Efficient batch environment and host integration

We Connect Your Host Applications

IT environments that have grown historically over the course of more than two decades dominate the computer centers of many major corporations. Frequently, the classical mainframe - often an IBM mainframe with the OS/390 operating system (or soon z/OS) - is still playing an important and central role. Despite the strong growth of C/S applications in the Unix, Microsoft and web environments, the mass processing is still being handled by the host at many large companies. The reasons for this are the high availability level of the computers, the possibility to use efficient tools to control the complex job processes and protect and manage the huge data bases. Besides, a very large number of applications for the mainframe has been developed in the CICS, IMS and TSO environments over the last couple of decades. The majority of these applications are well-placed on the host, and it would often be technically unjustified and also very expensive to migrate them to different platforms. 

The recent developments in the IT area permit access to host data on the network, for example on IMS, DB2 or VSAM Cluster, in a very convenient and efficient manner. Elegant and optimal connections between host applications and decentralized portions on Unix, NT or intranet have thus become feasible. For example, it is now possible to realize only the presentation layer (surface) of a host application by means of web technology and to leave the data base and the processing logic - which in most cases have been used flawlessly for many years - on the host. 

TESIS connects computer environments and facilitates the ideal combination of IT resources. The automation of processes in the computer centers represents a core objective of our approach. The latest technologies are being used, particularly in the internet/intranet and security areas. In addition, our comprehensive host expertise allows us to utilize the existing applications in an optimal manner. 

Batch Environment

Besides the increase in C/S applications during the last few years, there is an extensive, historically grown batch environment on the mainframe under OS/390 or z/OS at a large number of companies. Clients who get 20.000 orders (jobs) and more processed by their computers on a daily basis are no rarity. The enterprise-critical applications, in particular, are very often still to be found in the host environment. TESIS SYSware can also provide you with specialists for the operations support in the batch environment (JCL, OPC etc.). This has been confirmed by a multitude of successful projects and products. We conduct studies and investigations for our clients, develop software, jointly create proposals for improvements in respect of quality or automation, and perform the necessary change-over activities. 

In the software area, TESIS SYSware has set a milestone with the JADE and JCL capture systems for the automation in the JCL environment, to name just one example. With JADE, JCL can be transferred between the different software development areas (test, integration, adoption and production). JCL is adapted automatically to the naming conventions in the various environments and guarantees the executability of JCL in each particular area. For this purpose, data files are created automatically, GDG Base and VSAM Clusters are defined and the required authorizations are verified. 

With the JCL capture system, the batch environment is raised away from JCL to a sort of meta-level. With the help of this software, new jobs can be performed without a knowledge of JCL. The user does not need to be concerned with job or DD statements, steps and their dependencies, but only with the tasks of the job (for example: calling up a DB2 or IMS program, a sort step etc.). Apart from alleviating the job production, the JCL capture also ensures that the naming conventions and other standards in your company are complied with. During the last few years, a powerful program package for the restructuring of JCL has been built on the basis of the projects that have been performed. Thus, extensively automated, your JCL can be adapted to your requirements, for example with respect to naming conventions and new standards. We also offer supporting software modules for the deconstruction of jobs, including the accompanying OPC networks. In addition, the many years of project experience of our employees is available to you in this area. 

 

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