UK — FRG videoconferencing link established

Data encryption facility for plug-in communications system A data encryption facility that provides users with full communications security has been launched by Integrated Business Communications. Dubbed the 'anywhere board', IDACX-SBC enables PC users to communicate with other PCs, desk-to-desk, nationally and internationally, using any mix of X.25, telex and asynchronous communications interfaces. The product is aimed at those transmitting sensitive data, such as the defence and security sectors, banks and other financial organizations. The encryption/decryption facilities of I DACX-SBC allow automatic protection of transmitted messages, in whole or selected parts, in a manner that is discrete for each point-

LAN integration

to-point link and changes from one transmission to the next in a random manner. A removable key may totally inhibit the encryption/ decryption function while allowing the usual messaging processes of the IDACX-SBC to continue normally. The system operates in a blanket or selective mode and is not open to terminal masquerades or message falsification insertion or stealing. Various subsets of the total may be made available to relax certain measures, e.g. universal secure messaging as opposed to point-topoint security. (Integrated Business

Communications plc, 5 The Curfew Yard, Thomas Street, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1PL, UK. Tel: (07535) 54272) []

Distributed communications processor A distributed communications processor from Persyst, based on the Intel 8088 chip, is now available from Rapid Winners. The board is a front-end communications processor that supports up to four lines. It also supports both asynchronous and synchronous communications with

bisync, HDLC and SDLC protocols supported in synchronous mode. Designed for use with the IBM PC and compatibles, the DCP/88 offers up to 512 kbyte of dualported memory. (Rapid Winners, Rapid House, Denmark Street, High Wycombe, Bucks HP11 2EG, UK.

Tel: (0494) 450270)

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U K - FRG videoconferencing link established Europe's first public international videoconferencing service, enabling groups of people to see and speak to each other face-to-face by TV, was launched recently between the UK and the FRG. The videoconferencing service uses a special codec (coder/ decoder) which compresses the original picture signal while encoding it, to reduce the transmission capacity required. Compression gives a good quality moving colour picture ideal for conference

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purposes. The technique reduces the digital transmission capacity required, to 2 Mbit/s or less. This is equivalent to that needed to carry 30 simultaneous phone calls. By comparison, sending broadcast quality colour TV pictures in analogue form requires a capacity equivalent to nearly 1 000 calls.

(British Telecommunications pIG 81 Newgate Street, London EC1A 7A], UK. Tel: 01-726 4444, Telex: 8811510, Fax: 01-356 6630) []

The Usernet system, Sperry's personal computer local area network has been enhanced in order to expand its integration capabilities and power. Enhancements include support for the Sperry PC/IT personal computer, an IBM 3270 SNA Protocol Communications Server, a Sperry Uniscope Communications Server, two models of data/print servers, and an archival tape back-up system. Sperry's 3270 SNA Protocol Communications Server software allows users of multiple Sperry and IBM-compatible personal computers connected via Usernet to operate under IBM's SNA communications protocol. The software provides emulation of the 3270 cluster controller, offering communication facilities without adding or changing any host system software. Up to 32 simultaneous applications sessions are supported. In addition, the server supports mainframe connectivity over dialup, leased point to point and multidropped lines that can coexist with other IBM devices at line speeds of up to 9600 bit/s. It features user programmable interfaces for building custom applications, a session hold to maintain host communication while runningother MS/DOS applications, and menu based user tools for product installation. Sperry's Uniscope Communication Server provides for the equivalent functions when connecting Usernet systems to Sperry mainframes. Up to 32 simultaneous applications sessions can be supported. Usernet operating system software running under the control of MS/DOS is required for each server attached to the network. A maximum of 56 workstations may be active at any one time using up to eight communication or data/ print servers. (Sperry Ltd., Information Systems Group, Sperry Centre, Stonebridge Park, London NWIO

8LS, U.K. Tel: 01-965-0511)

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computer communications