Microsoft SNA Server

SNA Server is a Microsoft® BackOffice® application that runs on the Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Server operating system. SNA Server provides you with a comprehensive solution to integrate Windows 2000–based networks and intranets with IBM SNA or TCP/IP-based mainframe, midrange, and AS/400 host systems.

Clients connect to SNA Server through standard networking protocols such as TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, NetBEUI, Banyan VINES IP, AppleTalk, and Windows 2000 Routing and Remote Access service. If the IBM host system runs SNA networking protocols, SNA Server completes the network connection to the host system using standard IBM SNA protocols, as shown in Figure A.1.

When network connectivity is established, clients can use SNA Server's advanced host integration features to gain access to IBM host data, applications, and network services. Using SNA Server, Information Technology departments can build applications that allow users to maximize the value of IBM host data and applications without leaving their familiar desktop or Web browser interface.

Figure A.1 SNA Server Provides Seamless Access to IBM SNA Host Systems

SNA Server provides the full range of host integration services.

Network Integration    Cross-platform network connectivity and protocols, directory utilization, security integration, and single sign-in.

Host Data Integration    Transparent file transfer services, Universal Data Access technologies such as OLE DB-based and Open Database Connectivity (ODBC)–based solutions, and host data replication for access to IBM DB2, DB2/400, VSAM, AS/400 flat files, and ORACLE database files.

Application Integration    Terminal access, integration with IBM transaction services, and integration between IBM MQSeries and Microsoft Message Queue Services asynchronous messaging environments.

Network Management Integration    Integration between Windows 2000 network management services and IBM NetView–based management services.

To understand how you can use SNA Server to integrate Windows 2000–based networks with IBM mainframe and midrange system networks, first you need to understand the basic components of IBM SNA.

The remainder of this appendix provides essential background information. If you are already familiar with IBM SNA and IBM mainframe and midrange systems, you can bypass this material and proceed to "Interoperability with IBM Host Systems" in this book.