Subj:	Overview of the different VMS products that run TCP/IP - FYI


Earlier this month I posted a request for information on products that
supply TCP/IP for VMS systems wanting to connect to IEEE 802.3
standard networks.  In this summary, I've tried to steer away from
product comparisons, but I have summarised the opinions expressed
in the responses.

Thanks to everyone who responded to the request.  I had a total of 28
responses from users of various VMS TCP/IP solutions, as well as
from suppliers.

The general consensus was that TGV Multinet is the most popular product 
around right now (recommended by over half of those who expressed a
preference).  As well as TCP/IP services it has an NFS server and
client option available, and implements Sun's RPC interface.  The
service and support are highly acclaimed.  No-one complained about it.
There is a good review of Multinet in Dec10, 1990 Digital review.

A little under a quarter of the preferees said they were quite
satisfied with Wollongong's product - WIN/TCP.  But there were also
complaints about its reliability (most from those who had switched to
Multinet).  As well as TCP/IP it also has NFS server and client
components, and it's RPC interface complies with the HP/Apollo NCS 
standard being adopted by OSF.

NRC Fusion product was mentioned by a number of people who had tried
it, but nobody expressed a firm preference.  It's apparently good, but
has or had SMTP bugs, and many respondents preferred Multinet.  Its
RCP interface also complies with NCS.

DEC has its own TCP/IP product called "VMS/Ultrix", "Ultrix connection", 
more commonly known as "UCX".  As well as TCP/IP there is an NFS server
available, but no NFS client.  It also has an RPC interface which
fully complies with the OSF NCS.  Some users complained about lack of 
features, installation, and reliability.  Distributors claim many of 
these problems have been solved in the latest version.

CMU-TEK TCP/IP was recommended by a few users.  This is from a group
at Carnegie Mellon University, is cheap and offers good support.

Rockwell CMC has TCP/IP Ethernet, and a TCP/IP for VMS Ethernet
interface card.  I had no user responses for this product.

Process Software Corp do TCPWare for VMS.  As well as TCP/IP this has 
NFS server and client, and implements Sun's RPC interface.  Again, no 
user responses.

There is an Excelan EXOS ethernet board available for single processor
machines, together with TCP/IP and NFS software.  No user response for
these products.  Novell took over Excelan's line of networking products 
and now support them.

DECnet for HPUX by Control Data Corporation gives you DECnet on an
HP9000, and may be what you need if you're just connecting a few
HP9000's into a VAX/VMS shop running DECnet.

HP's NS/VAX is not recommended for TCP/IP networking requirements.  
It provided NS and telnet between VMS and HP using an HP proprietary 
networking protocol (not TCP/IP).



Disclaimer:  The above information is what was given to me - I'm just
             passing it on.  If any of it is incorrect then please
             post corrections.  Also, if I've missed out a product
             that you can recommend, I'm sure people would like to
             know.  

Andy Pearce
HP Software Engineering Systems, UK