MFNetDisk Modernization Guide

MFNetDisk emulates mainframe disk and tape devices on a PC, allowing the PC to act as a virtual mainframe storage system. It uses TCP/IP to communicate between the mainframe and the PC. The PC software can also read mainframe datasets directly, without mainframe processing.

MFNetDisk is a system that provides disk and tape emulation. It presents itself as physical devices to the mainframe, while the actual storage resides on the PC.

Organizations that rely on mainframe systems and need to modernize their storage infrastructure or reduce mainframe processing costs can benefit from MFNetDisk. This includes companies in banking, insurance, and government sectors.

Consider MFNetDisk when you need to replace aging mainframe disk or tape hardware, reduce mainframe MIPS consumption, or provide easier access to mainframe data from a PC environment.

MFNetDisk requires a TCP/IP network connection between the mainframe and the PC. The mainframe must be able to communicate with the PC using standard TCP/IP protocols. The PC requires sufficient disk space to emulate the mainframe storage.

MFNetDisk runs on a PC, while the mainframe component interacts with z/OS. It does not require specific z/OS subsystems but needs TCP/IP connectivity.

MFNetDisk emulates 3380/3390 disk and 3490 tape devices. These are standard mainframe storage devices.

The PC component of MFNetDisk typically runs on a Windows operating system. The mainframe component interacts with z/OS through TCP/IP.

MFNetDisk reduces mainframe MIPS consumption by offloading storage operations to a PC. It also provides easier access to mainframe data from a PC environment, potentially eliminating the need for mainframe-based data extraction processes.

By emulating mainframe storage on a PC, MFNetDisk can significantly reduce the cost of mainframe storage hardware and maintenance. It also allows for more flexible and scalable storage options.

Alternatives include other mainframe disk and tape virtualization solutions, as well as traditional mainframe storage hardware. Consider the specific requirements of your environment when evaluating alternatives.

MFNetDisk leverages standard TCP/IP protocols for communication, which can be secured using standard network security measures. Access to mainframe datasets is controlled through the MFNetDisk software.

MFNetDisk can be configured to use various authentication methods for accessing mainframe datasets. The specific methods supported depend on the configuration of the MFNetDisk software and the mainframe environment.

Audit logging capabilities exist within the MFNetDisk software to track access to mainframe datasets and other system events. These logs can be used for security monitoring and compliance purposes.

MFNetDisk is typically deployed on-premise, with the PC component residing within the organization's network. Implementing MFNetDisk requires technical expertise in both mainframe and PC environments.

Ongoing operational requirements include monitoring the health and performance of the MFNetDisk software, as well as maintaining the network connection between the mainframe and the PC. Regular backups of the emulated storage are also recommended.

Common implementation challenges include configuring the network connection between the mainframe and the PC, ensuring compatibility between the MFNetDisk software and the mainframe environment, and migrating data from existing mainframe storage to the emulated storage.