Dear Listers,

     I, like many of you out there, want to have a totally IP-based HP3K
     environment WITHOUT the kludge associated with the current DTC
     solution.  Working on that premise, I believe that I have discovered a
     viable alternative.

     To date, I have successfully tested several VPlus and Wingspan
     applications running on an HP700/92 terminal attached to a plain old
     non-HP brand Telnet terminal server.  I am running MPE/iX 5.5 with the
     latest express 2 release on a model 918RX box.  I am unable to see any
     difference in response time or screen presentation from a proprietary
     NS/VT or DTC session.  It seems that the latest version of the
     Telnet/iX server software supports block-mode and function keys
     perfectly.  I encourage any of you out there with a "generic" Telnet
     terminal server to give this solution a try.

     In addition to this DTC replacement, I am awaiting the arrival of a
     non-HP brand print server that may be able to connect to older
     serial-connection-only printers (UPS is slowing down the wheels of
     progress).  The glossy literature claims that it knows "HP serial
     protocol".  I'll inform the list as soon as possible whether or not
     the "new" network printing OS enhancement will work with this device.
     If not, it seems that the only solution would be to convert the serial
     connection to parallel and then use an external JetDirect box to avoid
     using any additional third-party network printing packages.

     Please post any test results regarding this environment to the list,

     John Hornberger
     General Signal Services
     [log in to unmask]

     P.S.  I said this and I'm very happy about it! :)