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This document provides an overview of Digital's PATHWORKS product family, a software solution designed to integrate personal computers (PCs) into enterprise-wide network systems. Driven by the explosive growth of PCs and the demand for networked resource sharing, PATHWORKS enables PC users to access remote resources such as files, printers, databases, and electronic mail.

Key aspects of PATHWORKS include:

• Broad Platform Support: It accommodates a variety of PC platforms (Intel-based PCs running MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows, and OS/2; and Apple Macintosh PCs) and server platforms (VMS, ULTRIX, and OS/2).
• Extensive Protocol Compatibility: PATHWORKS supports a wide array of physical networks and transport protocols, including DECnet, TCP/IP, AppleTalk, NetBEUI, and provides coexistence with IPX/SPX (NetWare). It also utilizes common service protocols like Microsoft's SMB (Server Message Block) and Apple's AFP (AppleTalk Filing Protocol).
• Comprehensive Services: Beyond transparent file and print services, PATHWORKS offers terminal emulation, X Window System server support, electronic mail access (e.g., X.400, VMS/ULTRIX mail), database access (SQL), remote disk services (via InfoServer), and development tools for building distributed applications.

By providing this flexible integration, PATHWORKS allows desktop applications to connect seamlessly with host system services, facilitating the evolution of existing computing infrastructure towards a more distributed model.