Software Announcement 200-040
March 14, 2000

AFS 3.6

 ENUS200-040.PDF (33KB)


At a Glance

AFS lets users access files on multiple servers and different platforms, regardless of the location of the file, or the location of the end user. Administrators can move files between servers (even servers of different manufacturers running different operating systems) without interrupting user access.

Key features and benefits

  • Replication enables high availability by placing multiple copies of files and applications across multiple server machines.
  • Location-independent file names allow for scalability — files can be relocated and additional machines and disk resources can be brought online easily.
  • Client-side caching stores the most commonly used files close to the desktop to expedite information access.
  • Remote, online administration makes configuration changes and user updates simple.
  • Multiple platform coverage helps leverage existing IT investments.

For ordering, contact:

Your IBM representative, an IBM Business Partner, or IBM Americas Call Centers at 800-IBM-CALL (Reference: YE001).

Overview

AFS provides a single, shared file space for all authorized users from all possible locations. The file sharing domain is no longer defined by specific organizations, locations, types of machines, or network configurations. With AFS, client and server machines on different platforms can be joined together into a global, shared information system. This environment provides access to files on servers of multiple platforms that support applications regardless of the file or user location.

Wherever key information resides, and wherever it's needed, AFS enables users to access all the information in the enterprise file system, using standard, unmodified, pre-existing applications. This includes word processors, presentation and publication packages, engineering tools, and workflow applications. By seamlessly integrating with these applications, AFS transforms a network of computers into a unified productive workspace for the global information age.

The primary benefits include:

  • High availability from the replication of important information on multiple servers eliminates single points of failure and keeps information accessible 7 x 24.
  • Client-side caching and file server replication reduces server and network traffic.
  • Enterprise-strength security restricts access and controls usage of files.
  • Improved scalability through a location-independent file naming scheme creates a "plug-and-play" flexible administrative environment.
  • Easy and cost-effective maintenance via online remote GUI administration tools helps fewer administrators manage systems access for large numbers of users.

Practical applications for Enterprise File Systems include:

  • Web Content Hosting for highly scalable, reliable, and optimized Internet, intranet and extranet Web sites (Internet Service Providers, corporate IT, and online security and banking organizations).
  • Organizational Application and File Sharing for common computing environments in which users share information and applications across multiple platforms, and across multiple locations (corporations, government, research centers, and universities).

What's New in AFS 3.6

AFS 3.6 provides additional administrative features:

  • Support for volumes over two gigabytes — enables administrators to manage larger volumes of user data.
  • Tolerance for 64 bit OS (HP-UX, Sun Solaris 7) — provides access to AFS while running the 64 bit operating environments in HP-UX and Solaris 7.

Key Prerequisites

Refer to the Technical Information section for details.

Planned Availability Date

March 31, 2000

Description

With AFS, sharing information has never been easier. AFS is for large departments, medium-sized businesses, or large enterprises that need a scalable, high-performance, reliable distributed file sharing system. AFS provides robust security and a simple administrative model for file sharing that supports broad platform coverage on UNIX® and Windows™.

Multiple Solutions in One

AFS offers a file-sharing solution with the versatility to meet your enterprise file sharing needs. This is whether you're:

  • Integrating existing enterprise applications within multiple environments
  • Building new enterprise applications
  • Supporting interdepartmental data-sharing
  • Conducting e-business

AFS lets you improve productivity and collaboration across remote departments. You can break down organizational barriers created by different platforms, physical locations, and job functions. This lets workers share files securely and efficiently, regardless of where the information, or the work team is located.

AFS combines security, scalability, availability, and Web access for your enterprise to give users the confidence that business-critical information is not only accessible, but also accurate, up-to-date, and protected from unauthorized access. And with AFS, you can equip your workforce with the distributed file sharing capabilities to maximize productivity, reduce time-to-market, and reduce overall administrative costs.

You can extend your business applications beyond the enterprise to conduct e-business, letting customers and suppliers interact directly via the Web with your business processes and information.

Year 2000

This product is Year 2000 ready. When used in accordance with its associated documentation, it is capable of correctly processing, providing, and/or receiving date data within and between the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, provided that all products (for example, hardware, software, and firmware) used with the product properly exchange accurate date data with it.

The service end date for this Year 2000 ready product is June 30, 2001.

Euro Currency

This program is not impacted by euro currency.

Product Positioning

AFS provides five key benefits critical to distributed application file sharing in the global information age.

Performance — Your most frequently requested files are efficiently cached from remote servers to the local desktop for faster data retrieval, reduced server loads, and greater network bandwidth. Memory- and disk-based caching provides high performance as well as fast data recovery if the need to reboot occurs. Data consistency and integrity is provided via a server-based mechanism that monitors and informs client machines when their cached data is no longer current.

Scalability — File names are location independent, because they do not incorporate machine name or location information. This creates a unique "plug-and-play" environment. In this environment, administrators can move files easily and add or reconfigure resources to meet changing user and system demands, while ensuring uninterrupted access to the data.

Security — Multiple security mechanisms are provided to control the access and usage of data. Kerberos is used to provide mutual client and server authentication that only allows authorized users into the environment. Access Control Lists (ACLs) are used to assign specific data access privileges to users or groups of users. Using ACLs, system administrators can control access to information at the directory level, ensuring the integrity and security of critical data. Encryption options are available for files as they travel across the network for greater data and system integrity both within and between organizations.

Availability — Groups of files are automatically (or when requested) replicated across multiple servers within the enterprise. This ensures high availability access to data. This approach eliminates any single point of failure and provides uninterrupted access to data during routine maintenance, system backups, and temporary system failures.

Cost-Effective Administration — Related files, as well as client and server machines, are grouped into domains (or cells) to simplify administration and configuration operations. Cells can be transparently linked into much larger administrative domains, letting administrators design extremely large-scale but manageable distributed systems. Systems administrators can make configuration changes from anywhere in the network making remote administration extremely cost effective. Utilizing remote administration facilities with graphical user interface tools, a small number of administrators can manage a large number of users accessing the distributed file system.

Reference Information

For more information about AFS, refer to:

IBM Software Announcement letters are available through the IBM Worldwide Web site

by selecting a country and/or a category of products.

Trademarks

 
Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
 
UNIX is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries exclusively through X/Open Company Limited.
 
Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.

Education Support

Classes are available from the IBM/Transarc Lab. Refer to the following World Wide Web location for course descriptions, length, location, schedules, and registration at:

The appropriate curriculum will be updated, as necessary, to include the enhancements described in this announcement.

Offering Information

Product information will be available on day of announcement through Offering Information (OITOOL) at:

Publications

                                             Order
Description                                  Number
 
IBM AFS for UNIX Quick                       SC09-4560
 Beginnings English
IBM AFS for Windows(TM) Quick                SC09-4564
 Beginnings English

Open Enterprise

The following open systems standard applies to this product:

    AFS: Kerberos 4

Technical Information

Specified Operating Environment

AFS 3.6 Hardware/Software Requirements

Both AFS Clients and AFS Servers can run on the following hardware/operating system combinations:

  • DEC AXP system with one or more processors running Digital UNIX® 4.0d, 4.0e, or 4.0f.
  • Hewlett-Packard system with one or more processors running the 32-bit or 64-bit version of HP-UX 11.0.
  • IBM-compatible PC with one or more processors running Linux kernel Version 2.2.5-15 (the version in Red Hat Linux 6.0), 2.2.10, 2.2.12, or 2.2.12-20, 2.2.13, 2.2.14 (the version in Red Hat Linux 6.1).
  • IBM RS/6000® with one or more 32- or 64-bit processors running AIX® 4.2, 4.2.1, 4.3, 4.3.1, 4.3.2, or 4.3.3.
  • Silicon Graphics system with one or more processors running IRIX 6.5 or 6.5.4. Support is provided for the following CPU board types, as reported by the IRIX uname -m command: IP19, IP20, IP21, IP22, IP25, IP26, IP27, IP28, IP30, IP32.
  • Sun SPARCstation with one or more processors running Sun Solaris 2.6.
  • Sun SPARCstation with one or more processors running the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Sun Solaris 7.
  • PC (80486 or higher) running Microsoft™ Windows NT™ 4.0 with Service Pack 4 or Service Pack 5. Only single processor is supported.

Additional AFS 3.6 Hardware/Software Minimum Requirements

Servers:

  • 20 MB disk space for server binaries
  • 1 or more partitions or logical volumes for storing AFS data
  • 16 MB or more RAM

Clients:

  • 5 MB disk space for client binaries
  • 10 MB or more disk space for client cache
  • 16 MB or more RAM

AFS Control Center (available on Windows NT only):

  • 4 MB disk space for binaries
  • 16 MB or more RAM

AFS Light (client software for Windows 95/98):

  • PC (80486 or higher) running Microsoft Windows 95 with the Windows Sockets 2 update or Microsoft Windows 98
  • 5 MB disk space for binaries
  • 16 MB or more RAM
  • There must be an AFS Client as a gateway machine

Planning Information

Shipment: AFS 3.6 is delivered directly from Lotus®.

Packaging

Each Program Package contains:

  • IPLA license agreement
  • License Information Booklet
  • Proof of Entitlement (PoE)
  • CD-ROMs containing software and publications in HTML format
  • UNIX Quick Beginnings Manual
  • NT Quick Beginnings Manual

The Quick Beginnings booklets are the only publications available in hard copy format. All other publications are available in soft copy on the product CDs.

Security, Auditability, and Control

The security functions of this IBM product interface with the security provided by the Operating System.

The customer is responsible for evaluation, selection, and implementation of security features, administrative procedures, and appropriate controls in application systems and communication facilities.

Ordering Information

AFS charges for the number of server installations and the number of registered users authorized to access AFS files. Prices indicated are list price. AFS participates in the IBM Passport Advantage program to provide discount, support, and upgrade protection.

Program packages include the license to install one server and one client. In order to obtain license to install more than one server and/or client, customers need to order additional PoEs along with the program package. For example, if a new customer requires licenses and code to install 5 servers and 1,000 registered users, they would purchase:

  1. 1 Program Package (which includes 1 server PoE and 1 Registered User PoE)
  2. 4 Server Install PoEs
  3. 999 Registered User PoEs

The program package will deliver 1 set of CDs (containing code and online documentation) and Quick Beginnings hard copy manuals. In this example, the customer has the right to install server software (any platforms) on up to 5 machines, and as many copies of client software (any platforms) as are necessary to support 1,000 users.

Existing customers who wish to expand their environment, but already have the necessary software, need only order PoE for the new servers or registered users in their environment.

Existing customers can order a media package to obtain software for platforms that they might not currently have. Note that if customers plan to expand their current installation size (that is, add to their current number of servers or users), they must also purchase PoEs for the additional servers or users. For example, a current customer may have 100 registered users that use AIX machines. That customer might want to allow the same users to be able to use Solaris machines as well. This customer is not adding registered users or servers. Therefore, they need only purchase a media package to obtain the Solaris client software. For contrast, if that same customer wanted to add access via Solaris machines AND add another 100 registered users, they would also need to purchase another 100 Registered User PoEs.

Upgrades will be permitted from the following previous program releases for customers who purchased "Network Server and Registered Entity" licenses:

  • 5630-A51 AFS 3.4a for Solaris
  • 5630-A52 AFS 3.4a for AIX
  • 5630-A54 AFS 3.4a for HP-UX
  • 5630-A53 AFS 3.4a for SGI IRIX
  • 5630-A55 AFS 3.4a for Digital UNIX
  • 5630-A56 AFS 3.4a for NT (Client only)
  • 5630-A63 AFS 3.5

Upgrade pricing for the current version of this product is not available for customers who purchased "Web Enabled" or "Unlimited Entity" licenses. Customers who purchased "Web Enabled" or "Unlimited Entity" licenses can, however, upgrade to the "WebSphere™ Performance Pack" product.

Passport Advantage 

                                                       Part
Program Name/Description                               Number
 
AFS 3.6 Media Package Multilingual                     BA634ML
AFS 3.6 Documentation Pack -- English                  BA635NA
VPO Instl AFS Server Install                           D47TUML
VPO Instl/SW Sub AFS Server                            D47TVML
 Install 1 Year
VPO Instl/SW Sub AFS Server                            D47TWML
 Install 2 Years
VPO SW Sub Rnwl AFS Server Install                     E17U8ML
VPO SW Sub AFS Server                                  D47TXML
 Install 1 Year
VPO SW Sub AFS Server                                  D47TYML
 Install 2 Years
CO Instl/SW Sub AFS Server                             D47U9ML
 Install 1 Anniv
CO Instl/SW Sub AFS Server                             D47UAML
 Install 2 Anniv
CO SW Sub Rnwl AFS Server Install                      E17USML
CO SW Sub AFS Server                                   D47UDML
 Install 1 Anniv
CO SW Sub AFS Server                                   D47UEML
 Install 2 Anniv
CO Supt AFS Server Install 2 Anniv                     NA
CO Supt AFS Server Install 1 Anniv                     E17V0ML
CO Instl/SW Sub/Supt AFS Server                        D47UJML
 Install 1 Anniv
CO Instl/SW Sub/Supt AFS Server                        D47ULML
 Install 2 Anniv
CO SW Sub/Supt AFS Server                              D47UMML
 Install 1 Anniv
CO SW Sub/Supt Rnwl AFS                                E17UTML
 Server Install
VPO Instl AFS Registered User                          D47VCML
VPO Instl/SW Sub AFS Registered                        D47VDML
 User 1 Year
VPO Instl/SW Sub AFS Registered                        D47VFML
 User 2 Years
VPO SW Sub Rnwl AFS                                    E17VHML
 Registered User
VPO SW Sub AFS Registered                              D47VKML
 User 1 Year
VPO SW Sub AFS Registered                              D47VLML
 User 2 Years
CO Instl/SW Sub AFS Registered                         D47ZDML
 User 1 Anniv
CO Instl/SW Sub AFS Registered                         D47ZGML
 User 2 Anniv
CO SW Sub Rnwl AFS Registered User                     E17ZLML
CO SW Sub AFS Registered                               D47ZIML
 User 1 Anniv
CO SW Sub AFS Registered                               D47ZKML
 User 2 Anniv
CO Supt AFS Registered User 2 Anniv                    NA
CO Supt AFS Registered User 1 Anniv                    NA
CO Instl/SW Sub/Supt AFS                               NA
 Registered User 1 Anniv
CO Instl/SW Sub/Supt AFS                               NA
 Registered User 2 Anniv
                                                       Part
Program Name/Description                               Number
 
CO SW Sub/Supt AFS Registered                          NA
 User 1 Anniv
CO SW Sub/Supt Rnwl AFS                                NA
 Registered User

NA = Not Applicable

Terms and Conditions

Licensing: IBM International Program License Agreement. PoEs are required for all authorized use.

License Information Form Number: LC23-4569-00, Part Number CT6URML

Limited Warranty Applies: Yes

Program Services: Available until June 30, 2001

Money-Back Guarantee: 30-day, money-back guarantee

Copy and Use on Home/Portable Computer: No

Volume Orders (IVO): No

Passport Advantage Applies: Yes

Passport Advantage Subscription Applies: Yes

Upgrades: Customers can acquire upgrades up to the currently authorized level of use of the qualifying programs.

Support Line: Yes

AIX/UNIX Upgrade Protection Applies: No

Entitled Upgrade for Current AIX/UNIX Upgrade Protection Licensees: No

AS/400® Software Subscription Applies: No

Variable Charges Apply: No

Educational Allowance Available: No

Charges

The charges provided in this announcement are suggested retail prices for the U.S. only and are provided for your information only. Dealer prices may vary, and prices may also vary by country. Prices are subject to change without notice. For additional information and current prices, contact your local IBM representative. 

 
                                   Part           One-Time
Program Name                       Number         Charge
 
AFS 3.6 with 1 server              41L2647        $6,075
 and 1 registered
 user install --
 English
AFS 3.6 Server Install             41L2651         5,995
 Proof of Entitlement
AFS 3.6 Registered User            41L2653            19
 PoE
Upgrades 

                                   Current
Program Name/                      Part           One-Time
Description                        Numbers        Charge
 
AFS 3.6 1 Server and               41L2649        $3,039
 1 User Upgrade --
 English
AFS 3.6 Server Install             41L2652         2,999
 PoE Upgrade
AFS 3.6 Registered                 41L2654            10
 User PoE Upgrade

Passport Advantage

Note: For Passport Advantage and charges, contact your IBM Lotus representative or authorized IBM Lotus Business Partner. Additional information is also available on the Passport Advantage URL:

Customer Financing: IBM Global Financing offers attractive financing to credit-qualified commercial and government customers and Business Partners in more than 40 countries around the world. IBM Global Financing is provided by the IBM Credit Corporation in the United States. Offerings, rates, terms and availability may vary by country. Contact your local IBM Global Financing organization. Country organizations are listed on the Web at:

Order Now

 Use Priority/Reference Code: YE001
 
 Phone:     800-IBM-CALL
 Fax:       800-2IBM-FAX
 Internet:  ibm_direct@us.ibm.com
 Mail:      IBM Atlanta Sales Center
            Dept. YE001
            P.O. Box 2690
            Atlanta, GA  30301-2690

You can also contact your local IBM Business Partner or IBM representative. To identify them, call 800-IBM-4YOU.

Note: Shipments will begin after the planned availability date.

Trademarks

 
WebSphere is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both.
 
RS/6000, AIX, and AS/400 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both.
 
Windows, Microsoft, and Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
 
UNIX is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries exclusively through X/Open Company Limited.
 
Lotus is a registered trademark of Lotus Development Corporation.
 
Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.