Softerm PC Classic guarantees Connectability:
Exact terminal emulations are your key to achieving communications with your mainframe computer, with no loss of functionality.

Softerm PC Classic guarantees Accessibility: Advanced communications capabilities are your key to transporting data between your PC and mainframe applications.

Softerm PC Classic is the most comprehensive terminal emulation and communications program available today! With more emulations, more script file capabilities, multiple concurrent port access, Local Area Network (LAN) support, and simultaneous background execution; Softerm PC provides a complete communications environment for even the most demanding applications.

The benefits are enormous.

Exact emulations, with all keyboard and display characteristics built in, for over 60 popular conversational and block mode terminals. Keyboard remapping allows redefinition of the keyboard layout to suit personal customization and standardization requirements. Extended character support provides 132 columns of text and over 20 International character sets. Keyboard macros, with a built in learn mode, provide single keystroke access to often used key sequences in host applications. A built-in phone book that remembers names, numbers, communications settings, logon sequences, and even a notes field for personal reminders. And, you can hot key right into terminal emulation for a session with your host, and return to the exact point at which you left your PC application.

A rich and powerful script language, coupled with an intuitive menu driven presentation, provides advanced communications capabilities to all users, from novice to experienced. Operations involving dialup, logon, file transfers in either direction, host applications dialogue, and signoff can be automated using the script language. Simple and complex procedures are reduced to a single command. With conditional processing, error detection, and variables, scripts can be made both reliable and user friendly. Scripts can be initiated by you, by your host, or by time and/or date.

Softerm PC even supplies the final catalyst for uniting host and PC applications. Seamless Remote Virtual-Disk (SRV-Disk), pioneered by Softronics and embodied in the File Agent, provides seamless integration of file transfers between remote systems and PC applications. From within any PC application, data may be read from or written to your host. Transparently. Effortlessly.

Softerm PC is easy to install and simple to use. A comprehensive installation program will have first-time users, as well as communications experts, on-line and operating Softerm within minutes. When you are connected to your host system, Softerm remains transparent until you need it; and when you need Softerm, it immediatly responds with menus and commands that are human engineered to be functionally descriptive. Through the use of Script Files and Keyboard Macros, Softerm can be configured so that any operation involves no more than one keystroke.

The list of features goes on: an integrated full screen text editor, complete DOS file management utilities, a Background Mail Monitor, local file copying and printing. The bottom line for you is:

Softerm PC guarantees productivity!

Softerm Functions

Terminal Emulation

Connectability. In a world of countless Mainframe, Mini, and Micro systems, Softerm PC provides connectivity through exact terminal emulation. Over 50 exact emulations are included in Softerm. All functions are present. Every keystroke, every video presentation, every printer function of the terminal being emulated is reproduced exactly within the limits of the PC hardware. And Softerm operates serially or through a LAN. With Softerm as the connection, your PC is transformed into the terminal of your choice.

The connection between micro and mainframe goes beyond the functions of the native terminal; Softerm integrates the abilities of the PC with mainframe resources. During terminal emulation, Softerm allows use of disk, printer, keyboard macros, or your favorite PC application. Only a few keystrokes separate you from file transfer, screen capture to disk or print, background printing and job control, a text editor, disk utilities, queue management, and keyboard remapping. Softerm will record an entire session with your host by toggling data capture on and off. Softerm gives you a capability not present in native terminals: the ability to use the power of a PC and terminal simultaneously.

Softerm PC is a dynamic emulation package which adapts as your PC environment changes. New emulations are constantly being added to the Softerm Library. After completion of a new emulation, it is made available to Softerm users, free of charge, on the General Electric Network for Information Exchange (GEnie). Enhancements or program corrections for existing emulations are distributed in the same manner. Because of Softerm's continued growth and improvements, it is the only emulation/communications program you will ever need. As your needs change, Softerm supplies the connection.

Exact Emulations

Softerm's terminal emulations are exact emulations. Every aspect of functionality is retained. Our attention to detail results in one single fact: if the original terminal works, Softerm PC works. We guarantee it. Over 50 exact emulations, supporting both block and conversational modes, give a PC the ability to flawlessly connect to your host, serially or through a LAN. Terminal configuration and options for accessing a remote system can be completely specified. Your host application and operating system will not be aware that it is communicating with a PC. Connection between Micro and Mainframe can be established via modem or direct connection.

Softerm PC can be made memory resident. With Softerm in memory, you can toggle between terminal emulation and foreground application with a Hot Key eliminating the problem of terminating a running program to access remote systems. Softerm preserves the last terminal screen and PC application screen in memory.

132 Column Display

For terminals that support 132 column display, Softerm provides the entire video display. All of the popular graphic adapters are supported: EGA, CGA, and Hercules (MGA). Softerm even provides 132 column capability for PCs without a graphic adapter through horizonal scrolling (scrolling the screen from left to right).

Multinational Character Set

For terminals that include International Character Sets, Softerm provides comprehensive support. Over 10 International Character can be selected, including Danish, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Swedish (Graphic Adapters are not required to use International Character Sets).

Keyboard Remapping

Softerm's keyboard remapping capability allows complete translation of keys. Any customization of an emulation is possible. All Control and Alt combinations, character, number, cursor, and function keys generate whatever characters you need. In addition, any key can be remapped to an unlimited number of keystroke sequences. Of course, Softerm comes with the keyboard already ergonomically preconfigured to standard key output. Softerm not only supplies the most accurate emulations available, it gives you the benefit of custom tailoring these emulations.

General Communications

Accessibility. An integral attribute for communications programs is the ability to access and transport information to or from a wide variety of systems; Softerm provides this accurately and fast. Background communications permit four serial and three parallel ports to concurrently transfer data. Whether your PC connects serially or through a LAN, Softerm guarantees accessibility. With the seven file transfer protocols included in Softerm, no file is unreachable. And Softerm constantly improves; as new protocols are introduced to the communication world, Softerm adds them. Softerm PC maintains accessibility in a rapidly changing environment.

File Transfer

Softerm supports file capture/send during active terminal emulation or while executing other PC applications. File transfer between computer systems can be initiated by the operator using convenient menu- driven procedures, or multi-port background transfers can be achieved transparently using Script Files. The seven File Transfer Protocols supplied by Softerm provide state-of-the-art communications. Our own protocol, Softrans, gives error-free transfer for any type of data; the source code for Softrans is provided ready for your host system. The popular public domain protocols, Kermit, Kermit-Server, XMODEM, and XMODEM CRC make Softerm easily adaptable to any system. Character File Transfer allows maximum flexibility with text file transfers. In addition, Softerm includes Crosstalk and Hayes Verification protocols. Facilities for making your PC a stand-alone file server are also provided by Softerm.

File transfer protocols included in Softerm PC are:

• Softrans Protocol
• Kermit Protocol
• Kermit-Server Protocol
• XMODEM and XMODEM CRC Protocols
• Crosstalk Protocol
• Hayes Verification Protocol
• Character File Transfer (capture/send)

Script Files

Included with Softerm PC is a powerful script language for automating any communications task. Over 30 commands can be used interactively or in a script file to provide intelligent communications with any host system. Script, or command, files can be generated to automatically perform any simple or complex communications task: logon or logoff procedures, file transfers at predetermined times, callback, unattended operation, and multi-port concurrent background communications. Comprehensive support for variables allow script files to adapt to the dynamic requirements of a changing environment. Script files can be executed with Softerm's keyboard macros making even the most difficult communications procedure as simple as pressing one key. By using script files, the operator is freed from complicated and time consuming tasks.

Host Mode

Softerm enables a PC to become an unattended, remote access system through the use of Host Mode. Files can be accepted or sent by Host Mode, and up to four serial ports can be active conducting simultaneous communications. Softerm even provides optional logon security for remote users. The possibilities Host Mode presents are unlimited. A PC can be used as a file source for any remote system, a file server for after-hours work, or a bulletin board for public use. And with Softerm's concurrent capabilities, Host Mode can take place in the background leaving the foreground available to perform other tasks. Host Mode operates, serially or through a LAN, with any of the seven protocols supplied by Softerm.

Phone Utilities

Phone utilities include a user phone directory with auto-dial capabilites. Each entry in the Softerm phone book has fields for name, number, communications parameters, and notes. Communications parameters include the number of data and stop bits, parity, and speed; each time an entry from the phone book is selected, the parameters are automatically set. Also, the phone book contains a field for an initial transmit string which is automatically sent as soon as a connection is established; the string can contain any characters or keyboard macros, and provides automatic logons, instant access to necessary areas of the host system, or instigation of any job which can be activated from your keyboard. Having the parameters recorded in Softerm's phone book makes phone communications simple and fast. The directory can be stored on floppy or hard drive with no restrictions on number of entries.

Utilities

A full compliment of PC utilities are provided by Softerm. These handy utilities, providing access to disk, printer, screen, and modem, can be initiated while in emulation or PC applications. Softerm PC gives you full use of your system during any phase of operation.

Disk File Management

While using terminal emulation or PC applications, Softerm's Disk File Management options allow full command of PC devices. Disk File Management can flexibly manipulate data between video, disk, and printer providing the user with a capability never before present in a standard terminal. Softerm even gives the option of reformatting files during the transfer.

Disk Utilities

Softerm's disk utilities allow file deletion and renaming, directory display, and default path setting. While memory resident, Softerm provides the benefit -- to any PC application -- of performing routine disk procedures without exiting to DOS.

Full Screen Text Editor

Softerm PC provides a full-featured text editor. The editor can process two documents concurrently and supports functions such as block operations, insertion/overwrite, read/write to disk, keyboard macro editing, forward/backward search, search and replace, and more. While terminal emulation is active, received data is captured to a buffer up to 64K in size. When the editor is invoked, the contents of the capture are displayed allowing the information to be edited and/or transferred to disk or print. This prevents flip-flopping between Softerm and an external text editor. With Softerm residing in memory, the text editor can be accessed from any PC application.

Communications Agent (Red Ring)

At the core of Softerm PC is the Communications Agent (Comm-Agent). The Comm-Agent is a powerful communications manager which provides features not found in other communications packages. All resources of the PC are fully managed by the Comm-Agent. The Comm-Agent can be installed and made resident in memory, with or without terminal emulation, to become an extremely useful extension of the operating system. Once installed in memory, the features of the Comm- Agent can be utilized at any time, even while other programs are active. Using the Comm-Agent, you can access communications functions, disk utilities, the text editor, keyboard macros, queue management, and disk file management without terminating the application currently executing. The Comm-Agent can be used as a background program allowing communications to take place concurrently with the execution of foreground PC applications. Also, the Comm-Agent functions as a background print program which provides a multi-port print spooling capability allowing concurrent printing while other programs execute. The Comm-Agent enhances the functionality of your personal computer by creating the ability to process a different job for each port -- saving you time and money.

Background Job Control

A unique feature of Softerm is its ability to process multiple jobs concurrently in the background. The Comm-Agent incorporates a multi-tasking, interrupt- driven, prioritized scheduler to manage the concurrent operations of up to four serial and three parallel ports. Each port can execute communications tasks, such as file transfer or script file execution, simultaneously without interrupting foreground applications.

Keyboard Macros

To simplify keyboard operations, Softerm PC provides keyboard macro capabilities. Virtually any keyboard operation can be incorporated into a macro. Users can then perform long and complicated interactions by simply pressing one key. Inputing iterative processes such as repetitious data entry, logon and logoff procedures, or traversing host menus can be eliminated by Softerm. Softerm PC supports up to 36 different keyboard macros for any series of keystrokes. Softerm gives you the ability to build macros from Learn Mode, an extremely useful and easy to use feature. Any combination of keystrokes can be captured and automatically built into a macro simply by turning on Learn Mode. Even the most non-technical person can create keyboard macros.

Queue Management

The Comm-Agent provides a job queue for each COM and LPT port as well as a Time queue. The Time queue can be used for file transfer or script files which have a deferred execution until a specific time. Jobs may be managed by the operator from any phase of emulation or application. Also, utility programs are provided to allow inter-program and DOS queuing to the Comm-Agent for background execution. Softerm allows a maximum of 127 active jobs.

Modem Support

Softerm supports an extensive list of modems, including any Hayes compatible. A single user- interface for all modems allows the user to change modems without learning new command and convention procedures for dialing.

Menu Control

Softerm employs an easy-to-use, menu-driven format for terminal configuration, file transfer, utility access, modem configuration, and data capturing processes. At any time during an emulation session, a Help Screen can be displayed providing an instant keyboard template.

DOS Interface

Softerm PC provides a consistent interface to MS or PC DOS regardless of version. This provides easy customization for future releases of DOS. Upgrades of Softerm, to new versions of DOS, are made available to Softerm users at no additional charge. Softerm is always up to date.

System Management

System Management changes the personality of Softerm to suit the personal computer and/or LAN of your choice. This unique method of system definition provides a cohesive integration with different makes of IBM, IBM compatibles, semi-compatibles, and LANs. Just select the correct system file, and Softerm is ready to execute. Our extensive list of compatible systems is always growing (see Specifications Sheet for a complete list). Local Area Network (LAN) support: Softerm is NetBIOS compatible and operates over most LANs. Softerm also provides full- featured custom LAN support (see Specification Sheet for a complete list).

File Agent

Seamless Remote Virtual Disk

Encompassing Softerm PC is the File Agent. The File Agent is an undetectable file manager which works in concert with host systems providing seamless integration of host data into PC applications. With the File Agent and Comm-Agent residing in memory, information from mainframes, minis, or other micros can be transparently accessed and united with the foreground application currently executing. Remote transfer of data is accomplished, with end user simplicity, through the use of Seamless Remote Virtual- Disk (SRV-Disk).

What is SRV-Disk?

SRV-Disk utilizes a remote disk resource as though it were a local disk drive. Remote file retrieve and save are achieved by local DOS syntax. Additional hardware or code alterations are not needed. Through the File Agent, host disk and I/O system become a transparent extension to DOS. Each call is examined; if the call is local, it is given to DOS for execution, otherwise the File Agent redirects the call to the remote operating system. During redirection, the File Agent translates DOS commands into the appropriate host operating system convention. Users do not have to learn any new commands. SRV-Disk transforms a desktop computer into much more than a basic, solitary PC. Softerm is the gateway to a new and innovative PC environment; an environment in which every personal computer can share the resources of a mainframe without the operator having to learn new communications procedures or operating systems.

How is SRV-Disk used?

During the execution of a PC application (ie. WordPerfect, dBase, Lotus, etc.), a file needs to be retrieved or saved to the host. When the PC application prompts for the local device specifier and filename (ie. C:Filename), C: is substituted by a device specifier such as H:Filename. The specifier, H:, signifies the file to be retrieved/saved is located at the host. After encountering an SRV-Disk specifier, Softerm, through the File Agent, redirects file I/O requests. A saved file is automatically written to the host disk drive, while retrieved files are transparently delivered into the application. WordPerfect, dBase, Lotus, or any PC application will work unchanged without terminating.

SRV-Disk supports the DIR command. To view a directory on a remote system, simply type the correct drive specifier and the DIR command. The directory appears on your screen, and by means of familiar pointing and selecting techniques, users may traverse among directories and choose the file they desire.

Why use SRV-Disk?

Many non-technical people find the intricacies of communications programs unfamiliar and hard to understand. To educate these people takes time and money and many simply do not want to learn. SRV-Disk solves this problem. If someone can use WordPerfect, dBase, Lotus, or any PC application, they can use SRV- Disk.

Mainframes can be used as PC file reservoirs. With nearly unlimited storage, any amount of files, in any PC file format can be saved on the company computer. Whether you need to keep Lotus, WordPerfect, dBase, or any other type of file on the mainframe, Softerm accesses the file from within the application. And, SRV-Disk is ideal for resident programmers use with in- house development. SRV-Disk calls can be made from within custom programs.

Preconfigured versions are available.

Softerm can be ordered with preconfigured SRV-Disk capabilities for many popular hosts including Digital (DEC) and Data General. A preconfigured version for mainframe WordPerfect is also available. Softerm even supplies a remapped keyboard allowing PC WordPerfect commands to be accepted by the host system. Whether you are operating WordPerfect on your mainframe through terminal emulation, or using PC WordPerfect, the keyboard commands are identical. For more information about preconfigured versions of Softerm, contact Softronics, Inc.

Background Mail Monitor

Softerm provides a passive background utility for receiving electronic mail. Softerm constantly monitors for incoming mail, and when it is transmitted to your PC, an automatic foreground message notifies you that mail has been sent. The message can be read immediately, or you can Hot Key to the message at a later time. Parameters can be set to control the initial message notification time, the time elapsed between reminder notifications, and the Hot Key keystroke. Softerm supports most electronic mail systems including DEC's All In One, Data General's CEO, and the WordPerfect Office.

Multiple Concurrent Emulations Using Add-A-Termninal!

Softerm makes it possible to run four different terminal emulations simultaneously. Concurrent active emulations can be accomplished with multiple serial ports or through a LAN. Softerm achieves multiple emulations by working in conjunction with a companion Softronics' product, Add-A-Terminal. For more information about concurrent emulations and Add-A- Terminal, contact Softronics, Inc.

User Support

Reference Manuals

Softerm PC includes two referenace manuals to meet the varying needs and abilities of Softerm users. The Users' Guide is a task-oriented description of Softerm's most frequently used functions including examples and tips. A comprehensive Techincal Reference Manual provides over 600 pages of indexed material explaining every technical detail of Softerm.

Quick Reference Cards

A color-coded General Reference card provides quick access to any of Softerm's emulation, macro, text editor, phone book, and utility functions. The File Transfer and File Agent Reference Card includes a list of Communications Agent and File Agent commands.

Technical Support

An expert Technical-Support staff is available for hotline telephone support from 8:00AM to 5:00PM Mountain Standard Time (MST). Problems and questions about Softerm will be promptly solved free of charge for the first six months. A wide variety of optional technical services are available including remapping the keyboard for custom emulations, preconfiguring Softerm to fit specialized needs, custom programing of script files, and on-site training. We have a level of technical service that suits your specific purpose.

Money Back Guarantree

Softerm comes with a conditional money-back guarantee. If Softerm does not work on your system, or operate as advertised, Softronics will correct the problem or refund your money.

Softerm Provides Full-Featured Support for LANS!

Softerm now supports any NetBIOS compatible LAN. Softerm also operates over some single- vendor LANs and their asynchronous servers. For a complete list of compatible LANs and asynchronous servers see the specification sheet. A special configuration program ensures optimum functionality over the LAN.

All PCs acquire 40 exact terminal emulations for interfacing with a wide range of remote host systems. With Softerm, each LAN client gains accessibility to mainframes, minis, micros, public information services, and other LANs. File transfers, to or from remote systems or between PCs within the LAN, occur without passing through the file server. Softerm provides access to all client's files, allowing every PC to become a file server (see Host Mode section of this document). And all clients can concurrently support four serial and three parallel activities offering unparalleled connectivity. For example, your home PC can connect through modems to your office PC which is attached to a LAN. Your home PC can now send and receive files directly to or from the file server. This can be accomplished in the background on the home and the office PC while using your favorite application in the foreground. All features of SRV- Disk and Background Mail Monitor are supported. SRV-Disk provides a multi- directional link to each client allowing file transfer from within PC applications. Background Mail Monitor connects you to electronic mail systems, such as the WordPerfect Office, Data General's CEO, and Digital's All In One. For more information about SRV-Disk and the Background Mail Monitor, see the File Agent section of this document.

Softerm's phone utilities provide an easy interface to the syntax and naming conventions of the LAN's Network Operating System and asynchronous servers (see Phone Utilities section of this document). Softerm can reside on the file server in a common directory for all LAN clients. Personal directories can be maintained for specific configurations of each individual client.