Access to Data on Any Platform
Microsoft Host Integration Server 2006 offers key enabling technologies that allow enterprise organizations to integrate their mission-critical host applications, data sources and security systems with new solutions developed using the Microsoft Windows platform.
Host Integration Server 2006 features and technologies, including network integration, host access with enhanced security, data and application integration, enable Windows developers to publish business processes in IBM mainframe and AS/400 data and applications as XML Web Services, which brings their Host applications and processes into a Services Oriented Environment.
Leveraging the enterprise-class scalability, performance, and reliability of Microsoft's Host Integration Server, The Henson Group, Inc.'s (THG) consultants enable companies to quickly adapt to new business opportunities, while preserving their existing infrastructure investments. To do so, THG draws upon its tremendous experience in programming to extend Host Integration Server to accommodate product customization.
In recognition of THG's HIS experiance, Microsoft recently officially designated THG a global partner for HIS engagements. The appointment was made by Microsoft’s Host Integration Server (HIS) group, the Redmond-based product team which hand-picked THG. In fact, THG is one of only a few partners globally that are currently listed on the HIS page for Independent System Integrators (http://www.microsoft.com/hiserver/partners/si.asp).
Additionally, THG holds an exclusive position in Micorosoft's exclusive Midrange Alliance Program (MAP) that focuses on the migration of applicaions from iSeries to Windows (MAP Alliance Members).
MICROSOFT HOST INTEGRATION SERVER 2006 CREDENTIALS
• Specializing in both small- and large-scale HIS 2006 deployment
• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers (MCSE), many former Microsoft employees
• Dedicated Systems Integration Practice Specializing in HIS Solutions to Integrate Applications, Data Sources, Messaging, and Security Systems on IBM Mainframes With Microsoft Windows Environments
• Ranked among the top US partners for HIS 2006 on Microsoft’s Resource Directory (http://directory.microsoft.com)
• Possesses Microsoft’s Official Business Process & Integration Solutions Competency
• THG consultants are regular participants in HIS 2006 related conferences and other Microsoft community-based forums
• Actively engaged in Microsoft Early Adopter programs in Systems Integration technologies, including HIS Technology Adoption Programs (TAP)
MICROSOFT HOST INTEGRATION SERVER FIELD EXPERIENCE*
This is a partial list. Additional Case Studies available upon request.
• Aurora Loan Services (consumer lending)
• Consolidated Edison (energy utility)
• Hawaii BCBS (healthcare insurance)
• Horizon BCBS (healthcare insurance)
* Read more about HIS deployments performed by THG at www.HensonGroup.com/CaseStudies.
MICROSOFT HOST INTEGRATION SERVER 2006 SERVICE DESCRIPTIONS
THG's consultants offer comprehensive host access solutions that provide the best way to embrace Internet, Intranet, and client/server technologies while achieving bi-directional integration between Windows and host systems. Consultants from THG, specially trained in implementing Host Integration Server, assist clients by collecting and analyzing data on the environment, instructing staff on crucial architecture decisions, and proposing the best possible deployment scenarios.
During this process, THG provides planning and deployment knowledge pertaining to the following areas:
Application Integration: THG utilizes HIS’ software developer kit to provide customized solutions with third-party providers. THG builds robust and scaleable .NET applications and COM+ components that integrate data between Windows applications and host systems.
Examples of THG's experience include AS/400 Data Queue COM automation controls, Component Transaction Integrator (COMTI), Microsoft Messaging Queuing (MSMQ), ODBC or OLE DB access to DB2 to the AS/400, and integration with RPG (Report Program Generator) and CL (Control Language) programs with Windows-based applications. THG build applications often feature the functionality to integrate 2-Phase commit, as well as database replication from SQL to multiple DB2 targets using distributed query processor (DQP).
Server and Client Deployment Architecture: THG details various server and client deployment and access scenarios for 5250 and 3270 access, while making specific deployment recommendations based on the customer's specific network environment. In addition, THG explains object-oriented and programmatic access to DB2, flat-file data on mainframes, AS/400, and UNIX systems.
Accessing the Mainframe: THG consultants document connectivity to IBM's Customer Information Control System or Information Management System transaction environments using MTS and COM+. This includes support of "two-phase" commit between platforms.
Accessing the AS/400: THG consultants configure record level access to keyed and non-keyed physical files with external record descriptions, as well as logical files with external record descriptions. Additionally, THG configures AS/400 file transfer using APPC file transfer protocol and AS/400 shared folders.
Security and Password Synchronization: THG advises on authentication, encryption, host security, and password synchronization with RACF, ACF/2, and Top Secret. This allows clients to authenticate a user on both a Windows domain and a host security system.
High Availability Review: From session speed and transaction throughput, to reviewing existing HIS deployments for optimization and uninterrupted operations, THG assists in establishing methods for maximum uptime for SNA and Host Integration Server systems.
Management and Control: THG develops detailed reporting on Host Integration Server's health so help desk and IT administrators can take corrective actions as issues arise using Microsoft Operation Manager (MOM) 2005 and other monitoring systems.
New Host Integration Server 2006 Features
The new features in Host Integration Server 2006 include:
• Native 64-bit (X64)
The core SNA Services (SNA gateway, Host Print, TN) and SNA Client (3270, 5250, APPC) are available as native 64-bit processes on X64 operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows 2003 and Windows XP.
• Kerberos Client-Server
IT professionals can deploy HIS 2006 more securely than HIS 2004, using the new Kerberos authentication between client and server computers.
• SNA High Performance Routing over IP
The High Performance Routing over Internet Protocol link service has been extended to support IPv6 and more flexible configuration, allowing HIS to operate in the most modern WAN and datacenter deployments.
• Session Integrator
HIS 2006 offers a new set of technologies, collectively called Session Integrator, for more efficiently developing modern devices on Windows XP, such as Automated Teller Machines and other Point-of-Sales solutions. Session Integrator includes both "screen-scraping" runtime services and programming interfaces (COM and .NET), allowing enterprise developers to emulate and automate access to LU2 3270-based and LU0 LUA-based host mainframe programs, across SNA or TCP/IP (TN3270) network connections.
• Enterprise Single Sign-On
Defining users and mapping credentials is much easier in HIS 2006 compared to HIS 2004, using the optional Management Agent for Microsoft Identity Integration Server 2003 or MMC-based SSO Administrator. Optionally, end users can configure their own mappings using the SSO Client Utility. When deploying EntSSO, IT professionals can rely on the new IPv6 support.
• Transaction Integrator
Developers can service-enable their existing CICS, IMS, and AS/400 callable programs using XML web services generated by the new MMC-based TI Administrator. The TI runtime and Visual Studio 2005 design tool have been extended to support dynamic discriminators on unions of REDEFINEs or OVERLAYs, allowing enterprise developers to re-use complex host business rules to access data stored in nested VSAM records, IMS/DB tables, and AS/400 physical files. To improve performance, TI supports a .NET Framework 2.0-enabled direct .NET interface. Host-Initiated Processing now supports AS/400 host clients, while essential updates to the design tools and runtime infrastructure enables access to dynamically defined data structures. Also, TI HIP has been enhanced to offer persistent network connections, allowing IT professionals to efficiently deploy HIP into high volume deployment scenarios.
• Data Providers for DB2
To directly access information in IBM DB2 database servers, enterprise developers can use the new Microsoft .NET Framework Data Provider for DB2 that is based on an improved Microsoft network client for DB2 (pooling, schemas, transaction, static SQL). The DB2 managed provider extends the standard Visual Studio 2005 design tools, server explorer and data set designer, to allow enterprise developers to generate code based on intuitive drag-drop and wizards.
• Data Providers for Host Files
To access data records stored in IBM mainframe z/OS (VSAM) datasets and midrange AS/400 physical files, enterprise developers can use the new Microsoft .NET Framework Data Provider for Host Files that is based on an updated Microsoft network client for host files (nested records, SQL commands). The host file provider includes a Visual Studio 2005 design tool, including COBOL and RPG source code import wizards that allow developers to map host program-described records to ADO.NET data tables. The provider offers basic SQL commands (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE) and built-in data conversion from host machine types, including nested records (COBOL OCCURS, COBOL REDEFINE, and RPG OVERLAY) and EBCDIC strings, to .NET Framework CLS data types and UNICODE