Connect enables organizations to extend the core business logic embedded in CICS or IMS mainframe systems. Existing business process logic written in mainframe applications (COBOL, PL/1, Assembler or any other language) is exposed as a standard API into your SOA. SOAP and XML are created based on existing logic to allow for secure, scalable mainframe integration to either transactions or data. .

Connect provides all meaningful deployment options. A gateway server option provides direct SOAP callable services from any source, providing a low cost easy mechanism to create web services for .NET applications. Connect also provides a complete J2EE deployment in standard application servers (IBM WebSphere, BEA WebLogic, etc.) using a JCA resource adapter for connectivity back to the mainframe host.

Connect connects to any mainframe application, regardless of mainframe operating system, or application code structure. There is no assumption of source code availability, or application use of screen maps (BMS, MFS, etc.) or reliance on mainframe OS (OS390/VSE/IMS/CICS…).

Unlike standard mainframe screen-scraping software, Connect utilizes field marks to ensure accurate integration through the TN3270 interface. Connect also provides integration via the Enterprise Extender (EE) to gain full visibility into the SNA bracket state. EE allows for unparalleled scalability, with virtually no latency, reduced MIPS and a persistent connection back to the mainframe host.

Connect provides secure SSL encryption of all communications to the host systems, to ensure the security of the data stream. Also, all security on the mainframe (Top Secret, RACF, ACF/2, etc.) is preserved and utilized, as all connections to the host appear as normal TN3270 user sessions requiring the same authentication process.