PC-Interface, have you used it?

[Jack F. Vogel]

In article <LARRY.89Oct17173045 at focsys.UUCP> larry at focsys.UUCP (Larry Williamson) writes:
>Interactive markets a product called PC-Interface. It works in
>conjuction with a ms-dos package called DOS Bridge. This package
>"provides a transparent integration of the DOS and Unix systems".
 
>I believe these are products of Locus.
 
Yes, you are correct in your supposition, PCI is a product of Locus,
we just recently completed the ISC port and they now include it in
their runtime package.

>It is supposed to work with either an ethernet or a serial link to
>between the machines.
 
Yes this is also true.

>Has anyone used this package?
 
Most of the users around Locus are manager types who need a PC to run
their Lotus spreadsheets and fancy DOS presentation packages on, but
still need to communicate with Unix developers :-}.

>The Unix driver comes standard with 386/ix (2.0.2). The documentation
>that came with the system is a little unclear in places and leaves me
>with more questions than answers. 
 
I also have the ISC release but have not looked at their documentation.
As far as I know, installation should be nearly painless. Basically, it
is just a couple of demons that service the DOS-side, they are started
upon going multiuser, I don't think there is much configuration.

>It sounds like it provides all the features of NFS and rlogin rolled
>into one package. Is this true?
 
Yes, I would say this is basically a fair summary. Be aware that all
Interactive is giving you is the Unix server, to use the package will
still require that one buy the DOS package from Locus. I would be 
interested in hearing from readers of this group that do try and use
the package, I think you will find it quite nice. Oh yes, if you wish
to contact Locus sales about the DOS bridge our main switchboard is
at (213) 670-6500.

Disclaimer: This is not an official statement, IMHO.


-- 
Jack F. Vogel			jackv at seas.ucla.edu
AIX Technical Support	              - or -
Locus Computing Corp.		jackv at ifs.umich.edu