QPAC for CICS Modernization Guide

QPAC for CICS is a 4GL programming language designed to operate within the CICS environment. It enables users to access and process data from various sources like DB2, VSAM, and IMS, and generate custom reports.

QPAC for CICS is a programming language and toolset. It provides a development environment and runtime to create applications that interact with CICS and associated data sources.

Organizations that rely on CICS for transaction processing and require a flexible 4GL language for data access and reporting are ideal users. This includes businesses in finance, insurance, and retail.

Consider QPAC for CICS when you need a rapid application development environment for CICS, require access to diverse data sources (DB2, VSAM, IMS), and need to generate ad hoc reports without extensive coding.

Alternatives include other 4GL languages and reporting tools that are compatible with CICS, such as CA RAMIS. Consider products like COBOL or PL/I if lower-level control and performance are critical.

QPAC for CICS requires a CICS environment on z/OS or zVSE/VSEn. It integrates with data sources such as DB2, VSAM, and IMS. Ensure these subsystems are properly configured and accessible from CICS.

QPAC for CICS operates within a CICS LPAR. It is dependent on the z/OS or zVSE/VSEn operating system and requires CICS Transaction Server to be installed and configured.

The core components include the QPAC compiler, runtime library, and interactive development environment (if available). These components work together to compile, execute, and manage QPAC applications within CICS.

QPAC applications interact with CICS using standard CICS APIs. Data access to DB2, VSAM, and IMS is typically achieved through CICS file control and database access facilities.

QPAC for CICS allows organizations to rapidly develop and deploy CICS applications, reducing development time and costs. It simplifies data access and reporting, enabling faster decision-making.

By using QPAC for CICS, organizations can avoid the need for extensive COBOL or PL/I programming for CICS applications. This reduces the skills required and accelerates application delivery.

QPAC for CICS is well-suited for organizations that need to maintain and enhance existing CICS applications. It provides a more productive development environment compared to traditional languages.

QPAC for CICS leverages CICS security features for authentication and authorization. Access to data and resources is controlled through CICS resource definitions and security profiles.

QPAC for CICS relies on CICS for authentication methods, which can include RACF, ACF2, or Top Secret. These external security managers control user access to CICS resources.

QPAC for CICS utilizes the CICS access control model, which is primarily based on resource definitions and security profiles. These profiles define which users or groups have access to specific CICS resources.

QPAC for CICS is typically deployed on-premise within a CICS environment. Implementation requires expertise in CICS administration, security configuration, and QPAC programming.

Ongoing operational requirements include monitoring CICS performance, managing QPAC applications, and ensuring the availability of data sources. Regular maintenance of CICS and related subsystems is essential.

Administrative interfaces are provided through CICS transaction CESN to log on and CEDA to define, install, and manage resources. QPAC applications are managed through these CICS facilities.