Understanding three-tier and two-tier environments

Open ClientConnect supports both three-tier (gateway-enabled) and two-tier (gateway-less) environments. When installing and using Open ClientConnect, follow the instructions in this book that are specific to your environment.

Three-tier (gateway-enabled) environments

If you use SNA as your protocol, you must use a three-tier environment for routing.

NoteThe DirectConnect product no longer comes with an MCC for TCP. A three-tier (gateway-enabled) environment using TCP as your protocol is no longer an option.

Two-tier (gateway-less)

If you have standardized to TCP for connectivity from CICS to Adaptive Server Enterprise, you must use the two-tier environment for routing. The two-tier environment allows Open ClientConnect to directly login to an Adaptive Server Enterprise, which eliminates the need for an MCC gateway.

An Open ClientConnect network configuration using two-tier (gatewayless) processing consists of the following: