ECS via IP... Performance?

[Scott Klement <midrange-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

In the past, we had ECS set up to work with a bisync modem.  Back in the 
day, it used a 300 baud modem to communicate with IBM.  It was slow, but 
it was useful for ordering the occasional coverletter, and also for 
service requests since it could send IBM much better technical info than I 
can. However, in recent years, I had that disconnected since it was only 
used rarely, and it didn't make sense to pay for a phone line and modem. 
I've just ordered PTFs via the Web, and used a telephone for the 
occasional service request.

Today I decided to set it up again, this time using a direct internet 
connection.  So I did, following the instructions in the Information 
Center I set it up.  It appears to make a VPN connection to IBM and uses 
that to order PTFs or submit service requests.  Nice idea.

However, the performance is dreadful. Even though we have a high-speed 
Internet connection, it's frightfully slow.

I'm just testing it out by ordering a single cover letter.  This shouldn't 
be slow, should it?  It sat on "Connecting" for about 20 minutes.  After 
that, it went to "Sending PTF order" and has been there for about 45 
minutes so far.

Obviously, I have something set up wrong.  But what?

I'm using the IBM Universal Connection Wizard to set things up, and the 
connection type is "Direct Internet Connection" (because it doesn't have 
to dial or anything like that to access the Internet).  Does anyone have 
an idea what I could be doing wrong?

It's not a big deal.  Not urgent.  I can always place my orders and 
service requests manually.