Abstract

For more than a decade, network administrators have been integrating the AS/400 with PCbased networks, and today the reasons to do so are more compelling than ever: Some of IBM’s recent enhancements to the AS/400 have strengthened its “dual” function as both database server and traditional midrange host. These enhancements include native support for TCP/IP and IPX/SPX, an Integrated File System providing access to system-wide resources, and Shared Folders that map AS/400 libraries to PC folders and directories.

While all of this may sound exciting, there are some challenges: The corporate networking world is migrating inexorably from Microsoft’s 16-bit desktop operating system, Windows 3.X, to its 32-bit operating systems, Windows 95 and Windows NT. This move brings with it the potential risk of losing AS/400 client integration. Customers need to retain the functionality that they currently have in Windows 3.X while moving to the newer 32-bit operating systems, yet at the same time access IBM’s new AS/400 feature sets. Not surprisingly, finding an AS/400 client application suite that can deliver on all these requirements can be a challenge.

In order to identify the specific features, requirements and potential limitations of different products, NetSoft commissioned The Tolly Group to conduct an extensive hands-on evaluation of three AS/400 client application suites: (a) NetSoft’s NS/Portfolio for AS/400 for Windows 3.X/95/NT version 2.201; (b) Attachmate Corp.’s RALLY! for AS/400 for Windows 3.X/95/NT version 6.2; and (c) Wall Data Inc.’s RUMBA Access/400 for Windows 95/NT version 5.0 U02A Build 688.0.0.