Mail exchange is supported between all the following platforms:

• SNADS legacy mainframe (including DISOSS, OfficeVision, EMC2/TAO and others) and AS/400
• Lotus Notes
• Microsoft Exchange
• Internet (SMTP)
• Unix Sendmail
• Lotus cc:Mail
• Novell GroupWise
• Microsoft Mail
• MHS-based mail systems

Key features of Golden MailBridge for SNADS users

• Simple and direct access to the Internet from SNADS, including MIME support for document attachments
• Simple and direct access between SNADS and Lotus Notes and other LAN e-mail systems
• Administrators can manage the Connector via secured, remote access from their workstations
• Users defined to downstream LAN post offices are automatically registered
• Supports a choice of high performance, multi-tasking operating systems - Windows NT Server, IBM AIX and IBM OS/2
• Supports a choice of network protocols - TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, NetBIOS

Key Benefits of Golden MailBridge for SNADS users

• SNADS integration is supported at the LAN/Internet access point as opposed to via an intermediary switch or backbone, reducing the number of hops between mainframe and LAN
• Administration is simple and secured
• Affordable, graduated pricing, based upon number of connections and size of user population allows you to start small and grow your usage as necessary
• Fits into most organizations strategic network and platform architectures
• Transparency to the Users enables them continue to use the addressing formats with which they are familiar
• Multiple e-mail system support in a single Connector reduces system complexity and cost
• 30 day evaluation is available

Technical Overview

The following is a summary of E-mail exchange using Golden MailBridge:

a). Mail messages enter Golden MailBridge: The process begins as mail messages enter Golden MailBridge from your local mail system and are placed onto inbound message queues.

b). Names are converted: Recipients' names are converted into a format which is understood by Golden MailBridge. At this time, Golden MailBridge accesses a directory to match the names of the recipients.

c). Profiles are identified: When matches of each recipient are found, profiles indicating the recipients' names and addresses are identified at their corresponding local mail systems.

d). Messages are converted: The mail messages are then converted into formats that are compatible with the recipients' post offices.

e). Messages are directed to outbound queues: After the conversion, messages are then directed to outbound queues for delivery to the recipients' post offices.

f). Messages are delivered to mailboxes: Mail messages are then delivered to the appropriate mailboxes.

g). Invalid mail notification: Any messages directed to an invalid mail address will be returned to the sender as an invalid address notification.

Remote Monitoring

With Golden MailBridge, administrators can monitor the message flow on their Windows terminal. An administrator also has the ability to stop and start inbound and outbound queues for each connected mail system. In addition, the administrator can view the date, time and address information pertaining to each mail item. Golden MailBridge maintains a log of activity enabling the administrator to trace specific mail items which have been handled by the system.

Mail Attachments Supported

Golden MailBridge supports mail attachments such as spreadsheets, PostScript, binary, and plain text files, as well as audio and video files. All messages and attachments will be processed by Golden MailBridge then transmitted to the receiving mail systems. Attachments bound for the Internet are converted to MIME format.

Store and Forward

Golden MailBridge is based on a store-and-forward architecture. Each mail item processed by Golden MailBridge is temporarily stored in the system. Therefore, if communications are interrupted for any reason, the mail is safely held and will be deleted from the outbound queue only upon successful delivery.

Downstream Post Office Support

For each type of E-mail system, Golden MailBridge will first direct messages to the adjacent post office. The LAN E-mail will then redirect the messages to the recipients' post offices for the final delivery. This process eliminates the need for a direct connection to every post office. Downstream post office support applies only to identical LAN mail networks that are connected

Automatic Directory Synchronization

Directory Synchronization automatically updates changes in user names and addresses residing in the directories, eliminating the task of re-keying the user names and addresses into each system. This information can be shared among those E-mail systems linked to Golden MailBridge. Directory Synchronization is provided between the following mail systems: Lotus Notes, cc:Mail, Microsoft Mail, GroupWise and MHS-based systems. An import/export facility is available to propagate the directory for systems not supported by Automatic Directory Synchronization.

Multiple LAN Mail Support

A single Golden MailBridge server can link with numerous LAN E-mail systems and conduct precise interchange of electronic mail and messages. Such a sophisticated architecture eliminates the need to install separate gateways or bridges for each LAN E-mail system.

How does GoldenMail Bridge work?

Golden MailBridge follows a series of steps in the process of exchanging E-mail between incompatible systems. The system creates a transparent electronic network so that users only interface with the e-mail system of their choice. After receiving mail items, Golden MailBridge routes the messages using an internal directory to determine the names and addresses of E-mail recipients. When the recipients' mail systems are identified, Golden MailBridge will accurately convert and transmit the messages to the recipients' post offices.

How are mail Items transferred?

A set of inbound and outbound queues are established for each E-mail system supported by Golden MailBridge. For example, support for three different mail systems require six queues. These queues form a bridge for the messages to cross. Golden MailBridge either accepts incoming messages from inbound queues, or allows items waiting on outbound queues to be transmitted to the appropriate mail systems.

How are mail items tracked?

The administrator can view, from their workstation, inbound and outbound queues to verify which messages have entered the system; transferred to outbound queues; transmitted to other E-mail systems; or are being held on outbound queues. The administrator has the capability to control the movement of mail messages through the system. For the purposes of tracking a particular mail item, the system administrator can stop and start any E-mail queue.

How are name formats handled?

Because each type of mail system uses a different format for identifying user names, Golden MailBridge maintains a set of tables which are used for name translations. The recipient's names are converted into a format accepted by Golden MailBridge. The system then accesses a directory to match the names of the recipients. Once the matches are made, profiles indicating the names and addresses of the recipients' mail systems are provided. Golden MailBridge then converts the recipients names to an appropriate format understood by the receiving mail system.

What functions are entailed for Systems Management

Most management functions are conducted by the Golden MailBridge system itself. Systems Administrators do not have to perform any maintenance unless a new type of e-mail post office is added to the system. The directory synchronization facility generates table entries automatically and performs maintenance cycles according to assigned specifications. The directory synchronization facility not only updates the directories of all linked mail systems, but also creates mapping tables needed to forward mail to all users, regardless of their systems.

What connections are supported?

Golden MailBridge is currently based Microsoft NT operating systems. SDLC and token ring connections arc supported on IBM mainframe systems.

Ethernet and token ring connections are supported on LAN networks. Protocols supported include: TCP/IP SNA, IPX/SPX, and NetBIOS All connections may be dial-in or direct. Standard E-mail protocols supported include: SNADS, (via LU6.2-APPC), SMTP, and MHS.

Is training required for the LAN mail administrator?

Golden MailBridge does not require LAN mail administrators to perform any additional functions. Administrators are only required to maintain current information in the user directories. Golden MailBridge controls the automatic updates of tables and directories for all linked E-mail systems.

Requirements: Microsoft Windows NT Server

Hardware

° Intel 486 or higher

° 32 MEG memory for - Ethernet or token-ring network

° For host connection: SDLC or token-ring board

Software

° Windows NT Server 3.51 or higher

° NetBIOS or Novell's lPX/SPX

° For host connection: Microsoft SNA Server

° For Internet connection: TCP/IP

Golden MailBridge is a trademark of NBS Systems Inc. All other product names mentioned are trademarks of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only.

Copyright 1995 NBS Systems Inc, 1996 ReSoft International LLC. All rights reserved