TIMS/E Modernization Guide
TIMS/E is a help, documentation and training product by 4.ST. Explore technical details, modernization strategies, and migration paths below.
Product Overview
TIMS/E delivers online help screens for CICS, IMS, TSO, and VTAM applications without requiring modifications to the underlying application code.
An optional component, TIMS/E-Internet, converts the online help content to HTML, enabling access via web browsers. Key features include: * **Non-Invasive Integration:** Integrates with existing applications by intercepting help requests and displaying relevant TIMS/E-defined help panels. * **Centralized Help Management:** Provides a central platform for managing help content, reducing the need to modify application code for updates. * **EGL Support:** Uses EGL to create help panels, allowing developers to define the layout and behavior of help panels. * **Web Access (Optional):** TIMS/E-Internet converts help content to HTML for web browser access.
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 TIMS/E and what does it do?
TIMS/E provides online help screens for CICS, IMS, TSO, and VTAM applications. It uses EGL code to create help panels and screens. TIMS/E-Internet converts the online help to HTML.
How does TIMS/E integrate with existing applications?
TIMS/E integrates with existing applications without requiring modifications to the application code itself. This is achieved by intercepting help requests and displaying the appropriate TIMS/E-defined help panels.
How are help panels associated with specific application screens?
TIMS/E uses configuration files to define the mapping between application screens and help panels. These files specify which help panel should be displayed for a given screen or field.
What is TIMS/E-Internet?
TIMS/E-Internet is an optional component that converts TIMS/E online help to HTML format, allowing users to access help information through a web browser.
Technical
How are help panels defined and structured?
TIMS/E uses configuration files to define the structure and content of help panels. These files specify the text, formatting, and navigation options for each panel.
What programming languages are supported for creating help panels?
TIMS/E supports EGL (Enterprise Generation Language) for creating help panels and screens. EGL allows developers to define the layout and behavior of help panels using a high-level programming language.
How does TIMS/E handle help requests from different applications?
TIMS/E intercepts help requests from CICS, IMS, TSO, and VTAM applications. When a user requests help, TIMS/E determines the appropriate help panel to display based on the current screen and context.
Does TIMS/E expose an API for integration with other systems?
TIMS/E does not expose a public API. It operates by intercepting and handling help requests within the mainframe environment.
Business Value
How does TIMS/E reduce the cost of online help development?
TIMS/E reduces the cost of creating and maintaining online help systems by providing a centralized platform for managing help content. It eliminates the need to modify application code to add or update help information.
How does TIMS/E improve user satisfaction?
TIMS/E improves user satisfaction by providing context-sensitive help that is tailored to the specific screen or field the user is working with. This helps users quickly find the information they need to complete their tasks.
How does TIMS/E-Internet enhance the value of TIMS/E?
TIMS/E-Internet extends the reach of online help by making it accessible through web browsers. This allows users to access help information from any device with a web connection.
Security
How does TIMS/E ensure the security of help information?
TIMS/E operates within the security context of the mainframe environment. It leverages existing mainframe security mechanisms for authentication and authorization.
What type of data does TIMS/E store?
TIMS/E does not store sensitive data. It only stores help content and configuration information.
How is access to TIMS/E administration functions controlled?
Access to TIMS/E configuration and administration functions is typically controlled through mainframe security systems such as RACF, ACF2, or Top Secret.
Operations
How is TIMS/E configured and maintained?
TIMS/E is configured through a set of configuration files that define the mapping between application screens and help panels. These files can be updated using standard mainframe text editors.
What monitoring and logging capabilities does TIMS/E provide?
TIMS/E provides logging capabilities to track help requests and system events. This information can be used to monitor system performance and troubleshoot problems.
What are the system resource requirements for TIMS/E?
TIMS/E requires minimal system resources. It is designed to operate efficiently within the mainframe environment.
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