Microsoft KB Archive/33231

Networks Supported by COBOL Version 3.0

PSS ID Number: Q33231 Article last modified on 04-21-1993

3.00 3.00a | 3.00 3.00a MS-DOS | OS/2

Summary: Microsoft claims compatibility only with IBM PC-NET for Microsoft COBOL 2.x, 3.0, and 3.0a. But the Microsoft COBOL Compiler Versions 3.0 and 3.0a may work successfully on networks that claim to be IBM PC-NET compatible and NetBIOS compatible. Microsoft COBOL Versions 3.0 and 3.0a may run on all networks that use the standard MS-DOS Versions 3.0 and later file-locking function call (interrupt 21 hex, function 5C Hex). (COBOL Versions 3.0 and 3.0a also use the DOS Versions 3.x OPEN function, interrupt 21 hex, function 3D hex, to open files in shared mode on the network.) However, it is solely the responsibility of the network manufacturer to support any claims of PC-NET or NetBIOS compatibility. Microsoft does not claim compatibility with and has not tested COBOL 3.0 or 3.0a on any other network than IBM PC-NET. Microsoft does not encourage or support development with COBOL 2.x, 3.0, or 3.0a under any other network.

More Information: The following networks are known to follow the standard MS-DOS Versions 3.x networking function calls: IBM PC NET IBM Token Ring Microsoft MS-NET Novell Advanced NetWare Version 2.0 Novell System Fault Tolerance (SFT) NetWare Versions 2.0 and 2.1 Some versions of 3Com networking software Literature provided with COBOL Versions 3.0 and 3.0a states that they require “NetBIOS support.” Strictly speaking, the NetBIOS is actually used only when COBOL communications support is desired; otherwise, it is not needed at all. In a more general sense, some network vendors claim that they have “NetBIOS support,” meaning that they have implemented the standard MS-DOS locking function as above (for example, perhaps where the base operating system does not have it). In such cases, it may be necessary to modify the CONFIG.SYS file to provide NetBIOS support (for example, SHARE).

Additional reference words: 3.00 3.00a Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1993.