SNA: Recent advances and additional requirements

Abstract

SNA has evolved continuously since its introduction in 1974. It now provides rich levels of function in all of its layers. Numerous SNA networks are installed. From these networks we gain valuable information on the actual operation of SNA networks in a wide variety of environments and receive a continuous stream of additional requirements.

SNA has proven to be a flexible architecture by its capability to change and incorporate new solutions to meet the growing needs of our customers. It has also been a versatile vehicle for responding to requirements dictated by the emergence of desk-top computing, the development of new communication technologies, and the unfolding of national and international standards.

SNA has been an open architecture; detailed specifications have been published regularly, beginning as early as 1976. SNA implementations are available from numerous vendors. Many of these products support SNA's newest enhancements such as LU 6.2, SNADS, DIA, and Document Content Architecture, which are all described in available publications as part of IBM's support of attachment of non-IBM products to IBM SNA networks.

SNA is, and will remain, the foundation of IBM's networking direction: the basis for responding to the forces that shape the advanced computer-communication solutions we continue to deliver to our customers.