Technology
IBM Statement of Direction Update on SNA support in 2004
IBM's plans to support SNA workloads have not changed since the Statement of Direction made in 2002. As of June 2004, customers can -- for selected SNA workloads -- use Communications Server products for Linux®, Linux on IBM® zSeries®, Microsoft® Windows®, and AIX® to replace some of the old SNA infrastructure components, such as the IBM 3745/46 or other channel-attached SNA controllers. z/OS® Communications Server can replace some (SNA Network Interconnect) SNI workloads using Enterprise Extender and Extended Border Node functions.
It is IBM's intent to introduce an additional solution in 2005 that uses NCP software running within Linux on zSeries. The intent is to provide a migration path for customers who use traditional SNA (including SNA Network Interconnect (SNI)) to communicate with their Business Partners. This solution can allow them to continue using traditional SNA without a dependency on IBM 3745 and 3746 Communications Controller hardware.
This statement represent current intentions of IBM. Any reliance on this statement of direction is at the relying party's sole risk and will not create any liability or obligation for IBM. All statements regarding IBM's plans, directions, and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice.