Amdahl and Microsoft Collaborate to Achieve Industry's Fastest Microsoft NT Server to Mainframe Throughput with SNA Server

Business Wire, May 15, 1996

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 15, 1996--Amdahl Corporation and Microsoft Corporation announced today that they have achieved unprecedented throughput for direct ESCON channel connection between the Microsoft(R) Windows NT(R) Server network operating system and a mainframe. The companies achieved throughput rates of 4.8 MB per second between an Amdahl EnVista(TM) enterprise server and an System/390 mainframe using Microsoft SNA Server 2.11 software and Polaris Communications' ESCON PCI adaptor. Amdahl announced its new EnVista family of enterprise servers in a separate announcement today.

"The significant enhancement to throughput that we've achieved allows our customers to realize more efficient, enterprise-wide client access to mainframe data," said Dave Anderson, chief technical officer for Amdahl Corporation. "Since no front-end processor is required, costs are significantly lower."

"Microsoft has worked closely with Amdahl and Polaris to optimize the performance of SNA Server," said Vesa Suomalainen, general manager of the SNA Server product unit at Microsoft. "This integrated hardware/software product offers the highest performance ESCON connection available today from any Windows NT-based platform."

EnVista Enterprise Connectivity

EnVista Channel for ESCON is a high-performance bridge to mainframe data, providing a direct connection from EnVista enterprise servers to S/390 mainframes. The ESCON channel works with Microsoft SNA Server to provide fast, easy and economical access to mainframe applications from LAN-based PCs and servers. EnVista Channel for ESCON emulates multiple channel controller protocols and can support thousands of client connections. Amdahl is currently offering 3174 emulation for SNA support. Future releases will include 3172 emulation for TCP/IP support and 3490 tape emulation for bulk transfer support.

EnVista Gateway for DW/DSS facilitates downloading of bulk data from central mainframes to data warehousing and decision-support systems located on servers. EnVista Gateway for DW/DSS speeds data transport by utilizing the ESCON channel option in either SNA or 3490 emulation.

Microsoft SNA Server

Using advanced client/server architecture, Microsoft SNA Server offloads the communications processing from host computers and desktop PCs. Each PC uses a standard LAN protocol to connect to one or more servers; SNA Server then connects to S/390 mainframes using SNA protocols. SNA Server supports up to 2,000 clients and 10,000 host sessions, offers hot backup and load balancing, and comes with advanced tools for easy system set up and centralized graphical administration. A key component of the Microsoft BackOffice(TM) family of products, SNA Server takes full advantage of the Windows NT Server network operating system to deliver the power, scalability and security of this robust platform.

SNA Server has won several recent reviews and awards including PC Week's Corporate IT Excellence Award (April 1996), LAN Magazine's Host Connectivity Product of the Year Award (March 1996), PC Magazine's Editor's Choice (August 1995) and Internetwork Magazine's Standards Achievement Award (October 1995).

Amdahl offers the Microsoft BackOffice family of products on its newly announced line of EnVista enterprise servers.

About Amdahl Corporation

Amdahl (AMEX:AMH) provides enterprise computing solutions designed to meet the needs of the leading, most computing-intensive corporations around the world. Amdahl offerings include large-scale System/390 compatible processors, distributed systems management software and enterprise servers, data storage subsystems, applications development software and development environments. Amdahl and its subsidiaries provide professional and operational consulting services that help clients gain a competitive advantage in their industries.

About Microsoft Corporation

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day. -0-

Note to Editors: Amdahl is a registered trademark and EnVista is a trademark of Amdahl Corporation. Microsoft, Windows NT and BackOffice are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. UNIX is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries, licensed exclusively through X/Open Company Ltd. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Amdahl Corp.

Catherine Edwards, 408/992-3216

catherine.edwards@amail.amdahl.com

or

The Benjamin Group

Christian DeNike, 408/559-6090

cdenike@sv.tbgi.com