zVWS Modernization Guide

zVWS is an HTTP server designed for the z/VM operating system. It allows you to serve static HTML content and execute CGI scripts, enabling web-based applications on the mainframe.

zVWS is a system that provides web server capabilities on z/VM. It is not merely an application, but a foundational component for serving web content.

Organizations that rely on z/VM for their mainframe infrastructure and need to serve web content or run web applications would use zVWS. This includes businesses in finance, insurance, and government.

Consider using zVWS when you need to provide web access to applications or data residing on your z/VM system. It is particularly useful when migrating from older web serving solutions like VM:Webgateway.

Alternatives to zVWS include other web servers that can run on z/VM or solutions that involve offloading web serving to other platforms. z/Web-Server is another option.

zVWS requires a z/VM environment. It operates within the z/VM LPAR and does not have dependencies on z/OS. It needs TCP/IP connectivity to serve web requests.

zVWS runs on the z/VM operating system. It is not dependent on z/OS or specific subsystems beyond the base z/VM environment and TCP/IP stack.

zVWS supports serving static HTML content directly. For dynamic content, it uses the CGI (Common Gateway Interface) standard to execute external programs and scripts.

zVWS includes tools to assist in migrating configurations and applications from VM:Webgateway, simplifying the transition to the new server.

zVWS allows organizations to modernize their z/VM applications by providing a modern web interface. This can improve user experience and enable integration with other web-based systems.

By providing a web server directly on z/VM, zVWS can reduce the need to transfer data to other platforms for web serving, potentially improving performance and security.

zVWS can be used to create web-based interfaces for existing mainframe applications, extending their functionality and making them accessible to a wider range of users.

zVWS supports standard authentication methods. Specific methods are configured within the server's configuration files.

zVWS provides access control mechanisms to restrict access to specific web resources. The access control model is likely based on ACLs (Access Control Lists) defined in the server configuration.

zVWS uses encryption to protect sensitive data transmitted over the network. The specific encryption protocols used depend on the configuration, but TLS/SSL is commonly supported.

zVWS provides logging capabilities to track web server activity. These logs can be used for auditing and security analysis.

zVWS is typically deployed on-premise within a z/VM environment. It requires configuration and ongoing maintenance by system administrators familiar with z/VM and web server technologies.

Implementing zVWS requires technical expertise in z/VM, TCP/IP networking, and web server configuration. Familiarity with CGI scripting is also beneficial.

Ongoing operational requirements include monitoring server performance, reviewing logs for security issues, and applying updates and patches as needed.