Broadcom z/OS z/VM

CA Solve:Access Modernization Guide

Sharing3270

CA Solve:Access is a sharing product by Broadcom. Explore technical details, modernization strategies, and migration paths below.

Product Overview

CA Solve:Access enhances 3270 terminal environments by enabling users to access multiple VTAM applications from a single session.

It simplifies application access, reduces training time, and improves user satisfaction.

Modernization Strategies

Rehost

Timeline:
6-12 months

Lift-and-shift to cloud infrastructure with minimal code changes. Fast migration with lower risk.

Refactor (Recommended)

Timeline:
18-24 months

Optimize application architecture for cloud while preserving business logic. Best ROI long-term.

Replatform

Timeline:
3-5 years

Complete rewrite to cloud-native architecture with microservices and modern tech stack.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

What does CA Solve:Access do?

CA Solve:Access enables a single 3270 terminal session to interact with multiple VTAM applications concurrently. This eliminates the need for users to log off and on to different applications, improving efficiency.

Is this a system, application, or tool?

CA Solve:Access is a system that provides enhanced session management capabilities for 3270 environments. It acts as middleware, facilitating communication between users and multiple mainframe applications.

What types of organizations use this?

Organizations that rely heavily on 3270 terminal access to multiple VTAM applications can benefit from CA Solve:Access. This includes enterprises in industries such as banking, insurance, and government.

When should we consider CA Solve:Access?

A company should consider CA Solve:Access when users frequently switch between multiple 3270 applications, leading to productivity losses. It is also beneficial when simplifying access to different applications is a priority.

What are the alternatives to CA Solve:Access?

Alternatives include other 3270 session management products such as CL/Supersession and Multiterm/MVS. These products offer similar capabilities for managing and switching between multiple 3270 sessions.

Technical

For mainframe products: Does this run in an LPAR?

CA Solve:Access runs on z/OS and z/VM platforms. It typically operates within an LPAR and relies on VTAM for network communication. It may require specific subsystems depending on the configuration.

What infrastructure is required?

CA Solve:Access requires a 3270 terminal environment and VTAM for network connectivity. It integrates with existing mainframe infrastructure and applications.

What are the main system components?

The core component is the CA Solve:Access server, which manages the 3270 sessions and application connections. Users interact with the system through 3270 terminals or emulators.

What protocols does it use for communication?

CA Solve:Access uses VTAM protocols for communication between the server and the 3270 terminals or emulators. It relies on standard mainframe networking configurations.

Business Value

How does CA Solve:Access improve business value?

CA Solve:Access improves user productivity by allowing simultaneous access to multiple applications. This reduces the time spent logging on and off, streamlining workflows.

What would happen if an organization did NOT use this product?

Without CA Solve:Access, users would need to log off and on to different applications separately, leading to inefficiencies and increased time spent on routine tasks. This can hinder overall productivity.

Does CA Solve:Access simplify mainframe access?

CA Solve:Access simplifies access to mainframe applications, making it easier for users to navigate and utilize different systems. This can reduce training time and improve user satisfaction.

Security

How does CA Solve:Access handle security?

CA Solve:Access leverages standard mainframe security mechanisms for authentication and access control. It integrates with existing security systems such as RACF, ACF2, or Top Secret.

What specific authentication methods are supported?

CA Solve:Access supports authentication methods such as user IDs and passwords, as well as integration with external security managers for enhanced authentication options.

What access control model is used?

CA Solve:Access uses an access control model based on user roles and permissions. This allows administrators to define which users have access to specific applications and resources.

Operations

What level of technical expertise is required to implement it?

Implementing CA Solve:Access requires technical expertise in mainframe systems and VTAM networking. It involves configuring the software and integrating it with existing security and application environments.

What ongoing operational requirements exist?

Ongoing operational requirements include monitoring system performance, managing user access, and performing routine maintenance tasks. This ensures the system operates smoothly and securely.

What are common implementation challenges?

Common implementation challenges include ensuring compatibility with existing applications, configuring security settings correctly, and addressing any performance issues that may arise.

Ready to Start Your Migration?

Download our comprehensive migration guide for CA Solve:Access or calculate your ROI.

Calculate ROI