| The strategy for DEChub Update availability consists of the following:
- A "QB" kit : Consolidated DEChub Firmware, available
through SSB
- Another "QB" kit : HUBwatch and the Consolidated DEChub
Firmware Update, available through SSB. If the
customer gets HUBwatch updates, they will also
get DEChub updates.
- Individual firmware files available on a publically
accessible Internet directory
- Customer Support Centers will have latest firmware and
DECndu Plus.
All of these methods will include DECndu Plus at no charge. The SSB kits will
be priced to cover costs (around $200). The Internet directory will available
to anyone with Internet access. This would cover all non-Value added firmware
updates (i.e. bug fixes, latent features). All kits will include the latest
revision of all DEChub firmware then available. The customer will need to
worry about getting one "thing" only.
SSB kits will be available on MS-DOS, OpenVMS VAX, and ULTRIX RISC. Internet
kits (actually individual files to minimize "copy" time) will be available
in MS-DOS format only, along with DECndu Plus on MS-DOS.
All firmware and DECndu Plus will utilize the new licensing mechanism, SRL.
This is the Software Replication Agreement. It does not require PAKs or
license letters. It does explicitly authorize customers to copy the firmware
onto any legally purchased device that is in their control. A very short
notice is included with the firmware kits.
This will be in place for approximately May 15 - the next rev date for DEChub
900, HUBwatch and several modules.
In the future, our plan is to integrate the NDU functions with HUBWatch on
workstations, and have a standalone update kit on MS-DOS only.
Does this sound like the right approach. Do you have any suggestions?
Mike Bouchard
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| Mike
Regarding NDU kits for MS-DOS, could you fill me in on the DOS HW/SW
requirements. I am assuming Ethernet and TCP/IP. What NIC
manufacturers will we support and whose TCP? Specifally, will we
support 3C523 amd NE2000/NE3200's and LAN Workplace For DOS? Where
will the external kit be? I checked "/pub/DEC/hub900..." on
gatekeeper.dec.com this morning and didn't find the kit.
Personally, I think a UNIX version of NDU makes sense too (but whose
UNIX I hear you ask)
Thanks
Tom Herendeen
NY PSC
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