Computerm Corporation Launches Virtual Mainframe Channel 8200 System with Native ATM Implementation

Strategic Insights -

Pittsburgh-based Computerm Corporation has unveiled its Virtual Mainframe Channel (VMC) 8200 system, a high-bandwidth channel extension system that supports remote mainframe devices with access to a central host located elsewhere. The new system features a native ATM implementation, enabling data to be delivered from the 8200 to the ATM switch in UNI standards, eliminating the need for additional devices to convert the data. This breakthrough technology provides a direct connection into any standard ATM switch without requiring conversion, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. Computerm's VMC 8200 system also supports extension from an ESCON channel to an ESCON control unit and from an ESCON director to an ESCON control unit.

The system's native ATM implementation is a key feature, as it enables companies to connect data center applications over ATM, a technology that allows for the transmission of multiple types of traffic, including SNA, TCP/IP, voice, and video, over a single network. This enables companies to maximize the value of shared bandwidth for multiple applications, making it an attractive solution for large mainframe production sites.

In addition to its native ATM implementation, the VMC 8200 system also supports T-3, ESCON, and compression on the 8200. The system's data compression feature, which is standard with the product, enables users to compress data at T-3 speeds, delivering data throughput of up to 80 Megabits per second. This capability is a significant advantage, as it enables users to save significant dollars on bandwidth and reduce the need for additional connections to the network and the channel extender.

Key Takeaways:

  • Computerm Corporation has launched its Virtual Mainframe Channel (VMC) 8200 system, a high-bandwidth channel extension system that supports remote mainframe devices with access to a central host located elsewhere.
  • The VMC 8200 system features a native ATM implementation, enabling data to be delivered from the 8200 to the ATM switch in UNI standards, eliminating the need for additional devices to convert the data.
  • The system supports extension from an ESCON channel to an ESCON control unit and from an ESCON director to an ESCON control unit.
  • The VMC 8200 system also supports T-3, ESCON, and compression on the 8200.
  • The system's data compression feature, which is standard with the product, enables users to compress data at T-3 speeds, delivering data throughput of up to 80 Megabits per second.
  • Computerm's compression is designed into the system to deliver data throughput up to 80 Megabits per second, with compression ratios of 5:1 and higher for tape applications.
  • The VMC 8200 system has achieved compression ratios of 5:1 and higher for tape applications, enabling users to compress 30 to 90 Gigabytes of data per hour over a T-3 link.
  • Without compression, this amount of data would require five T-3 links, making the VMC 8200 system a cost-effective solution for high-bandwidth applications.

Statistics:

  • The VMC 8200 system supports data throughput of up to 80 Megabits per second.
  • The system's compression feature enables users to compress 30 to 90 Gigabytes of data per hour over a T-3 link.
  • Without compression, this amount of data would require five T-3 links.
  • The VMC 8200 system has achieved compression ratios of 5:1 and higher for tape applications.
  • The system supports extension from an ESCON channel to an ESCON control unit and from an ESCON director to an ESCON control unit.

Sources:

  • "Computerm Corporation Announces Industry's First Tape Vaulting Application Over Private Wide-Area ATM Network" (PRNewswire, December 13, 1995)
  • Computerm Corporation (http://www.industry.net/computerm)
  • SunGard Recovery Services (http://www.sunsgard.com)
  • FORE Systems (http://www.fore.com)