B

Base

A part of each SNA Server component that provides the operating environment for the core functions of that component. The Base passes messages between components and provides functions common to all components, such as diagnostic tracing.

basic conversation

In APPC, a conversation type generally used by programs that provide services to other local programs. Basic conversations provide a greater degee of control over the transmission and handling of data than mapped conversations. See also mapped conversation.

blocking

A method of operation in which a program that issues a call does not regain control until the call completes. See also synchronous verb completion.

bracket

A chained set of RUs and their responses, which together make up a transaction between two LUs. One bracket must be finished before another can be started.