[1478] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Summary of replies concerning CD-ROMs connected to a VAX
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Jill Ann Hurst 607-974-8358)
Wed Oct 14 10:10:20 1992
Date: Wed, 14 Oct 1992 09:05:39 CDT
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
From: Jill Ann Hurst 607-974-8358 <HURST_JA@corning.com>
To: Multiple recipients of list PACS-L <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@mitvma.mit.edu>
----------------------------Original message----------------------------
First of all, THANK YOU to everyone who responded. It's wonderful
to be able to tap into the experiences of others. As promised,
here is a summary of the responses. (My apologies if you receive
more than one of these -- I've cross posted this since I also
cross posted the original question.)
1. A number of libraries have CD-ROMs connected to a VAX network.
They are:
Pratt Library in Baltimore
Thomas Jefferson University, Scott Memorial Library (using
Vservers)
GE Whitney Library (Vservers by Virtual Microsystems)
2. Consultants that may be able to help in making networking
decisions:
CD Consultants in Maryland
Gandalf Data Inc., East Rutherford, NJ
3. The solutions and what what people said:
(These are NOT listed in order of importance. Also - we have
not tested everything, so I don't know if everything listed
below is 100% accurate. You may want to use it as a guide
when talking with vendors.)
*** DEC Infoserver *** (model 150)
a. Allows you to bypass the OEMs, if you so desire.
b. Must use a PC emulator or something like SOFTPC which runs
on the VAX.
c. CD-ROMs connected to the Infoserver can be accessed from a
Logicraft box, Vserver, or PCs hooked into the network.
d. It works with Pathworks (PCSA), Novell, and PCs with only a
device driver and a TSR. (Not full "network O/S")
e. It is seen at the DOS/Application level as a locally
attached CD-ROM.
f. It uses plain Microsoft Extensions v.2.10 or above.
g. SHould be able to run CD-ROMs that normally would not run a
networked environment due to the version of Microsoft, etc.
h. Can accommodate up to 13 CD drives.
i. Is accessible over Ethernet using only DEC's PC client
software.
j. Noted as being fast and reliable.
k. Is a CD server and file server combined, so you can put all
the search software on the Infoserver hard drive, which can be
partitioned as a VAX or IBM PC partition.
l. Can serve up to 100 simultaneous users.
m. If you want to access DOS-based CDs via a VAX terminal, you
will need Virtual's add-on hardware.
n. Said to be less expensive than Virtual or Logicraft.
o. Attaches directly to the Ethernet.
p. As a CD server, it can accept CDs in either DOS or VMS
formats.
*** Virtual Microsystems' Vserver ***
a. Let's different kinds of hardware search a networked CD.
b. Each Vserver uses its own processor.
c. Vserver's performance is not affected by the number of
users.
d. Is supported by DEC's technical support.
e. CD-ROM connectivity is 100% of Virtual's business.
f. Virtual does not use proprietary software.
g. If one card goes down, the other cards will continue to
operate.
h. May have more experienced personnel than Logicraft.
i. Can have 4 concurrent users, with each user having his/her
own dedicated RAM card.
j. Uses standard Pathworks and Ethernet cards.
k. Is an add-on card on the VAX.
*** Logicraft ***
a. May be affected by the number of users on the system.
b. Cells share a processor.
c. Well established company.
d. Is not supported by DEC (technical support).
e. CD-ROM connectivity is not all of their business. The unit
handles other PC software.
f. The Logicraft uses proprietary software.
g. If a Logicraft card goes down, the whole system (unit) goes
down.)
h. 4 users share one RAM card.
i. Uses a proprietary LESCA card.
j. Technical support by Logicraft has been an issue for some.
k. Is a add-on card o the VAX.
*** Todd Enterprises, Inc. *** No one knew ANYTHING about
Todd. We have their literature, but have not given their
product a try.
* There probably is no cost differential between the Virtual and
Logicraft solutions.
* Someone said that many of these systems (including Virtual)
can only deal with "character cell-based" applications, which
means that if the interface uses anything beyond a VGA type
graphic you are out of luck.
4. Other possible solutions:
a. Everywhere Access by Superior Network Software
International (phone 705-652-1572)
b. Meridian Data Inc., Scotts Valley, CA (May only work on a
Novell network)
c. CBIS (May only work on a Novell network)
5. I have been told that there were two articles in CD-ROM
Professional on this topic in the July and September issues by
Judy Koren. (I do not have copies yet, but they are on
order.)
I've also been told that the CDROMLAN listserv's archives
should have more on this subject. (But how to you access the
archives? If it requires full Internet access, then I can't
do it!)
We learned much, but it seems still have more to learn. In
particular, since the Infoserver seems like a better solution, we
need to understand its specific software requirements and how
various terminals/PCs will interact with it.
If you have questions, please send me a mail message and I will do
my best to answer. (I may instead pass you along to someone else
on the Internet who gave me information, if I can't answer it.)
Thanks again!
Jill Ann Hurst
Supervisor, Business Support Library
Corning Incorporated
Internet: HURST_JA@CORNING.COM
Phone: 607-974-8358
Fax: 607-974-4803
