OSI/FTAM Configuration and Management Manual

Introduction to Tandem FTAM
OSI/FTAM Configuration and Management Manual—421944-001
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Tandem FTAM Components
Initiator Process
The Tandem FTAM initiator process allows FTAM applications on a Tandem NonStop
system to access FTAM protocol and to request services of a responder on a remote
computer system. The initiator process operates by establishing an association with the
remote responder over the OSI network. The initiator then sends and receives FTAM
protocol data units (PDUs) to and from the remote responder.
The Tandem FTAM API is a set of procedures that interact with the Tandem FTAM
initiator process. An application uses these procedures to perform FTAM services, such
as accessing files on a remote computer system that supports FTAM.
Responder Process
The Tandem FTAM responder process services FTAM requests initiated by remote
systems on the OSI network. The responder acts as an FTAM file server, mapping FTAM
requests into Guardian file operations and providing a translation between Guardian file
structures and FTAM file structures. The responder has no programmatic interface.
Virtual Filestore (VFS)
The VFS, a component of the Tandem FTAM responder, acts as an interface to the
Guardian file system. Files accessible through this file system also can be accessed
through the VFS, including all files on the Expand network to which the Tandem FTAM
responder process’s system belongs. The Tandem FTAM responder uses the VFS to
access the file system in servicing requests from a remote FTAM initiator.