The Client Option is available for either CICS, or IMS and MVS. It is a programming environment that enables the user to create mainframe applications that access data and applications residing on a LAN. The Client Option allows the user to treat the mainframe as if it were another node on a LAN. The Client Option uses the Open Client™ programming environment API.
The Client Option allows the mainframe to take on the initiating role of a client in a distributed system. The Client Option is a library of routines, programming services, and runtime services that you can use to develop client/server applications. It allows mainframe programs written in assembler, C, COBOL II, or PL/I to communicate with Adaptive Server® Enterprise (ASE) and with Open Server™-developed applications. By using the Client Option, you can extend the capabilities of your existing mainframe transaction-orientated applications to give end-users and mainframe-based applications transparent access to distributed LAN-based applications and data. Also, MVS batch applications can become clients requesting data or services from network- and Internet-based applications.
You can use the Client Option only in a two-tier, gateway-less environment
(without the DirectConnect for z/OS Option). For more information,
see “Gateway and gateway-less environments” and the
appropriate Mainframe Connect Client Option Installation
and Administration Guide.
