Anyone using VPM?

[FRANEY]

Hello,

I am curious to hear from anyone using the Virtual Protocol Machine
(VPM) to run customized protocols on UNIX.  I would be especially
interested if you are running on a VAX with KMS or a 3b with one of TU
or UN devices.

I know that VPM is used for RJE, x.25 and a bellcore x.25.

Who uses VPM to actually run a protocol other than those above?
Is your protocol bit or byte oriented?
How different is your protocol from the above? (slightly, moderately,
extensively, no comparison).

Does your implementation use the Common Synchronous Interface (CSI)?
Did you have to modify CSI?

Why do you need a customized protocol?
What keeps you from using one of the many networking architectures
in existence (DECnet, SNA, Arpa...)?

If you run on a VAX, are you, now or maybe in the future, looking
to upgrade off the KMS?
Would you be disturbed if VPM lost support from
any of the currently supporting computer manufacturers?

The reason why I ask:
I'm trying to get an idea of the market for this kind
of programmable protocol mechanism.  Usage of VPM seems to be an obscure
and undocumented pink elephant.  Unless I get some response,
I'll have to assume that VPM is used in the most remote
and darkest realm of UNIX.
I'm also trying to determine what future VPM has in the
face of ISO and well established, commonly used protocols.
If there is no future (or present), it may disappear.
I want to know the chance of that occurring.

Please respnd with e-mail directly to me,
unless you believe this has interest on the net.
(If you are interseted in the responses,
please e-mail me also).

You can reach me at:
{rutgers, bellcore}!hjuxa!jjf

Thank-you and regards,
John Franey