z/Ware Modernization Guide

z/Ware is a screen scraping software solution that transforms traditional 3270 mainframe screens into web-enabled interfaces. It allows users to access and interact with legacy applications through modern web browsers, providing a more user-friendly experience. The product merges functionalities of z/Web-Host and z/XML-Host.

z/Ware is middleware that provides a bridge between legacy mainframe applications and modern web environments. It acts as an intermediary, translating 3270 screen data into web-compatible formats. This allows organizations to extend the life of their existing mainframe applications without extensive rewriting.

Organizations that rely on mainframe systems and want to provide web-based access to their legacy applications are ideal candidates for z/Ware. This includes companies in industries such as banking, finance, insurance, and government. These organizations often have significant investments in mainframe technology and want to leverage those assets in a modern context.

A company should consider using z/Ware when they need to provide web access to their existing 3270 applications without undertaking a complete rewrite. If the organization wants to improve user experience, reduce training costs, and extend the life of their mainframe investments, z/Ware can be a good fit. It is also useful when integrating mainframe data with other web-based systems.

Alternatives to z/Ware include Virtel Web Modernization, IPBridge/Host, and other screen scraping or terminal emulation solutions. Some organizations may also consider re-writing their mainframe applications using modern programming languages and frameworks. Another option is to use a different vendor's screen scraping product.

z/Ware typically runs on z/OS or zVSE/VSEn operating systems. It requires access to the mainframe's 3270 data stream. The product is deployed on-premise, often within an LPAR. It may require specific subsystems or communication protocols to be configured on the mainframe.

z/Ware transforms 3270 data streams into web-compatible formats such as HTML or XML. It uses screen scraping techniques to extract data from the 3270 screens and present it in a web browser. The product supports various web technologies, including Java and web services.

z/Ware exposes APIs that allow developers to integrate mainframe data and functionality with other systems. These APIs may be REST, SOAP, or native APIs. The product supports various programming languages and SDKs for integration, such as Java, .NET, and web scripting languages.

The main components of z/Ware include the screen scraping engine, the web server, and the configuration repository. The screen scraping engine extracts data from the 3270 data stream. The web server handles web requests and serves the web-enabled interfaces. The configuration repository stores the product's settings and mappings.

z/Ware provides business value by extending the life of mainframe applications, improving user experience, and reducing training costs. It allows organizations to leverage their existing mainframe investments in a modern context. The product also enables integration of mainframe data with other web-based systems, improving business agility.

By web-enabling mainframe applications, z/Ware can improve user productivity. Users can access mainframe data and functionality from any device with a web browser, eliminating the need for specialized terminal emulators. The web-based interface is often more intuitive and easier to use than traditional 3270 screens.

z/Ware can reduce IT costs by extending the life of mainframe applications and reducing the need for expensive rewrites. It also lowers training costs by providing a more user-friendly interface. The product can improve operational efficiency by enabling integration of mainframe data with other systems.

z/Ware supports various authentication methods, including LDAP, Active Directory, and mainframe security systems such as RACF, ACF2, and Top Secret. It uses an access control model to control access to mainframe datasets and functions. The product supports encryption of data in transit and at rest.

z/Ware uses an access control model based on roles and permissions. Users are assigned roles, and each role is granted specific permissions to access mainframe resources. This allows administrators to control who can access what data and functions. The product also supports auditing and logging of user activity.

z/Ware provides audit logging capabilities that track user activity and system events. These logs can be used to monitor security, detect unauthorized access, and troubleshoot problems. The logs can be integrated with SIEM platforms for centralized security monitoring.

z/Ware is typically deployed on-premise, often within an LPAR on the mainframe. Implementation requires technical expertise in mainframe systems, web technologies, and networking. Ongoing operational requirements include monitoring system performance, maintaining security, and troubleshooting problems.

Implementing z/Ware can be challenging due to the complexity of mainframe systems and the need to integrate with existing infrastructure. Common challenges include configuring network connectivity, mapping 3270 screens to web interfaces, and ensuring security. Proper planning and testing are essential for a successful implementation.

z/Ware provides administrative interfaces for configuring the product, managing users, and monitoring system performance. These interfaces may include a command-line interface (CLI), a graphical user interface (GUI), or a web console. The administrative interfaces allow administrators to control the product's settings and behavior.