This text investigates the technical and strategic challenges involved in migrating legacy Systems Network Architecture (SNA) environments to Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) networking infrastructures. Robin Layland, an experienced consultant in network architecture, provides a comprehensive framework for organizations attempting to modernize their data communication systems. The book evaluates the performance trade-offs, protocol compatibility issues, and hardware requirements necessary to maintain operational continuity during the transition period.

Experts recognize this work as a specialized technical manual for network engineers managing legacy-to-modern transitions during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Readers frequently note the high level of technical density, which assumes a foundational understanding of both SNA protocols and early ATM standards.