On Wed., Sept 13, Ero Laurila <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
 
> Rick Ehrhart ([log in to unmask]) wrote:
> : Jeff Kell ([log in to unmask]) wrote:
> : : On Mon, 11 Sep 1995 18:25:11 PDT Glenn Cole said:
> : : >Okay, I give up. Why is it that FORMSPEC (B.06.04, on MPE/iX 4.0)
> : : >lists, in the "Forms file terminal selection" on a LIST report, a box
> : : >for "IBM 3270" support? I have absolutely no idea what this means, or
> : : >when it came into being.
 
> - I think Rick was closest and Jeff was way out in the woods  ;-).
 
> - As far as I remember, this field was introduced together with a product
>   called SNA/DHCF (=Distributed Host Command Facility) around MPE/XL 2.1
>   timeframe -- (I would almost bet on it) --.  IBM has (or at least used
>   to have) a product called HCF (and DHCF?), which allows a 3270 terminal
>   user to logon to another IBM system connecting through SNA network.
 
>   Well, HP's SNA/DHCF allowed the IBM 3270 terminal user running (D)HCF to
>   connect to an HP3000 over the SNA link AND THEN LOGON TO THE HP3000 AS
>   AN NS/VT session!!!
 
>   Yes, used an VT-pseudo ldev and vt_ldm as the logical device manager!
 
>   In order to have VPLUS screens working, the forms needed to be recompiled
>   for 3270 terminals.  Despite of all this, there were still some limitations
 
>   simple because of physical differencies in terminals - one didn't even
>   have all the keys the other did and so on...
 
If I recall, at one time it was possible to connect IBM 3270 terminals
directly to the HP3000.  One had to use the MTS/3000, Multipoint Terminal
Software product.  This provided multi-terminal connections to an HP via the
INP board.  When using the correct 'link' components (special bisync links),
it was possible to utilize IBM 3270 terminals connected this way in a
limited fashion.  I talked to an HP oldtimer who confirmed he at one
time supported a site which utilized this product arrangement.
 
Also, I seem to recall another SNA product (SNA/Reverse-Passthru?) which
was available on the classic systems that provided the same/similar
functionality prior to SNA/DHCF on MPE/XL systems.  I remember reviewing it
in the '87-88 timeframe but apparently no longer have the spec sheet.  In
addition to the HP product, Forest Computing offered a similar product
during this time also, which is profiled in the older "Netaccess Solutions"
book HP published.
 
I don't recall if the VPLUS field was around and used with the MTS/3000
or not...  :-)
 
-- Jerry