Server Option

The Server Option is available for either CICS, or IMS and MVS. It uses the Open Server programming environment to allow users to create mainframe applications that LAN-based client applications can access.

LAN-side client applications access Server Option transactions directly through the DirectConnect for z/OS Option or gateway-less, or indirectly through CIS functionality in ASE or through an ASE remote procedure call (RPC). These transactions provide access to virtually any z/OS data source and are used for a variety of functions, including:

• Accessing existing mainframe applications

• Initiating mainframe batch jobs

• Providing source data for data transfer operations

• Providing data mapped to a table within the CIS functionality in ASE, thus allowing results to be accessed or joined with data from other targets

The Server Option allows your mainframe to act as both an application server and a data server in a distributed environment. The Server Option API makes CICS, IMS, and MVS data and application programs available to a Sybase calling program (for example, Sybase Open Client, ODBC, and JDBC applications). These APIs deliver critical CICS, IMS, and MVS data and services to LAN-based and Internet-based clients through a single, open infrastructure.

The heterogeneous solutions made available through the Server Option use traditional mainframe security systems. When used with the DirectConnect for z/OS Option, the Server Option ensures transparent and seamless data transport between the Internet, LAN, and mainframe systems. The DirectConnect for z/OS Option routes requests (SQL statements and RPC calls) between the mainframe and end user, manages all the protocol translation where required, and provides additional security features that deliver the required security necessary for today’s Internet and enterprise portal applications.