Enterprise-Level PC Networks As a Viable Alternative to Mainframes

Personal computers connected by networks are fast becoming a leading alternative to mainframes and minicomputers for handling the information businesses rely on for their daily operation. Until now, however, PC networks have lacked the sophisticated capabilities required to develop and run the custom and semi-custom "line-of-business" software applications that manage this information. Univel, a partnership of Unix Systems Laboratories and Novell, is chartered to address this need. UnixWare, its flagship product, combines the strengths of Unix and NetWare to bring enterprise-level capabilities and services to industry-standard platforms. As a result, UnixWare enables businesses to migrate their most critical business applications to the majority of today's PC networks.

The Evolution of Business Computing

For the past two decades, the mainframe has been the dominant platform for the development and deployment of enterprise-level business applications and database systems in most large corporations. Mainframes reflected the centralized organization and information needs of these businesses. This proprietary, centralized computing resource was the only computing machinery with the raw power and advanced systems services to handle the tremendous growth in transaction volumes and data storage needs generated by these businesses. It provided corporate computing environments with significant levels of data security, availability and throughput, and supported data communications capabilities. Moreover, to manage this powerful facility, the mainframe provided a comprehensive set of system and administrative services such as resource accounting and configuration management.

The advent of the minicomputer allowed small businesses and individual departments within larger organizations to have their own computing resource. Essentially a scaled down mainframe, it offered a similar secure, reliable environment for critical business applications, and additionally offered tremendous cost savings compared to the "big iron" in the data center. The introduction of minicomputers also began a movement of information storage away from the data center to departments or divisions where it was being used. Minicomputers enabled district offices, for example, to meet their local computing needs, usually communicating updated information overnight to the mainframe back at corporate headquarters.

Since IBM introduced its first personal computer in 1981, PCs have become the de facto standard for personal productivity applications. PCs are low in cost, easy to use, easy to install and are supported by a vast array of shrink-wrapped applications. As PCs proliferated, departments and work groups were linked by local area networks -- usually of 5 to 10 people -- enabling them to share files and resources. Increasingly, PCs have become a strategic tool for decision support in most organizations.

In the 1990s, according to Forrester Research, the role of the PC network will evolve beyond simple file sharing. Their recent survey of 65 Fortune 1000 companies revealed 72 percent see their large installed base of PC networks as the next strategic platform for business applications, and 65 percent cited downsizing -- the migration of applications off of mainframes and minicomputers -- as the main reason. By 1995, the companies interviewed expect 26 percent of their most critical business applications will run on PC networks, up from 7 percent today.

At the same time, the information needs of many small businesses are outgrowing the capacity of their current PC networks, which are unable to run the sophisticated custom and semi-custom applications available on mainframes and minicomputers. Similarly, departmental work groups need more powerful systems to access corporate data and hardware services.

It's well established that Novell NetWare controls about two-thirds of today's network operating system market. A study conducted by Business Research Group called "User implementation of Client-Server Computing" found that 59 percent of the companies surveyed cited NetWare as their primary network operating system. The report also suggests that more than 70 percent of companies are using NetWare. A study by IDC confirms this, citing a 60 percent market share for NetWare. In addition, a Gartner Group survey indicates NetWare is the network operating system of choice for 75 percent of systems integrators (the principle implementors of corporate client/server systems), and that this number is growing.

The Client/Server Model

The movement towards networks of PC is being fueled in large part by the changes occurring in the business environment as companies restructure to become more competitive in today's global markets. Accompanying this often dramatic shift in business organization is a corresponding fundamental change in the company's information needs. Flatter organizational structures and more autonomous business units have led to the need for information technologies that provide decentralized decision making capabilities.

IDC defines the concept of "competitive advantage through information systems" as a business structure characterized by 1) a streamlined organizational decision making process, and 2) greater analysis and use of data instead of being just a repository of data. To achieve this competitive advantage, corporations today are turning to a new computing strategy based on the client/server model.

Client/server computing takes place in a distributed manner by balancing processing across networked PCs, minicomputers and mainframes. Servers on the network provide access to a variety of resources, including printer services, file services, database services, and backup and recovery services. Clients prepare requests for and use the resources of the servers, and when appropriate, present the results sent from the server.

For example, a hotel check-in system might comprise several PCs at the front desk networked with a minicomputer in the back office. The PCs run applications that enable the clerks to register guests, check reservations and so on. The minicomputer, meanwhile, runs a database engine that operates against data stored on its hard disk. When a clerk wants to check a reservation, the request is made using the application running on the PC, which presents the clerk with a menu or graphical user interface to make the request from. After obtaining sufficient information from the clerk, the PC client application sends a message to the minicomputer over the network requesting a search for the reservation. The minicomputer, independently of the PCs, checks through its database for the information, and upon finding it, sends it back over the network to the requesting client PC. The client PC then formats the information and displays it in a useful manner for the clerk to read.

The PCs do what they do well; interact with the user. The minicomputer does what it does well; provide a secure, reliable environment with adequate computing power to run the hotel's line-of-business applications. By distributing the computing necessary to process the reservation request, having the inexpensive PCs handle all the overhead of preparing the request and presenting the results, the minicomputer needs a less powerful processor, and therefore costs less. When more clerks are added, more inexpensive PCs are added to the network instead of an expensive upgrading of the minicomputer.

A client/server system combines the best features and functions of today's mainframe/minicomputer and personal computer environments. It combines all the requirements of centralized, mission-critical computing environments with the low-cost, easy-to-use desktop personal productivity world. And the corporate world is taking notice.

Sixty-five percent of all new application development will be client/server-based by 1993 according to Gartner Group. A December 1991 survey conducted by Forrester Research showed that 30 percent of companies surveyed already had production systems running in client/server configurations, 44 percent were piloting systems and another 26 percent were investigating the use of client/server systems. In that same year, IDC revealed that 60 percent of IBM host sites and 50 percent of DEC VAX sites were planning client/server implementations.

Less Expensive, More Powerful PCs

As attractive as client/server computing is to the commercial world, a new development holds the promise of starting a stampede toward client/server systems based entirely on networks of PCs: Powerful 32-bit PCs, capable of running the large applications businesses operate on, at commodity prices.

In 1990, according to META Group, computing power on a mainframe, measured in millions of instructions executed per second (MIPS), cost $100,000/MIPS, while the cost on a minicomputer was $25,000/MIPS. By comparison, the same level of computing power on a personal computer cost only $1000/MIPS. By META Group estimates, the disparity will increase, with mainframe power costing $50,000/MIPS, minicomputer power costing $9000/MIPS and PC computing costing just $300/MIPS by 1995.

The disparity in the total costs of ownership is equally compelling. The total cost of supporting a mainframe, including hardware and software support services, can run well over $1 million per year. The annual support for a minicomputer such as the IBM AS/400 costs approximately $250,000 to $300,000 per year. By contrast, the typical cost for supporting a network of 10 to 15 PCs powered by low-cost servers runs in the low tens of thousands of dollars per year.

The availability of these "cheap MIPS" on PCs is attracting the attention of MIS managers everywhere. Client/server networks using these powerful, inexpensive PCs as clients and servers provide the opportunity to move to standardized, open systems, and have the potential to completely displace minicomputers and severely shrink the base of costly mainframes.

There are other advantages as well. The PC's architecture enables it to be optimized for specific tasks or functions by adding peripherals and software. Thus, large hard disks can be added to create a file server, a fax/modem board for a fax server, and a combination of hardware and software for a gateway to a host system. Networks offer flexible upgrading by allowing individual components to be upgraded without the need to upgrade the whole system. The standardized PC has created a plug-and-play environment that has attracted hundreds of add-on boards and stand-alone peripherals. And thousands of PC applications have been and will continue to be the foundation of the PC's success.

Environmental Dilemma

All this inexpensive computing horsepower, though necessary, is not sufficient to induce the migration of mission-critical applications off the mainframe and onto networks of PCs. Before MIS managers move their "company jewels" to a PC network, they must be assured the network is capable of providing the same secure, reliable, robust environment now provided by host systems. The network must have a broad range of network services -- file, print, communications, directory, messaging, network management and configuration, SAA connectivity, etc. -- and the ability to develop and deploy the kind of powerful custom and semi-custom applications now residing on the host.

Current PC networks, predominantly Novell NetWare-based systems, offer a robust set of network services, but were never designed to support the kind of heavy-duty commercial applications MIS managers are contemplating. NetWare Loadable Modules (NLMs) have been one approach to overcoming performance issues. Several popular database systems are now beginning to appear in performance-enhanced NLM versions. This technology, however, trades off a higher level of integrity for added performance, and makes it difficult for other applications to run simultaneously on the same server hardware. In addition, NLMs do not provide a base of layered applications.

To address this need for a powerful general-purpose server platform capable of supporting multiple applications on a PC network, MIS managers have started looking toward the Unix operating system. A Forrester Research survey reveals that 47 percent of Fortune 1000 businesses indicate that interest in Unix is increasing in their companies. Forrester places Unix in the mainstream of Fortune 1000 company information systems investments, with more than 70% of these companies evaluating or using Unix today.

During the past five years, Unix has undergone a evolutionary transformation from a technical operating system to a commercial operating environment capable of supporting high transaction volume applications. Unix can provide PCs with the capabilities required of a general-purpose server platform -- multiuser, multitasking operation; scalability, portability and a standards-based open systems architecture. It has been proven over the years to be a reliable, stable environment, it is available over the widest range of hardware platforms available today and is supported by thousands of packaged and custom applications. And the most recent release, System V Release 4.2, has made great strides in providing the ease-of-use and ease-of-installation, security and other features demanded by MIS managers.

The ideal network environment, from an MIS manager's perspective, would combine the service-rich NetWare environment already installed and operating in the enterprise with the application development and deployment benefits of Unix -- a general-purpose, Unix-based application server that can "plug in" to the existing NetWare infrastructure. MIS managers surveyed in a recent IDC study, "Downsizing in IBM System Environments," arrived at the same conclusion. Such a combined Unix and NetWare solution would enable MIS managers to maintain the system control, administration and security they expect from a host system while providing them with an powerful, inexpensive alternative to mainframes and minicomputers.

Until now, however, no such solution existed.

The Univel Solution

Univel, a partnership of Novell and Unix Systems Laboratories, recognized this need and is ideally positioned to deliver the solution. Its flagship product, UnixWare, combines the benefits of Unix, specifically tailored for PCs, with the industry's most popular networking environment, NetWare, to provide MIS managers with the missing link required for the rapid implementation of client/server computing in the existing infrastructure. UnixWare is the first product that meets the needs of "rightsizing" enterprises, transforming PC networks into an environment capable of running the same Unix applications formerly seen only on minicomputers and mainframes.

UnixWare provides a platform for developing and deploying a new generation of applications not previously possible in a networked PC environment. For example, an enterprise-level, integrated manufacturing management application used in a number of Fortune 1000 manufacturing companies is being redesigned as a modular, client/server UnixWare application to run on industry-standard x86-based computers. The application, which previously was multiuser and character-based, is being partitioned into two components: a back-end relational database management system running on a UnixWare server, and fully graphical front end applications running on UnixWare desktop clients. Network services, such as file and print sharing and central directory services, will be delivered by NetWare servers also residing on the network.

In this symbiotic, distributed operating environment, the NetWare servers provide all the core networking services while application processing is dynamically shared between the UnixWare clients and server. Users enjoy applications that take full advantage of the power and ease of use of Unix while receiving direct, transparent access to de facto standard NetWare services. And MIS managers and network administrators gain the flexibility to deliver to users balanced, high-performance systems by allocating data and compute power over the network to where they are needed most.

UnixWare enables MIS managers to plug powerful database/application servers into their NetWare networks to provide the application support and network services MIS managers need to bring advanced Unix applications to today's PC networks. Together, UnixWare and NetWare deliver the features MIS managers require to entrust these industry-standard platforms with operating their businesses, including high performance, high reliability, backup and recovery, enterprise administration and security.

UnixWare builds on Unix's open systems heritage, unmatched scalability, mission-critical capabilities, large application base and powerful development environment. To this, UnixWare adds the latest Unix technology to deliver unprecedented ease-of-use, security and file system integrity. It also offers the tightest level of integration with NetWare of any Unix product, providing kernel-level integration of NetWare Core Protocols and transparent access to NetWare APIs and services.

The result is a cost-effective, high-performance solution for distributed client/server configurations. For the first time, mission-critical applications -- inventory, payroll, accounting and other MIS functions -- can be moved off the mainframe and entrusted to a network of PCs complemented by powerful UnixWare and NetWare servers.

UnixWare supports the widest range of Unix applications, encompassing SCO Xenix, SCO Unix, ISC Unix and BSD. Application compatibility both today and in the future is ensured via stringent conformance to IEEE POSIX, the Unix System V Application Binary Interface, System V Interface Definition and iBSC2 industry standards. In addition, emulation software preserves a company's installed base of DOS- and Windows-based software, and enables these productivity applications to run simultaneously with advanced Unix applications on the same computer.

But support for a wide range of applications is not enough. UnixWare also offers a fully integrated client/server product family featuring a powerful Application Server and a Personal Edition desktop client. Like NetWare servers, the UnixWare Application Server supports a scalable network of heterogeneous clients, including Microsoft Windows, DOS, OS/2 and Unix desktop systems. As one of these clients, UnixWare Personal Edition provides the most-advanced desktop client system in the industry through its unprecedented combination of Unix power, ease of use, Fortune 1000 Unix application support, DOS and Windows application support and built-in NetWare networking, all available in a low-cost, compact PC package.

The UnixWare product line also includes a complete application development tool kit and documentation for programming in the Unix environment, including an ANSI C compiler, application debugger and software packaging tools. These tools are tailored specifically for MIS and corporate developers who need a powerful, graphical development environment coupled with prototyping tools and the facilities to build enterprise-level network applications. Support for the development of full-screen and line-oriented character-based applications, as well as X.11-based graphical applications is also provided. Applications are easily integrated with the UnixWare Desktop by programming directly to the UnixWare Desktop Manager. The UnixWare Development Kit also includes libraries and documentation for the NetWare Unix Client and server APIs for programming NetWare applications. Specialized add-on development tools for STREAMS module development, graphical user interface development, NetWare client and server application development and Motif programming provide additional facilities tailored to specific needs.

Channel Strategy

Having the product MIS managers need, however, is only part of the story. It is equally important to make the product easily available and with the level of support and training MIS managers expect. This requires a sophisticated channel strategy and the high-quality resources to implement it.

In the past, Unix was sold primarily by OEMs who shipped the operating system with their hardware. For UnixWare to be successful as a universal desktop product requires that a larger share of its distribution occur through indirect channels. Univel is well positioned to provide users with easy availability of UnixWare and unparalleled support and training through one of the most sophisticated and widespread distribution channels in the industry.

Univel is leveraging the existing distribution channels of its two parent companies to deliver UnixWare to the end user. Univel employs Novell's worldwide distribution channels -- one of the premier distribution channels for reaching corporate users -- to bring shrink-wrapped UnixWare software directly to end users. More than 12,000 distributors, resellers and systems integrators, held to the strictest requirements for professional support and training, are ready to provide corporate users with the level of service they require. Univel also will take advantage of USL's extensive direct distribution channels to ship UnixWare on all the key OEM hardware platforms.

Univel recognizes that commercial customers' needs for training and support differ from those of traditional, technical Unix sites. As a result, Univel will provide its customers with the effective and timely information and assistance they are accustomed to, both through its own worldwide dedicated service and support programs and by leveraging the international training, marketing and support operations of USL and Novell.

Univel is well positioned to meet the requirements of NetWare users as their network computing needs continue to grow from the work group to the enterprise level. Based on data from Forrester Research, Univel estimates the number of distinct PC networks in Fortune-1000-class companies running NetWare will grow to 1 million by 1995. The number of Unix servers installed on these networks is expected to grow from 56,000 today to 320,000 by 1995. Worldwide, Forrester estimates, the number of installed IPX (NetWare) nodes is expected to grow from 15 million today to 27 million in 1994 of which at least 15 to 20 percent are expected to require an advanced operating system to meet their application needs. With the right combination of product, distribution and service and support, Univel intends to capture a significant share of this large and rapidly growing market.

Univel

Founded in December 1991, Univel is a well-funded partnership of Novell, Inc. and Unix Systems Laboratories, Inc. designed to leverage parent company technology and distribution resources. Univel has experienced sales, marketing and management groups located in San Jose, California and engineering teams in Sandy, Utah and Summit, New Jersey.

Univel is a software-only company, not aligned with any particular hardware vendor. Using Novell's highly successful promotion and growth of the network computer industry as its model for growing the Unix systems and network computing market, Univel is preparing to ship its initial products in Fall 1992.

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