IBM CICS Explorer | IBM | Mainframe Modernization Platform

Product Overview

IBM CICS Explorer by IBM is a IDE + Administration + CICS + Developer Tools solution for mainframe environments.

Key use cases include: Graphical CICS region administration, CICSPlex multi-region management, CICS resource browsing and management, CICS web services deployment, Modern alternative to 3270 CEMT/CEDA.

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 is IBM CICS Explorer?

IBM CICS Explorer is an Eclipse-based graphical tool for CICS administration, development, and monitoring.

Who makes IBM CICS Explorer?

IBM CICS Explorer is developed and maintained by IBM. It runs on Windows, Linux, macOS (connects to z/OS) platforms.

What are the main use cases for IBM CICS Explorer?

Graphical CICS region administration, CICSPlex multi-region management, CICS resource browsing and management, CICS web services deployment, Modern alternative to 3270 CEMT/CEDA

How does IBM CICS Explorer work?

It provides a modern GUI for managing CICS regions, viewing transaction lists, browsing CICS resources (programs, files, queues, connections), and performing CICS system administration tasks that traditionally required 3270 CEMT/CEDA commands. CICS Explorer includes the CICS SM (System Manager) plugin for multi-region CICSPlex management, web services deployment tools, and Liberty JVM server configuration.

Technical

What platforms does IBM CICS Explorer support?

IBM CICS Explorer supports the following platforms: Windows, Linux, macOS (connects to z/OS).

What are the alternatives to IBM CICS Explorer?

Competing products include: 3270 CICS CEMT/CEDA commands, Broadcom InterTest for CICS, Rocket TMON for CICS.

How complex is IBM CICS Explorer to implement?

IBM CICS Explorer has a medium technical complexity level with a moderate learning curve. It is best suited for mid-market|enterprise organizations.

Deployment & Industries

How is IBM CICS Explorer deployed?

IBM CICS Explorer supports the following deployment models: on-premise.

What industries use IBM CICS Explorer?

IBM CICS Explorer is primarily used in: Banking, Finance, Insurance, Government, Healthcare, Retail.

IBM CICS Explorer Modernization Guide