Accessing the IBM Global Network from a MacintoshAccessing the IBM Global Network from a MacintoshIBM Global
Network, a.k.a. IBM
Internet Connection, sometimes known in the USA and Canada as Advantis,
is a large and comprehensive supplier of Internet access services. Access
to IBM Global Network is only officially "supported" on Windows,
OS/2 and AIX operating systems, but because the network operates with open,
standard protocols, it is possible to gain access using a Macintosh.
In this note, I explain how to configure your Macintosh to use IBM Global
Network through a SLIP connection. Once you are connected through SLIP to
an IBM Global Network local access number, you can access Internet services
offered by anyone on the Internet - especially my fave, InfoRamp! - anywhere
in the world.
PDF format (186,189 bytes)
[You can find information about document formats.]
The document explains how to obtain, install and configure Hyde Park Software's MacSLIP and InterCon System's InterSLIP. To access IBM Global Network using either of these programs, you will need a script. I have written an MacSLIP script for IBM Global Network, and packaged that up along with a skeleton settings file, as a StuffIt self-extracting archive:
MacSLIPAdvantisPrefs.sea.hqx (Self-Extracting BinHex format, 30,549 bytes)
Until about July 1995, IBM posted on a web page a script for use with InterSLIP. This has now been withdrawn from the IBM site, but some time ago I extracted it from their web page, tested it and packaged it up in BinHex:
Many of my file names and documents talk about Advantis. According to IBM's information, this is "the U.S. provider of the IBM Global Network" (and also in Canada, although that is not mentioned prominently). But there is also IBM Internet Connection. I can't figure out what name they want us to use for what service - it used to be Advantis, but they seem to be downplaying that brand. I have edited much of my material to reflect IBM Global Network, but you will see evidence of Advantis.