699, including BSC adapter. It is available
now through MicroGate direct sales at (800)444-1982 or (512)345-7791.
Founded in 1982 and Headquartered in Austin, Texas, MicroGate
Corporation designs, develops, manufactures, and markets personal computer
data communications products.
###
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
MG3780 for OS/2 is a 2780/3780 terminal emulation program used for
communicating with mainframe or other host computers using the Binary
Synchronous Communications (BSC) serial protocol. With MG3780, computers
running OS/2 2.1 or later can communicate with host Job Entry Subsystems as
RJE terminals, exchange data with remote host computers, and function as
remote BSC printers.
For ease of setup and use, MG3780 features a native Presentation
Manager user interface. Configuring MG3780 is done by selecting a Configure
dialog box and choosing from a displayed list of options. The resulting
configuration can then be saved in a file and automatically loaded in
subsequent sessions.
MG3780 can be started from the Workplace Shell or automatically when
OS/2 is booted. When started, MG3780 auto-configures itself for the
selected configuration and enters interactive or batch mode. In interactive
mode, MG3780 can execute commands typed from the keyboard or selected from
dialog boxes. In batch mode, MG3780 can execute commands read from a script
file or received from a remote computer.
MG3780 can be ordered with several different MicroGate BSC hardware
adapters depending upon line speed and serial interface requirements. BSC
adapters include an RS-232 adapter capable of speeds up to 28,800 bps; a
V.32bis internal modem adapter that supports line speeds up to 14,400 bps,
and a high-speed V.35 adapter designed for use with digital service
CSU/DSUs and ISDN TAs.
FEATURES
- Enhanced 2780/3780 Terminal Emulation
- Native PM User Interface
- On-line Help
- Menu Bar, with command dialog boxes
- Button Bar, with command and quick script buttons
- Status Bar, with display fields for operating mode, link status, and
device status
- Interactive and Batch Operation
- Normal, Transparent, and Binary Text handling
- Automatic EBCDIC-ASCII Translation with configurable character-level
customizations
- Logical Reader, Printer, and Punch devices definable as files or
printers
- Automatic File Naming option on receive files
- Large Communications Blocks (up to 4096 bytes) for high communications
throughput
- Comprehensive Script support, including script creation and editing,
quick script button for fast script execution, and startup script
- Remote Command feature for accepting and executing commands sent from
a remote computer
- Automatic Dialer for configuring modems and dialing and answering
switched connections using "AT" commands
- Real-time Statistics Panel display
- Real-time Virtual Modem Panel display
- Session Message Logging
- Communications Trace
- MS-DOS Command Execution within MG3780
- Configurable for different BSC operating environments
FEATURE DESCRIPTION
Enhanced 2780/3780 Terminal Emulation
-------------------------------------
MG3780 emulates an IBM 2780 or 3780 data communications terminal for remote
batch communications. Besides full-featured 2780/3780 emulation, MG3780
also features numerous enhancements to increase communications flexibility
and simplify setup and use.
Native PM User Interface
------------------------
Designed to take advantage of OS/2 features, MG3780 provides a consistent
PM user interface in performing its application functions. These functions
make use of OS/2 resources such as application windows, menus, buttons,
drop-down list boxes, and mouse pointer.
On-Line Help
------------
On-line help is available through the ? command, which lists the MG3780
commands and command syntax, and the Help menu item on the Menu Bar.
Menu Bar
--------
The Menu Bar contains Session, Files, Edit, Scripts, Options and Help menu
items. Each menu item performs a predefined function with most functions
corresponding to MG3780 commands.
Button Bar
----------
The graphical button bar provides a shortcut method for issuing frequently
used commands, such as Connect, Disconnect, Send File, Define Printer,
Define Punch, Stop, and Execute Quick Script.
Status Bar
----------
The Status Bar contains fields which display information such as menu item
description, trace and log status, operating mode (interactive or batch),
link status (offline, connecting, idle), and device status (Reader active,
Printer active, Punch active).
Interactive and Batch Operation
-------------------------------
MG3780 is capable of processing commands entered interactively from the
keyboard, selected from a dialog box, read from a script file, or received
from a remote computer.
Normal, Transparent, and Binary Text
------------------------------------
MG3780 can send and receive three types of data: normal text, transparent
text, and binary text. Normal text is ASCII data that is translated to
EBCDIC before being sent and from EBCDIC to ASCII when being received.
Transparent text is data that may contain some of the control characters
used by the BSC protocol, so special provisions are taken to allow these
characters to be sent and received as data. Binary text is similar to
transparent text except that no translations are performed.
Automatic EBCDIC-ASCII Translation
----------------------------------
MG3780 performs automatic EBCDIC to ASCII translation on incoming data and
ASCII to EBCDIC conversion on transmitted data when operating in normal
text and transparent text modes. These translations are performed with
respect to translation tables. The translation tables can be customized at
the character level to perform special character translations.
Reader, Printer, and Punch
--------------------------
Data transmitted to a remote computer by MG3780 is obtained from the
logical Reader device. A Send command is provided which allows the Reader
to be defined as one or more files. The file(s) is then transmitted to the
remote computer during the send operation. MG3780 has two logical
destinations for received data: a Printer device and a Punch device. Two
commands are provided by MG3780 that allow the Printer or Punch to be
defined as a file or OS/2 printer. Data received for that device is then
written to the file or printer during a receive operation.
Automatic File Naming
---------------------
Automatic file naming is useful when receiving a large number of separate
files. When this feature is enabled, a specified file name is used with a
unique extension for each file received.
Large Communications Blocks
---------------------------
Communications block sizes are configurable from 400 to 4096 bytes. Large
blocks permits greater throughput by packing more information into each
transmission unit.
Scripts
-------
Scripts are files containing commands that are processed by MG3780 as a
batch. To support script processing, MG3780 features script creation and
editing support, and initial script for automating unattended sessions.
Remote Commands
---------------
This feature enables MG3780 to execute commands received from a remote
computer when in batch mode. Using this feature, a remote station can
control all actions taken during a communications session.
Automatic Dialer
----------------
The Automatic Dialer supports modem configuration and automatic dialing and
answering using the "AT" command sets of sync/async modems, such as V.32,
V.32bis, and V.34 modems.
Statistics Panel
----------------
The statistics panel, when enabled, provides a real-time display of session
communications statistics, including the number of line bids transmitted
acknowledged and received, number of errors detected, number of buffers
transmitted and received, number of records transmitted and received, etc.
Virtual Modem Panel
-------------------
The Virtual Modem Panel (VMP) is similar to the LEDs on the front panel of
a modem. When enabled, the VMP provides a real-time graphical display of
the serial signals DTR, DSR, RTS, CTS, DCD, RI, TxD and RxD.
Logging
-------
During a session, the messages that result from the execution of commands
are displayed on the console and are also written to a configurable Log
file to provide a saved record of session actions and events.
Communications Trace
--------------------
The communications trace is a diagnostic and troubleshooting aid that
captures a record of BSC protocol activity in a Trace file for later
analysis. Tracing is enabled and disabled by a Trace command or from the
Start Trace menu item in the Session menu.
Command Execution
---------------------
MG3780 includes an EXecute command that permits DOS and OS/2 commands to be
executed.
Configurability
---------------
MG3780's BSC operating environment is determined by interpreting
configuration parameters read from a configuration file at run time.
Configuration files are created by selecting Configure from the Options
menu and choosing from a displayed group of configuration options,
including: - 2780 or 3780 emulation - Default Printer and Punch
definitions - Communications block size - Reader record length - Printer
and Punch record length - Log file definition - Initial script file -
Switched or leased lines - Half or Full duplex communications - Printer and
Punch Timeouts - Retry limits - Terminal identification string - Printer
and Punch VFC handling options - Translation table customization
###
MicroGate is a registered trademark of MicroGate Corporation.
OS/2 is a registered trademark of IBM Corporation.,
============================================================================
For Immediate Release
For Information, call:
John Nichols (512)345-7791, E-Mail MGATE@IO.COM
MicroGate Corporation Announces BSCAPI for OS/2
AUSTIN, TEXAS, January 2, 1996 -- MicroGate Corporation today
announced BSCAPI for OS/2, a 32-bit Application Program Interface (API) for
Binary Synchronous Communications (BSC) on ISA personal computers. BSC is
an established IBM protocol for synchronous WAN communications that is
widely used in banking, retail, and other applications to communicate
between various types of specialty BSC terminals and mainframes. BSCAPI
allows OS/2 applications to emulate BSC terminals and process
communications data in real-time.
The MicroGate BSCAPI products include a BSC device driver and a BSC
procedures Dynamic Link Library (DLL) that implements the BSCAPI functions.
Using MicroGate BSCAPI, OS/2 application programs written in C and
other higher-level languages call the DLL procedures to communicate with
remote BSC hosts over a synchronous data link which is managed by the BSC
driver. Using these procedures, applications can initiate sessions, control
sessions, and exchange data at the record level with remote computers in
BSC application environments. BSC application environments include Remote
Job Entry (RJE), Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), Point-of-Sale (POS)
transaction processing, Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), Remote Printing,
and File Transfer.
BSCAPI is sold as a Software Development Kit (SDK - $ 999) and a Run-
Time Kit (RTK - $499). SDKs contain developer's guide, BSC adapter, source
code examples, sample application, and header files required to develop
applications incorporating BSCAPI. RTKs consist of the BSCAPI DLL, BSC
device driver, and BSC Adapter. Products are available now through
MicroGate direct sales at (800)444-1982 or (512)345-7791.
Founded in 1982 and Headquartered in Austin, Texas, MicroGate
Corporation designs, develops, manufactures, and markets personal computer
data communications products.
###
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
MicroGate BSCAPI provides an interface for application programs to function
as 2780/3780 BSC stations. This application program interface consists of a
set of procedure calls used for controlling and monitoring communications
with a remote BSC host computer. BSCAPI calls perform such functions as
opening and closing BSC ports, sending and receiving messages, loading and
saving configuration information, and reporting status information to the
application. In performing these functions, activities such as bidding for
control of the communications line, record blocking and deblocking, space
compression and expansion, ASCII/EBCDIC translation, and error control are
handled automatically by BSCAPI, freeing the application to focus on its
primary data exchange function. All BSCAPI calls use the standard Windows
or OS/2 DLL calling interface.
Using BSCAPI, application programs written in C, Visual Basic, and other
languages can autodial connections, establish sessions, and exchange data
at the record level with remote computers using the BSC protocol.
BSCAPI is available for Windows 3.X running in 386 enhanced mode, Windows
95, Windows NT, and OS/2.
BSCAPI SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT KITS
BSCAPI SDKs are available for each supported operating system. Each SDK
contains developer's guide, source code examples, sample application, and
header files required to develop applications incorporating BSCAPI.
BSCAPI RUNTIME KITS
BSCAPI RTKs are available for each operating system version of BSCAPI and
consist of the BSCAPI DLL, BSC device driver, and BSC hardware adapter.
BSCAPI PROCEDURE CALLS
BSCAPI provides an interface for application programs to function as BSC
stations in sessions with BSC host computers. The interface consists of a
DLL of procedure calls used for controlling and monitoring communications.
All BSCAPI procedure calls use standard operating system calling
conventions.
The BSCAPI procedure calls operate with respect to a "BSC Port", which
corresponds to a MicroGate BSC hardware adapter. Up to four ports can be
concurrently accessed by applications using BSCAPI. An application must
open a port before using any other BSCAPI calls. When an application opens
a port it gains ownership of that port. The Port parameter is used with all
of the BSCAPI calls. After the application has finished using a port it
must close the port. The port may then be used by other applications.
Procedure Call Function
-------------- --------
BSC_ClosePort Close (release) a BSC port
BSC_Configure Configure a BSC port
BSC_Connect Activate link, start a session
BSC_Disconnect Deactivate link, stop a session
BSC_GetConfiguration Inspect current BSC port configuration
BSC_GetDefaultConfig Get the default BSC port configuration
BSC_GetStatus Get the current status and statistics for a BSC
port
BSC_GetTraceBlock Get a block of trace data from the trace buffers
BSC_GetVersion Get version information and serial number
BSC_LoadConfig Load a BSC configuration from a file
BSC_OpenPort Open a BSC port for use
BSC_Read Receive a message from a remote station
BSC_ResetStatus Reset the BSC port statistics
BSC_ResetTraceBuffers Reset (clear) the trace buffers
BSC_SaveConfig Save a BSC configuration to a file
BSC_SetTraceLevel Set the BSC driver trace options
BSC_Write Send a message to a remote station
BSCAPI CONFIGURATION PARAMETERS
BSCAPI operates with respect to a communications environment defined by
configuration parameters. The parameters listed below are selected using
the BSC_Configure procedure call prior to beginning a BSC session.
Parameter Description
-------- -----------
A<command> Auto-dial and modem configuration strings
A2ETable ASCII to EBCDIC translation table, array of 256 bytes
E2ATable EBCDIC to ASCII translation table, array of 256 bytes
BIDLimit Maximum number of line bids sent when trying to send a
message to the remote station.
BIDNAK Bid contention handling options
BlockSize Maximum size of a communications block, up to 4096
bytes
ConstCarrier Constant or switched carrier
DLCMode DLC (Data Link Control) mode, EBCDIC or ASCII with
parity options
ENQLimit Maximum number of ENQs sent to the remote station after
a bad response or timeout
EOTBidRejection Bid handling options when reads not in progress
FullDuplex Half or full-duplex communications
IRSEnd Handling of ending records in a block
LineDelay Transmission timing delays
LineSelect Clock generation options
LineType Switched or leased line
NAKLimit Maximum number of negative acknowledgements from the
remote station
NewLine New Line character processing options
PadCount Number of Pad characters appended to the end of a
transmit data block
RecordsPerBlock Maximum number of records per block
RVIFlush RVI handling options
SCCTimeout Hardware adapter timeout options
SyncCount Number of Sync characters to append to the start of a
transmitted data block
StationType Station role, primary or secondary
TerminalType Terminal emulation mode (2780 or 3780)
TerminalID String that is transmitted as part of the first message
of a session
STATUS REPORTING
BSCAPI maintains status information about the communications link and also
keeps certain event statistics. The BSC_GetStatus call returns the
following status information to the application:
Statistic Description
--------- -----------
SerialSignals State of the hardware serial signals DTR, DSR, RTS,
CTS, RI, DCD, RXD, TXD
IOStatus Session I/O status: offline, connecting, idle, read in
progress, write in progress.
CurrentBPHState Current internal state of BSC Protocol Handler software
ConnectStatus Status of a a pending connect operation: sending auto-
answer command, waiting for call, dialing,
initializing, manual Connect in progress, connect
complete, connect timeout, connect aborted.
SCCError Hardware error information
Statistics Statistics counts for: line bids sent, line bids
acknowledged, line bids received, buffers sent, buffers
received, NAKs sent, NAKs received, bad responses,
records sent, records received.
DATA TRACING
For use in application development and diagnosing communications problems,
BSCAPI supplies functions for tracing data. Data tracing records the raw
data blocks and control sequences transmitted and received by a station.
Data is recorded in internal trace buffers and can be extracted by the
application using a procedure call.
BSC HARDWARE ADAPTERS
BSCAPI can be ordered with several different MicroGate BSC hardware
adapters depending upon line speed and serial interface requirements. BSC
adapters include an RS-232 adapter capable of speeds up to 28,800 bps; a
V.32bis internal modem adapter that supports line speeds up to 14,400 bps,
and a high-speed V.35 adapter designed for use with digital service
CSU/DSUs and ISDN TAs.
###
MicroGate is a registered trademark of MicroGate Corporation.
OS/2 is a registeredtrademark of IBM Corporation.,
