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dc i tt y iD

Datapro Reports on
Data Communications

C25-046-1O1

Terminals

AT&T

6500 Multifunction
Communication System

In this report: Product Summary

Analysis -102 Editor’s Note

Release 3.3 of AT&T’s controller

Characteristics -106 software enables the 6544 controller

to support up to four simultaneous
Pricing -1 1 0 SNA host connections. AT&T also

now markets the 6542 tabletop con-
troller. The 6578, 6579, 6580, and
6591 IBM plug-compatible displays
have been superseded by AT&T’s
659 ID, 6592D, and 6592F plug-
compatible displays.

Description

AT&T’s 6500 Multifunction Com-
munication System provides syn-
chronous and asynchronous access to
multiple computers and peripherals.
AT&T markets a variety of 6500
System-compatible and IBM plug-
compatible display terminals and
printers. Some system-compatible
displays support multitasking.

Strengths

The flexible 6544 controller supports
up to four simultaneous synchronous
host connections, 32 synchronous
peripherals and 32 asynchronous
devices or computers, and access to
X.25 and token-ring networks. Sup-
port for simultaneous access to both
synchronous and asynchronous ses-
sions is a key feature of both the
6544 and 6542 controllers.

Limitations

No major limitations.

Competition

IBM, Memorex/Telex, IDEA Cou-
rier, Lee Data, and several others.

Vendor

AT&T

Data Systems Group
1 Speedwell Avenue
Morristown, NJ 07960
(800) 247-1212
In Canada:

AT&T Canada Inc.

3650 Victoria Park Avenue
Willowdale, ON M2H 3P7
(416) 499-9400

Price

See pricing section.

JUNE 1990

Datapfo Reports on
Data Communications

C25-046-1O2

Terminals

Analysis

Product Strategy

In December 1985, AT&T introduced the 6500
Multifunction Communication System, a product
family that provides compatibility with the syn-
chronous IBM 3270 system, as well as asynchro-
nous communications.

By the fourth quarter of 1987, AT&T had ex-
panded the system’s functionality with additional
products and enhancements, including three new
plug-compatible displays, an adapter for the 6544
controller to support plug-compatible devices, a
6500 System-compatible color graphics printer, a
local channel-connection option, increased asyn-
chronous access capabilities, and terminal session
capability for IBM-compatible PCs through
adapter cards.

Between April 1988 and March 1989, AT&T
added the 6542 Tabletop Communication Control-
ler, four additional plug-compatible displays, and a
plug-compatible printer and printer controller.
AT&T also provided system enhancements such as
support for up to four simultaneous host connec-
tions, two of which could use SNA/SDLC proto-
cols; 32 ports for synchronous devices; and 32
asynchronous connections. With Release 3.3 of
AT&T’s controller software in February 1990, the
6544 controller now supports up to four simulta-
neous SNA hosts and a token ring connection.

AT&T has long been a leader in the IBM
3270-compatible terminal market, with over
300,000 terminals installed. The company’s prod-
ucts include the 40 Series, the 4540 family, and the
E4540 line. Each product line provides basic, func-
tional compatibility with corresponding IBM 3270
products.

Components of the 6500 Multifunction Com-
munication System include the 6544 controller; the
6518 Basic Function Display; the 6528 and 6529
Standard Displays; the 6538 and 6539 Multitask-
ing Displays; the 6591D, 6592D, and 6592F Plug-
Compatible Displays; the 6571 and 6572 Color

JUNE 1990

AT&T

6500 Multifunction
Communication System

Graphics Printers; the 6561 and 6562 Printer Con-
trollers; and the 2-N-l and Coax Attachmate (3-N-
1) PC adapters.

The 6544 controller also supports multiple hosts
and devices through 12 expansion slots, which hold
different combinations of the following modules:

• The Synchronous Host Module: provides three
synchronous ports for the access of 3270 hosts
(Bisync or SNA).

• The Synchronous Device Interface Module: al-
lows the attachment of up to 16 synchronous
displays, printers, or PCs via twisted-pair wire.

• The Asynchronous Host/Protocol Conversion
Module: enables connection of up to eight asyn-
chronous hosts or terminals; protocol conver-
sion allows asynchronous terminals to access
synchronous hosts.

• The X.25 Interface Module: provides a connec-
tor for IBM-compatible hosts supporting packet
switched protocols.

• The Local Channel Interface Module: provides
connection for IBM mainframe byte multi-
plexer, block multiplexer, or selector channel
configurations in which the 6544 is within 200
feet of the host.

• The Plug-Compatible Device Interface Module:
provides connection of up to 16 synchronous
devices to the 6544 controller.

• The Token-Ring Logic Module: allows devices
connected to a 6544 controller to access a re-
mote or local SNA host via a token-ring net-
work.

The 6542 Tabletop Controller accommodates one
synchronous host and, with an optional expansion
card, two asynchronous computers (or peripherals).
Standard equipment includes four ports for plug-
compatible devices. With an optional expansion
card, up to eight devices can be supported. Data
transmission speeds of up to 19.2K bps per port
are possible.

The 6500 controllers can communicate with a
variety of host computers, including the IBM S/

360, S/370, 303X, 308X, 43XX, and IBM plug-
compatible mainframes (PCMs) from various ►

Delran NJ 08075 USA

dc i lC i JID

Datapro Reports on Data
Communications

C25-046-101

Terminals

AT&T

6500 Multifunction
Communication System

In this report: Product Summary

Analysis -102 Editor’s Note

Release 3.3 of AT&T’s controller

Characteristics -105 software enables the 6544 controller

to support up to four simultaneous
Pricing -110 SNA host connections. AT&T also

now markets the 6542 tabletop con-
troller. The 6578, 6579, 6580, and
6591 IBM plug-compatible displays
have been superseded by AT&T’s
6591D, 6592D, and 6592F plug-
compatible displays.

Description

Limitations

No major limitations.

Competition

IBM, Memorex/Telex, IDEA Cou-
rier, Lee Data, and several others.

Vendor

AT&T

Data Systems Group
1776 On-the-Green
Morristown, NJ 07960
(201)898-6000
In Canada:

AT&T Canada Inc.

3650 Victoria Park Avenue
Willowdale, ON M2H 3P7
(416) 499-9400

Price

See pricing section.

Strengths

® 1990 McGraw-Hill, Incorporated. Reproduction Prohibited. Datapro Research.
Delran NJ 08075 USA

FEBRUARY 1990

Datapro Reports on Data
Communications

C25-046-1O2

Terminals

Analysis

Product Strategy

FEBRUARY 1990

AT&T

6500 Multifunction
Communication System

Graphics Printers; the 6561 and 6562 Printer Con-
trollers; and the 2-N-l and Coax Attachmate (3-N-
1) PC adapters.

The 6544 controller accommodates the older
AT&T 4540 and E4540 displays and the AT&T
4400 family asynchronous displays. The 6500 com-
ponents operate over standard twisted-pair tele-
phone wire or previously installed coaxial cable.
The 6544 controller also supports multiple hosts
and devices through 12 expansion slots, which hold
different combinations of the following modules:

• The Synchronous Host Module: provides three
synchronous ports for the access of 3270 hosts
(Bisync or SNA).

• The Synchronous Device Interface Module: al-
lows the attachment of up to 16 synchronous
displays, printers, or PCs via twisted-pair wire.

• The X.25 Interface Module: provides a connec-
tor for IBM-compatible hosts supporting packet
switched protocols.

• The Plug-Compatible Device Interface Module:
provides connection of up to 1 6 synchronous
devices to the 6544 controller.

• The Token-Ring Logic Module: allows devices
connected to a 6544 controller to access a re-
mote or local SNA host via a token-ring net-
work.

The 6500 controllers can communicate with a
variety of host computers, including the IBM S/

Datapro Reports on Data
Communications

AT&T

6500 Multifunction
Communication System

C25-046-1O3

Terminals

Company Profile

Total Revenues and Expenses

(in milfions)

AT&T

Corporate

Headquarters

AT&T

550 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10022-
3297

(212) 605-5500

In Canada

AT&T Canada Inc.

3650 Victoria Park Ave-
nue

Wlllowdale, ON M2H 3P7
(416) 499-9400

Officers

CEO: Robert E. Allen
CFO: Morris Tanenbaum

Company Background

AT&T’s business is mov-
ing and managing Infor-
mation, domestically and
globally. That includes
providing long distance
telecommunications ser-
vices through the compa-
ny’s Worldwide Intelligent
Network, as well as sys-
tems, products, and ser-
vices that combine
communications and
computers.

AT&T states its mission Is
to apply the talents,
knowledge, and skills of
its people to make the
company the global

leader in enabling cus-
tomers to reap the bene-
fits of information
technology.

The company’s major
customer markets are
business and govern-
ment, consumers, the
telecommunications In-
dustry, and electronic
equipment manufactur-
ers. To business and gov-
ernment institutions,

AT&T offers a range of
voice and data transmis-
sion services as well as
computer and data net-
working products and
systems. Communica-
tions products sold,
rented, and serviced by
AT&T Include personal
computers, midrange
computers, software and
peripheral equipment,
PBX equipment, key tele-
phone systems, and fac-
simile machines.

AT&T supplies switching
systems, transmission
equipment, and opera-
tions support services to
the telecommunications
industry and manufac-
tures advanced electronic
components for high-
technology firms.

1988 was a year of strong
actions for AT&T: Its reve-
nues were the highest
since divestiture on the
strength of growth in
product sales as well as
growth in service reve-
nues; the company
shifted more of its people
to sales or sales support
jobs to further strengthen
its market position. To
meet a growing demand
from Its customers, AT&T
decided to speed up Its
conversion to an all-digital
long-distance network.

Higher costs and ex-
penses reflect the deci-
sion to accelerate the
modernizing of Its net-
work. It was necessary to

1987 1988 1989

write down the value of
older technology equip-
ment, adding $6.7 billion
to its costs and expenses.
This action reduced
AT&T’s earnings by $3.66
a share, resulting in a loss
for the year. Without this
charge the company’s
earnings would have in-
creased to $2.11 per
share.

AT&T’s actions to in-
crease sales, modernize,
and reduce expenses en-
hanced Its earnings po-
tential. For the third
quarter of 1989, the com-
pany reported earnings of
$699 million on revenues
of $8.9 billion.

360, S/370, 303X, 308X, 43XX, and IBM plug-
compatible mainframes (PCMs) from various
vendors. They can provide access to multiple hosts
from the same display terminal.

Competitive Position

FEBRUARY 1990

Datapro Reports on Data
Communications

C25-046-1O4

Terminals

A View of the 6544 Controller
The backplane of the controller contains 12
expansion slots for connecting as many as four
synchronous hosts, 32 synchronous devices,
and 32 asynchronous devices.

Prior to AT&T’s divestiture, Teletype had what
amounted to an exclusive market, selling products
primarily to the Bell Operating Companies (BOCs)
for their internal use or resale to their customers.

As much as 40 percent of Teletype’s business at
that time was attributed to the company’s relation-
ship with the BOCs.

In 1985, AT&T Teletype became a wholly
owned subsidiary of the Computer Systems Divi-
sion of AT&T Information Systems. All sales activ-
ities for Teletype-manufactured products were
moved to AT&T headquarters in New Jersey, and
product management was folded into a DTE divi-
sion of the Computer Systems Division. The Tele-
type name remains a legal entity for trademark,
product brand name, and other purposes; as a com-
pany, however. Teletype Corporation has been
swallowed up by AT&T.

The 6500 Multifunction Communication Sys-
tem is AT&T’s most comprehensive (and ambi-
tious) foray into the 3270 replacement market. The
product line conforms to two important trends in
the market:

• Integration of personal computing capabilities
into the 3270 cluster; and

FEBRUARY 1990

AT&T

6500 Multifunction
Communication System

• Access to multiple hosts, including asynchro-
nous computers.

In the third and fourth quarters of 1989, IBM
released a more powerful breed of 3174 controllers
which contain more powerful processors, support
up to 6M bytes of memory (the former limit was
4M bytes), and run Configuration Support B
microcode — new controller software that supports
up to 250 physical units. The microcode also works
with IBM’s new Concurrent Communications
Adapter to accommodate up to three synchronous
host connections. Previously, only one connection
was possible. In September 1989, IBM also an-
nounced another generation of display terminals
offering higher resolution, greater processing
speed, more functions per keystroke, and a more
attractive price.

Release 2 of IBM’s Configuration Support B
microcode, which will be made available in June
1990, will make it possible to perform controller
diagnostic procedures from a NetView console
rather than through a terminal tied directly to the
controller. Towards the end of 1990, IBM will also
incorporate into the microcode another feature
dubbed the Multi-Host Token-Ring Gateway. Us-
ing the Concurrent Communications Adapter, this
feature will support communications between any
token-ring workstation or device and up to three
hosts via the 3174.

Vendors such as AT&T and Lee Data have
competed against IBM by adding functionality to
their own product lines, incorporating features
such as windowing capabilities and simultaneous
access to both synchronous and asynchronous
hosts. Others, such as Memorex/Telex, strive to
provide IBM plug-compatibility at the lowest pos-
sible price. A number of vendors have long since
withdrawn from this market, unable or unwilling
to match IBM’s moves. The remaining participants
will vie with IBM for what continues to be a grow-
ing market segment.

The Future of Display Terminals

According to International Data Corporation
(IDC), IBM holds about 50 percent of the market

Datapro Reports on Data
Communications

AT&T

6500 Multifunction
Communication System

C25-046-105

Terminals

for 3270 display stations; Memorex/Telex and
AT&T control about 20 and 9 percent respectively.
IDC predicted that annual U.S. display shipments
would grow from 848,900 units in 1988 to 940,400
units by 1992.

Terminals continue to enjoy popularity be-
cause of the large installed base of 3270 systems.
Display terminals also take up less desk space than
personal computers. Therefore, some users who
don’t need the disk storage capability and process-
ing power of a standalone PC prefer terminals in-
stead. These displays, however, must now share the
spotlight with a new breed of workstations de-
signed to fill the gap between the PC and the dis-
play terminal: the diskless workstation.

With the proliferation of LANs, users are
moving away from displays controlled completely
by a host to intelligent DOS-based workstations
supported by a file server. Equipped with large
amounts of memory, diskless workstations perform
much of the processing that the host would per-
form for the display terminal, which improves sys-
tem performance. Without disk drives and other
features normally found on a standalone machine,
they offer greater economy, simplicity, and security
than a PC; all information is stored on the file
server. Like a PC, however, the diskless worksta-
tion can run DOS applications and has the process-
ing power to support advanced capabilities.

The 3270 terminal continues to flourish. But
price wars have taken a toll on vendors, who must
sell more units to make up for lower profits. To
guarantee their financial stability and adjust to the
changing market, more and more vendors are of-
fering diskless workstations in addition to the tra-
ditional line of display terminals.

Decision Points

The 6500 Multifunction Communication System’s
key feature, reflected in its name, is multifunction-
ality. The 6544 controller provides multihost ac-
cess, both to asynchronous and synchronous
computer systems. In addition, it can support color
and monochrome multitasking displays, plug-
compatible displays, personal computers, printers,
adapters, and older AT&T 4540 and E4540 dis-
plays.

AT&T’s 6500 System-compatible display ter-
minals offer a variety of features and capabilities
not found on previous AT&T displays. Particularly

interesting are the 6538 monochrome and 6539
color multitasking systems, which can offer up to
four multitasking windows that provide simulta-
neous access to four distinct computer sessions in
any combination of synchronous and asynchro-
nous applications.

The 6544 operates as a standard IBM 3274-
type controller; through add-on modules, however,
it can be upgraded to provide support for four syn-
chronous host communications ports (including up
to two local channel connections), as many as 32
synchronous devices, up to 32 peripherals and
computers, one X.25 network connection, and a
token-ring connection. The 6544 controller’s 12
expansion slots allow new capabilities to be added
to the system as communications requirements
grow.

A major benefit of the 6544 and 6542 con-
trollers is support for simultaneous synchronous
and asynchronous sessions on a single terminal.
This is a benefit currently shared only by Lee Da-
ta’s Series 400 products.

The 6500 System puts AT&T on a strong
competitive level in the 3270 market; however,
since the market has been dominated for so long by
IBM, AT&T must still fight for a larger market
share.

Characteristics

Models: Hardware — 6544 Multifunction Communication
Controller; 6542 Tabletop Communication Controller;
6518 Basic Function Display; 6528 and 6529 Standard
Displays; 6538 and 6539 Multitasking Displays; 6591 D,
6592D, and 6592F Plug-Compatible Displays; 6571
Color Graphics Printer; 6572 Plug-Compatible Printer;
6561 Printer Controller; 6562 Coax Printer Controller;
the 2-N-1 Adapter; and the Coax Attachmate (3-N-1)
Adapter.

Software — 6500 System Controller Software Re-
lease 3.3; Attachmate Control Program.

Date of First Delivery: Hardware — 6544 Multifunction
Communication Controller — December 1985; 6542 Ta-
bletop Communication Controller — March 1989; 6518

FEBRUARY 1990

C25-046-1O6

Terminals

AT&T

6500 Multifunction
Communication System

Datapro Reports on Data
Communications

Figure 1.

Connections Supported by the 6544 Controller

Printers

AT&T’s 6544 Multifunction Communication Controller provides access to a variety of asynchronous and syn-
chronous computers.

Basic Function Display — December 1985; 6528 and
6529 Standard Displays — December 1985; 6538 and
6539 Multitasking Displays — December 1985; 6591 D,
6592D, and 6592F Plug-Compatible Displays — March
1989; 6571 Color Graphics Printer — September 1987;
6572 Plug-Compatible Printer — September 1988; 6561
Printer Controller — March 1986; 6562 Coax Printer
Controller — March 1989; the 2-N-1 Adapter — November
1987; and the Coax Attachmate (3-N-1) Adapter —
November 1987.

Software — 6500 System Controller Software Re-
lease 3.3 — February 1989; Attachmate Control
Program — November 1 987.

FEBRUARY 1990

Number Delivered to Date: Vendor did not specify.
Serviced by: AT&T.

System Components

The AT&T 6500 Multifunction Communication System
currently includes two communications controllers.
Model 6544, AT&T’s flagship product, has been mar-
keted since 1 985. Other products in the 6500 System
family that work with the 6544 controller Include five

Datapro Reports on Data
Communications

AT&T

6500 Multifunction
Communication System

C25-046-1O7

Terminals

The 65 72 Printer is a serial, dot matrix color
printer that prints at 100 cps in near letter
quality or at 400 cps in draft quality. The
unit's multicolor ribbons support four- or
seven-color printing.

6500 System display terminals, three IBM plug-
compatible display units, a 6500 system-compatible
printer and printer controller, an IBM plug-compatible
printer and printer controller, and nine expansion mod-
ules that extend the connectivity options of the user.

The 6542 controller, made available in March
1989, Is a lower-priced, table-top controller that sup-
ports coaxial cable connections to up to eight IBM plug-
compatible peripheral devices.

The 6500 System supports a variety of host com-
puters, including the IBM S/360, S/370, 3031, 3032,
3033, 3081 , 3083, 3084, 4321 , 4331 , and 4341 ; with the
appropriate software, the controllers can also support
the IBM 8100, Series/1, System/36, and System/38. In
addition to IBM synchronous hosts, the 6500 System
supports connections to IBM plug-compatible main-
frames (PCMs). The 6500 supports asynchronous con-
nections to the AT&T 3B family and UNIX PC, the Digital
VAX, and most other popular minicomputer families.

Transmission Specifications

When communicating synchronously, the 6544 control-
ler provides maximum data rates of 64K bps for hosts
supporting SNA and X.25 protocols and 19.2K bps for
hosts supporting Bisync protocols. The 6500 System
communicates with asynchronous hosts and peripher-
als at a maximum 19.2K bps data transmission rate. De-
vices can be connected up to 5,000 feet from the 6544
controller.

The 6542 controller supports data rates of up to
19.2K bps for synchronous and asynchronous devices
and hosts.

Communications Controllers

The 6544 Multifunction Communication
Controller

The 6544 controller supports up to four SNA and/or
BSC host connections, 32 synchronous devices, and 32
asynchronous devices or processors, depending on
how it is configured. Devices can be located up to 5,000
feet from the controller.

AT&T 6500 System-compatible displays and print-
ers are connected to the 6544 controller via twisted-pair
telephone wire that is compatible with AT&T’s SYSTI-
MAX PDS. Communications over coaxial cable is also
possible through optional adapters.

Standard equipment includes a Main Processor
Module (also referred to as the A Card), dual 5V4-inch
diskette drives for loading software, and 14 module
slots, 12 of which are available for add-on expansion
modules. An optional 20M-byte hard disk drive facili-
tates program loading and increases controller software
storage capacity.

Self-test diagnostics are standard on the 6544
controller. In addition, the 6544 supports two IBM net-
work programs that reside on host computers: Network
Problem Determination Application (NPDA) and Network
Logical Data Manager (NLDM).

The 6544 not only supports the 6500 System-
compatible and plug-compatible displays, but can ac-
commodate the older AT&T 4540 and E4540 displays.
For asynchronous applications, the 6544 supports the
attachment of the AT&T 4400 family of displays and the
AT&T 600 line, as well as other asynchronous displays
such as the Digital VT220 and VT100.

Other printers, including AT&T 4540 and E4540
printer models, may be added to a 6500 System cluster
using the 6561 Printer Controller; one printer controller
is required for each printer.

Basic 6544 functionality provides access to a sin-
gle synchronous host computer through a single 6500
System display. The following nine expansion modules
are available to provide additional multifunctional fea-
tures:

Synchronous Host Module (B Card): an expansion
module that provides three SNA/BSC ports. Each mod-
ule supports an aggregate data transfer rate of 38.4K
bps. This allows two ports using the BIsync (or SDLC)
protocol to operate at 19.2K bps, for example. Two Syn-
chronous Host modules are needed in situations when
there are two SNA hosts operating at higher speeds.

The 6544 controller supports up to four of these mod-
ules for a maximum of four hosts.

The Synchronous Host Module may also support
one SNA port operating at either 56K or 64K bps. At
either of these higher speeds, only one port is used per
card.

Synchronous Device Interface Module (C Card): an

expansion module that provides for the attachment of
up to 16 synchronous displays, printers, and personal

FEBRUARY 1990

C25-046-1O8

Terminals

computers, including 6500 system-compatible devices,
via twisted-pair wire. The 6544 controller accommo-
dates two Synchronous Device Interface Modules, pro-
viding for a maximum configuration of 32 synchronous
devices. This module also permits connections to per-
sonal computers using the 2-N-1 product.

Asynchronous Host/Protocol Conversion Module (D
Card): an expansion module that provides port connec-
tions for up to eight asynchronous host computers or
terminals. Protocol conversion allows asynchronous
terminals to access synchronous hosts. The ports oper-
ate at speeds up to 19.2K bps. Four Asynchronous
Host/Protocol Conversion Modules can be added, pro-
viding for a maximum configuration of 32 asynchronous
connections.

X.25 interface Module (H Card): an expansion module
that provides one connector for IBM-compatible hosts
supporting the Network Control Program Packet
Switched Interface (NPSI) protocols. The connector
supports either of the following interfaces: RS-232-C at
speeds up to 19.2K bps or CCITT V.35 at speeds of
48K, 56K, or 64K bps. Only one H Card may be in-
stalled.

Local Channel Interface Module (F Card): an expan-
sion module that provides a connection to an IBM main-
frame byte multiplexer, block multiplexer, or selector
channel In configurations where the 6544 controller is
located within 200 cable feet of the host. Users can
equip each 6544 with one or two Local Channel mod-
ules. The 6544 can support both remote and local hosts
concurrently.

Plug-Compatible Device Interface Module (K Card): an

expansion module that allows users to establish plug-
compatibility for up to 1 6 synchronous devices or two
multiplexers. With Release 3.2 or later of the controller
software, any plug-compatible display connected to this
module can run up to five concurrent sessions In the
same SNA host or different hosts. Users can add a sec-
ond module for a total of 32 ports (provided that no C
Card is being used). This module also permits connec-
tions to personal computers using the Coax Attachmate
(3-N-1) product.

Nine-Port PCM Device Logic Module (K^'Card): a

smaller, less expensive version of the K Card for users
who need to support no more than nine plug-compatible
devices or two multiplexers. This module requires Re-
lease 3.2 or later of the controller software.

Token-Ring Logic Module (T Card): enables devices
connected to a 6544 controller to access a remote or
local SNA host via a token-ring network. It also sup-
ports communications between token-ring devices to
communicate with a local or remote SNA host via a
6544 controller.

FEBRUARY 1990

AT&T Datapro Reports on Data

6500 Multifunction Communications

Communication System

Processor/Memory Logic Module (X Card): expands
the memory capacity of the 6544 controller, allowing It
to support the enhancements included in controller soft-
ware Release 3.0 and later.

6542 Tabletop Controller

The 6542 supports connections to as many as eight
IBM plug-compatible devices, one remote host, and up
to two asynchronous devices (e.g., minicomputers, PCs,
or peripherals). The 6542’s ports accommodate coax
connections; however, any port can also support
twisted pair wire connections using AT&T's Baiun
Adapter. The 6542 does not support AT&T’s 6500 Sys-
tem (non-plug-compatible) devices or any of the 6544
expansion modules.

Base 6542 functionality Includes one remote syn-
chronous host connection, an asynchronous port for
remote diagnostics, a 3V2-inch diskette drive, and sup-
port for four directly connected IBM plug-compatible
devices.

The 6542 contains three expansion slots to ac-
commodate three optional modules:

• A Synchronous Device Interface Module provides
four additional ports, making it possible to support a
maximum of eight plug-compatible devices.

• An Asynchronous Host/Protocol Conversion Module
supports communications with two asynchronous
devices.

• A Memory Expansion Module provides the additional
memory needed to support the Interface and conver-
sion modules.

Additionally, one of the 6542’s standard ports will allow
the multiplexing of eight synchronous plug-compatible
peripherals over a single coax cable using an IBM 3299
multiplexer. When the multiplexer Is In operation, how-
ever, all other ports remain Inactive.

Displays

AT&T 6500 System-Compatible Displays

AT&T offers five 6500 system-compatible display units
which Implement the protocols developed for the origi-
nal 6500 System. All models support a tilt/swivel capa-
bility; both color and monochrome (amber or green)
displays are available. The units, developed for use with
the 6544 controller, are described In more detail below.

6518 Basic Function Display: This monochrome unit
supports single session communications with one syn-
chronous host; It does not support access to asynchro-
nous hosts. The 6518 Includes a 14-inch screen, with a
display capacity of 1 ,920 characters arranged in 24 lines
of 80 characters each. The 6518 is functionally compati-
ble with IBM’s 3178 and 3191 display stations.

Datapro Reports on Data
Communications

AT&T

6500 Multifunction
Communication System

C25-046-1O9

Terminals

6528 Standard Display: The 6528 monochrome display
provides a “hot key” for switching between two ses-
sions on a single host or different hosts. (Data transfer
between sessions Is not supported, however.) Either
session may be synchronous or asynchronous. The

6528 Includes a 15-inch monochrome display screen,
with display capacities ranging from 1 ,920 to 3,564
characters; screen arrangements include 24 lines by 80
characters, 32 lines by 80 characters, 43 lines by 80
characters, and 27 lines by 132 characters. The 6528 is
functionally compatible with the IBM 3180 display sta-
tion in synchronous mode and with the Digital VT220
display terminal in asynchronous mode.

6529 Standard Display: This 14-inch color display in-
cludes the same split-screen capability as the 6528. The
6529 provides a four- or seven-color display, with dis-
play capacities ranging from 1 ,920 to 3,564 characters.
Screen arrangements include 24 lines by 80 characters,
32 lines by 80 characters, 43 lines by 80 characters, and
27 lines by 132 characters. The 6529 is functionally
compatible with the IBM 3179 display station in syn-
chronous mode and with the Digital VT220 display ter-
minal in asynchronous mode.

6538 Multitasking Display: This monochrome display
provides up to four multitasking windows in any combi-
nation of synchronous and asynchronous sessions.
Window posItioning/browsIng/sIzIng speed is four
inches per second horizontal and six inches per second
vertical. The 6538 includes a 15-inch display screen,
with display capacities ranging from 1 ,920 to 3,564
characters; screen arrangements include 24 lines by 80
characters, 32 lines by 80 characters, 43 lines by 80
characters, and 27 lines by 132 characters. The 6538
supports four screen formats, including 3270 operation,
VT220 operation, full-extended attributing, and input
and edit. An auxiliary I/O port and programmed symbol
graphics are optionally available. The 6538 is function-
ally compatible with the IBM 3180 display station In syn-
chronous mode and with the Digital VT220 display
terminal In asynchronous mode.

6539 Multitasking Display: This color display provides
up to four multitasking windows in any combination of
synchronous and asynchronous sessions. Window
posItioning/browsing/sizIng speed Is four inches per
second horizontal and six inches per second vertical.
The 6539 includes a 14-inch display screen, with display
capacities ranging from 1,920 to 3,564 characters;
screen arrangements include 24 lines by 80 characters,
32 lines by 80 characters, 43 lines by 80 characters, and
27 lines by 132 characters. The 6539 features four- or
seven-color display capability and supports four screen
formats, including 3270 operation, VT220 operation,
full-extended attributing, and input and edit. An auxiliary
I/O port and programmed symbol graphics are option-
ally available. The 6539 Is functionally compatible with
the IBM 3279-S3G display station in synchronous mode
and with the Digital VT220 display terminal In asynchro-
nous mode.

Keyboards for 6500 System-Compatible Displays
The 6518 display comes with a 122-key keyboard con-
taining 24 external program function (PF) keys. This de-
tachable keyboard has a typewriter-style layout and a
low-profile design. Security keylock is a standard fea-
ture. A three-year warranty is available with the 6518.

The 6528, 6529, 6538, and 6539 displays are mod-
ularly designed and can be upgraded or downgraded by
switching logic bases and display monitors. They are all
equipped with a 122-key keyboard that includes 24 pro-
gram function (PF) keys and a VT220 template. The de-
tachable keyboard contains a typewriter-style layout
and a low-profile design. Security keylock Is a standard
feature.

IBM Plug-Compatible Displays

Each of the following three 6500 plug-compatible dis-
plays can operate with IBM 3270 controllers, the AT&T
6544 controller, and the AT&T 6542 controller. The
units’ display screens support tilt/swivel capabilities,
and monochrome devices are available with amber or
green phosphor characters.

When connected to a 6500 controller running Con-
troller Software Release 3.2 or later, these displays sup-
port up to five simultaneous sessions with synchronous
and asynchronous hosts.

6591 D Plug-Compatible Display: This low-cost, mono-
chrome display, designed for basic data entry, includes
a 14-inch screen and a 122-key keyboard. The 6591 D is
equivalent to IBM’s 3191 display family, supporting
screen arrangements of 24 lines by 80 characters and
32 lines by 80 characters.

6592D Plug-Compatible Display: This monochrome
display, equivalent to the IBM 3192-D display, features
a 15-inch screen and a 122-key keyboard supporting
record keystroke capabilities. The 6592D supports
screen arrangements of 24 lines by 80 characters, 32
lines by 80 characters, 43 lines by 80 characters, and 27
lines by 132 characters.

6592F Plug-Compatible Display: This display is the
color equivalent of the 9592D. It includes a 14-inch,
seven-color screen and a 122-key keyboard which pro-
vides record keystroke capabilities. The 6592D sup-
ports screen arrangements of 24 lines by 80 characters,
32 lines by 80 characters, 43 lines by 80 characters, and
27 lines by 132 characters.

Printers and Printer Controllers

AT&T offers a 6500 system-compatible printer and
printer controller as well as an IBM plug-compatible
printer and printer controller. The 6500 System printer
products are designed for communications with the
6544 controller alone; the plug-compatible printer prod-
ucts support connections to both the 6544 and 6542
controllers as well as IBM controllers.

FEBRUARY 1990

C25-046-11O

Terminals

AT&T

6500 Multifunction
Communication System

Datapro Reports on Data
Communications

6571 Color Matrix Printer: The 6571 , a 6500 system-
compatible matrix printer, provides color or mono-
chrome text and graphics printing. The 6571 operates at
speeds up to 400 cps in draft mode and 100 cps in near
letter quality mode. The 6571 prints symbol graphics
and supports one-, four-, and seven-color printing. The

6571 Includes a full-function SNA control panel and LCD
display, an operator-replaceable 18-wlre printhead with
half-dot shift, and a tractor- or friction-feed platen with
rear or bottom feed. Paper feed/posItionIng controls are
also included.

6572 Plug<Compatible Printer: The 6572 Is a coax
(plug-compatible) version of the 6571 printer, offering all
the same features.

6561 Printer Controller: The 6561 Is a printer controller
that enables the use of older AT&T 4540 and E4540
printers as well as AT&T’s newer asynchronous printers
in a 6500 System cluster. The 6561 adds new functions
and applications to the older printers and includes a full-
function SNA control panel, LCD display, and the follow-
ing interfaces: SSI (twisted pair) in, SSI out, RS-232-C
out, and Centronics parallel out.

6562 Coax Printer Controller: The 6562 Printer Control-
ler is a plug-compatible version of the 6561 that can
connect to IBM 3274 or 3174 controllers. The 6562 sup-
ports both parallel and serial asynchronous printers.

Personal Computer Add-On Products

The 2-N-1 Adapter, which runs AT&T’s Attachmate Con-
trol Program, provides multisession, multiwindowing
capability to PCs connected to the 6500 controller via
twisted pair wire. Up to seven concurrent windows are
possible: four 3270 sessions, two notepads, and one
PC session. While the PC cannot access multiple hosts
simultaneously, it can access multiple concurrent ses-
sions on a single host.

The Coax Attachmate (3-N-1) Card supports a
connection from a PC to either the 6544 or 6542 control-
ler via an RG62A/U coaxial cable, running AT&T’s At-
tachmate Control Program and providing the same
capabilities.

Pricing

The 6500 Multifunction Communication System compo-
nents are available for purchase and lease through
AT&T’s direct sales force or by calling (800) 247-1212.
AT&T provides Installation and maintenance service
through 1,000 nationwide sites.

The 6500 Multifunction Communication System
products carry a warranty from the date of purchase,
guaranteeing that AT&T will replace any defective part
or software free of charge during the warranty period.
The company offers several Equipment Maintenance
Agreement Plans, Including per-occurrence and con-
tract plans.

FEBRUARY 1990

Equipment Prices

Purchase

Price

($)

6544

Multifunction Communication Control-

1,418

ler

6544

Options:

Synchronous Host Module

383

Synchronous Device Interface Module

5,179

Asynchronous Host/Protocol Conver-

2,425

Sion Module

X.25 Interface Module

1,369

Local Channel Expansion Module

3,668

16-Port, Plug-Compatible Logic Mod-

5,179

ule

Nine-Port PCM Device Logic Module

4,672

Processor/Memory Logic Module

1,600

Hard Disk Drive

1,845

6542

Tabletop Communication Controller

3,597

6542

Options:

Synchronous Device Interface Module

821

Asynchronous Host/Protocol Conver-

887

Sion Module

Memory Expansion Module

1,281

Controller Software Release 3.3

Displays

6518

Basic Function Display

1,100

6528

Standard Display

1,935

6529

standard Display

2,085

6538

Multitasking Display

2,755

6539

Multitasking Display

2,880

6591 D

Plug-Compatible Display

1,300

6592D

Plug-Compatible Display

1,600

6592F

Plug-Compatible Displays

1,750

Printers and Printer Controllers

6571

Color Graphics Printer

5,037

6572

Plug-Compatible Printer

5,037

6561

Printer Controller

1,002

6562

Coax Printer Controller

1,643

Personal Computer Options

The 2-N-1 Adapter

1,144

The Coax Attachmate (3-N-1) Adapter

1,144

Attachmate Control Program

323

dotC l WD

Datapro Reports on
Data Communications

C25-046-1O1

Terminals

AT&T

6500 Multifunction
Communication System

In this report: Product Summary

Analysis -102 Editor’s Note

Release 3.3 of AT&T’s controller

Characteristics -106 software enables the 6544 controller

to support up to four simultaneous
Pricing -110 SNA host connections. AT&T also

now markets the 6542 tabletop con-
troller. The 6578, 6579, 6580, and
6591 IBM plug-compatible displays
have been superseded by AT&T’s
6591D, 6592D, and 6592F plug-
compatible displays.

Description

Strengths

Limitations

No major limitations.

Competition

IBM, Memorex/Telex, IDEA Cou-
rier, Lee Data, and several others.

Vendor

AT&T

Data Systems Group
7776 On-the-Green
Morristown, NJ 07960
(201) 898-6000
In Canada:

AT&T Canada Inc.

3650 Victoria Park Avenue
Willowdale, ON M2H 3P7
(416)499-9400

Price

See pricing section.

APRIL 1990

Datapro Reports on
Data Communications

C25-046-1O2

Terminals

Analysis

Product Strategy

APRIL 1990

AT&T

6500 Multifunction
Communication System

Graphics Printers; the 6561 and 6562 Printer Con-
trollers; and the 2-N-l and Coax Attachmate (3-N-
1) PC adapters.

The 6544 controller also supports multiple hosts
and devices through 12 expansion slots, which hold
different combinations of the following modules:

• The Synchronous Host Module: provides three
synchronous ports for the access of 3270 hosts
(Bisync or SNA).

• The Synchronous Device Interface Module: al-
lows the attachment of up to 1 6 synchronous
displays, printers, or PCs via twisted-pair wire.

• The X.25 Interface Module: provides a connec-
tor for IBM-compatible hosts supporting packet
switched protocols.

• The Plug-Compatible Device Interface Module:
provides connection of up to 1 6 synchronous
devices to the 6544 controller.

• The Token-Ring Logic Module: allows devices
connected to a 6544 controller to access a re-
mote or local SNA host via a token-ring net-
work.

The 6500 controllers can communicate with a
variety of host computers, including the IBM S/

360, S/370, 303X, 308X, 43XX, and IBM plug-
compatible mainframes (PCMs) from various ►

Delran NJ 08075 USA

Datapro Reports on
Data Communications

AT&T

6500 Multifunction
Communication System

C25-046-103

Terminals

Company Profile
AT&T

Corporate

Headquarters

550 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10022-
3297

(212) 605-5500

In Canada

AT&T Canada Inc.

3650 Victoria Park
Avenue

Willowdale, ON M2H 3P7
(416) 499-9400

Officers

CEO: Robert E. Allen
CFO: Morris Tanenbaum

Company Background

AT&T’s business is mov-
ing and managing infor-
mation, domestically and
globally. That Includes
providing long distance
telecommunications ser-
vices through the compa-
ny’s Worldwide Intelligent
Network, as well as sys-
tems, products, and ser-
vices that combine
communications and
computers.

AT&T states its mission is
to apply the talents,
knowledge, and skills of
its people to make the
company the global
leader in enabling cus-
tomers to reap the bene-
fits of information
technology.

The company’s major
customer markets are
business and govern-
ment, consumers, the

telecommunications in-
dustry, and electronic
equipment manufactur-
ers. To business and gov-
ernment institutions,

AT&T offers a range of
voice and data transmis-
sion services as well as
computer and data net-
working products and
systems. Communica-
tions products sold,
rented, and serviced by
AT&T include personal
computers, midrange
computers, software and
peripheral equipment,

PBX equipment, key tele-
phone systems, and fac-
simile machines.

1 988 was a year of strong
actions for AT&T; Its reve-
nues were the highest
since divestiture on the
strength of growth In
product sales as well as
growth In service reve-
nues; the company
shifted more of its people
to sales or sales support
jobs to further strengthen
its market position. To
meet a growing demand
from its customers, AT&T

AT&T

Financial Results 1987-1989

Revenues

(in billions)

(in billions) Net Income

decided to speed up Its
conversion to an all-digital
long-distance network.

Higher costs and ex-
penses reflect the deci-
sion to accelerate the
modernizing of its net-
work. It was necessary to
write down the value of
older technology equip-
ment, adding $6.7 billion
to its costs and expenses.
This action reduced
AT&T’s earnings by $3.66
a share, resulting in a loss
for the year. Without this

charge the company’s
earnings would have in-
creased to $2.11 per
share.

APRIL 1990

Datapro Reports on
Data Communications

C25-046-1O4

Terminals

A View of the 6544 Controller
The backplane of the controller contains 12
expansion slots for connecting as many as four
synchronous hosts, 32 synchronous devices,
and 32 asynchronous devices.

► (Analysis continued)

vendors. They can provide access to multiple hosts
from the same display terminal.

Competitive Position

Over the years, AT&T’s former subsidiary. Tele-
type, built up a large installed base of IBM 3270-
compatible terminals; the company estimates that
there are more than 300,000 terminals now in-
stalled, including the 40, 4540, and E4540 families.
Prior to AT&T’s divestiture. Teletype had what
amounted to an exclusive market, setting products
primarily to the Bell Operating Companies (BOCs)
for their internal use or resale to their customers.

As much as 40 percent of Teletype’s business at
that time was attributed to the company’s relation-
ship with the BOCs.

APRIL 1990

AT&T

6500 Multifunction
Communication System

pany, however, Teletype Corporation has been
swallowed up by AT&T.

The 6500 Multifunction Communication Sys-
tem is AT&T’s most comprehensive (and ambi-
tious) foray into the 3270 replacement market. The
product line conforms to two important trends in
the market:

• Integration of personal computing capabilities
into the 3270 cluster; and

• Access to multiple hosts, including asynchro-
nous computers.

The 6500 product line places AT&T in a strong
position to compete with IBM, as well as other
3270-compatible vendors, including Memorex/
Telex, IDEA Courier, Lee Data, and Harris. IBM
has taken steps to protect its huge and lucrative
3270 installed base, however.

Release 2 of IBM’s Configuration Support B
microcode, which will be made available in June
1 990, will make it possible to perform controller
diagnostic procedures from a NetView console
rather than through a terminal tied directly to the
controller. Towards the end of 1990, IBM will also
incorporate into the microcode another feature
dubbed the Multi-Host Token-Ring Gateway. Us-
ing the Concurrent Communications Adapter, this
feature will support communications between any
token-ring workstation or device and up to three
hosts via the 3174.

Vendors such as AT&T, Lee Data, and
Memorex/Telex have introduced communications
controllers that support access to as many as four
synchronous hosts, with multiwindowing on both
synchronous and asynchronous sessions. In the
past, however, Memorex/Telex has been most suc-
cessful offering IBM plug-compatible controllers

Datapro Reports on
Data Communications

AT&T

6500 Multifunction
Communication System

C25-046-105

Terminals

Figure 1.

Connections Supported by the 6544 Controller

Printers

AT&Ts 6544 Multifunction Communication Controller provides access to a variety of asynchronous and syn-
chronous computers.

and peripherals at the lowest possible price. IDEA
Courier also offers a line of competitively priced
IBM plug-compatible products.

The Future of Display Terminals

According to research performed by Dataquest,
IBM holds about 50 percent of the market for 3270
display stations. Memorex/Telex, AT&T, and
IDEA Courier follow with about 29, 8, and 5 per-
cent of the market respectively. International Data
Corporation (IDC) predicted a growth of annual
U.S. display shipments from 848,900 units in 1988
to 940,400 units by 1992.

With the proliferation of LANs, users are
moving away from displays controlled completely

APRIL 1990

C25-046-1O6

Terminals

AT&T

6500 Multifunction
Communication System

Datapro Reports on
Data Communications

by a host to intelligent DOS-based workstations
supported by a file server. Equipped with large
amounts of memory, diskless workstations perform
much of the processing that the host would per-
form for the display terminal, which improves sys-
tem performance. Without disk drives and other
features normally found on a standalone machine,
they offer greater economy, simplicity, and security
than a PC; all information is stored on the file
server. Like a PC, however, the diskless worksta-
tion can run DOS applications and has the process-
ing power to support advanced capabilities.

Decision Points

AT&T’s 6500 System-compatible display ter-
minals offer a variety of features and capabilities
not found on previous AT&T displays. Particularly
interesting are the 6538 monochrome and 6539
color multitasking systems, which can offer up to
four multitasking windows that provide simulta-
neous access to four distinct computer sessions in
any combination of synchronous and asynchro-
nous applications.

APRIL 1990

Major benefits of the 6544 and 6542 control-
lers are access to as many as four synchronous
hosts, and support for multiple concurrent syn-
chronous and asynchronous sessions with window-
ing. These capabilities, however, are also provided
by Memorex’s 1174 Network Controller and Lee
Data’s Datastar 5000 System.

The 6500 System puts AT&T on a strong
competitive level in the 3270 market; however,
since the market has been dominated for so long by
IBM, AT&T must still fight for a larger market
share.

Characteristics

Software — 6500 System Controller Software Re-
lease 3.3; Attachmate Control Program.

Date of First Delivery: Hardware — 6544 Multifunction
Communication Controller — December 1985; 6542 Ta-
bletop Communication Controller — March 1989; 6518
Basic Function Display — December 1985; 6528 and
6529 Standard Displays — December 1985; 6538 and
6539 Multitasking Displays — December 1985; 6591 D,
6592D, and 6592F Plug-Compatible Displays — March
1989; 6571 Color Graphics Printer — September 1987;
6572 Plug-Compatible Printer — September 1988; 6561
Printer Controller — March 1986; 6562 Coax Printer
Controller — March 1989; the 2-N-1 Adapter — November
1987; and the Coax Attachmate (3-N-1) Adapter —
November 1987.

Software — 6500 System Controller Software Re-
lease 3.3 — February 1989; Attachmate Control
Program — November 1987.

Number Delivered to Date: Vendor did not specify.

Serviced by: AT&T.

Datapro Reports on
Data Communications

AT&T

6500 Multifunction
Communication System

C25-046-1O7

Terminals

The 65 72 Printer is a serial, dot matrix color
printer that prints at 100 cps in near letter
quality or at 400 cps in draft quality. The
unit’s multicolor ribbons support four- or
seven-color printing.

System Components

The AT&T 6500 Multifunction Communication System
currently Includes two communications controllers.
Model 6544, AT&T’s flagship product, has been mar-
keted since 1985. Other products in the 6500 System
family that work with the 6544 controller include five
6500 System display terminals, three IBM plug-
compatible display units, a 6500 system-compatible
printer and printer controller, an IBM plug-compatible
printer and printer controller, and nine expansion mod-
ules that extend the connectivity options of the user.

The 6542 controller, made available in March
1989, is a lower-priced, table-top controller that sup-
ports coaxial cable connections to up to eight IBM plug-
compatible peripheral devices.

The 6500 System supports a variety of host com-
puters, Including the IBM S/360, S/370, 3031, 3032,
3033, 3081 , 3083, 3084, 4321 , 4331 , and 4341 ; with the
appropriate software, the controllers can also support
the IBM 8100, Series/1, System/36, and System/38. In
addition to IBM synchronous hosts, the 6500 System
supports connections to IBM plug-compatible main-
frames (PCMs). The 6500 supports asynchronous con-
nections to the AT&T 3B family and UNIX PC, the Digital
VAX, and most other popular minicomputer families.

Transmission Specifications

The 6542 controller supports data rates of up to
19.2K bps for synchronous and asynchronous devices
and hosts.

Communications Controllers

The 6544 Multifunction Communication
Controiier

Other printers, including AT&T 4540 and E4540
printer models, may be added to a 6500 System cluster
using the 6561 Printer Controller; one printer controller
is required for each printer.

Synchronous Host Module (B Card); an expansion
module that provides three SNA/BSC ports. Each mod-
ule supports an aggregate data transfer rate of 38.4K
bps. This allows two ports using the Bisync (or SDLC)
protocol to operate at 19.2K bps, for example. Two Syn-
chronous Host modules are needed in situations when
there are two SNA hosts operating at higher speeds.

The 6544 controller supports up to four of these mod-
ules for a maximum of four hosts.

APRIL 1990

Datapro Reports on
Data Communications

C25-046-1O8

Terminals

The Synchronous Host Module may also support
one SNA port operating at either 56K or 64K bps. At
either of these higher speeds, only one port is used per
card.

Synchronous Device Interface Module (C Card): an

expansion module that provides for the attachment of
up to 16 synchronous displays, printers, and personal
computers. Including 6500 system-compatible devices,
via twisted-pair wire. The 6544 controller accommo-
dates two Synchronous Device Interface Modules, pro-
viding for a maximum configuration of 32 synchronous
devices. This module also permits connections to per-
sonal computers using the 2-N-1 product.

X.25 Interface Module (H Card): an expansion module
that provides one connector for IBM-compatible hosts
supporting the Network Control Program Packet
Switched Interface (NPSI) protocols. The connector
supports either of the following Interfaces; RS-232-C at
speeds up to 19.2K bps or CCITT V.35 at speeds of
48K, 56K, or 64K bps. Only one H Card may be In-
stalled.

Local Channel Interface Module (F Card): an expan-
sion module that provides a connection to an IBM main-
frame byte multiplexer, block multiplexer, or selector
channel in configurations where the 6544 controller Is
located within 200 cable feet of the host. Users can
equip each 6544 with one or two Local Channel mod-
ules. The 6544 can support both remote and local hosts
concurrently.

Plug-Compatible Device Interface Module (K Card): an

expansion module that allows users to establish plug-
compatibility for up to 16 synchronous devices or two
multiplexers. With Release 3.2 or later of the controller
software, any plug-compatible display connected to this
module can run up to five concurrent sessions in the
same SNA host or different hosts. Users can add a sec-
ond module for a total of 32 ports (provided that no C
Card is being used). This module also permits connec-
tions to personal computers using the Coax Attachmate
(3-N-1) product.

Nine-Port PCM Device Logic Module (K’ Card): a

APRIL 1990

AT&T

6500 Multifunction
Communication System

Processor/Memory Logic Module (X Card): expands
the memory capacity of the 6544 controller, allowing It
to support the enhancements Included In controller soft-
ware Release 3.0 and later.

6542 Tabletop Controller

The 6542 supports connections to as many as eight
IBM plug-compatible devices, one remote host, and up
to two asynchronous devices (e.g., minicomputers, PCs,
or peripherals). The 6542’s ports accommodate coax
connections; however, any port can also support
twisted pair wire connections using AT&T’s Baiun
Adapter. The 6542 does not support AT&T’s 6500 Sys-
tem (non-plug-compatible) devices or any of the 6544
expansion modules.

Base 6542 functionality includes one remote syn-
chronous host connection, an asynchronous port for
remote diagnostics, a 3V2-inch diskette drive, and sup-
port for four directly connected IBM plug-compatible
devices.

The 6542 contains three expansion slots to ac-
commodate three optional modules:

• A Synchronous Device Interface Module provides
four additional ports, making it possible to support a
maximum of eight plug-compatible devices.

• An Asynchronous Host/Protocol Conversion Module
supports communications with two asynchronous
devices.

• A Memory Expansion Module provides the additional
memory needed to support the interface and conver-
sion modules.

Additionally, one of the 6542’s standard ports will allow
the multiplexing of eight synchronous plug-compatible
peripherals over a single coax cable using an IBM 3299
multiplexer. When the multiplexer is in operation, how-
ever, all other ports remain inactive.

Displays

AT&T 6500 System-Compatible Displays

AT&T offers five 6500 system-compatible display units
which implement the protocols developed for the origi-
nal 6500 System. All models support a tllt/swivel capa-
bility; both color and monochrome (amber or green)
displays are available. The units, developed for use with
the 6544 controller, are described in more detail below.

Datapro Reports on
Data Communications

AT&T

6500 Multifunction
Communication System

C25-046-109

Terminals

6518 Basic Function Display: This monochrome unit
supports single session communications with one syn-
chronous host; it does not support access to asynchro-
nous hosts. The 6518 includes a 14-inch screen, with a
display capacity of 1 ,920 characters arranged in 24 lines
of 80 characters each. The 6518 is functionally compati-
ble with IBM’s 3178 and 3191 display stations.

6528 Standard Display: The 6528 monochrome display
provides a “hot key” for switching between two ses-
sions on a single host or different hosts. (Data transfer
between sessions is not supported, however.) Either
session may be synchronous or asynchronous. The

6528 includes a 15-inch monochrome display screen,
with display capacities ranging from 1 ,920 to 3,564
characters; screen arrangements include 24 lines by 80
characters, 32 lines by 80 characters, 43 lines by 80
characters, and 27 lines by 132 characters. The 6528 is
functionally compatible with the IBM 3180 display sta-
tion in synchronous mode and with the Digital VT220
display terminal in asynchronous mode.

6538 Multitasking Display: This monochrome display
provides up to four multitasking windows in any combi-
nation of synchronous and asynchronous sessions.
Window posItioning/browsing/sizing speed Is four
inches per second horizontal and six inches per second
vertical. The 6538 includes a 15-inch display screen,
with display capacities ranging from 1 ,920 to 3,564
characters; screen arrangements include 24 lines by 80
characters, 32 lines by 80 characters, 43 lines by 80
characters, and 27 lines by 132 characters. The 6538
supports four screen formats, Including 3270 operation,
VT220 operation, full-extended attributing, and input
and edit. An auxiliary I/O port and programmed symbol
graphics are optionally available. The 6538 is function-
ally compatible with the IBM 3180 display station in syn-
chronous mode and with the Digital VT220 display
terminal In asynchronous mode.

6539 Multitasking Display: This color display provides
up to four multitasking windows in any combination of
synchronous and asynchronous sessions. Window
positioning/browsing/sizing speed is four inches per
second horizontal and six inches per second vertical.
The 6539 includes a 14-inch display screen, with display
capacities ranging from 1,920 to 3,564 characters;
screen arrangements include 24 lines by 80 characters,
32 lines by 80 characters, 43 lines by 80 characters, and
27 lines by 132 characters. The 6539 features four- or

seven-color display capability and supports four screen
formats, including 3270 operation, VT220 operation,
full-extended attributing, and input and edit. An auxiliary
I/O port and programmed symbol graphics are option-
ally available. The 6539 is functionally compatible with
the IBM 3279-S3G display station in synchronous mode
and with the Digital VT220 display terminal in asynchro-
nous mode.

Keyboards for 6500 System-Compatible Displays

The 6518 display comes with a 122-key keyboard con-
taining 24 external program function (PF) keys. This de-
tachable keyboard has a typewriter-style layout and a
low-profile design. Security keylock is a standard fea-
ture. A three-year warranty Is available with the 6518.

The 6528, 6529, 6538, and 6539 displays are mod-
ularly designed and can be upgraded or downgraded by
switching logic bases and display monitors. They are all
equipped with a 122-key keyboard that Includes 24 pro-
gram function (PF) keys and a VT220 template. The de-
tachable keyboard contains a typewriter-style layout
and a low-profile design. Security keylock Is a standard
feature.

IBM Plug-Compatible Displays

When connected to a 6500 controller running Con-
troller Software Release 3.2 or later, these displays sup-
port up to five simultaneous sessions with synchronous
and asynchronous hosts.

6592F Plug-Compatible Display: This display is the
color equivalent of the 9592D. It Includes a 14-inch,
seven-color screen and a 122-key keyboard which pro-
vides record keystroke capabilities. The 6592D sup-
ports screen arrangements of 24 lines by 80 characters,
32 lines by 80 characters, 43 lines by 80 characters, and
27 lines by 132 characters.

APRIL 1990

Datapro Reports on
Data Communications

C25-046-11O

Terminals

Printers and Printer Controiiers

6572 Plug-Compatible Printer: The 6572 is a coax
(plug-compatible) version of the 6571 printer, offering all
the same features.

6561 Printer Controller: The 6561 is a printer controller
that enables the use of older AT&T 4540 and E4540
printers as well as AT&T’s newer asynchronous printers
in a 6500 System cluster. The 6561 adds new functions
and applications to the older printers and Includes a full-
function SNA control panel, LCD display, and the follow-
ing interfaces: SSI (twisted pair) in, SSI out, RS-232-C
out, and Centronics parallel out.

Personal Computer Add-On Products

Pricing

The 6500 Multifunction Communication System compo-
nents are available for purchase and lease through
AT&T’s direct sales force or by calling (800) 247-1212.

APRIL 1990

AT&T

6500 Multifunction
Communication System

AT&T provides installation and maintenance service
through 1,000 nationwide sites.

Equipment Prices

Purchase

Price

($)

6544

Multifunction Communication Control-

1,418

ler

6544

Options:

Synchronous Host Module

383

Synchronous Device Interface Module

5,179

Asynchronous Host/Protocol Conver-

2,425

Sion Module

X.25 Interface Module

1,369

Local Channel Expansion Module

3,668

16-Port, Plug-Compatible Logic Mod-

5,179

ule

Nine-Port PCM Device Logic Module

4,672

Processor/Memory Logic Module

1,600

Hard Disk Drive

1,845

6542

Tabletop Communication Controller

3,597

6642

Options:

Synchronous Device Interface Module

821

Asynchronous Host/Protocol Conver-

887

Sion Module

Memory Expansion Module

1,281

Controller Software Release 3.3

Displays

6518

Basic Function Display

1,100

6528

Standard Display

1,935

6529

Standard Display

2,085

6538

Multitasking Display

2,755

6539

Multitasking Display

2,880

6591 D

Plug-Compatible Display

1,300

6592D

Plug-Compatible Display

1,600

6592F

Plug-Compatible Displays

1,750

Printers and Printer Controiiers

6571

Color Graphics Printer

5,037

6572

Plug-Compatible Printer

5,037

6561

Printer Controller

1,002

6562

Coax Printer Controller

1,643

Personal Computer Options

The2-N-1 Adapter 1,144

The Coax Attachmate (3-N-1) Adapter 1,144

Attachmate Control Program 323

C25-046-101

Terminals

AT&T 4400 Series Display Terminals

The 4425 is AT&T’s high-end asynchronous display terminal
offering. The terminal is buffered and features horizontal split
screen, windowing, 80-/ 122-column display capability, and
compatibility with both the Unix operating system and the
Digital VT102 display. An integral modem is optional.

MANAGEMENT SUMMARY

UPDATE: This report reflects the removal of the Teletype
name from all AT&T display terminals. Teletype (based in
Skokie, IL) has been absorbed into the Computer Systems
Division of AT&T Information Systems; it remains the
manufacturing arm of AT&T-IS.

Since 1930, Teletype Corporation was responsible for man-
ufacturing and supplying the Bell System’s teletypewriter
equipment and, in recent times, computer display termi-
nals and printers. The Bell System used Teletype products
internally and resold them to end users on a tariffed basis.
In addition. Teletype marketed its own products on a
nontariffed basis directly to end users, and through a large
network of dealers, distributors, leasing companies, and
OEMs.

The AT&T divestiture and deregulation have changed
most of that. Teletype has been absorbed into the Comput-
er Systems Division of AT&T Information Systems, and its
Teletype and Dataspeed labels have disappeared from
view. The company was known for a while as “AT&T
Teletype,” but now products coming out of Skokie display
only the AT&T logo. Some AT&T-IS terminal equipment
is obtained from other OEMs, as well.

AT&T’s family of display terminals encompasses the 4400
Series, the E4540 Series (an IBM 3270-compatible line),
Model 5620 (a bit-mapped graphics display), and the 6500
Series (multifunctional replacements for the IBM 3270

The 4400 Series is AT&T's latest generation
of ASCII display terminal products, replac-
ing the older 4400 models. The 4400 Series
was formerly marketed as the 5400 Series
by AT&T Teletype. Models 4410 and 4425
are ANSI X3.64-compliant terminals. Model
4418 is an asynchronous terminal that is
designed to function in an IBM 3270 envi-
ronment when used with a protocol
converter.

MODELS: 4410, 4418, and 4425.
DISPLAY: All models contain a 12-inch dis-
play with 80/1 32-column display capability;
amber or white phosphor characters may be
selected. All models have a tiltable display.
KEYBOARD: The 5410 and 5425 feature a
typewriter-style keyboard with 8 function
keys; the 5418 features an IBM 3278-style
keyboard with 24 function keys. Keyboards
are detachable, and contain a low-profile
design with height adjustment.
COMPETITION: Wyse Technology, TeleVi-
deo Systems, Applied Digital Data Systems
(ADDS), Lear Siegler, Esprit Systems, and
several others.

PRICE: Purchase prices for the 4400 Series
terminals range from $902 to $1 ,720.

CHARACTERISTICS

VENDOR: AT&T Information Systems, 1 Speedwell Ave-
nue, Morristown, NJ 07960. Telephone (201) 898-2000. In
Canada: AT&T Canada, 1500 Don Mills Road, Don Mills,
Ontario M3B 3K4. Telephone (416) 449-4300.

DATE OF ANNOUNCEMENT: 4410—April 1983;
4418 — May 1984; 4425 — September 1984.

DATE OF FIRST DELIVERY: 4410— Third quarter 1983;
4418— May 1984; 4425— October 1984.

NUMBER DELIVERED TO DATE: Information not
available.

SERVICED BY: AT&T Information Systems.

MODELS

The 4400 Series currently consists of the following three
models.

• 4410 — an asynchronous, conversational terminal. The
4410 conforms to the ANSI X3.64 standard. It provides
80/132-column display capability, horizontal split screen,
editing capabilities, and five display attributes.

• 4418 — an asynchronous, conversational terminal that fea-
tures IBM 3270 emulation when used in conjunction with
a protocol converter. It provides 80-/ 132-column display
capability, conforms to the ANSI X3.64 standard, and
includes an IBM 3278-style keyboard.

MARCH 1986

C25-046-102

Terminals

AT&T 4400 Series Display Terminals

line) of products. The 4400 Series, E4540 Series, and 5620
are equivalent to the former Teletype 5000 Series; the 6500
Series are new products.

The 4400 Series currently consists of models 4410, 4418,
and 4425. The 4410 is a conversational, asynchronous,
ASCII display based on the ANSI X3.64 standard. It fea-
tures a monochrome 80-/ 132-column display, full editing,
horizontal split screen, eight programmable function keys,
visual attributes, and business graphics. The 4418 is similar
to the 4410 but has an IBM 3270 look-alike keyboard, and
is designed to replace a more expensive IBM 3270 terminal
when used with a protocol converter. The 4425 is a buff-
ered terminal that provides up to 78 lines of display in
memory (80 column mode), and is compatible with Digital
Equipment Corporation VT102/VT52 display terminals as
well as the ANSI X3.64 standard. The 4425 features 38
function keys and four fixed-program function keys.

The 4400 Series terminals are designed for general-purpose
asynchronous applications, as well as for use with AT&T’s
3B line of computers.

COMPETITIVE POSITION

Prior to AT&T’s divestiture. Teletype Corporation pos-
sessed what was, essentially, a built-in market. The compa-
ny’s products were' sold primarily to the Bell Operating
Companies (BOCs) for their internal use or for resale to
their customers. At that time, as much as 40 percent of
Teletype’s revenues were attributed to their business with
the BOCs. As part of Computer Inquiry II, the BOCs were
forbidden to sell new premises equipment to users during
1983. Also as part of Computer Inquiry II, Teletype was
prohibited from selling its products directly to end users.
With the AT&T divestiture, the BOCs were divested from
AT&T, thus loosening, to some extent. Teletype’s hold on
them. Teletype remains a part of AT&T, while the BOCs
are now free to purchase equipment from whatever source
they prefer.

All of this forced Teletype (which soon became AT&T
Teletype) to change its strategy in the new, deregulated
marketplace. As a result, the company poured more money
into research and development, beefed up marketing, cut
manufacturing costs in order to reduce prices, and estab-
lished new distribution channels.

In 1985, AT&T Teletype became a wholly owned subsid-
iary of the Computer Systems Division of AT&T Informa-
tion Systems. All sales and marketing for Teletype
terminals was relocated to AT&T-IS headquarters in Mor-
ristown, New Jersey. Teletype, based in Skokie, Illinois,
will remain the manufacturing arm for the production of
asynchronous and synchronous data terminals. However,
the Teletype logo will no longer be found on the terminals.

The 4400 line of asynchronous terminals competes with
terminal product lines from independent vendors such as
Wyse Technology, Tele Video Systems, Lear Siegler, Ap-
plied Digital Data Systems (ADDS), Esprit Systems, Visual
Technology, and several others. For general-purpose appli-

• 4425 — an asynchronous, buffered terminal. The 4425 con-
tains all of the features of the 4420, plus Unix operating
system compatibility and Digital VT102 terminal
compatibility.

TRANSMISSION SPECIFICATIONS

For the 4400 terminals, transmission is asynchronous, in
half or full duplex, at speeds up to 19,200 bits per second;
isochronous transmission is selectable on the 4425. Multi-
point operation is available on all models except the 4410.
All models conform to both the ASCII and ANSI X3.64
communications protocols. Vertical parity generation and
detection options are available. All models provide an EIA
RS-232-C interface, as well as an auxiliary EIA RS-232-C
printer interface. A self-test capability is standard. An
integral modem/dialer is optionally available on all models.
The integral modem is compatible with 212A-type modems
for operation at 1200 or 300 bps.

DEVICE CONTROL

The 4410 and 4418 conversational display terminals trans-
mit data a character at a time as it is keyed. The option menu
is displayed on the screen in a “plain English” manner.
Eight user- or host-programmable function keys are includ-
ed on the 4410, each of which has up to a 50-character per
key capacity in nonvolatile memory. Each function key has a
corresponding screen label, with up to 16 characters dis-
playable on each label. The 4418 contains 24 function keys.
When used with a protocol converter, the 4418 emulates the
IBM 3278 for both local and remote communications. The
4418 features single-key access to all 3278-like keystrokes.

Visual display attributes available on the 4410 and 4418
include normal, blank, half intensity, blink, underline, and
reverse video. The display screen may be horizontally split
into a maximum of two static regions and one scrolling
region. Editing capabilities include character and line in-
sert/delete, as well as clear functions. Line drawing and
special symbol graphics are available. The 4410 and 4418
conform to the ANSI X3.64 standard.

The 4425 buffered display can transmit data a character at a
time from the keyboard, or by line/page/block from the
display. Up to 78 lines of display memory are available when
using the 80-column display format, and up to 54 lines of
memory are available when using the 132-column display
format. The 4425 contains all of the basic operating features
of the 4410 and 4418 (including visual attributes and edit-
ing), plus some additional features not found on the conver-
sational models, including single or multiple character or
line insert/delete. The 4425 is compatible with the Unix
operating system and with the Digital VT102 display
terminal.

The 4425 provides three separate methods to access and
manipulate the display memory; scroll mode, horizontal
split screen, and windowing. Scroll mode allows the operator
to scroll through display memory. The horizontal split
screen feature is the same as found on the 4410 and 4418,
with one scrolling region and two static regions. With win-
dowing, the 4425’s memory can be divided into a maximum
of four rectangles of varying lengths and widths, called
workspaces. A window or viewport into each workspace can
be created, and its position defined and located on the
screen. One viewport can be overlapped or eclipsed with
another.

The optional integral modem feature allows the 4410, 4418,
and 4425 displays to plug directly into a telephone line for
manual dialing of calls from the keyboard, automatic dialing
of stored numbers, or automatic repeat dialing. A security
feature hides all or part of the dial command log-on string.

MARCH 1986

AT&T 4400 Series Display Terminals

C25-046-103

Terminals

cations, AT&T will also go up against terminals from
computer vendors like Digital Equipment Corporation and
IBM. However, the chief market for the AT&T terminals
will be for use with AT&T’s 3B line of computers. It is this
market that will assure AT&T of continuing to hold the
large market share that Teletype managed to carve out.

ADVANTAGES AND RESTRICTIONS

Teletype’s products have traditionally maintained a repu-
tation for exceptionally good functionality and reliability,
as well as for their rather high price tags. The AT&T 4400
Series terminals retained the high degree of functionality
offered by their predecessors, but prices have fallen some-
what to reflect the current trends in the display terminal
market. Still, the AT&T terminals are priced higher than
many comparable terminals from the independent ven-
dors. For the money, the AT&T terminals feature a variety
of attractive features; these include 80-/ 132-column display
capability, windowing (on the buffered models), and ANSI
X3.64 compatibility. UNIX operating system compatibil-
ity and Digital VT102 compatibility have been implement-
ed on the 5425. An optional integral modem/dialer has also
been added to the line. All AT&T 4400 Series terminals
include a tiltable display and a detachable, low-profile
keyboard.

USER REACTION

In Datapro’s 1985 Terminal Users Survey, conducted in
conjunction with Data Communications magazine, a total
of 32 users of the AT&T 4400 Series (then AT&T Teletype
5400 Series) display terminals responded. These users rep-
resented an installed base of approximately 1,500 units.
The users were asked to rate their terminals with respect to
seven specific categories. Their responses are summarized
in the following table.

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

WA*

Overall performance

3.8

Ease of operation

3.7

Display clarity

3.7

Keyboard feel & usability

3.3

Ergonomics

3.6

Hardware reliability

3.8

Mfr.’s maintenance

3.7

service/technical support

^Weighted Average on a scale of 4.0 for Excellent.

When asked whether or not they would recommend the
4400 Series terminals to other users, 26 of the respondents
answered that they would; the remaining six did not answer
the question. When asked what factors most influenced

Screen labels are available to simplify dialing, and call
progress status and prompts are displayed on the screen’s
25tb display line.

COMPONENTS

4410/4418/4425 DISPLAY UNITS: Include a 12-inch (di-
agonal) display screen, capable of displaying 24 lines of 80
or 132 characters. One status line is available, plus 2 lines
for screen labels. Characters are formed utilizing a 7-by-9
dot matrix with descenders in a 9-by-13 field (80-column
format), or using a 5-by-7 dot matrix with descenders in a 7-
by-13 field (132-column format). White or amber phosphor
characters are available. Two character sets are selectable:
128 ASCII alphanumeric plus control characters, or 96 line
drawing and special graphic characters. Other character
sets available include United Kingdom, videotex mosaics,
and securities industry. The screen features 7 tilt positions,
a nonglare finish, and brightness control.

4410/4425 KEYBOARDS: Feature a typewriter-style lay-
out with a separate numeric cluster and 8 programmable
function keys. Function keys offer 16 functions: 8 defined by
the host and 8 defined by the user. Each function key is
capable of storing 80 characters per key. The 4425 provides
11 additional function keys, shiftable to provide 22
functions.

4418 KEYBOARD: Features a layout similar to that found
on the IBM 3278, including 24 function keys. Otherwise, the
4418 keyboard contains the same features found on the 4410
and 4425 keyboards, including a low-profile design, tilt
adjustments, and detachability.

PRICING

The AT&T 4400 Series display terminals are available for
purchase only. Quantity discounts are available on the
following schedule: 25 to 49 units — 10 percent; 50 to 99
units — 15 percent; 100 to 199 units — 20 percent; 200 -1-
units — 25 percent.

Maintenance service for the 4400 Series terminals is avail-
able from AT&T Information Systems field personnel.
Maintenance contracts are available on a yearly basis.

EQUIPMENT PRICES

Purchase

Price

($)

4410 Display Terminal 902

4418 Display Terminal 1,080

4425 Display Terminal 1 ,265-1 ,720 ■

their decision to purchase the AT&T terminals, nearly half
(48 percent) cited the terminals’ features and/or
functionality. □

MARCH 1986

C25-046-101
Display Terminals

AT&T Teletype 5000 Series Display Terminals

The 5425 is AT&T Teletype's high-end asynchronous display
terminal offering. The terminal is buffered and features hori-
zontal split screen, windowing, 80/1 32-column display capa-
bility, and compatibility with both the UNIX operating system
and the DEC VT102 display. An integral modem is optional.

MANAGEMENT SUMMARY

The 5000 Series products are AT&T Teletype’s new genera-
tion of display terminals. (As a by-product of divestiture,
Teletype Corporation recently changed its name to AT&T
Teletype.) These new products cover a broad field, with
new terminals for four different application areas: asyn-
chronous conversational, asynchronous buffered, IBM
3270-compatible, and intelligent dot-mapped graphics.
This report will cover AT&T Teletype’s products in the
first three application areas only.

The 5400 family is AT&T Teletype’s asynchronous display
terminal product line. It consists of two conversational
terminals (5410 and 5418) and two buffered terminals
(5420/2 and 5425). The 5410 Display is a low-priced,
character mode asynchronous terminal. The 5410 con-
forms to the ANSI X3.64 standard, and contains several
features not normally associated with conversational ter-
minals. These include: 80/ 132-column display capability;
horizontal split screen; eight programmable function keys
with associated screen labels; full editing features and
visual attributes; and graphics capabilities.

The 5420/2 is a buffered version of the 5420 (a production
which is no longer offered). The 5420/2 provides up to 78
lines of display memory in 80-column mode (54 lines in
132-column mode). In addition to the horizontal split
screen capability, a scroll mode and windowing capability
are provided in order to access and manipulate the 5420/2’s

The 5000 Series is AT&T Teletype's latest
generation of display terminal products, re-
placing the 4400 and 4540 product lines.
The 5000 Series consists of two separate
families of products: the 5400 asynchronous
terminals, and the 5540 synchronous (IBM
3270-compatible) terminals. All of the dis-
play terminal models contain a new design
enclosure, and feature lower prices than pre-
vious Teletype display terminal products.

MODELS: 5400 Family — 5410 and 5418
Conversational Displays, 5420/2 and 5425
Buffered Displays; 5540 Family — 5544 and
5546 Controllers, 5548-12, 5548-22,
5548-25 Display Terminals, 5549 Color Dis-
play Terminal.

DISPLAY: The 5410, 5418, 5420/2, 5425,
and 5548-12 contain a 12-inch display; the
5548-22, 5548-25, and 5549 feature a 13-
inch screen. The 5410, 5418, 5420/2,
5425, and 5548-25 feature 80/1 32-column
display capability; the 5548-12, 5548-22,
and 5549 feature 80-column display capa-
bility only. All models have a tiltable display.
KEYBOARD: The 5410, 5420/2, and 5425
feature a typewriter-style keyboard with 8
function keys; the 5418 features an IBM
3278-style keyboard with 24 function keys.
A variety of 3270-style keyboard layouts are
available for the 5540 displays, including
typewriter and data entry; all keyboard
models feature 24 function keys. Keyboards
for the 5400 and 5540 displays are detach-
able, and contain a low-profile design with
height adjustment.

COMPETITION: 5400 Family — TeleVideo
Systems, Applied Digital Data Systems,
Lear Siegler, Esprit Systems, and several
others; 5540 Family — IBM, ITT Courier,
Telex, Lee Data, Memorex, and several
others.

PRICE: Purchase prices for the 5000 Series
terminals range from $995 to $2,817.

CHARACTERISTICS

VENDOR: AT&T Teletype Corporation, 5555 Touhy Ave-
nue, Skokie, Illinois 60077. Telephone (312) 982-2000.

DATE OF ANNOUNCEMENT: 5410, 5420/2, 5544,
5546, and 5548— April 1983; 5418 and 5549— May 1984;
5425 — September 1984.

DATE OF FIRST DELIVERY: 5410, 5420/2, 5544, 5546,
and 5548— Third quarter 1983; 5418 and 5549— May 1984;
5425 — October 1984.

DECEMBER 1984

C25-046-102
Display Terminals

AT&T Teletype 5000 Series Display Terminals

memory. The 5420/2 also provides all of the operational
and design features of the 5410, and is compatible with the
older Teletype 40/1 and 40/2 terminals.

The 5418 and 5425 are newcomers to the AT&T Teletype
product line. The 5418 is a conversational terminal
designed for both local and remote communications over
IBM 3270 networks when used with a protocol converter. It
features an IBM 3278-style keyboard layout, with single-
key access to each 3278-like keystroke. Otherwise, all other
features are the same as found on the 5410. The 5425 is an
enhanced version of the 5420. The 5425 is compatible with
the UNIX operating system, as well as with the DEC
VT102 display terminal.

The 5540 is a family of IBM 3270-compatible products; the
new products are also compatible with Teletype’s existing
4540 series of 3270-compatible controllers and displays.
The 5540 family consists of two controllers (5544 and
5546), three monochrome displays (5548-12, 5548-22, and
5548-25), a color display (5549), and a line of printers.

The 5544 is an IBM 3274-compatible control unit. Avail-
able in 16-port and 32-port versions, the 5544 is a floor-
standing unit. The 5546 is an IBM 3276-compatible,
table-top control unit available in 6-port and 12-port ver-
sions. Both controllers provide 5V4-inch dual floppy disks
for software storage. Users can switch from BSC to SNA/
SDLC line protocol by changing disks.

The 5548-22 Display Terminal is an IBM 3278 Model 2
compatible unit containing a 13-inch display and a 1920-
character display capacity. The 5548-25 is compatible with
the IBM 3278 Model 5; it also contains a 13-inch screen,
while providing selectable display capacities of 1920 and
3564 (27 lines by 132 columns) characters. The 5548-12 is
AT&T Teletype’s version of the IBM 3178, with a smaller
(12-inch) display screen and a 1920-character display
capacity. The 5549 is a 4-color display that includes a 13-
inch screen and selectable 1920- and 2560-character (32
lines by 80 columns) display capacities. All of the 5540
displays can be configured with a choice of available key-
boards, including typewriter-style, typewriter with external
numeric pad, and data entry styles.

COMPETITIVE POSITION

AT&T Teletype’s 5000 Series covers three distinct market
areas. The 5400 products are targeted at the low-priced
ASCII terminal market, a segment in which Teletype has
not traditionally been a major force. The 5400 terminals
contain a high degree of functionality, and are priced at
levels significantly below the older 40 and 4400 Series
terminal that they are designed to replace.

The 5540 family is Teletype’s new generation of IBM 3270
replacement products. The new components are also com-
patible with the existing Teletype 4540 products, a line
which boasts a very large installed base and a high degree of
user acceptance in the competitive 3270 replacement mar-
ket. The new 5620 is an intelligent, dot-mapped graphics
terminal which places AT&T Teletype in the intelligent
terminal market for the first time.

► NUMBER DELIVERED TO DATE: Information not
available.

SERVICED BY: AT&T Teletype Corporation.

MODELS

The 5000 Series consists of two separate families of
products: the 5400 asynchronous terminals and the 5540
3270-compatible terminals. (Another member of the 5000
series, the 5620, is an intelligent graphics terminal and thus
beyond the scope of this report.) The following paragraphs
describe the terminals that comprise the 5400 and 5540
product lines:

5400 Family —

• 5410 — an asynchronous, conversational terminal. The
5410 conforms to the ANSI X3.64 standard. It provides
80/132-column display capability, horizontal split screen,
editing capabilities, and five display attributes.

• 5418 — an asynchronous, conversational terminal that fea-
tures IBM 3270 emulation when used in conjunction with
a protocol converter. It provides 80/132-column display
capability, conforms to the ANSI X3.64 standard, and
includes an IBM 3278-style keyboard.

• 5420/2 — an asynchronous, buffered terminal. The 5420/2
provides all of the features of the 5410, plus 78 (80
columns) or 54 (132 columns) lines of display memory,
scroll mode, page mode, and windowing. Emulates the
older Teletype Models 40/1 and 40/2, and replaces the
5420.

• 5425 — an asynchronous, buffered terminal. The 5425 con-
tains all of the features of the 5420, plus UNIX operating
system compatibility and DEC VT102 terminal
compatibility.

5540 Family —

The 5540 is a family of IBM 3270-compatible display
terminals, controllers, and printers. As with the older®
Teletype 4540 family, the 5540 products operate under both
BSC and SDLC line protocols. Members of the 5540 line
include:

• 5544 — a control unit that is compatible with the IBM
3274 and is available in 16- and 32-port configurations;

• 5546 — a control unit that is compatible with the IBM
3276 and is available in 6-and 12-port versions;

• 5548 Model 12 — a monochrome display terminal that is
compatible with the IBM 3178; includes a 12-inch display
screen with a 1920-character capacity and a detachable
keyboard;

• 5548 Model 22 — a monochrome display terminal that is
compatible with the IBM 3278 Model 2; includes a 13-
inch display screen with a 1920-character capacity and a
detachable keyboard;

• 5548 Model 25 — a monochrome display terminal that is
compatible with the IBM 3278 Model 5; includes a 13-
inch display screen with selectable 1920- and 3564-char-
acter capacities and a detachable keyboard;

• 5549 — a 4-color display terminal that is compatible with
the IBM 3279 Model S2A; includes a 13-inch display
screen with selectable 1920- and 2560-character
capacities and a detachable keyboard.

^ AT&T Teletype also provides a variety of printers for use
with the 5540 family, including serial and line printers.

DECEMBER 1984

AT&T Teletype 5000 Series Display Terminals

C25-046-103
Display Terminals

Prior to AT&T’s divestiture, Teletype Corporation pos-
sessed what was, essentially, a built-in market. The com-
pany’s products were sold primarily to the Bell Operating
Companies (BOCs) for their internal use or for resale to
their customers. At that time, as much as 40 percent of
Teletype’s revenues were attributed to their business with
the BOCs. As part of Computer Inquiry II, the BOCs were
forbidden to sell new premise equipment to users during
1983. Also as part of Computer Inquiry II, Teletype was
prohibited from selling its products directly to end users.
With the AT&T divestiture, the BOCs were divested from
AT&T, thus loosening, to some extent. Teletype’s hold on
them. Teletype remains a part of AT&T, while the BOCs
are now free to purchase equipment from whatever source
they prefer.

All of this has forced Teletype (now officially AT&T Tele-
type) to change its strategy in the new, deregulated market-
place. As a result, the company has poured more money
into research and development, beefed up marketing, cut
manufacturing costs in order to reduce prices, and estab-
lished new distribution channels. The results to date have
been encouraging — AT&T Teletype posted a significant
jump in net profits during 1983. AT&T Teletype now sells
its products through distributors, OEMs, AT&T Informa-
tion Systems (under the Dataspeed name), and AT&T
International. The company also supplies equipment to the
BOCs for internal use; the BOCs, however, are still not
permitted to resell third party data processing equipment to
their customers.

In the deregulated market for terminals, AT&T Teletype
now finds itself competing directly with a myriad of ven-
dors. Its 5400 line of asynchronous terminals competes
with product lines from vendors such as Tele Video Sys-
tems, Lear Siegler, Applied Digital Data Systems, Esprit
Systems, Visual Technology, and several others. The 5540
product line competes with the IBM 3270 family, as well as
with 3270-compatible products from ITT Courier, Telex,
Lee Data, Memorex, and a number of others.

ADVANTAGES AND RESTRICTIONS

Teletype’s products have gained a reputation for func-
tionality and reliability, as well as for their rather high price
tags. The 5000 Series terminals retain the functionality
offered by their predecessors, but prices have fallen to
reflect the realities of competing in a deregulated market.
The AT&T Teletype terminals feature a variety of attrac-
tive features. The 5400 asynchronous terminals have been
imbued with 80/1 32-column display capability, windowing
(on the buffered models), and ANSI X3.64 compatibility.
UNIX operating system compatibility and DEC VT102
compatibility have been implelmented on the new 5425.
An optional integral modem/dialer has also been added to
the line. The 5540 synchronous terminals are interchang-
able with existing Teletype 4540 components. All AT&T
Teletype terminals include a tiltable display and a detach-
able, low-profile keyboard.

AT&T Teletype has fallen somewhat behind in the com-
petitive 3270 replacement market, however. Although the

► TRANSMISSION SPECIFICATIONS

For the 5400 terminals, transmission is asynchronous, in
half- or full-duplex, at speeds up to 19,200 hits per second.
Isochronous transmission is selectable on the 5420/2 and
5425. Multipoint operation is available on all models except
the 5410. All models conform to both the ASCII and ANSI
X3.64 communications protocols. Vertical parity generation
and detection options are available. All models provide an
EIA RS-232-C interface, as well as an auxiliary EIA
RS-232-C printer interface. A self-test capability is stan-
dard. An integral modem/dialer is optionally available with
the 5410, 5418, and 5425. The integral modem is compatible
with 212A-type modems for operation at 1200 or 300 bps.

For the 5540 family, transmission is synchronous, in half- or
full-duplex, at speeds up to 9600 bits per second. Both BSC
and SNA/SDLC protocols are supported. The 5544 is com-
patible with the IBM 3274 “C” models, while the 5546 is
compatible with the IBM 3276 remote controllers. The
following SNA descriptors are supported: Physical Unit
(PU) Type 2, Logical Units (LU) Types 1, 2, and 3, and
Format Identification (FID) Type 2. Displays and printers
connect to the control unit via twisted pair or coaxial cable,
at distances up to 5,000 feet (up to 2,000 feet only for the line
printer models). Over nonswitched transmission facilities,
half-duplex terminal operation is supported. Two EIA
RS-232-C interfaces are standard.

DEVICE CONTROL

The 5410 and 5418 conversational display terminals trans-
mit data a character-at-a-time as it is keyed. The option
menu is displayed on the screen in a ‘^plain English’’ man-
ner. Eight user-or host-programmable function keys are
included on the 5410, each of which has up to a 50-character
per key capacity in nonvolatile memory. Each function key
has a corresponding screen label, with up to 16 characters
displayable on each label. The 5418 contains 24 function
keys. When used with a protocol converter, the 5418 emu-
lates the IBM 3278 for both local and remote communica-
tions. The 5418 features single-key access to all 3278-like
keystrokes.

Visual display attributes available on the 5410 and 5418
include normal, blank, half-intensity, blink, underline, and
reverse video. The display screen may be horizontally split
into a maximum of two static regions and one scrolling
region. Editing capabilities include character and line in-
sert/delete, as well as clear functions. Line drawing and
special symbol graphics are available. The 5410 and 5418
conform to the ANSI X3.64 standard.

The 5420/2 and 5425 buffered displays can transmit data a
character-at-a time from the keyboard, or by line/page/
block from the display. Up to 78 lines of display memory are
available when using the 80-column display format, and up
to 54 lines of memory are available when using the 132-
column display format. The 5420/2 and 5425 contain all of
the basic operating features of the 5410 and 5418 (including
visual attributes and editing), plus some additional features
not found on the conversational models, including single or
multiple character or line insert/delete. The 5425 differs
from the 5420/2 in that it is compatible with the UNIX
operating system and with the DEC VT 102 display termi-
nal. The 5420/2 is compatible with the older Teletype 40/1
and 40/2 display terminals.

The 5420/2 and 5425 provide 3 separate methods to access
and manipulate the display memory; scroll mode, horizontal
split screen, and windowing. Scroll mode allows the operator
to scroll through display memory. The horizontal split
screen feature is the same as found on the 5410 and 5418,
with 1 scrolling region and 2 static regions. With windowing,
the 5420/2 and 5425 memory can he divided into a maxi-

DECEMBER 1984

C25-046 104
Display Terminals

AT&T Teletype 5000 Series Display Terminals

company has recently added a color display to the 5540
product line, it does not offer the wide range of product
choices now available from such independent 3270-com-
patible vendors such as ITT Courier, Lee Data, Telex, and
Memorex; nor does it possess the product choices offered
by IBM itself. Look for AT&T Teletype to significantly
enhance the 5540 family in the near future, possibly with
attachment capability for the AT&T Personal Computer
Model 6300. These enhancements are necessary to protect
the company’s installed base and possibly carve out a larger
share of the lucrative 3270-replacement market. □

mum of 4 rectangles of varying lengths and widths, called
workspaces. A window or viewport into each workspace can
be created, and its position defined and located on the
screen. One viewport can be overlapped or eclipsed with
another.

The optional integral modem feature allows the 5410, 5418,
and 5425 displays to plug directly into a telephone line for
manual dialing of calls from the keyboard, automatic dialing
of stored numbers, or automatic repeat dialing. A security
feature hides all or part of the dial command log-on string.
Screen labels are available to simplify dialing, and call
progress status and prompts are displayed on the screen’s
25th display line.

The 5540 family of components are compatible with the
corresponding members of the IBM 3270 Information Dis-
play System. The 5540 is also compatible with the Teletype
4540 family, the company’s previous line of IBM 3270-
compatible equipment.

The 5540 terminals feature a separate user information/
status line, block or underline cursor with selectable blink,
and self-test diagnostics. A selector light pen is optional.
The displays connect to a cluster controller via twisted pair
or coaxial cable at distances up to 5,000 feet.

All software for the 5540 controllers is stored on dual 5V4-
inch floppy disks; a user can switch from BSC to SDLC
protocol by switching disks. The first port on the controller
is reserved for the controller console, for communicating
with the host and for setting options such as station
addresses, configurations, and printer authorization matrix.

COMPOIMEINITS

5400 Family

5410/5418/5420/5425 DISPLAY UNITS: Include a 12-
inch (diagonal) display screen, capable of displaying 24
lines of 80 or 132 characters. One status line is available,
plus 2 lines for screen labels. Characters are formed utiliz-
ing a 7-by-9 dot matrix with descenders in a 9-by-13 field
(80-column format), or using a 5-by-7 dot matrix with
descenders in a 7-by-13 field (132-column format). Green,
white, or amber phosphor characters are available. Two
character sets are selectable: 128 ASCII alphanumeric plus
control characters, or 96 line drawing and special graphic
characters. Other character sets available include United
Kingdom, videotex mosaics, and securities industry. The
screen features 7 tilt positions, a nonglare finish, and bright-
ness control.

5410/5420/5425 KEYBOARDS: Feature a typewriter-style
layout with a separate numeric cluster and 8 programmable
function keys. Function keys offer 16 functions: 8 defined by
the host and 8 defined by the user. Each function key is

capable of storing 80 characters per key. The 5425 provides
11 additional function keys, shiftable to provide 22
functions.

5418 KEYBOARD: Features a layout similar to that found
on the IBM 3278, including 24 function keys. Otherwise, the
5418 keyboard contains the same features found on the
5410, 5420/2, and 5425 keyboards, including a low-profile
design, tilt adjustments, and detachability.

5540 Family

5544 CONTROLLER: A floor-standing control unit that is
compatible with the IBM 3274 Control Unit. The 5544 is
based on a 16-bit microprocessor; software is stored on 5 Vi-
inch dual floppy disks. The 5544 is available in two models,
featuring 16 and 32 device attachment ports. Both models
support BSC and SNA/SDLC line protocols by changing
diskettes. Built-in local and remote test features are
included.

5546 CONTROLLER: A tabletop control unit that is com-
patible with the IBM 3276 Control Unit (it does not include
an integral display like the 3276). The 5546 is based on a 16-
bit microprocessor; software is stored on 5Vi-inch dual
floppy disks. The 5546 is available in two models, featuring
6 and 12 device attachment ports. Both models support BSC
and SNA/SDLC line protocols by changing diskettes. Built-
in local and remote test features are included.

5548-12 DISPLAY TERMINAL: Includes a 12-inch
(diagonal) display screen with a 1920-character capacity
arranged in a 24-line by 80-column format. A user status line
is also available. The 5548 Model 12 is designed to replace
the IBM 3178 Display Station. Characters are formed
utilizing a 9-by-14 dot matrix, and are displayed in white on
a dark background. The EBCDIC character set is display-
able. The screen features a nonglare finish, brightness
control, and is tillable.

5548-22 DISPLAY TERMINAL: Includes a 13-inch
(diagonal) screen with a display capacity of 1920 characters,
arranged in 24 lines of 80 characters each. A user status line
is also available. The 5548 Model 22 is compatible with the
IBM 3278 Model 2 Display Station. Characters are formed
via a 9-by-14 dot matrix, and are displayed in white on a
dark background. The EBCDIC character set is display-
able. The display screen features a nonglare finish, bright-
ness control, and is tillable.

5548-25 DISPLAY TERMINAL: Includes a 13-inch
(diagonal) screen with selectable display capacities of 1920
(24 lines by 80 columns) or 3564 (27 lines by 132 columns)
characters. A user status line is also available. The 5548
Model 25 is compatible with the IBM 3278 Model 5 Display
Station. Display formats are operator- or program-select-
able. Characters are formed via a 9-by-14 dot matrix, and
are displayed in white on a dark background. The EBCDIC
character set is displayable. The screen features a nonglare
finish, brightness control, and is tiltable.

5549 COLOR DISPLAY TERMINAL: Includes a 13-inch
(diagonal) screen with selectable display capacities of 1920
(24 lines by 80 columns) or 2560 (32 lines by 80 columns)
characters. A user status line is also available. The 5549 is
compatible with the IBM 3279 Model S2A, as well as the
basic versions of the IBM 3279 Models 3X. Characters are
formed using a 9-by-14 dot matrix. Four colors are display-
able: blue, green, red, and white. The EBCDIC character set
is displayable. The screen features a nonglare finish, bright-
ness control, and is tiltable.

DECEMBER 1984

C25-046-105
Display Terminals

AT&T Teletype 5000 Series Display Terminals

5540 KEYBOARDS: Keyboards are available with the
following layouts: typewriter-style, typewriter-style with ex-
ternal numeric pad, and data entry. All keyboards are
detached, plug-compatible with each other, and feature a
3270-like layout. All keyboard styles feature 24 program-
mable function keys; up to 12 of the keys (PFl through
PF12) can be executed via a single keystroke. The key-
boards are detached and feature a low-profile design that
meets the 30mm DIN height standard, and feature tilt
adjustments of 5, 8, or 12 degrees. All alphanumeric keys
repeat, and audible key click is selectable; tactile feedback is
standard. The keyboard is connected to the display monitor
via a coiled cord. When not in use, the keyboard stores on a
shelf underneath the display.

5540 PRINTERS: A variety of printers are available for use
with the 5540 controllers. Three matrix character printers
are offered, featuring maximum print speeds of 30 (dot
matrix), 55 (full character), and 340 (dot matrix) cps. All
three printer models provide 132-column print capability.
Two line printers are offered, in either tabletop or floor-
standing versions. Both line printers operate at 300 1pm and
are available in an 80-column friction feed version, or in an
80/132-column tractor feed version. Also offered is an 80-
column forms access printer. The printers use the AT&T
Teletype Standard Serial Interface (SSI) signalling method
for communications with the 5544 and 5546 controllers, and
operate with data streams in the 3270 Data Stream Com-
patibility (DSC) format. Logical Unit Type 3, or the SNA
Character String (SCS) format. Logical Unit Type 1.

PRICING

The AT&T Teletype 5000 Series components are available
for purchase only. In accordance with Computer Inquiry II,
AT&T Teletype is not permitted to sell new customer-
premise equipment to end-users. AT&T Teletype products

are available to end-users only through third-party resellers
(OEMs) and distributors, as well as through AT&T Infor-
mation Systems and AT&T International.

Maintenance service for the 5000 Series terminals is avail-
able from AT&T Teletype’s product service organization;
there are over 100 service centers located throughout the
United States.

Purchase

Price

Models ($)

5400 Family —

5410 Conversational Display 902

5418 Conversational Display 1,080

5420/2 Buffered Display 1,492

5425 Buffered Display 1,265-1,720

5540 Family —

5544 Controller (16-port) 6,176

5544 Controller (32-port) 8,038

5546 Controller (6-port) 3,518

5546 Controller (12-port) 3,727

5548-12 Display (w/Data Entry 1,411

Keyboard)

5548-22 Display (w/Data Entry 1,785

Keyboard)

5548-25 Display (w/Data Entry 2,095

Keyboard)

5549 Color Display (w/Data Entry 2,573B

Keyboard)

DECEMBER 1984

C25-046-101

Peripherals

AT&T Dataspeed 40 Service

AT&T, through its Bell System operating companies and
certain other concurring carriers, offers the Dataspeed
40 service, which is composed of special configurations
of the Teletype 40 display terminal family. (See Report
C25-830-101 for equipment details.) AT&T offers
interstate Dataspeed 40 service for both Private Line
Service under AT&T Long Lines Tariff 260 and

Dataphone Digital Service under Tariff 267. Full details
of these services are presented in Reports C3 1-046-351
and C3 1-046-251 respectively. The available offerings
and rates are presented below. (Contact your local
telephone company for availability and cost of intrastate
Dataspeed 40 service.)

usoc

Number**

Monthly Installation
Charge Charge

Asynchronous Dataspeed 40 Terminal Equipment (Teletype Model 40/1, 40/2, or 40/3)

4TC^

Keyboard Display unit (Teletype 4025 KD) with basic features; includes 24-line display buffer and pedestal
mount

$170

$214

4D1*

Teletypewriter compatibility features for 40/2 operation; requires item 4T3, 4T4, or 4T5

13.45

—

4D2*

Key control for selection between two transmission modes

Keyboard Display Printer unit (Teletype 4025 KDP) with basic features; includes 24-line display buffer
and friction-feed printer:

9.20

4TF*

Printer under display, pedestal mount

258

246

4TH^

Print adjacent to display, pedestal mount
Additional display buffer storage for items 4TC, 4TF, and 4TH;

258

246

4Tr

48-line display buffer

12.65

50.40

4T2^

72-line display buffer

Additional editing features; includes protected format, tabulation, highlighting, substitute character, and
message preparation alarm; for items 4TC, 4TF, and 4TH;

25.20

50.40

4T3*

24-line display buffer

22.70

126

4T4>

48-line display buffer

26.50

126

4T5*

72-line display buffer

30.20

126

4TG*

Receive-Only Printer (Teletype 401 1 ROP), friction feed

158

183

4T9^

Buffer for item 4TG, 1000 characters

12.65

126

4TJ*

KD to ROP or Wide Platen Printer (1 32-col. tractor feed) Connection Arrangement
Selective Calling Station Arrangement;

8.80

190

DJO*

For 1050/1200 bps transmission

75.60

—

DJW*

For 2400 bps transmission; requires item 4T3, 4T4, or 4T5

122

—

DJX*

Individual Receiver Selection; for DK or ROP

40.40

122

DJB*

Third Call Directing Code Recognition

3.80

50.40

DJ8*

Message Waiting Alarm and Parity Check on Roll Call

6.30

50.40

4TS*

ROP Item Selector; responds to two types of codes to permit an ROP to receive signals from the line at
1 200 bps

133

441

Each subsequent code change

Synchronous Dataspeed 40 Terminal Equipment (Teletype Model 40/4)

Keyboard Display Unit (Teletype 4026 KD);

478

4TO

Display unit with attached keyboard

83.50

61.15

4TP

Display unit with detached keyboard

83.25

61.15

4TQ

Upper/lower case

3.65

48.95

4EC

Single Display Station; requires item 4ED

180

306

4ED

Binary Synchronous line protocol

—

4TR

Printer, 80-column friction feed

125

61.15

4ST

Printer, 132-column tractor feed

214

201

40C

Printer, 80-column noise-reduced friction feed

Station Cluster Controller (Teletype 4001 SCC); accommodates up to six Device Cluster Controllers
(item 4TV); requires item 4TM:

151

184

4TT

For Device Cluster Controllers one to four

220

122

4TU

For Device Cluster Controllers five and six

Device Cluster Controller (Teletype 4002 DCC); accommodates up to four KD's (item 4TO or 4TP or five
Printers (item 4TR) in any combination of six devices; requires item 4TM and at least one 4TO or 4TP:

24.45

48.95

4TV

For one or two devices

192

122

4TW

For four additional devices

Mini Cluster Controller (Teletype 4003 MCC); requires item 4TM and at least one 4TO or 4TP;
accommodates up to three devices:

40.40

48.95

4TX

For one KD and zero or one Printer

226

122

4TY

For one additional KD or one additional Printer

25.70

48.95

4EACM

Keyboard Display Amplifier (Teletype KDA); for use with item 4TO; supports a KD at up to 250 cable feet
from a DCC or MCC; cabinet mounted

36.70

208

4EANM

Keyboard Display Amplifier (Teletype KDA); for use with 4TO or 4TP; supports a KD at up to 350 cable feet
from a DCC or MCC; in-line mounted

41.60

208

4EB

Extension Arrangement; extends maximum distance supported by a KDA (item 4EACM or 4EANM) by
250 cable feet

10.40

48.95

4D3

Keyboard Display Lock; for item 4TO

4.30

30.60

4NC

External Numeric Cluster Keyboard; for item 4TO, 4TP, or 4EC

7.95

91.80

MAY 1981

C25-046-102

Peripherals

usoc

Number**

AT&T Dataspeed 40 Service

Dataspeed 40 Options

Monthly

Charge

Installation

Charge

4TL

Tractor Feed for an ROP or KDP printer

$29

$ —

4TM

Additional Pedestal

8.80

50.40

4TN

Paper Accumulating Rack

1.55

50.40

4T7

Paper Winder

8.20

50.40

4T8

Copy Holder

3.50

50.40

4PP

Printer arrangement for grade B 16-pound, 3-ply rolled paper with 8- or 10-pound carbon paper
interleaved and single-copy fanfold paper
Environmental Enclosures for use with:

12.20

48.95

4EK

KD with detached keyboard (item 4TP)

61.15

122

4EP

Printer (item 4ST or 4TR) equipped with item 4TL

31.85

122

* For Tariff 260 only.

**USOC~Uniform Service Order Code.B

REPRODUCTION PROHIBITED

C25-046-301

Terminals

AT&T E4540 Series Display Terminals

The E4549 is a four-color display terminal available in two
models. The E4549-42 provides a 1,920-character display cap-
city; the E4549-43 provides selectable 1,920- and 2,560-charac-
ter display capacities. Both models include a 13-inch screen and
choice of detachable keyboards.

MANAGEMENT SUMMARY

Since 1930, Teletype Corporation was responsible for man-
ufacturing and supplying the Bell System’s teletypewriter
equipment and, in recent times, computer display termi-
nals and printers. The Bell System used Teletype products
internally and resold them to end users on a tarilfed basis.
In addition. Teletype marketed its own products on a
nontarilfed basis directly to end users, and through a large
network of dealers, distributors, leasing companies, and
OEMs.

The AT&T divestiture and deregulation have changed
most of that. Teletype has been absorbed into the Comput-
er Systems Division of AT&T Information Systems, and its
Teletype and Dataspeed labels have disappeared from
view. The company was known for a while as “AT&T
Teletype,” but now products coming out of Skokie display
only the AT&T logo. (In January 1986, AT&T announced
that it will phase out the manufacturing of data terminals
and teleprinters at the Skokie plant over the next two
years.) Some AT&T-IS terminal equipment is obtained
from other OEMs, as well.

The E4540 Series (formerly known as the 5540) is a family
of IBM 3270-compatible products. The E4540 components
are not plug-compatible with IBM’s products; in other

The E4540 Series is AT&T's third genera-
tion of IBM 3270-compatible display termi-
nal products, replacing the AT&T Teletype
4540 product line. An enhanced version of
the older 4540 family, the E4540 line fea-
tures local and remote cluster controllers,
monochrome and color display terminals,
and printers. As part of the product line,
AT&T also makes available an asynchronous
host adapter and a personal computer at-
tachment feature. E4540 displays and print-
ers attach to E4540 controllers via twisted-
pair wire or coaxial cable.

MODELS: E4544 and E4546 Controllers;
E4548-12and E4548-25 Display Terminals;
E4549-42 and E4549-43 Color Display
Terminals.

DISPLAY: The E4548-1 2 contains a 1 2-inch
display screen; the E4548-25, E4549-42,
and E4549-43 feature a 1 3-inch screen. The
E4548-25 features 80/1 32-column display
capability; the E4548-1 2, E4549-42, and
E4549-43 feature 80-column display capa-
bility only. All models have a tiltable display.
KEYBOARD: A variety of IBM 3270-style
keyboard layouts are available for the E4540
Series displays, including typewriter and
data entry; ail keyboard models feature 24
function keys. Keyboards for the E4540 dis-
plays are detachable, and are available in
both high-profile and low-profile designs.
COMPETITION: IBM, ITT Courier, Telex,
Lee Data, Memorex, and several others.
PRICE: Purchase prices for the E4540 Se-
ries terminals range from $1 ,495 to $2,265;
E4540 Series controllers are priced from
$4,000 to $16,300.

CHARACTERISTICS

VENDOR: AT&T Information Systems, 1 Speedwell Ave-
nue, Morristown, NJ 07960. Telephone (201) 898-2000. In
Canada: AT&T Canada, 1500 Don Mills Road, Ontario
M3B 3K4. Telephone (416) 449-4300.

DATE OF ANNOUNCEMENT: E4544, E4546, and
E4548— April 1983; E4549— May 1984.

DATE OF FIRST DELIVERY: E4544, E4546, and
E4548— Third quarter 1983; E4549— May 1984.

NUMBER DELIVERED TO DATE: Information not
available.

SERVICED BY: AT&T Information Systems.

MODELS

The E4540 Series is a family of IBM 3270-compatible
display terminals, controllers, and printers. As with the

MARCH 1986

C25-046-302

Terminals

AT&T E4540 Series Display Terminals

words, they cannot be mixed in with IBM devices in the
same configuration.

The E4540 family consists of local and remote cluster
controllers (E4544 and E4546), monochrome displays
(E4548-12 and E4548-25), color displays (E4549-42 and
E4549-43), and a line of printers. Printers and displays
attach to the controllers via twisted-pair wire or coaxial
cable. Recent additions to the E4540 line include the E4540
Asynchronous Adapter, that allows E4540 terminal users to
access asynchronous hosts via the keyboard; and the SSI
IRMA Emulator, that provides for PC attachment (AT&T
PC 6300, IBM PC/PC XT/PC AT, and IBM-compatible
PCs) to an E4540 controller.

The E4544 is an IBM 3274-compatible control unit. Avail-
able in 1 6-port and 32-port versions, the E4544 is a floor-
standing unit. The E4546 is an IBM 3276-compatible,
tabletop control unit available in 6-port and 12-port ver-
sions. Both controller models provide 5V4-inch dual dis-
kettes for software storage. Users can switch from BSC to
SNA/SDLC line protocol by changing disks.

The E4548-12 Display Terminal is an IBM 3278 Model 2
and 3 1 78-compatible unit containing a 1 2-inch display and
a 1,920-character (24 lines by 80 columns) display capacity.
The E4548-25 is compatible with the IBM 3278 Model 5; it
features a 13-inch screen while providing selectable display
capacities of 1,920 and 3,564 (27 lines by 132 columns)
characters. The E4549-42 is a 4-color display that includes
a 13-inch screen and a display capacity of 1,920 characters;
the E4549-43 also contains a 1 3-inch screen, but includes
selectable 1,920- and 2,560-character (32 lines by 80 col-
umns) display capacities. All of the E4540 displays can be
configured with a choice of keyboards, including typewrit-
er, typewriter with external numeric pad, and data entry
styles (all of which contain 24 programmable function
keys). The keyboards can be chosen with high- or low-
profile designs.

AT&T also provides a variety of character matrix and full-
character belt printers for use as part of an E4540 Series
configuration.

COMPETITIVE POSITION

Prior to AT&T’s divestiture. Teletype Corporation pos-
sessed what was, essentially, a built-in market. The compa-
ny’s products were sold primarily to the Bell Operating
Companies (BOCs) for their internal use or for resale to
their customers. At that time, as much as 40 percent of
Teletype’s revenues were attributed to their business with
the BOCs. As part of Computer Inquiry II, Teletype was
prohibited from selling new premises equipment to users
during 1983. Also as part of Computer Inquiry II, Teletype
was prohibited from selling its products directly to end
users. With the AT&T divestiture, the BOCs were divested
from AT&T, thus loosening, to some extent. Teletype’s
hold on them. Teletype remains a part of AT&T, while the

older AT&T Teletype 4540 family, the E4540 products

operate under both BSC and SDLC line protocols. Members

of the E4540 line include:

• E4544 — a control unit that is compatible with the IBM
3274 and is available in 16- and 32-port configurations, as
well as in remote and local versions;

• E4546 — a remote control unit that is compatible with the
IBM 3276 and is available in 6-and 12-port versions;

• E4548-12 — a monochrome display terminal that is com-
patible with the IBM 3178 and 3278 Model 2; includes a
12-inch display screen with a 1,920-character capacity and
a detachable keyboard;

• E4548-25 — a monochrome display terminal that is com-
patible with the IBM 3278 Model 5; includes a 13-inch
display screen with selectable 1,920- and 3,564-character
capacities and a detachable keyboard;

• 4549-42 — a 4-color display terminal that is compatible
with the IBM 3279 Model S2A; includes a 13-inch screen
with a 1,920-character capacity and a detachable key-
board; and

• 4549-43 — a 4-color display terminal that is compatible
with the IBM 3279 Model 3X; includes a 13-inch display
screen with selectable 1,920- and 2,560-character capaci-
ties and a detachable keyboard.

AT&T also provides a variety of printers for use with the

E4540 family, including serial and line printers.

TRANSMISSION SPECIFICATIONS

For the E4540 Series terminals, transmission is synchro-
nous, in half- or full-duplex, at speeds up to 9600 bits per
second (except for the E4544 Local Cluster Controller,
which supports speeds up to IM bps). Both BSC and SNA/
SDLC protocols are supported. The E4544 remote control-
lers are compatible with the IBM 3274 “C” models, while
the E4546 controllers are compatible with the IBM 3276
remote controller. The following SNA descriptors are sup-
ported: Physical Unit (PU) Type 2, Logical Units (LU)
Types 1, 2, and 3, and Format Identification (FID) Type 2.
Displays and printers connect to the control unit via 4-pair
twisted wire or coaxial cable, at distances up to 5,000 feet
(up to 2,000 feet only for the line printer models). Over
nonswitched transmission facilities, half-duplex terminal
operation is supported.

The E4544 and E4546 remote controllers can attach to the
following IBM host computers: S/360, S/370, 3030, 3081,
and 4300 via a channel-attached 2701, 2703, 3704, or 3705
communication processor or front-end; S/370 Models 115,
125, 135, and 138 via integrated adapters. A single host
processor can be attached. The E4544 local controller com-
municates with the IBM S/370, 43XX, 303X, or 308X hosts
in SNA or Extended 3272 modes.

Communications with asynchronous host computers is en-
abled via the AT&T E4540 Asynchronous Adapter. The
adapter provides for full-duplex asynchronous transmission
at 300, 1200, or 2400 bps. The E4540 Asynchronous Adapt-
er provides eight asynchronous modem ports.

When operating in asynchronous mode, the E4540 remote
controllers use the SSI/EIA Multiplexer attachment. The
multiplexer c^nects to any port on a remote controller and
provides eiglft RS-232-C interfaces to asynchronous mo-
dems. The E4544-31 SB can accommodate two multiplex-
^>- ers; all others can accommodate one.

MARCH 1986

AT&T E4540 Series Display Terminals

C25-046-303

Terminals

BOCs are now free to purchase equipment from whatever
source they prefer.

All of this forced Teletype (which soon became AT&T
Teletype) to change its strategy in the new, deregulated,
marketplace. As a result, the company poured more money
into research and development, beefed up marketing, cut
manufacturing costs in order to reduce prices, and estab-
lished new distribution channels.

In 1985, AT&T Teletype became a wholly owned subsid-
iary of the Computer Systems Division of AT&T Informa-
tion Systems. All sales and marketing for Teletype
terminals were relocated to AT&T-IS headquarters in Mor-
ristown, New Jersey. Teletype, based in Skokie, Illinois,
remains (for the time being) the manufacturing arm for the
production of data terminals; however, the Teletype logo
will no longer be found on the terminals.

In January 1986, AT&T announced that it will phase out
the manufacturing of printers and data terminals at the
Teletype plant in Skokie. This move will result in the
layoffs of approximately 800 of the 2,000 workers now
employed at the former Teletype headquarters. The move
comes as part of AT&T Information Systems’ planned
reduction of 24,000 jobs. The manufacturing of printers
and data terminals will be transferred to AT&T’s Little
Rock, Arkansas facility, which was formerly also a Teletype
facility. It would seem that Teletype, as a company, is
slowly disappearing. The Teletype name remains a legal
entity for trademark, product brand name, and other
purposes.

The E4540 Series is AT&T’s replacement for the older
Teletype 4540 family of IBM 3270 replacement products.
The new components are also compatible with the existing
Teletype 4540 products, a line which boasts a very large
installed base (approximately 300,000) and a high degree of
user acceptance in the competitive 3270 replacement
market.

Within this market, the E4540 Series competes against
IBM, as well as with the 3270 product lines from indepen-
dent vendors such as Telex, ITT Courier, Memorex, Lee
Data, Harris, and several others.

ADVANTAGES AND RESTRICTIONS

Teletype’s products have gained a reputation for function-
ality and reliability, as well as for their rather high price
tags. The AT&T E4540 Series terminals retain the func-
tionality offered by their predecessors, but prices have
fallen to reflect the realities of competing in a deregulated
market. In addition, a variety of enhancements (thus, the E
in E4540) have been made in this new family of products.
Color terminals, compact monochrome terminals, and a
wider variety of printers are now a part of the E4540
product line. In addition, selectable synchronous and asyn-
chronous operation from a single terminal is now possible
through the addition of the E4540 Asynchronous Adapter.

► DEVICE CONTROL

The E4540 family of components are compatible with the
corresponding members of the IBM 3270 Information Dis-
play System. The E4540 Series is also compatible with the
older AT&T Teletype 4540 family, the company’s previous
line of IBM 3270-compatible equipment.

The E4540 terminals feature a separate user information/
status line, block or underline cursor with selectable blink,
and self-test diagnostics. A selector light pen is optional.
The displays connect to a cluster controller via twisted-pair
wire or coaxial cable at distances up to 5,000 feet.

All software for the E4540 controllers is stored on dual 5 Vi-
inch diskettes; a user can switch from BSC to SDLC proto-
col by switching disks. The first port on the controller is
reserved for the controller console, for communicating with
the host and for setting options such as station addresses,
configurations, and printer authorization matrix.

The E4540 Asynchronous Adapter allows an E4540 display
terminal to access both IBM 3270-compatible networks and
asynchronous data bases. The Asynchronous Adapter con-
sists of a small module and a program diskette. The module
connects to an E4544 or E4546 remote controller; each
module provides the E4540 display terminals connected to
the controller with access to eight RS-232-C asynchronous
modem ports with line speeds up to 2400 bps. Once the
program is downloaded from the diskette, the user of an
E4540 display can select synchronous or asynchronous op-
eration by pressing a single key. When in asynchronous
mode, the E4540 display is compatible with application
programs based on the ANSI X3.64 protocol and Digital
Equipment Corporation VTIOO and VT52 terminal opera-
tion. A horizontal split screen mode is selectable for display-
ing and interacting with synchronous and asynchronous
data simultaneously.

The SSI IRMA Emulator allows an AT&T 6300 personal
computer, an IBM PC, PC XT, PC AT, or IBM-compatible
PC to attach to an E4540 Series controller. The SSI IRMA
Emulator consists of a plug-in circuit card and an emulator
program on diskette. The emulation program allows the PC
to emulate an E4540 display.

COMPONENTS

E4544-31 SA REMOTE CLUSTER CONTROLLER: A
floor-standing control unit that is compatible with the IBM
3274 Control Unit. The E4544-31 SA is based on a 16-bit
microprocessor; software is stored on 5V4-inch dual dis-
kettes. The controller provides for the attachment of up to 16
devices (1 display minimum; 8 printers maximum) in a
remote cluster. Support for both BSC and SNA/SDLC line
protocols is provided by changing diskettes. Built-in local
and remote test features are included.

The E4544-31 SA provides for the attachment of E4540
Series display terminals and printers; it does not support
attachment of IBM devices.

E4544-31 SB REMOTE CLUSTER CONTROLLER: A
floor-standing control unit that is compatible with the IBM
3274 Control Unit (C models). The E4544-31 SB is based on
a 16-bit microprocessor; software is stored on 5V4-inch dual
diskettes. The controller provides for the attachment of up to
32 (1 display minimum; 8 printers maximum) devices in a
remote cluster. Support for both BSC and SNA/SDLC line
protocols is provided by changing diskettes. Built-in local
and remote test features are included.

The E4544-31 SB provides for the attachment of E4540
Series display terminals and printers; it does not support
attachment of IBM devices.

MARCH 1986

C25-046-304

Terminals

AT&T E4540 Series Display Terminals

Another important trend in the 3270-replacement market
is the addition of personal computers to a standard 3270
configuration. With the SSI IRMA Emulator (a version of
the industry’s most popular micro-mainframe link, the
Irma board from DCA), E4540 Series users can connect an
AT&T 6300 Personal Computer, an IBM PC, PC XT, or
PC AT, or certain IBM-compatible PCs to an E4540
controller.

A disadvantage of the E4540 Series is the product line’s lack
of plug-compatibility with the IBM 3270 family of prod-
ucts. AT&T E4540 components cannot be mixed in with
IBM 3270 components in the same configuration; thus, the
product line must be sold as a complete package. AT&T has
recently introduced the 6500 Multifunction Communica-
tion System, a new generation of 3270-compatible prod-
ucts. The question now would seem to be whether or not
AT&T will phase out the E4540 Series in favor of the new
6500 product line. □

► E4544 LOCAL CLUSTER CONTROLLER: A floor-
standing local control unit that can operate in SNA or
Extended 3272 modes. The E4544 Local Cluster Controller
is based on a 16-bit microprocessor; software is stored on
5V4-inch dual diskettes. It supports up to 32 devices (1
display minimum; 8 printers maximum) in a local cluster.

The E4544 local controller provides for the attachment of
E4540 Series display terminals and printers; it does not
support attachment of IBM devices.

E4546-31 SA REMOTE CLUSTER CONTROLLER: A
tabletop control unit that is compatible with the IBM 3276
Control Unit (it does not include an integral display like the
3276). The E4546-31 SA is based on a 16-bit microproces-
sor; software is stored on 5y4-inch dual diskettes. The
E4546-31 SA provides for the attachment of up to 6 devices
(1 display minimum; 5 printers maximum) in a remote
configuration. Support for both BSC and SNA/SDLC line
protocols is provided by changing diskettes. Built-in local
and remote test features are included.

The E4546-31 SA provides for the attachment of E4540
Series display terminals and printers; it does not support
attachment of IBM devices.

E4546-31 SB REMOTE CLUSTER CONTROLLER: A
tabletop control unit that is compatible with the IBM 3276
Control Unit (it does not include an integral display like the
3276). The E4546-31 SB is based on a 16-bit microproces-
sor; software is stored on SVi-inch dual diskettes. The
E4546-31 SB provides for the attachment of up to 12 devices
(1 display minimum; 6 printers maximum) in a remote
configuration. Support for both BSC and SNA/SDLC line
protocols is provided by changing diskettes. Built-in local
and remote test features are included.

The E4546-31 SB provides for the attachment of E4540
Series display terminals and printers; it does not support
attachment of IBM devices.

E4548-12 DISPLAY TERMINAL: A monochrome display
terminal that includes a 12-inch (diagonal) display screen
with a 1,920-character capacity arranged in a 24-line by 80-
column format. A user status line is also available. The
E4548-12 is designed for compatibility with the IBM 3178
Display Station. Characters are formed utilizing a 7-by-9
dot matrix, and are displayed in white on a dark back-
ground. The 96 EBCDIC/ ASCII character set is displaya-
ble. The screen features a nonglare finish, brightness con-
trol, and is tiltable.

The E4548-12 attaches to the E4540 Series controllers; it
does not attach to IBM controllers.

E4548-25 DISPLAY TERMINAL: A monochrome display
terminal that includes a 13-inch (diagonal) screen with
selectable display capacities of 1,920 (24 lines by 80 col-
umns) or 3,564 (27 lines by 132 columns) characters. A user
status line is also available. The E4548-25 is compatible
with the IBM 3278 Model 5 Display Station. Display
formats are operator- or program-selectable. Characters are
formed via a 7-by-9 dot matrix (5-by-7 dot matrix in 132-
column mode), and are displayed in white on a dark back-
ground. The 96 EBCDIC/ASCII character set is displaya-
ble. The screen features a nonglare finish, brightness
control, and is tiltable.

The E4548-25 attaches to the E4540 Series controllers; it
does not attach to IBM controllers.

E4549-42 COLOR DISPLAY TERMINAL: A 4-color dis-
play terminal that includes a 13-inch (diagonal) screen with
a 1,920-character (24 lines by 80 columns) display capacity.
A user status line is also available. The E4549-42 is compat-
ible with the IBM 3279 Model S2A. Characters are formed
using a 7-by-9 dot matrix. Displayable colors are blue,
green, red, and white. The 96 EBCDIC/ASCII character set
is displayable. The screen features a nonglare finish, bright-
ness control, and is tiltable.

The E4549-42 attaches to the E4540 Series controllers; it
does not attach to IBM controllers.

E4549-43 COLOR DISPLAY TERMINAL: A 4-color dis-
play terminal that includes a 13-inch (diagonal) screen with
selectable display capacities of 1,920 (24 lines by 80 col-
umns) or 2,560 (32 lines by 80 columns) characters. A user
status line is also available. The E4549-43 is compatible
with the IBM 3279 Model S2A, as well as the basic versions
of the IBM 3279 Models 3X. Characters are formed using a
7-by-9 dot matrix. Displayable colors are blue, green, red,
and white. The 96 EBCDIC/ ASCII character set is dis-
playable. The screen features a nonglare finish, brightness
control, and is tiltable.

The E4548-43 attaches to the E4540 Series controllers; it
does not attach to IBM controllers.

E4540 KEYBOARDS: The E4548 display terminals are
configured with the T5 keyboard as standard, which is a
typewriter-style keyboard available in either high- or low-
profile designs. Also available are two additional keyboards:
a low-profile keyboard with a typewriter-style layout, and a
low-profile keyboard with a data entry layout.

All keyboards are detached, plug-compatible with each oth-
er, and feature an IBM 3270-type layout. All keyboard
styles feature 24 programmable function keys; up to 12 of
the keys (PFl through PF12) can be executed via a single
keystroke. All alphanumeric keys repeat, and audible key
click is selectable; tactile feedback is standard. The key-
board is connected to the display monitor via a coiled cord.
When not in use, the keyboard stores on a shelf underneath
the display (monochrome displays only). The low-profile
keyboards feature a design that meets the 30 mm DIN
height standard, and include tilt adjustments of 5, 8, or 12
degrees.

T5 High-Profile Keyboard — an 87-key keyboard with a
typewriter-style key layout and a 12-degree (70 mm) stepped
keyrow profile.

T5 Low-Profile Keyboard — an 87-key keyboard with a type-
writer-style key layout and a 5-degree (30 mm) stepped
keyrow profile.

MARCH 1986

AT&T E4540 Series Display Terminals

C25-046-305

Terminals

Low-Profile Typewriter Keyboard — an 87-key keyboard
with a typewriter-style key layout, an external numeric pad,
and a 5-degree (30 mm) stepped keyrow profile.

Low-Profile Data Entry Keyboard — an 87-key keyboard
with a data entry-style key layout and a 5-degree (30 mm)
stepped keyrow profile.

E4540 PRINTERS: A variety of character and line printers
are available for attachment to the E4540 Series controllers.
The printers use the AT&T Standard Serial Interface (SSI)
signaling method for communications with the E4544 and
E4546 controllers, and operate with data streams in the
3270 Data Stream Compatibility (DSC) format. Logical
Unit Type 3, or the SNA Character String (SCS) format.
Logical Unit Type 1.

The E4540 Series low-speed character matrix printer
(E45AP102AAA) prints at 10 cpi and 6 Ipi, handling forms
3 to 15 inches wide and 11 inches long. The high-speed
character matrix printer (E45AP201 AAA) prints at 5, 10, or
16.7 cpi and 6 or 8 Ipi; forms can be 3 to 16 inches wide, and
up to 14 inches long. The Letter Quality Printer prints at 10,
12, or 15 cpi and 3, 6, or 8 Ipi.

E45AP102AAA Matrix Printer — a floorstanding character
printer with a print speed of 30 cps. Printing is bidirectional,
using a 4-by-7 dot matrix and a 132-column tractor feed
mechanism. The upper-/lowercase EBCDIC character set is
used.

E45AP201AAA Matrix Printer — a tabletop character print-
er with print speeds of 200 or 340 cps. Printing is bidirec-
tional, using a 4-by-7 dot matrix and a 132-column tractor
feed mechanism. The upper-/lowercase EBCDIC character
set is used.

Letter Quality Printer — a tabletop daisywheel printer with a
print speed of 55 cps. A form-length dial, top-of-form feed
switch, reset switch, alarm/clear switch, and word propor-
tional spacing switch are standard. The upper-/lowercase
EBCDIC character set is used.

The E4540 Series line printers are full-character, impact
belt printers which print at 10 cpi and 6 Ipi. Forms can be
from 4 to 9.5 or 15 inches wide, and 3.75, 5.5, or 11 inches
long.

E4011-3BXO Belt Printer — a tabletop belt printer with
print speeds of 220 or 300 1pm. An 80-column friction feed
mechanism is standard; the monocase EBCDIC character
set is used.

nism is standard; the upper-/lowercase EBCDIC character
set is used.

E4011-4LXO Belt Printer — a tabletop belt printer with
print speeds of 220 or 300 1pm. A 132-column tractor feed
mechanism is standard; the monocase EBCDIC character
set is used.

E4011-4MXO Belt Printer — a tabletop belt printer with
print speeds of 220 or 300 1pm. A 132-column tractor feed
mechanism is standard; the upper-/lowercase EBCDIC
character set is used.

E4011-4AXN Belt Printer — a floorstanding belt printer
with print speeds of 220 or 300 1pm. An 80-column tractor
feed mechanism and forms access are standard; the mono-
case EBCDIC character set is used.

E4011-4DXN Belt Printer — a floorstanding belt printer
with print speeds of 220 or 300 1pm. An 80-column tractor
feed mechanism and forms access are standard; the upper-/
lowercase EBCDIC character set is used.

E4504-1CEF Belt Printer — a floorstanding belt printer with
print speeds of 220 or 300 1pm. A 132-column tractor feed
mechanism is standard; the monocase EBCDIC character
set is used.

E4504-1CFF Belt Printer — a floorstanding belt printer with
print speeds of 220 or 300 1pm. A 132-column tractor feed
mechanism is standard; the upper-/lowercase EBCDIC
character set is used.

E4540 ASYNCHRONOUS ADAPTER: Diskette-resident
emulation software that allows an E4540 Series display
terminal to emulate Digital VTIOO asynchronous terminal
operation and normal synchronous operation. The E4540
Asynchronous Adapter consists of a small module (which
connects to a BSC cluster controller) and a program dis-
kette. The module provides the displays connected to the
controller with access to eight asynchronous modem ports;
two E4540 Asynchronous Adapter modules may be used
with 32-port controllers.

SSI IRMA EMULATOR: Allows a personal computer to
attach to an E4540 Series controller, emulating an E4540
Series display terminal. The AT&T 6300 Personal Comput-
er, IBM PC, PC XT, and PC AT, or IBM-compatible PCs
may be attached. The SSI IRMA Emulator consists of a
plug-in circuit card (for the PC) and emulation software on a
diskette. The SSI IRMA is an OEMed version of the
Digital Communications Associates (DCA) Irma product.

E4011-3EXO Belt Printer — a tabletop belt printer with
print speeds of 220 or 300 1pm. An 80-column friction feed
mechanism is standard; the upper-/lowercase EBCDIC
character set is used.

E4011-4GXO Belt Printer — a tabletop belt printer with
print speeds of 220 or 300 1pm. An 80-column tractor feed
mechanism is standard; the monocase EBCDIC character
set is used.

E4011-4JXO Belt Printer — a tabletop belt printer with print
speeds of 220 or 300 1pm. An 80-column tractor feed mecha-

PRICING

The AT&T E4540 Series components are available for
purchase only; quantity discounts are available.

Maintenance service for the E4540 Series components is
available from AT&T Information Systems field personnel.
Maintenance charges are billed on a monthly basis; monthly
rates vary depending on user location. The maintenance
rates shown in this report are the maximum maintenance ,
charges.

MARCH 1986

C25-046-306

Terminals

AT&T E4540 Series Display Terminals

EQUIPMENT PRICES

Purchase

Monthly

Mainte-

Price

nance

($)

E4544-31 SA

Remote Cluster Controller

6,800

E4544-31 SB

Remote Cluster Controller

12,350

E4544

Local Cluster Controller

16,300

E4546-31 SA

Remote Cluster Controller

4,000

E4546-31 SB

Remote Cluster Controller

4,400

E4548-12TA

Display Terminal; w/low-profile T5 keyboard

1,495

E4548-12TF

Display Terminal; w/high-profile T5 keyboard

1,695

E4548-25TA

Display Terminal; w/low-profile T5 keyboard

2,065

E4548-25TF

Display Terminal; w/high-profile T5 keyboard

2,265

E4549-42

Color Display Terminal; requires keyboard

1,840

—

E4549-43

Color Display Terminal; requires keyboard

1,840

—

High-Profile Keyboard

425

—

Low-Profile Keyboard

225

—

Low-Profile Typewriter Keyboard; w/external numeric pad

335

—

Low-Profile Data Entry Keyboard

225

—

E45AP102AAA

Matrix Printer

2,498

E45AP201AAA

Matrix Printer

3,868

Letter Quality Printer

4,950

—

E4011-3BXO

Belt Printer

3,973

E4011-3EXO

Belt Printer

3,973

E4011-4GXO

Belt Printer

4,208

E4011-4JXO

Belt Printer

4,208

E4011-4LXO

Belt Printer

5,170

E4011-4MXO

Belt Printer

5,170

E4011-4AXN

Belt Printer

4,785

E4011-4DXN

Belt Printer

4,785

E4504-1CEF

Belt Printer

5,595

E4504-1CFF

Belt Printer

5,595

E4540

Asynchronous Adapter

1,500

SSI IRMA Emulator

1,045

SSI/EIA Multiplexer

1,500

MARCH 1986

C25-046-501

Terminals

AT&T 6500 Multifunction Communication

System

clcilc^sro

ANALYSIS

UPDATE: The 6500 Multifunction Communication Sys-
tem is AT&T s newest IBM 3270 replacement product line.
Based on the modular 6544 controller, the 6500 System
provides access to both synchronous and asynchronous
hosts. AT&T provides a variety of system-compatible and
plug-compatible display terminals for use with the 6500
System in both monochrome and color versions; multitask-
ing capability is also available. Personal computing capa-
bility can be added to the system via standard MS-DOS
personal computers (PCs), including the AT&T 6300 and
6300 Plus.

Two years ago, AT&T introduced the 6500 Multifunction
Communication System, a family of products that pro-
vides compatibility with the synchronous IBM 3270 sys-
tem, as well as asynchronous host computers and
functions. In September 1987, AT&T announced several
enhancements that expand the system’s functionality and
increase its capabilities. Included in the announcement

AT&Ts 6500 Multifunction Communication System provides
multiple host access, as well as asynchronous/synchronous
operation. A variety of displays and printers are available for
use with the 6500 System, which is based on the modular 6544
controller.

VENDOR: AT&T, 1 Speedwell Avenue, Mor-
ristown, New Jersey 07960. Telephone (201)
898-2000.

CANADIAN DISTRIBUTION: AT&T Canada,
1 500 Don Mills Road, Ontario M3B 3K4. Tele-
phone (416) 449-4300.

MODELS: 6544 Multifunction Communication
Controller; 6518 Basic Function Display; 6528
and 6529 Standard Displays; 6538 and 6539
Multitasking Displays; 6578, 6579, 6580, and
6591 Plug-Compatible Displays; 6571 and 6581
Color Graphics Printer; and the 2-N-1 Adapter.
KEYBOARD: All models include a detachable
1 22-key keyboard featuring a low-profile design.
ADAPTER: The 2-N-1 Adapter is for use with
AT&T 6300, 6310, or compatible personal com-
puters.

COMPETITION: IBM, Telex, ITT Courier, Memo-
rex, Lee Data, and several others.

PRICING: The basic 6544 controller is priced at
$7,880; various modules for the controller range
in price from $2,215 to $3,920. Display termi-
nals range in price from $1 ,950 to $2,895. The
prices of the plug-compatible displays range from
$1,165 to $1,705. The 2-N-1 Adapter costs
$1,045.

REPORT HIGHLIGHTS: PAGE

Product Evaluation 502

Market Position 503

SPECIFICATIONS 504

PRICING 508

are five new plug-compatible displays, an optional plug-
compatible controller module, and a local channel-con-
nection option. The company also announced increased
asynchronous access capabilities.

AT&T has long been a leader in the IBM 3270-compatible
terminal market, with well over 300,000 terminals in-
stalled. The company’s products include the 40 Series, the
4540 family, and the current E4540 line. Each product line
provides basic, functional compatibility with correspond-
ing IBM 3270 products.

The 6500 product line provides access to multiple hosts
from the same display terminal. Components of the 6500
Multifunction Communication System include the 6544

NOVEMBER 1987

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Terminals

AT&T 6500 Multifunction Communication System

Shown above is the outside view of the 6544 controller. The
backplane of the controller contains 12 expansion slots for
connecting as many as 3 synchronous hosts, 32 synchronous
devices, and 32 asynchronous devices.

controller; 6518, 6528, 6538, 6578, 6580, and 6591 mono-
chrome displays; 6529, 6539, and 6579 color displays; and
the 6571 and 6572 color printers. The 6500 family also
accommodates the older AT&T 4540 and E4540 displays;
AT&T 4400 family asynchronous displays; and a variety
of personal computers, including the AT&T 6300 and
6300 Plus PCs and the IBM PC/XT/AT. The 6500 com-
ponents operate over standard twisted-pair telephone wire
or previously installed coaxial cable.

The 6544 Multifunction Communication Controller is the
central component of the 6500 System. It supports up to
32 synchronous devices, up to 32 asynchronous devices,
and 12 module slots, which hold the following:

• Synchronous Host Module — provides synchronous
ports for the access of 3270 hosts (Bisync or SNA). This
module supports a 19.2K bps transmission speed and
provides access to up to three host computers, depend-
ing upon their speed and protocol.

• Synchronous Device Interface Module — provides for
the attachment of up to 16 synchronous displays, print-
ers, or PCs via twisted-pair wire and supports up to four
modules.

• Asynchronous Host/Protocol Conversion Module — pro-
vides for connection of up to eight asynchronous hosts
or terminals; protocol conversion allows asynchronous
terminals to access synchronous hosts and supports up
to two modules.

• X.25 Interface Module — provides a connector for IBM-
compatible hosts supporting packet switched protocols.

• Local Channel Interface Module — provides connection
for IBM mainframe byte multiplexers, block multi-
plexers, or selector channel configurations in which the
6544 is within 200 cable feet of the host.

• Plug-Compatible Device Interface Module — provides
connection of up to 16 synchronous devices to the 6544
controller.

The 6500 family includes five displays: the 6518, a basic
synchronous display; the 6528 monochrome and 6529
color displays, which provide a split-screen capability so
that the user can display one synchronous and one asyn-
chronous session simultaneously; and the 6538 mono-
chrome and 6539 color multitasking displays, which
provide up to four multitasking windows in any combina-
tion of synchronous and asynchronous sessions. In asyn-
chronous mode, the 6528/6529 and 6538/6539 displays
emulate the Digital Equipment Corporation VT220 dis-
play terminal. The 6500 display keyboards are detached
and feature a low-profile design.

AT&T also offers four display terminals that are plug-
compatible with 3270 controllers. The coax displays offer
all the ergonomic features of the units listed above and
also support “hot-key” capabilities when attached to the
6500. Model 6578 is an alternative to the IBM 3278 and
3178 displays. Model 6579 is an alternative to the IBM
3279, 3179, and 3192C display terminals. Model 6580 can
be used instead of IBM 3129D and 3180-1 displays, and
Model 6591 is an alternative to the IBM 3191 display.

The Single Session Irma option adds personal computing
to the 6500 System by providing support for the AT&T
6300 and 6300 Plus PCs, as well as the IBM PC/XT/ AT
and other IBM-compatible PCs. The Single Session Irma
option is compatible with DCA’s Irma product and con-
sists of a feature card (which plugs into an expansion slot
on the PC) and software.

The 2-N-l adapter, for use with AT&T 6300, 6310, or
compatible PCs, is a PC-based software/hardware feature
that provides seven concurrent windows: four multises-
sion windows, two notepads, and one PC session.

The 6500 family components can communicate with a
variety of host computers, including the IBM S/360, S/
370, 303X, 308X, 43XX, and IBM plug-compatible main-
frames (PCMs) from various vendors.

PRODUCT EVALUATION

The 6500 Multifunction Communication System’s key
feature, reflected in its name, is multifunctionality. The
6500 System provides multihost access, both to asynchro-
nous and synchronous computer systems. In addition, a

NOVEMBER 1987

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Terminals

AT&T 6500 Multifunction Communication System

6500 configuration can include color and monochrome
multitasking displays, plug-compatible displays, personal
computers, printers, adapters, and older AT&T 4540 and
E4540 displays. AT&T’s 6500 display terminals offer a
variety of features and capabilities not found on previous
AT&T displays. Particularly interesting are the 6538
monochrome and 6539 color multitasking systems, which
can offer up to four multitasking windows that provide
simultaneous access to four distinct computer sessions in
any combination of synchronous and asynchronous appli-
cations. Currently, IBM offers this capability only on its
3270-PC, which is roughly three times the cost of the
6539.

The key to the multifunctional capabilities of the 6500
System is the 6544 controller. The 6544 operates as a
standard IBM 3274-type controller; it can also be up-
graded, via add-on modules, to provide support for three
synchronous host communications ports, one high-speed
(64K bps) synchronous port, eight asynchronous hosts
and terminals, and X.25 networks. The 6544 controller
contains 1 2 module slots and can be expanded as a user’s
communications requirements grow. A major benefit of
the 6500 System is its ability to access both synchronous
and asynchronous hosts from a single terminal. This is a
benefit currently found only on Lee Data’s Series 400
products. Users have eagerly awaited IBM’s introduction
of a new-generation 3274 controller supporting many of
the same capabilities found on the 6544; AT&T has
beaten IBM to the punch this time.

The 6500 System puts AT&T on a strong competitive
level in the 3270 market; however, since the market has
been dominated for so long by IBM, AT&T is still in a
position of scrambling for a market share.

MARKET POSITION

Over the years, AT&T’s former subsidiary, Teletype, built
up a large installed base of IBM 3270-compatible termi-
nals; the company estimates that there are some 300,000
terminals now installed, including the 40, 4540, and
E4540 families. Prior to AT&T’s divestiture. Teletype had
what amounted to a built-in market for its products, sell-
ing primarily to the Bell Operating Companies (BOCs) for
their internal use or resale to their customers. As much as
40 percent of Teletype’s business at that time was attrib-
uted to the company’s relationship with the BOCs.

Divestiture has caused a number of changes, particularly
to Teletype. First, the company lost its captive market.
Then came changes to Teletype itself The company’s
name was officially changed to AT&T Teletype Corpora-
tion. In 1985, AT&T Teletype became a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Computer Systems Division of AT&T

Information Systems, with all sales for Teletype-manufac-
tured products being moved to AT&T headquarters in
New Jersey and product management folded into a DTE
division of the Computer Systems Division. The Teletype
name remains a legal entity for trademark, product brand
name, and other purposes; as a company, however. Tel-
etype Corporation has been swallowed up by AT&T.

The 6500 Multifunction Communication System is
AT&T’s most comprehensive (and ambitious) foray into
the 3270 replacement market. The product line conforms
to two important trends in the market:

• Integration of personal computing capabilities into the
3270 cluster; and

• Access to multiple hosts, including asynchronous com-
puters.

The 6500 product line places AT&T in a strong position
to compete with IBM, as well as other 3270-compatible
vendors, including Telex, ITT Courier, Memorex, Lee
Data, and Harris. At one time, it was enough to offer
3270-compatible controllers, terminals, and printers at a
lower price than IBM. IBM, however, has moved to pro-
tect its huge and lucrative 3270 installed base by introduc-
ing a generation of products that provide a number of new
and attractive features at considerably lower prices. The
competitors, including AT&T, have countered by adding
functionality to their own product lines and lowering
prices even further. A number of vendors have withdrawn
from this market, unable or unwilling to match IBM’s
moves. The remaining participants will vie with IBM for
what continues to be a growing and profitable market
segment.

The 6572 Printer is a serial, dot matrix color printer that
prints at 100 cps in near letter quality or at 400 cps in draft
quality. The unit's multicolor ribbons support four- or seven-
color printing.

NOVEMBER 1987

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Terminals

AT&T 6500 Multifunction Communication System

SPECIFICATIONS

MODELS: 6544 Multifunction Communication Control-
ler; 6518 Basic Function Display; 6528 and 6529 Standard
Displays; 6538 and 6539 Multitasking Displays; 6578,
6579, 6580, and 6591 plug-compatible displays; 6571 and
6581 Color Graphics Printer; and the 2-N-l Adapter.
DATE OF ANNOUNCEMENT: November 1985; some
components announced in September 1987.

DATE OF FIRST DELIVERY: December 1985; the
2-N-l Adapter and all plug-compatible displays were
scheduled for availability in November 1987, with the
exception of the 6591, which will be available in April
1988.

NUMBER DELIVERED TO DATE: Information not
available.

SERVICED BY: AT&T.

SYSTEM COMPONENTS

6544 MULTIFUNCTION COMMUNICATION CON-
TROLLER: The 6544 controller supports up to 3 synchro-
nous hosts, 32 synchronous devices, and 32 asynchronous
devices or hosts, depending on how it is configured. Con-
nection to the 6544 is through AT&T’s Standard Serial
Interface (SSI) unshielded twisted-pair wire that is com-
patible with the AT&T Premises Distribution System
(PDS). Devices can be located up to 5,000 feet from the
controller. For users with coaxial cable already installed,
coaxial adapters are available to connect devices to the
6544 via coax. The basic 6544 contains a Main Processor
Module, a dual diskette drive for loading software, and 14
module slots, 12 of which are available for add-on expan-
sion modules. The basic 6544 configuration provides

The Model 6579 plug-compatible display station, announced
in September 1987, is a $1,705 unit featuring a 14-inch color
monitor and a 122-key keyboard. The 65 79 was designed to be
a replacement for the IBM 2279, 3179, and 3192C displays.

access to a single synchronous host computer through a
single 6500 System display. Add-on expansion modules
are available to provide additional multifunctional fea-
tures. The following expansion modules are available.

Synchronous Host Module — an add-on expansion module
that provides simultaneous access to more than one syn-
chronous host. The 6500 System supports up to three of
these modules, operating at a maximum or aggregate
speed of 38.4K bps, but only two of the three can support
Bisync and/or SNA/SDLC protocols. For example, this
allows two ports using the Bisync (or SDLC) protocol to
operate at 19.2K bps, but if a third 19.2K bps Bisync (or
SDLC) port is needed, two synchronous host modules are
required. The Synchronous Host Module may also sup-
port one SNA port operating at either 56K or 64K bps. At
either of these higher speeds, only one port is used per
card. Two Synchronous Host modules are needed in situ-
ations when there are two SNA hosts operating at higher
speeds.

Synchronous Device Interface Module — an add-on expan-
sion module that provides for the attachment of up to 16
synchronous displays, printers, and personal computers
via twisted-pair wire. The 6500 System accommodates
two Synchronous Device Interface Modules, providing for
a maximum configuration of 32 synchronous devices.

Asynchronous Host/Protocol Conversion Module — an add-
on expansion module that provides port connections for
up to eight asynchronous host computers or terminals.
Protocol conversion allows asynchronous terminals to ac-
cess synchronous hosts. The ports operate at speeds up to
19.2Kbps. Four Asynchronous Host/Protocol Conversion
Modules are accommodated, providing for a maximum
configuration of 32 asynchronous connections.

X.25 Interface Module — an add-on expansion module that
provides one connector for IBM-compatible hosts sup-
porting the Network Control Program Packet Switched
Interface (NPSI) protocols. The connector supports either
of the following interfaces: RS-232-C at speeds up to
19.2K bps or CCITT V.35 at speeds of 48K, 56K, or 64K
bps.

Local Channel Interface Module — an add-on expansion
module that provides connections for an IBM mainframe
byte multiplexer, block multiplexer, or selector channel in

NOVEMBER 1987

C25-046505

Terminals

AT&T 6500 Multifunction Communication System

Desktop

Processors

Departmental

Processors

Divisional

Processors

Engineering

Corporate
Mainframe #1

Corporate
Mainframe #2

West Coast

Regional

Computer

Printers

Figure 1. AT&T’s 6500 Multifunction Communication System provides access to a variety of asynchronous and synchronous host
computers.

configurations where the 6544 is located within 200 cable
feet of the host. Users can equip each 6544 with one Local
Channel module.

Plug-Compatible Device Interface Module — an add-on ex-
pansion module that allows users to establish plug com-
patibility for up to 16 synchronous devices; users can add
a second module for a total of 32 ports.

The AT&T Multifunction Communication System sup-
ports a variety of host computers, including the IBM
S/360, S/370, 3031, 3032, 3033, 3081, 3083, 3084, 4321,
4331, and 4341; with the appropriate software, the System
can also support the IBM 8100, Series/ 1, System/36, and
System/38. In addition to IBM synchronous hosts, the
6500 System supports connection to IBM plug-compatible
mainframes (PCMs) from vendors such as Amdahl, Con-
trol Data, IPL, National Advanced Systems, and Magnu-
son. Asynchronous computers that may be accessed
through the 6500 System include the AT&T 3B family
and UNIX PC, the Digital VAX, and most other popular
minicomputer families. AT&T 6500 System displays and
printers are connected to the 6544 controller via twisted-

pair telephone wire (compatible with AT&T’s Premises
Distribution System). Communications over previously
installed coaxial cable is possible with the addition of
optional adapters.

The 6544 also supports the older AT&T 4540 and E4540
displays. For asynchronous applications, the 6544 sup-
ports the attachment of the AT&T 4400 family of displays
and the AT&T 600 line, as well as other asynchronous
displays like the Digital VT220 and VTIOO. Other print-
ers, including AT&T 4540 and E4540 printer models, may
be added to a 6500 System cluster using the 6561 Printer
Controller; one printer controller is required for each
printer.

Self-test diagnostics are standard on the 6544 controller.
In addition, the 6544 supports two IBM network pro-
grams that reside on host computers: Network Problem
Determination Application (NPDA) and Network Logical
Data Manager (NLDM).

System Displays

The 6500 System supports five System display units and
four IBM plug-compatible units. All models support a

NOVEMBER 1987

C25-046-506

Terminals

AT&T 6500 Multifunction Communication System

tilt/swivel capability, and monochrome, amber, or green
displays are available. Each display connects only to the
6544 controller. The units are described in more detail
below.

6518 BASIC FUNCTION DISPLAY: This monochrome
unit accesses only synchronous hosts. The 6518 includes a
12-inch display screen, with a display capacity of 1,920
characters arranged in 24 lines of 80 characters each. The
6518 is functionally compatible with the IBM 3178 dis-
play station.

6528 STANDARD DISPLAY: This monochrome display
provides a split-screen function for the simultaneous
viewing of one synchronous session and one asynchro-
nous session with “hot-key” switching between sessions.
The 6528 includes a 15-inch display screen, with display
capacities ranging from 1,920 to 3,564 characters; screen
arrangements include 24 lines by 80 characters, 32 lines by
80 characters, 43 lines by 80 characters, and 27 lines by
132 characters. The 6528 is functionally compatible with
the IBM 3180 display station in synchronous mode and
with the Digital VT220 display terminal in asynchronous
mode.

6529 STANDARD DISPLAY: This unit is a color display
that provides a split-screen function for the simultaneous
viewing of one synchronous session and one asynchro-
nous session with “hot-key” switching between sessions
and “change-host” capability via command line. The 6529
includes a 14-inch display screen, with display capacities
ranging from 1,920 to 3,564 characters; screen arrange-
ments include 24 lines by 80 characters, 32 lines by 80
characters, 43 lines by 80 characters, and 27 lines by 132
characters. The 6529 features four- or seven-color display
capability. It is functionally compatible with the IBM
3179 display station in synchronous mode and with the
Digital VT220 display terminal in asynchronous mode.

6538 MULTITASKING DISPLAY: This monochrome
display provides up to four multitasking windows in any
combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions.
Window positioning/browsing/sizing speed is four inches
per second horizontal and six inches per second vertical.
The 6538 includes a 15Tnch display screen, with display
capacities ranging from 1,920 to 3,564 characters; screen
arrangements include 24 lines by 80 characters, 32 lines by
80 characters, 43 lines by 80 characters, and 27 lines by
132 characters. The 6538 supports four screen formats,
including 3270 operation, VT220 operation, full-extended
attributing, and input and edit. An auxiliary I/O port and
programmed symbol graphics are optionally available.
The 6538 is functionally compatible with the IBM 3180
display station in synchronous mode and with the Digital
VT220 display terminal in asynchronous mode.

6539 MULTITASKING DISPLAY: This color display
provides up to four multitasking windows in any combi-
nation of synchronous and asynchronous sessions. Win-

dow positioning/browsing/sizing speed is four inches per
second horizontal and six inches per second vertical. The
6539 includes a 14-inch display screen, with display
capacities ranging from 1,920 to 3,564 characters; screen
arrangements include 24 lines by 80 characters, 32 lines by
80 characters, 43 lines by 80 characters, and 27 lines by
132 characters. The 6539 features four- or seven-color
display capability and supports four screen formats, in-
cluding 3270 operation, VT220 operation, full-extended
attributing, and input and edit. An auxiliary I/O port and
programmed symbol graphics are optionally available.
The 6539 is functionally compatible with the IBM 3279-
S3G display station in synchronous mode and with the
Digital VT220 display terminal in asynchronous mode.

The 6528, 6529, 6538, and 6539 displays are modularly
designed and can be upgraded or downgraded by switch-
ing logic bases and display monitors.

Plug-Compatible Displays

All of the 6500 plug-compatible displays can operate with
IBM 3270 controllers, as well as the AT&T 6544 control-
ler. The units’ display screens support tilt/swivel capabili-
ties, and monochrome devices are available with amber or
green phosphor characters.

6578 PLUG-COMPATIBLE DISPLAY: This unit is a
monochrome display that has a 3178 screen format, a
14-inch monitor, and an 87-key keyboard. The 6578 is
functionally compatible with IBM 3278 and 3178 dis-
plays.

6579 PLUG-COMPATIBLE DISPLAY: A color display
available with four or seven colors, this unit measures 14
inches and has 3179 screen formats and a 122-key key-
board. It is functionally compatible with IBM 3279, 3179,
and 3192C displays.

6580 PLUG-COMPATIBLE DISPLAY: This mono-
chrome display has 3180 screen formats and a 122-key
keyboard. The 6580 is functionally compatible with IBM
3192D and 3180-1 displays.

6591 PLUG-COMPATIBLE DISPLAY: This mono-
chrome display has a 14-inch flat screen and an IBM-type
122-key keyboard. It is functionally compatible with IBM
3191 displays.

Options

In addition to the 6544 controller and a wide variety of
displays, the 6500 also incorporates a number of options,
described below.

2-N-l ADAPTER: This adapter, recently introduced by
AT&T, is for use with AT&T 6300, 6310, or compatible
personal computers. The PC-based software/hardware

NOVEMBER 1987

C25-046-507

Terminals

AT&T 6500 Multifunction Communication System

unit offers enhanced connectivity to the 6500 controller. It
is available with a 3270-type keyboard. The 2-N-l pro-
vides seven concurrent windows: four multisession win-
dows, two notepads, and one PC session.

6518 KEYBOARDS: The 6518 display can be configured
with either of two available keyboards. One keyboard
contains 87 keys, an external numeric pad, and 12 func-
tion keys; the second keyboard contains 99 keys and 24
external program function (PF) keys. The keyboard has a
typewriter-style layout and a low-profile design and is
detachable. Security keylock is a standard feature. A three-
year warranty is available with the 6518.

6528/6529/6538/6539/6500 PC KEYBOARD: The 6528/
6529 Standard Displays, 6538/6539 Multitasking Dis-
plays, and 6500 PC are equipped with a 122-key keyboard
that includes 24 program function (PF) keys and a VT220
template. The keyboard contains a typewriter-style layout
and a low-profile design and is detachable. Security key-
lock is a standard feature.

SINGLE SESSION IRMA ADAPTER: This PC adapter
allows the AT&T 6300 and 6300 Plus, IBM PC/XT/ AT,
and other PCs running the MS-DOS operating system to
function as a workstation on the 6500 System. The Single
Session Irma Adapter consists of a feature card that plugs
into an expansion slot on the PC, as well as supporting
software. It provides CMS, TSO, and IBM file transfer.
The adapter is compatible with the Irma board from
DCA.

6571 COLOR MATRIX PRINTER: The 6571 is a matrix
printer that provides color or monochrome text and
graphics printing. The 6571 operates at speeds up to 400
cps in draft mode and 100 cps in near letter quality mode.
The 6571 prints symbol graphics and one-, four-, or seven-
color printing is supported. The 6571 includes a full-
function SNA control panel and LCD display, an
operator-replaceable 18-wire printhead with half-dot shift,
and a tractor- or friction-feed platen with rear or bottom
feed. Paper feed/positioning controls are also included.

6572 PLUG-COMPATIBLE PRINTER: The 6572 is a
coax version of the 6571 printer, offering all the same
features.

6561 PRINTER CONTROLLER: The 6561 is a printer
controller that enables the use of older AT&T 4540 and
E4540 printers in a 6500 System cluster. The 6561 adds
new functions and applications to the older printers and
includes a full-function SNA control panel, LCD display,
and the following interfaces: SSI (twisted pair) in, SSI out,
RS-232-C out, and Centronics parallel out.

TRANSMISSION SPECIFICATIONS

When communicating with synchronous host computers,
the 6500 System provides maximum data rates of 64K
bps for hosts supporting SNA and X.25 protocols and
19.2K bps for hosts supporting Bisync protocols. The Syn-
chronous Host Module supports access to as many as
three synchronous hosts, two of which may be supporting
SNA software. The 6500 System communicates with from
1 to 32 asynchronous hosts at a maximum 19.2K bps data
transmission rate. Devices can be connected up to 5,000
feet from the 6544 controller.

PRICING

The 6500 Multifunction Communication System compo-
nents are available for purchase and lease through
AT&T’s direct sales force or by calling (800) 247-1212.
AT&T provides installation and maintenance service
through 1,000 nationwide sites.

The 6500 Multifunction Communication System products
carry a warranty from the date of purchase, guaranteeing
that AT&T will replace any defective part or software free
of charge during the warranty period. The company offers
several Equipment Maintenance Agreement Plans, includ-
ing per-occurrence and contract plans.

The following price list includes single-quantity purchase
prices for various 6500 System products. As of press time,
prices for some 6500 System products had not yet been
set. For those prices, and for volume pricing, contact
AT&T Information Systems.

EQUIPMENT PRICES

Pur-

chase

Price

($)

6544 Multifunction Communication Controller

7,880

Synchronous Host Module

2,400

Synchronous Device Interface Module

3,920

Asynchronous Host/Protocol Conversion Module

2,215

X.25 Interface Module

3,510

Local Channel Expansion Module

3,350

16-Port, Plug-Compatible Logic Module

4,730

6528 Standard Display

1,950

6529 Standard Display

2,195

6538 Multitasking Display

2,645

6539 Multitasking Display

2,895

6578 Plug-Compatible Display

1,165

6579 Plug-Compatible Display

1,705

6580 Plug-Compatible Display

1,615

6591 Plug-Compatible Display

1,165

6561 Printer Controller

915

6571 Printer

4,000

6572 Plug-Compatible Printer

4,000 □

NOVEMBER 1987

C25-046-501

Terminals

AT&T Multifunction Communication System

The AT&T Multifunction Communication System provides
multiple host access, and synchronous/asynchronous opera-
tion. A variety of displays are available for use with the 6500
system, including the 6539 Multitasking Display, shown here.
The 6539 display provides 4- or 7- color display capability, and
can display up to four multitasking windows, in any combina-
tion of synchronous or asynchronous sessions.

MANAGEMENT SUMMARY

AT&T, via its Teletype subsidiary, has long been a leader in
the IBM 3270-compatible terminal market, with well over
300,000 terminals installed. The earlier generations of
3270-compatible products offered by AT&T and Teletype
include the 40 Series, the 4540 family, and the current
E4540 line. Each of these product lines provided basic
functional compatibility with the corresponding IBM 3270
products.

In November 1985, AT&T introduced the 6500 Multifunc-
tion Communication System, a family of products that
provides compatibility with the IBM 3270 system, plus
access to asynchronous host computers and functions. The
6500 product line provides access to multiple hosts, both
synchronous and asynchronous, from the same display
terminal. Components of the 6500 Multifunction Commu-
nication System include the 6544 controller; 6518, 6528,
and 6538 monochrome displays; 6529 and 6539 color
displays; and 6571 color printer. Also introduced was the
6500 PC, an equivalent to the IBM 3270-PC. The 6500
family also accommodates the older AT&T 4540 and
E4540 displays; AT&T 4400 family asynchronous displays;
and a variety of personal computers including the
AT&T 6300 and 6300 Plus PCs, and the IBM PC, PC XT,
and PC AT. The 6500 components operate over standard

APRIL 1986

The 6500 Multifunction Communication
System is AT&T's newest IBM 3270 re-
placement product line. Based on the modu-
lar 6544 controller, the 6500 system
provides access to both synchronous and
asynchronous hosts. AT&T provides a vari-
ety of display terminals for use with the
6500 system, in both monochrome and col-
or; multitasking capability is also available.
Personal computing capability can be added
to the system with the new 6500 PC, or via
standard MS-DOS PCs, including the
AT&T 6300 and 6300 Plus.

MODELS: 6544 Multifunction Communica-
tion Controller, 6518 Basic Function Dis-
play, 6528 and 6529 Standard Displays,
6538 and 6539 Multitasking Displays,
6571 Color Graphics Printer, and 6500 PC.
DISPLAY: The 6518 includes a 12-inch dis-
play, the 6528 and 6538 a 15-inch display,
and the 6529 and 6539 a 14-inch display.
The 651 8, 6528, and 6538 are monochrome
displays, while the 6529 and 6539 are 4- or
7-color displays. The 6518 provides a 24-
line by 80-column screen format; all other
models feature four selectable display for-
mats, including 27 lines by 1 32 columns.
KEYBOARD: A choice of 87- and 99-key
keyboards is available for the 651 8; all other
models include a 1 22-key keyboard. All key-
board models feature a low-profile design
and are detachable.

COMPETITION: IBM, Telex, ITT Courier,
Memorex, Lee Data, and several others.
PRICE: The basic 6544 controller is priced at
$7,880; various modules for the controller
range in price from $2,215 to $3,920. Dis-
play terminals range in price from $1 ,950 to
$2,895 (the price for the 651 8 has not been
announced).

CHARACTERISTICS

VENDOR; AT&T Information Systems, 1 Speedwell Ave-
nue, Morristown, NJ 07960. Telephone (201) 898-2000. In
Canada: AT&T Canada, 1500 Don Mills Road, Ontario
M3B 3K4. Telephone (416) 449-4300.

DATE OF ANNOUNCEMENT: November 1985.

DATE OF FIRST DELIVERY: December 1985; some com-
ponents scheduled for availability in 1986.

NUMBER DELIVERED TO DATE: Information not
available.

SERVICED BY: AT&T Information Systems.

C25-046-502

Terminals

AT&T Multifunction Communication System

!>■ twisted-pair telephone wire; they can also operate over
previously installed coaxial cable.

The multifunctionality of the 6500 family stems from the
6544 Multifunction Communications Controller. The 6544
supports up to 32 synchronous devices and up to 16
asynchronous devices. It provides 12 available module
slots, into which the following expansion modules may be
plugged:

• Synchronous Host Module — provides synchronous ports
for the access of 3270 hosts (BSC or SNA). Speeds up to
19,200 bps are attainable. Depending on speed and proto-
col, up to three hosts can be accessed.

• Synchronous Device Interface Module — provides for the
attachment of up to 16 synchronous displays, printers, or
PCs via twisted-pair wire; up to two are supported;

• Asynchronous Host/Protocol Conversion Module — pro-
vides for connection of up to eight asynchronous hosts or
terminals; protocol conversion allows asynchronous ter-
minals to access synchronous hosts; up to two are sup-
ported; and

• X.25 Interface Module — provides a connector for IBM-
compatible hosts supporting packet switched protocols.

Displays available as part of the 6500 family include the
6518, a basic synchronous display; the 6528 monochrome
and 6529 color displays, that provide a split screen capabil-
ity that allows the user to display one synchronous and one
asynchronous session simultaneously; and the 6538 mono-
chrome and 6539 color multitasking displays, that provide
up to four multitasking windows in any combination of
synchronous and asynchronous sessions. In asynchronous
mode, the 6528/6529 and 6538/6539 displays emulate the
Digital Equipment Corporation VT220 display terminal.
Keyboards for the 6500 displays are detached and feature a
low-profile design.

AT&T has introduced the 6500 PC, a functionally compati-
ble version of IBM’s 3270-PC, for use with the 6500 system.
The 6500 PC offers four host sessions, two note pads, and
one PC session, for a total of seven user-configurable
windows. Personal computing can also be added to the
6500 system via the Single Session Attachmate option,
which supports the attachment of the AT&T 6300 and
6300 Plus PCs, as well as the IBM PC, PC XT, PC AT, and
other IBM-compatible PCs. The Single Session Attachmate
option is compatible with DCA’s Irma product, and con-
sists of a feature card (which plugs into an expansion slot on
the PC) and software.

The 6500 family components can communicate with a
variety of host computers, including the IBM S/360, S/370,
303X, 308X, 43XX, and IBM plug-compatible mainframes
(PCMs) from various vendors. Asynchronous hosts such as
the AT&T 3B family and the Digital VAX can also be
accessed.

► CONFIGURATION

A variety of configurations are possible with the 6500
Multifunction Communication System, depending on how
the 6544 Multifunction Communication Controller is config-
ured. The 6544 contains 14 module slots, 12 of which are
available for optional add-on expansion modules. The basic
6500 system configuration supports single-host, 3270 syn-
chronous operation via one 6544 Controller and one 6500
system display terminal. Four different expansion modules
are available for integration in the 6544 controller.

• Synchronous Host Module — when simultaneous access to
more than one synchronous host is required, the Synchro-
nous Host Module is used. Up to three of these modules
can be supported in the 6500 Multifunction Communica-
tion System. The Synchronous Host Module supports
three communications ports at a maximum or aggregate
speed of 38.4K bps operating with BSC, SNA (two maxi-
mum), or a combination thereof. For example, this would
allow two ports using BSC protocol to operate at 19,200
bps. If a third BSC port operating at 19,200 bps was
needed, two synchronous host modules are required. The
Synchronous Host Module may also be used to support
one SNA port operating at either 56K or 64K bps. When
using either of these higher speeds, only one port per card
may be used. If support for two SNA hosts operating at
higher speeds is required, two Synchronous Host Modules
are needed. A further example using these higher speeds
would be the utilization of two Synchronous Host Mod-
ules, each supporting one SNA host at 65K bps and a third
module supporting one BSC host at 19,200 bps.

• Synchronous Device Interface Module— an add-on expan-
sion module that provides for the attachment of up to 16
synchronous display terminals, printers, and personal
computers via twisted-pair telephone wire (compatible
with the AT&T Premises Distribution System). Two mod-
ules may be added to the 6544, for a total of 32 synchro-
nous devices supported.

• Asynchronous Host/Protocol Conversion Module — an
add-on expansion module that provides for connection of
up to eight asynchronous hosts or terminals. Protocol
conversion allows asynchronous terminals to access syn-
chronous hosts. The ports operate at speeds up to 19,200
bps, with an aggregate speed for the entire card of up to
48,000 bps. Two modules may be added to the 6544, for a
total of 16 asynchronous connections.

• X.25 Interface Module — an add-on expansion module that
provides one connector for IBM-compatible hosts sup-
porting Network Control Program Packet Switched Inter-
face (NPSI) protocols. The module can be configured in
two ways: an El A RS-232-C interface at 19,200 bps, or a
CCITT V.35 interface at 48,000, 56,000, or 64,000 bps.

AT&T 6500 system displays available for use with the 6544
controller include the 6518 Basic Function Display; the
6528 (monochrome) and 6529 (color) Standard Displays;
and the 6538 (monochrome) and 6539 (color) Multitasking
Displays. The 6544 also supports the older AT&T 4540 and
£4540 displays. For asynchronous applications, the 6544
supports the attachment of the AT&T 4400 family of dis-
plays, as well as other asynchronous displays like the
Digital VT 220 and VT 100. AT&T has introduced the 6571
Color Graphics Printer for use in a 6500 system cluster.
Other printers, including AT&T 4540 and E4540 printer
models, may be added to a 6500 system cluster using the
6561 Printer Controller; one printer controller is required
for each printer.

Personal computing capabilities can be added to the 6500
system in two ways. AT&T has introduced the 6500 PC,
which is functionally equivalent to the IBM 3270-PC. The

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X> COMPETITIVE POSITION

Over the years, AT&T’s Teletype subsidiary has built up a
large installed base of IBM 3270-compatible terminals; the
company estimates that there are some 300,000 terminals
now installed, including the 40, 4540, and E4540 families.
Prior to AT&T’s divestiture. Teletype had what amounted
to a built-in market for its products, selling primarily to the
Bell Operating Companies (BOCs) for their internal use or
resale to their customers. As much as 40 percent of Tele-
type’s business at that time was attributed to their relation-
ship with the BOCs.

Divestiture has caused a number of changes, particularly to
Teletype. First, the company lost its captive market. Then
came changes to Teletype itself. The company’s name was
officially changed to AT&T Teletype Corporation. In 1985,
AT&T Teletype became a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Computer Systems Division of AT&T Information Sys-
tems, with all sales for Teletype-manufactured products
being moved to AT&T-IS headquarters in New Jersey, and
product management folded into a DTE division of the
Computer Systems Division. The Teletype name remains a
legal entity for trademark, product brand name, and other
purposes; it would appear, though, that as a company
Teletype Corporation has been swallowed up by AT&T.

The 6500 Multifunction Communication System is
AT&T’s most comprehensive (and ambitious) foray into
the 3270 replacement market. The product line conforms
to two important trends in the market:

• Integration of personal computing capabilities into the
3270 cluster; and

• Access to multiple hosts, including asynchronous
computers.

The 6500 product line places AT&T in a strong position to
compete with IBM, as well as the other 3270-compatible
vendors — a group that includes Telex, ITT Courier,
Memorex, Lee Data, Harris, and a number of others. At
one time, it was enough to offer 3270-compatible control-
lers, terminals, and printers at a lower price than IBM.
However, IBM has moved to protect its huge (and lucra-
tive) 3270 installed base by introducing a new generation of
products that provide a number of new and attractive
features at considerably lower prices. The competitors,
including AT&T, have countered by adding additional
functionality to their own product lines, and lowering
prices even further. A number of vendors have withdrawn
from this market, unable or unwilling to match IBM’s
moves. The remaining participants will vie with IBM for
what continues to be a growing and profitable market
segment.

ADVANTAGES AND RESTRICTIONS

The key feature offered by the 6500 Multifunction Com-
munication System is found in the product line’s name;
that is, its multifunctional capabilities. The 6500 system

6500 PC includes built-in connectivity to the 6544 control-
ler. The AT&T 6300 and 6300 Plus PCs, IBM PC, PC XT,
and PC AT, and IBM-compatible PCs can be added to a
6500 cluster via the Single Session Attachmate Adapter.
The adapter consists of a plug-in feature card and support-
ing software; one adapter is required for each PC on the
system.

The AT&T Multifunction Communication System may be
connected to a variety of host computers, including the
IBM S/360, S/370, 3031, 3032, 3033, 3081, 3083, 3084,
4321, 4331, and 4341. The 6500 system is also supported,
with the appropriate software, for use with the IBM 8100,
Series/1, System/36, and System/38. In addition to the
IBM synchronous hosts, the 6500 system is supported for
connection to IBM plug-compatible mainframes (PCMs)
from vendors such as Amdahl, Control Data, IPL, National
Advanced Systems, and Magnuson. Asynchronous comput-
ers that may be accessed include the AT&T 3B family and
Unix PC, the Digital VAX, and most other popular mini-
computer families. AT&T 6500 system displays and print-
ers are connected to the 6544 controller via twisted-pair
telephone wire (compatible with AT&T’s Premises Distri-
bution System). Communication over previously installed
coaxial cable is possible with the addition of optional
adapters.

TRANSMISSION SPECIFICATIONS

When communicating with synchronous host computers, the
6500 system provides maximum data rates of 64K bps for
hosts running under SNA and X.25 protocols, and 19,200
bps for hosts running under BSC protocols. Up to three
synchronous hosts may be accessed via the Synchronous
Host Module; a maximum of two of the hosts can be running
under SNA. When communicating with asynchronous com-
puters, the 6500 system provides for a maximum data rate of
19,200 bps; 1 to 16 asynchronous hosts may be accessed.
Devices can be connected up to 5,000 feet from the 6544
controller.

DEVICE CONTROL

For synchronous operation, the 6544 Multifunction Com-
munication Controller provides support for the 6518 Basic
Function Display, 6528 and 6529 Standard Displays, and
the 6538 and 6539 Multitasking Displays. The 6518 display
provides support for a single synchronous session; it does
not support asynchronous operation. The 6528 and 6529
displays feature a split screen capability that can display
one synchronous and one asynchronous session simulta-
neously, with “hot key” switching between sessions. One
session of each type is supported. The 6538 and 6539
displays provide up to four concurrent multitasking win-
dows, in any combination of synchronous and asynchronous
sessions. Data can be transferred from window to window. In
asynchronous mode, the 6528, 6529, 6538, and 6539 emu-
late the Digital VT220 display terminal. In synchronous
mode, the 6518 is compatible with the IBM 3178; the 6528 is
compatible with the IBM 3178 and 3180; the 6529 is
compatible with the IBM 3179; the 6538 is compatible with
the IBM 3180; and the 6539 is compatible with the
IBM 3279-S3G.

Peer-to-peer messaging is a standard feature on all 6500
system displays. Users can send messages to other selected
users, or broadcast messages to all users via the 6544
controller. A keystroke record and playback feature is also
standard. With this feature, users can store commonly used
characters and commands, allowing them to execute com-
plex operations with a single keystroke.

Personal computing capabilities can be added to a 6500
system cluster in either of two ways. First, AT&T has

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AT&T Multifunction Communication System

Asynchronous Processors

Synchronous Processors

Desktop

Processors

Departmental

Processors

Divisional

Processors

Engineering

Corporate
Mainframe #1

Corporate
Mainframe #2

West Coast

Regional

Computer

Printers

Figure 1. The AT&T Multifunction Communication System provides access to a variety of host computers, both synchronous and
asynchronous.

provides multi-host access, both to asynchronous and syn-
chronous computer systems. In addition, a 6500 configura-
tion can include color and monochrome multitasking
displays, personal computers, printers, and older
AT&T 4540 and E4540 displays. AT&T’s 6500 display
terminals offer a variety of features and capabilities not
found on previous AT&T displays. Particularly interesting
are the 6538 monochrome and 6539 color multitasking
displays, which can offer up to four multitasking windows
that provide simultaneous access to four distinct computer
sessions, in any combination of synchronous and asynchro-
nous applications. Currently, IBM offers this capability
only on its 3270-PC, which is roughly three times the cost
of the 6539. AT&T has also introduced its version of the
3270-PC, the 6500 PC; like the 3270-PC, the 6500 PC offers
four host sessions, two note pads, and one PC session, for a
total of seven user-configurable windows.

The key to the multifunctional capabilities of the 6500
system is the 6544 controller. The 6544 can operate as a
standard IBM 3274-type controller; it can also be upgraded,
via add-on modules, to provide support for three synchro-

introduced the 6500 PC, which is functionally equivalent to
the IBM 3270-PC. The 6500 PC provides four host ses-
sions, two note pads, and one PC session, for a total of seven
user-configurable windows. Personal computing can also be
added to the 6500 system via the Single Session Attachmate
option, which supports the attachment of the AT&T 6300
and 6300 Plus PCs, as well as the IBM PC, PC XT, PC AT,
and other IBM-compatible PCs. The Single Session Attach-
mate option is compatible with DCA’s Irma product, and
consists of a feature card (which plugs into an expansion slot
on the PC) and software.

COMPONENTS

6544 MULTIFUNCTION COMMUNICATION CON-
TROLLER: The 6544 controller supports up to three syn-
chronous hosts, 32 synchronous devices, and 16 asynchro-
nous devices or hosts, depending on how it is configured.
Connection of devices to the 6544 is via SSI (AT&T Stan-
dard Serial Interface) unshielded twisted-pair wire, compat-
ible with the AT&T Premises Distribution System (PDS).
Devices can be located up to 5,000 feet from the controller.
For users with coaxial cable already installed, coaxial
adapters are available to connect devices to the 6544 via
coax. The basic 6544 contains a Main Processor Module, a
diskette drive for loading software, and 14 module slots, 12

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AT&T Multifunction Connmunication System

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Terminals

nous host communication ports, one high-speed (64,000
bps) synchronous port, eight asynchronous hosts and ter-
minals, and X.25 networks. The 6544 controller contains
12 available module slots, and can be expanded as the
user’s communications requirements grow. A major bene-
fit of the 6500 system, though, is its ability to access both
synchronous and asynchronous hosts from a single termi-
nal. This is a benefit currently found only with Lee Data’s
Series 400 product line. Users have eagerly awaited IBM’s
introduction of a new-generation 3274 controller, with
many of the same capabilities found on the 6544; AT&T
has beaten IBM to the punch this time.

The 6500 system puts AT&T on a strong competitive level
in the 3270 market. However, in a market dominated so
long by IBM, AT&T is still in a position of scrambling for
market share. □

of which are available for add-on expansion modules. The
basic 6544 configuration provides access to a single synchro-
nous host computer via a single 6500 system display. Add-
on expansion modules are available to provide additional
multifunctional features. The following expansion modules
are available.

Synchronous Host Module — an add-on expansion module
that provides simultaneous access to more than one synchro-
nous host. Up to three Synchronous Host Modules are
supported. The Synchronous Host Module supports three
communications ports at a maximum or aggregate speed of
38.4K bps, operating with BSC, SNA (two maximum), or a
combination of the two. The Synchronous Host Module can
also be used to support one SNA port operating at 56K or
64K bps. When using these higher speeds, only one port
card may be used. If support for two SNA hosts operating at
higher speeds is required, two Synchronous Host Modules
are needed.

Synchronous Device Interface Module — an add-on expan-
sion module that provides for the attachment of up to 16
synchronous displays, printers, and personal computers via
twisted-pair wire. Two Synchronous Device Interface Mod-
ules can be accommodated, providing for a maximum config-
uration of 32 synchronous devices.

Asynchronous Host /Protocol Conversion Module — an add-
on expansion module that provides port connections for up
to eight asynchronous host computers or terminals. Protocol
conversion allows asynchronous terminals to access syn-
chronous hosts. The ports operate at speeds up to 19,200
bps. Two Asynchronous Host/Protocol Conversion Mod-
ules can be accommodated, providing for a maximum config-
uration of 16 asynchronous connections.

X25 Interface Module — an add-on expansion module that
provides one connector for IBM-compatible hosts support-
ing the Network Control Program Packet Switched Inter-
face (NPSI) protocols. The connector can be optioned for
either of the following interfaces: RS-232-C at speeds up to
19,200 bps, or CCITT V.35 at speeds of 48,000, 56,000, or
64,000 bps.

Self-test diagnostics are standard on the 6544 controller. In
addition, the 6544 supports two IBM network programs that
reside on host computers: Network Problem Determination
Application (NPDA) and Network Logical Data Manager
(NLDM).

6518 BASIC FUNCTION DISPLAY: A display that can be
used to access synchronous hosts only. The 6518 includes a
12-inch display screen, with a display capacity of 1,920

characters arranged in 24 lines of 80 characters each. The
display screen contains tilt/swivel capability. Amber or
green phosphor characters are available. The 6518 is func-
tionally compatible with the IBM 3178 display station; it
can connect only to the 6544 controller.

6528 STANDARD DISPLAY: A monochrome display that
provides a split screen function, for the simultaneous view-
ing of one synchronous session and one asynchronous ses-
sion. Only one session of each type is supported, with “hot
key” switching between sessions. The 6528 includes a 15-
inch display screen, with display capacities ranging from
1,920 to 3,564 characters; screen arrangements include 24
lines by 80 characters, 32 lines by 80 characters, 43 lines by
80 characters, and 27 lines by 132 characters. The display
screen contains tilt/swivel capability. Amber or green phos-
phor characters are available. The 6528 is functionally
compatible with the IBM 3180 display station in synchro-
nous mode, and with the Digital VT220 display terminal in
asynchronous mode. It can be connected only to the 6544
controller.

6529 STANDARD DISPLAY: A color display that pro-
vides a split screen function, for the simultaneous viewing of
one synchronous session and one asynchronous session.
Only one session of each type is supported, with “hot key”
switching between sessions, and “change host” capability
via command line. The 6529 includes a 14-inch display
screen, with display capacities ranging from 1,920 to 3,564
characters; screen arrangements include 24 lines by 80
characters, 32 lines by 80 characters, 43 lines by 80 charac-
ters, and 27 lines by 132 characters. The display screen
contains tilt/swivel capability. The 6529 features 4- or 7-
color display capability. It is functionally compatible with
the IBM 3179 display station in synchronous mode, and
with the Digital VT220 display terminal in asynchronous
mode. The 6529 can be connected only to the 6544
controller.

6538 MULTITASKING DISPLAY: A monochrome dis-
play that provides up to four multitasking windows, in any
combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions.
Window positioning/browsing/sizing speed is 4 inches per
second horizontal, and 6 inches per second vertical. The

6538 includes a 15-inch display screen, with display capaci-
ties ranging from 1,920 to 3,564 characters; screen arrange-
ments include 24 lines by 80 characters, 32 lines by 80
characters, 43 lines by 80 characters, and 27 lines by 132
characters. The display screen contains tilt/swivel capabili-
ty. Amber or green phosphor characters are available. Four
screen formats are available, including 3270 operation,
VT220 operation, full extended attributing, and input and
edit. An auxiliary I/O port and programmed symbol graph-
ics are optionally available. The 6538 is functionally com-
patible with the IBM 3180 display station in synchronous
mode, and with the Digital VT220 display terminal in
asynchronous mode. The 6538 can be connected only to the
6544 controller.

6539 MULTITASKING DISPLAY: A color display that
provides up to four multitasking windows, in any combina-
tion of synchronous and asynchronous sessions. Window
positioning/browsing/sizing speed is 4 inches per second
horizontal, and 6 inches per second vertical. The 6539
includes a 14-inch display screen, with display capacities
ranging from 1,920 to 3,564 characters; screen arrange-
ments include 24 lines by 80 characters, 32 lines by 80
characters, 43 lines by 80 characters, and 27 lines by 132
characters. The display screen contains tilt/swivel capabili-
ty. The 6539 features 4- or 7-color display capability. Four
screen formats are available, including 3270 operation,
YT220 operation, full extended attributing, and input and
edit. An auxiliary I/O port and programmed symbol graph-
ics are optionally available. The 6539 is functionally com-
patible with the IBM 3279-S3G display station in synchro-

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AT&T Multifunction Communication System

nous mode, and with the Digital YT220 display terminal in
asynchronous mode. The 6539 can be connected only to the
6544 controller.

The 6528, 6529, 6538, and 6539 displays are modularly
designed, and can be upgraded or downgraded by switching
logic bases and display monitors.

6500 PC: The 6500 PC is a personal computer that is
functionally equivalent to the IBM 3270-PC. The 6500 PC
offers four host sessions, two note pads, and one PC session,
for a total of seven user-configurable windows. The 6500 PC
includes a high-resolution display screen, and connects to
the 6544 controller.

6518 KEYBOARDS: The 6518 display can be configured
with either of two available keyboards. One keyboard con-
tains 87 keys, with an external numeric pad and 12 function
keys; the second keyboard contains 99 keys, with 24 exter-
nal program function (PF) keys. The keyboard has a type-
writer-style key layout, a low-profile design, and is detach-
able. Security keylock is a standard feature.

6528/6529/6538/6539/6500 PC KEYBOARD: The 6528/
6529 Standard Displays, 6538/6539 Multitasking Displays,
and 6500 PC are equipped with a 122-key keyboard that
includes 24 program function (PF) keys and a VT220 tem-
plate. The keyboard contains a typewriter-style key layout, a
low-profile design, and is detachable. Security keylock is a
standard feature.

SINGLE SESSION ATTACHMATE ADAPTER: A PC
adapter that allows the AT&T 6300 and 6300 Plus, IBM
Personal Computer, PC XT, and PC AT, and other PCs
running the MS-DOS operating system to function as a
workstation on the 6500 system. The Single Session Attach-
mate Adapter consists of a feature card that plugs into an
expansion slot on the PC, and supporting software. It pro-
vides CMS, TSO, and IBM file transfer as well as IBM
API. The adapter is compatible with the Irma board from
DCA, and is supplied via an OEM agreement with Attach-
mate Corporation (Bellevue, WA).

6571 COLOR MATRIX PRINTER: The 6571 is a matrix
printer that provides color or monochrome text and graphics
printing. The 6571 operates at speeds up to 400 cps in draft
mode, and 100 cps in near letter-quality mode. Programmed
symbol graphics can be printed; 1-, 4-, or 7-color printing is
supported. The 6571 includes a full-function SNA control
panel and LCD display. An operator-replaceable 18-wire
printhead, with half-dot shift, is utilized. A tractor or fric-

tion feed platen, with rear or bottom feed, can be used. Paper
feed/positioning controls are also included.

6561 PRINTER CONTROLLER: The 6561 is a printer
controller that enables the use of older AT&T 4540 and
E4540 printers in a 6500 system cluster. The 6561 adds new
functions and applications to the older printers. The 6561
includes a full-function SNA control panel, LCD display,
and the following interfaces: SSI (twisted pair) in, SSI out,
RS-232-C out, and Centronics parallel out.

PRICING/SUPPORT

The 6500 Multifunction Communication System compo-
nents are available for purchase and lease, via AT&T’s
direct sales force, or by calling (800) 247-1212. Installation
and maintenance service is provided by the AT&T Informa-
tion Systems Service Organization, located at 1,000 sites
nationwide.

The 6500 Multifunction Communication System products
carry a 90-day warranty from the date of purchase. AT&T
Information Systems will replace any defective part or soft-
ware free of charge during the warranty period. AT&T oilers
several Equipment Maintenance Agreement Plans, includ-
ing per-occurence and contract plans.

The following price list includes single-quantity purchase
prices for various 6500 system products. As of press time,
prices for some 6500 system products had not yet been set.
For those prices, and for volume pricing, contact AT&T
Information Systems.

EQUIPMENT PRICES

Purchase

Price

($)

6544 Multifunction Communication Controller 7,880

Synchronous Host Module 2,400

Synchronous Device Interface Module 3,920

Asynchronous Host/Protocol Conversion Module 2,215

X.25 Interface Module 3,510

6528 Standard Display 1 ,950

6529 Standard Display 2,195

6538 Multitasking Display 2,645

6539 Multitasking Display 2,895

656 1 Printer Controller 915B

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AT&T Personal Terminal Model 510

MANAGEMENT SUMMARY

AT&T’s entry in the integrated voice/data terminal (IV DT)
market is the Personal Terminal Model 510, introduced in
March 1985. Designed for use with the AT&T System 75
and System 85 PABXs, the Model 510 includes a 9-inch
display, integral telephone handset, speakerphone for
hands-free operation, autodialer, built-iii calculator and
calendar, and a telephone directory with 100 listings (up to
200 listings with the optional Directory Cartridge). Data
capabilities, available via an integrated digital data mod-
ule, include character and block mode transmission at
speeds up to 19,200 bps, 2 pages of data memory,
40/80/132 column modes, and multiple screen windows.
Simultaneous voice and data transmission is possible over
one physical line to the PABX.

The features mentioned above can be found on most
IVDTs on the market today; the Personal Terminal Model
510, however, is a unique product. With the Model 510,
AT&T has introduced the first IVDT with touch-sensitive
screen capabilities. The Workstation Design Group of
AT&T Information Systems Laboratories has designed and
patented a “soft” touch-sensitive screen for the Model 510.
The soft screen utilizes a silicon gel, giving the screen a
softer, more cushiony feel. The user is actually provided
with tactile feedback when the screen is touched, unlike
many other “hard” touch-sensitive screens. Targets on the
screen, represented by circles, provide the user with a menu
of choices or functions. When a target is touched, the circles

The AT&T Personal Terminal Model 510 is an integrated
voice/data terminal (IVDT) equipped with a touch-sensitive
screen. Designed for use in conjunction with the AT&T Sys-
tem 75 and System 85 PABXs, the Model 510 provides one-
touch access to voice and data functions.

AT&T Information Systems' Personal Ter-
minal Model 510 is an integrated voice/data
terminal designed for use with the AT&T
System 75 and System 85 PABXs. The
Model 510 includes a patented ''soft"
touch-sensitive display screen, for one-
touch access to voice and data features; a
retractable alphanumeric keyboard is op-
tional. Standard features of the Model 510
include a 9-inch display, integral telephone
handset, built-in speakerphone, and a tele-
phone dial pad.

MODELS; Personal Terminal Model 510.
DISPLAY: The Model 510 features a 9-inch
display screen with a 27-line by 80-column
display format as standard; 40- , 80-, and
132-column display modes are selectable.
The screen is touch-sensitive, using a pat-
ented "soft" touch technique that provides
the user with tactile feedback.

KEYBOARD: Voice and data features are ac-
tivated through the touch-sensitive screen.
A 72-key alphanumeric keyboard is optional-
ly available.

INTEGRATED HANDSET: An Integrated
telephone R-handset is located to the left of
the display; a built-in speakerphone and
telephone dial pad are also included.
COMPETITION: Northern Telecom Display-
phone; Rolm Cypress; GTE XT300E Action-
Station; InteCom/Wang Keystone; ITT
Telecom InfoStation; Mitel SuperStation;
Ambi AmbiSet; and others.

PRICE; The Personal Terminal Model 510 is
priced at $1 ,795; the optional keyboard is
$ 100 .

CHARACTERISTICS

MANUFACTURER: AT&T Information Systems, 1
Speedwell Avenue, Morristown, NJ 07960. Telephone (201)
898-2000.

IN CANADA: AT&T Canada, 1500 Don Mills Road, On-
tario M3B 3K4. Telephone (416) 449-4300.

MODELS: Personal Terminal Model 510.

DATE ANNOUNCED: March 1985.

DATE FIRST INSTALLED: May 1985.

NUMBER INSTALLED TO DATE: Contact vendor.

MODELS

The Personal Terminal Model 510 is available in digital
(510D) and analog (510A) versions. Standard features in-

MAY 1986

C25-046 702
Terminals

AT&T Personal Terminal Model 510

are transformed into squares, additionally providing the
user with visual feedback. This visual and tactile feedback
reduces the possibility of input errors on the Model 510’s
screen.

In phone mode, the targets on the screen allow the user to
select lines (from among 4 line appearances), activate
features such as conference calls, transfer, hold, and drop,
retrieve phone messages, provide notification of other mes-
sages such as electronic mail, and dial a number from the
100-listing local directory^ The Model 510 provides one-
touch access to all System 75/85 PABX Unified Messaging
services via an on-screen 40-character display. In data
mode, the targets on the screen provide for one-touch auto
log-in to data bases such as Dow Jones. A time manager
and on-screen calculator are also included.

For extensive data applications, users may configure the
Personal Terminal Model 510 with an optional alphanu-
meric keyboard. The keyboard includes 72 keys, including
eight function keys, cursor control keys, and a “Dial It” key
that provides the same one-touch telephone dialing as the
touch screen. The keyboard has a low-profile design, and
retracts into the terminal’s base when not in use. The data
capabilities of the Model 510 are stored in an asynchronous
integrated digital data module within the terminal, and can
be accessed through the touch screen or the keyboard. The
Model 510 can transmit asynchronous data in character
and block modes, at speeds up to 19,200 bps. Other stan-
dard data functions include horizontal/smooth scrolling,
multiple display windows, 2 pages of data memory, and
protected fields/forms support.

Each Personal Terminal Model 510 is equipped with a
software cartridge that provides the user with an introduc-
tion to the Model 510 and training in its use. Two optional
software cartridges are also available. The Directory Car-
tridge doubles the capacity of the local directory (from 100
listings to 200), or it can be used to back-up the local
directory; the Security Cartridge performs the function of a
software lock to prevent unauthorized access to the
terminal.

COMPETITIVE POSITION

Despite predictions of rapid growth at its outset, the market
for integrated voice/data terminals (I VDTs) remains slow-
moving and only marginally successful. A number of rea-
sons for the disappointing performance of this market have
been proferred, including the lack of concrete applications
for the devices and the targeting of the executive segment as
the prime users of I VDTs. Whatever the reasons, many
companies who founded their businesses on the premise
that the IVDT market would be a lucrative one have run
into financial difficulties.

The most successful of the IVDT vendors have been the
PABX makers. Northern Telecom, which founded the
IVDT market with the introduction of the Displayphone in
1981, has done reasonably well with the product, selling it
in conjunction with their highly successful SL-1 PABX
product. Likewise, telecommunications vendors such as

elude a 9-inch touch-sensitive display screen; telephone
handset with 7-foot connecting cord; built-in speakerphone
with on/off button and volume control; telephone dialing
pad, phone button, privacy button, and microphone on/ofF
button; message waiting lamp; software cartridge port; and
Centronics-compatible parallel printer port. A 72-key, low-
profile alphanumeric keyboard is optionally available. The
keyboard is retractable, and can be stowed in the terminal’s
housing when not in use. The Model 510 is a compact device,
with dimensions of IIV2 inches high, 1378 inches wide, and
14V8 inches deep, and a weight of I8V2 pounds (without the
optional keyboard). Optional software cartridges for direc-
tory expansion and security functions are available. For data
applications, the Model 510 conforms to the ANSI X3.64
standard for command codes.

TRANSMISSION SPECIFICATIONS

The AT&T Personal Terminal Model 510 provides four line
appearances plus a dedicated data line. Voice and data may
be simultaneously transmitted over a single line to the
AT&T System 75 or System 85 PABX. An asynchronous
integrated digital data module provides for asynchronous
data transmission over the PABX, in character or block
modes, half- or full-duplex, at speeds from 300 to 19,200
bps. Parity checking is provided, along with flow control and
answerback. A Centronics-compatible parallel printer port
is included.

The Personal Terminal Model 510D must be plugged into a
110-120 V outlet. The digital voice terminal is connected via
a standard 8-position modular jack for connection to AT&T
System 75 or System 85 Digital Communications Protocol.
The telephone handset is connected via a standard 4-pin
modular jack. The optional alphanumeric keyboard is con-
nected via an 8-wire keyboard jack in the rear of the unit.
The Personal Terminal Model 510A provides two modular
jack connections for analog lines.

/or mote information on the AT&T Information Systems^
System 85, see Report TC07-070NV-101, For more informa-
tion on the AT&T Information Systems, System 75, see
Report TC07-070NV-30L

DATA FEATURES

An integral digital data module provides the Personal Ter-
minal Model 510 with data terminal capabilities. In data
mode, the Model 510 conforms with the ANSI X3.64 stan-
dards for command code compatibility. The Model 510 is
also compatible with the older AT&T 513 BCT. The Model
510 provides for both character and block mode
transmission.

Using the touch screen, one- or two-touch access to the
following data features is available: communications with
System 75 or System 85 applications processors; access to
resident services such as Message Center and Electronic
Document Communication; and links to public data bases
for access to stock prices, financial reports, and newswires.
In data mode, an on-screen keyboard is provided, with touch
targets for the simplification of data entry and retrieval.
One-touch access to on-line data bases is also provided via
the touch screen.

For more intensive data applications, users can optionally
add an alphanumeric keyboard to the Model 510. Automatic
log-in is provided to AT&T processors and other UNIX-
based processors.

Standard data features include 2 pages of data memory;
vertical/horizontal smooth scrolling; visual attributes in-
cluding underline, blank, reverse video, and half-intensity;
multiple screen windows; 40/80/132-column display modes;

MAY 1986

C25-046-703

Terminals

AT&T Personal Terminal Model 510

AT&T, Rolm, InteCom (in a joint venture with Wang),
Mitel, GTE, and ITT Telecom have all introduced IVDTs
as an add-on device for their PABX lines. It is primarily
these vendors who have found, at least for now, a viable
market for these products.

AT&T has unveiled a number of IVDTs for use with their
PABX systems, including the Dimension, System 85, and
System 75. These include the 5 1 5 BCT, an intelligent IVDT
that could be downloaded to emulate a number of different
ASCII terminals. However, the Personal Terminal Model
5 10 is technologically superior to these earlier IVDT prod-
ucts. The Model 510’s touch-screen capability makes it the
first IVDT on the market to utilize this technology. With
the number of features that most IVDTs are designed to
access via a single keystroke, the implementation of a touch
screen for this type of device is a logical and smart step. In
fact, it would seem that touch-sensitive screens are ideal for
the types of applications for which IVDTs are designed. We
feel that the Personal Terminal Model 5 10 will carve itself a
respectable niche in this marketplace, not only because of
the strength of AT&T, but also due to its technological
advantages.

ADVANTAGES AND RESTRICTIONS

As we have just mentioned, the most attractive feature of
the Model 510 is its touch-sensitive screen. AT&T has
patented the screen used on the Model 510; it is a “soft”
touch screen, that provides improved tactile feedback over
most conventional touch screens available today. The
screen implements a silicon gel that gives the screen a soft,
cushiony feeling. When a target is pressed, the screen
actually gives, providing the user with positive tactile
feedback. In addition, visual feedback is supplied; the
targets, when they are touched, change from circles to
squares. These 2 features virtually eliminate the chance for
an input error using the touch screen. The screen is also
designed so that it will not go out of alignment. Unlike
other touch screens, that use a separate grid of light beams
on top of the screen, the Model 510’s screen uses the light
from the gun that paints the screen.

For ease of use, the Model 510 is unmatched by any other
comparable product. When the “Phone” button on the
terminal console is depressed, the phone mode screen
appears. The phone mode screen includes 4 line appear-
ances, each of which is activated by touch. Status displays
tell the user if a line is idle, active, or on hold. Also
displayed are messaging functions, targets for programma-
ble System 75/85 features, and 8 touch blocks that provide
menus for additional functions. Three of these blocks
provide access to the local directory, time manager, and
calculator.

For data functions, the screen provides one-touch access to
private and public data bases. For more intensive data
applications, an optional keyboard is available. Additional
software cartridges provide the Model 510 with training
courses for new users, additional directory space, and
security features.

protected field/forms support; and separate user- and host-
programmable screen labels.

VOICE FEATURES

The voice features on the Personal Terminal Model 510 may
be used in the traditional manner, or via the touch screen.
For traditional use, a telephone dial pad is provided on the
terminal console. The integral handset may he used; for
hands-free operation, the speakerphone button activates the
built-in speakerphone. The microphone on/off button pro-
vides the caller with privacy.

For touch screen operation, the user presses the phone
button on the console. The screen is then activated, provid-
ing the user with a menu of operations which are activated by
touching a “target,” or touchpoint, on the screen. The target
apperas as a circle; once pressed, the circle becomes a
square, providing the user with visual confirmation that the
target has been pressed and its associated function
activated.

The activated touch screen has 4 distinct parts. The top part
of the screen provides the 4 telephone line appearances; the
state of the line (idle, active, or hold) is displayed by a status
message next to the line display. Calls from and to individ-
uals within the company are also identified. To the right of
the line appearances, displays provide call notifications and
preset time alarms. Below that are touch targets for Confer-
ence, Transfer, Drop, and Hold functions.

The second section of the screen provides the messaging
functions. When the Message Waiting lamp on the terminal
console lights, the user can retrieve the message by touching
a target on the screen. With Unified Messaging (available
on the System 75/85), this includes all items addressed to
the user’s electronic mailbox via Message Center Service,
AUDIX, Electronic Document Communication, and Leave
Word Calling.

Below the messaging section are 9 touch targets that may be
programmed for any System 75 or System 85 application
desired.

At the bottom of the screen are 8 menu blocks, that generate
menus for additional Model 510 functions. These include 3
resident services:

• Time Manager — maintains a list of daily objectives and
acts as a personal reminder system, with audible alarms;

• Calculator — converts the screen to a calculator for mathe-
matical calculations; and

• Local Directory — maintains a personal list of up to 100
names, addresses, and telephone numbers, or automatic
log-ins to data bases. Numbers from the local directory
can be dialed via a single touch of the target beside the
name displayed on the screen.

Two optional software cartridges are available to plug into
the Model 510. The Directory Cartridge doubles the number
of listings in the local directory from 100 to 200; it can also
serve as a backup device, for the copying of an entire
directory, specified directory group, or the Time Manager
service. The Security Cartridge performs the function of a
software lock to prevent unauthorized access to the terminal
and its functions. An electronic serial number from the
cartridge is stored in the terminal; to change the password,
the user must insert the security cartridge with the same
electronic serial number. On-screen privacy is provided by
the privacy button; when it is depressed, the entire screen is
blanked.

MAY 1986

C25-046-704

Terminals

AT&T Personal Terminal Model 510

As an IVDT product, the Personal Terminal Model 510 is a
functional and easy-to-use addition to a System 75 or
System 85 PABX. The only drawback of the device, or of
AT&T’s IVDT product line, is the lack of local processing
capabilities (such as those found on the Rolm Cedar). Look
for AT&T to introduce a PC-compatible IVDT (possibly
based on the 6300 PC) in the near future. □

► COMPONENTS

CRT DISPLAY UNIT: The Personal Terminal Model 510
includes a 9-inch (diagonally measured) display screen. The
display format is 27 lines of 80 characters each; separate
user- and host-programmable screen labels are displayed at
the bottom of the screen. Characters are displayed in green
phosphor on a black background, and formed using a 6-by-
10 dot matrix in an 8-by-12 dot cell. Visual attributes
available include underline, blink, half-intensity, and re-
verse video. A 256-character set is displayable.

The Personal Terminal Model 510’’s display screen is touch-
sensitive; both voice and data applications may be accessed
via the touch screen. The screen provides a menu of func-
tions in both phone and data modes. These functions are
activated by touching a “target,” which is represented by a
circle on the screen. The Model 510 has a patented “soft”
screen; a silicon gel is used to give the screen a cushiony
feeling. Thus, the user is provided with tactile feedback
when using the screen. In addition, when a target is touched,
the circle is transformed into a square, verifying that the
target has been touched and the associated function
accessed.

HANDSET/SPEAKERPHONE: An integral telephone
handset (R-handset) is located to the left of the display
screen on the Model 510. A built-in speakerphone is located
below the display screen, on the right-hand side of the
display console. Speakerphone volume control is also
included.

UPPER KEYBOARD: Various keys are available on the
display console of the Model 510. A standard 12-key tele-

phone dial pad is located just to the right of the R-handset.
Just above the dial pad are located the Phone button (which
activates the phone mode screen display). Privacy button
(that provides security by blanking the display), and Mes-
sage lamp (which indicates that a message is waiting).
l.ocated above the built-in speakerphone are the Speaker-
phone On/Off button (which enables hands-free operation)
and the Microphone On/Off button (mute). Lamps indicate
the status of the speakerphone and microphone buttons.

ALPHANUMERIC KEYBOARD: An alphanumeric key-
board is optionally available for use with the Personal
Terminal Model 510. The keyboard contains 72 keys in a
typewriter-style layout, including cursor control keys, 8
function keys, and a Dial It key, which allows for one-key
dialing of numbers from the keyboard. The keyboard has a
low-profile design, is detachable, and stows under the termi-
nal console when not in use.

PRICING

The Personal Terminal Model 510 is available for purchase,
only, through AT&T Information Systems’ direct sales; the
customer has the option of installing the unit or contracting
for installation with AT&T Information Systems. The Mod-
el 510 carries a one-year warranty from the date of purchase;
during the warranty period, AT&T-IS will replace any
defective part free of charge. After the warranty period,
AT&T-IS offers several Equipment Maintenance Agree-
ment Plans, including both per-occurence and contract
plans. For maintenance service, the AT&T Information
Systems Service Organization can be contacted by calling
1 (800) 922-0354.

EQUIPMENT PRICES

Purchase

Price

($)

Personal Terminal Model 510 1,795

Alphanumeric Keyboard 100

Directory Cartridge 70

Security Cartridge 50 ■

MAY 1986