Interlink Modernization Guide

Interlink provided a bridge between IBM's SNA and DEC's Decnet networks. It allowed 3270 terminals to function as DEC terminals, enabling communication between the two environments. SNS/PrintQ, a related product, allowed VAX/VMS users to access SNA printers.

Interlink was a combination of hardware and software, acting as middleware to facilitate communication between different network architectures. It provided the necessary translation and routing functions to enable interoperability between IBM SNA and DEC Decnet environments.

Organizations that needed to integrate IBM mainframe environments with DEC VAX/VMS systems used Interlink. These were often large enterprises in industries like finance, insurance, and government that had invested heavily in both IBM and DEC technologies.

Companies considered Interlink when they needed to connect their IBM SNA-based mainframe applications with DECnet-based systems. This allowed users on either network to access resources and applications on the other, improving overall efficiency and resource utilization.

Alternatives to Interlink include modern network integration solutions that support TCP/IP-based communication. These solutions often provide more flexible and scalable connectivity options compared to the older SNA and Decnet protocols.

Interlink required both hardware and software components. The hardware typically involved channel attachment to the IBM mainframe, while the software ran on both the mainframe (NCP) and the DEC VAX/VMS systems. Understanding of both SNA and Decnet protocols was essential.

For mainframe products like Interlink, operation within an LPAR (Logical Partition) was common. The software was z/OS dependent and likely required specific subsystems to be active for proper functioning. Knowledge of z/OS configuration was necessary.

Interlink extended the capabilities of both IBM SNA and DEC Decnet networks. It required these networks to be already in place and functioning. It was not a standalone product but rather an add-on that enhanced existing network infrastructure.

The main system components included the NCP (Network Control Program) on the IBM mainframe, channel attachment hardware, and software components running on the DEC VAX/VMS systems. These components communicated using SNA and Decnet protocols.

Interlink solved the business problem of connecting disparate network environments, allowing organizations to leverage their investments in both IBM and DEC technologies. Without it, data sharing and application access between these environments would be difficult or impossible.

If an organization did not use Interlink, they would face significant challenges in integrating their IBM SNA and DEC Decnet environments. This could lead to duplicated effort, data silos, and reduced efficiency in accessing resources across the two networks.

Interlink allowed organizations to protect their investments in existing IBM and DEC systems by enabling them to work together. This avoided the need for costly replacements or migrations, while still providing enhanced functionality and interoperability.

Security in Interlink involved controlling access to resources and applications across the SNA and Decnet networks. This likely included authentication mechanisms to verify user identities and access control lists to restrict access to specific resources.

Auditing and logging capabilities likely existed within Interlink to track user activity and system events. This information could be used to monitor security, troubleshoot problems, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Ongoing operational requirements for Interlink included monitoring network performance, maintaining the hardware and software components, and providing support to users. This required skilled personnel with expertise in both IBM SNA and DEC Decnet technologies.

Common implementation challenges included configuring the NCP on the IBM mainframe, ensuring proper channel attachment, and resolving compatibility issues between the SNA and Decnet environments. Thorough planning and testing were essential for a successful implementation.

Administrative interfaces likely included command-line interfaces (CLIs) for configuring the system and monitoring its performance. User management would have been handled through the IBM mainframe's security system or the DEC VAX/VMS system's user accounts.