Macintosh-to-VAX: Connectivity And "Tunneling"

I am evaluating AlisaShare/Macintosh-to-VAX connectivity. This system will consist of a HyperCard front end that, based on selections made by the user (for example, clicking on a series of buttons), downloads a number of Microsoft Word files from the AlisaShare volume and then merges them together into a single document. The front end is running smoothly.

The goal of this project is to have all of the components of the proposal system (for example, the individual premerge Microsoft Word documents) sitting on a hub VAX at the corporate site. Smaller VAX systems at each remote field location are connected to the VAX using DECnet. The Macintoshes, on which the HyperCard front end will run, are then attached to these local VAX systems through a router (either a FastPath 4 or an Apple Internet Router). I know that the ability to "tunnel" AppleTalk protocols through DECnet is on the way, but I need a solution now.

1) Do I need to be concerned about tunneling AppleTalk through DECnet, or can the Macintoshes access the VAX at the corporate site directly through the Ethernet?

2) Will AppleTalk Phase 2 be necessary? If so, when can I anticipate Phase 2 for VMS?
If the remote sites are connected to the hub site via Ethernet bridges, you do not need to use DECnet "tunneling" as long as the bridges pass the AppleTalk packets. On the other hand, if the VAX systems function as half bridges with bridge processes on one communicating with other bridge processes using DECnet as the link between them, "tunneling" is required.

"Tunneling" is available for AppleTalk for VMS 2.0. You do not have to wait for AppleTalk Phase 2. However, you should be aware of some possible "tunneling" problems with AppleTalk for VMS 2.0. These problems are documented in the Tech Info Library. Search on "tunneling".
Published Date: Feb 18, 2012