Disadvantages of using the DirectConnect for z/OS Option

By using the DirectConnect for z/OS Option, you add another tier to your environment, which can decrease throughput because of the more complicated architecture. Using the DirectConnect for z/OS Option also requires more administrative attention to install and maintain the components in the environment.

From a security standpoint, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) connectivity to the mainframe is not supported when using the DirectConnect for z/OS Option.