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Home > News > Sales Begin of WEB TERMINAL SERVER, the Solution which utilizes Internet Browsers for Corporate Legacy System Management
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| 2005.01.31 |
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Sales Begin of WEB TERMINAL SERVER, the Solution which utilizes Internet Browsers for Corporate Legacy System Management
NTT COMWARE Corporation (hereafter, NTT COMWARE; Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Mr. Yuhji Imai) will initiate sales of Web Terminal Server, the solution which will allow mainframe-based corporate legacy systems to be managed through an internet browser, from February 1. This solution will allow programming modifications to the legacy system to be made in a cost-effective manner, and through the installation of only one server, will increase the utility of the screen display and management.
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[ Legacy System Management Terminal ]
The legacy system, which includes the mainframe and other components, is the communications system which exists between the host computer and the client terminal. For this reason, a dedicated terminal is required for system management. At present, quasi-dedicated terminals exist to perform this function, and (terminal emulator software) which allows management operations to be carried out from ordinary PCs is widely in use. However, the legacy system utilizes an operating system much like that in the first-generation of computers which uses special characters and symbols for screen display and for making commands. This style of operating system is difficult for those accustomed to today's operating systems to use. (* For further details, see below)
[ Overview and Benefits of Web Terminal Server ]
When the Web Terminal Server is installed in the network between the host computer and the terminal, the legacy system can be managed through a web browser without a dedicated terminal or terminal emulator. As only one server is used, the costs associated with the installation and maintenance of the terminal emulator in each of the client PCs are eliminated. In addition, there are numerous other benefits as below.
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(1) |
This solution allows legacy systems can be used in a GUI (Graphical User Interface) environment. It then becomes possible for example to format input items, hyperlink screen flow, and allocate and change function keys. |
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It unifies multiple screens (screen flow) and allows screens to be moved in all directions with the curser keys. |
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It allows multiple legacy systems to be displayed and managed on one screen, which means that multiple terminals do not need to be installed. |
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It organizes material that previously had to dealt with one item at a time in dialogue form and automatically executes items. |
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It eliminates the requirement to reconstruct the legacy system, a task which requires resources including money and time and also carries the risk of reducing product quality through program change. This also improves user convenience. |
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It allows users to access the system from cellular phones and PDA which have downloaded a web browser. |
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In the case where a terminal emulator has been installed, while purchasing and maintenance fees will still apply to each client computer, only one server is required. This will lead to a significant reduction of both costs and the complexity of software management as the number of terminals increases. |
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(8) |
Java Application Interface, which allows legacy data to be accessed through other applications, is included. |
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(9) |
Special hardware or operating systems are not required, and the desktop environment of client terminals can be changed easily. In addition, by using freely distributed open-source software including the Linux operating system and the FireFox web browsers, the client terminal software installation fees are reduced. |
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Legacy data can be formatted as CSV data. CSV data allows users to create charts and graphs. |
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Spool data, which could only be printed out on the host computer's spool printer, can be formatted into PDF data and printed on a normal printer. |
( * Inconvenient Elements of Dedicated Terminals and Terminal Emulators )
Certain aspects of dedicated terminals for legacy systems and terminal emulators, which allow for legacy system management from ordinary computers, which might cause inconvenience to users are enumerated below:
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The legacy system is operated through an operating system which uses a Character User Interface (CUI), a screen display format which uses letters and symbols for commands. A screen can display a maximum of 24 letters by 80 letters across, and because there is no scrolling, a key (ex. F1: next screen) must be pushed to change the screen. This is difficult for users accustomed to using today's operating systems which utilize a Graphical User Interface (GUI). |
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The terminal emulator must be installed in each PC, and installation and maintenance fees apply to each terminal. In addition, all of the terminal emulators must be asset managed. |
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In order to change the screen display, it is necessary to change the host computer system itself, which requires significant costs. |
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When multiple legacy systems are used concurrently, there is a requirement to either use multiple terminals or to set-up multiple terminal emulators and switch emulators during use. |
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Certain terminal emulators only function with specific operating systems, which can create obstacles when changing computers and upgrading software. |
[ Solution Features, Suggested Retail Price ]
This solution consists of a server, operating system, terminal emulator software, and other components.
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Solution Features (standard features) |
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• Hardware: |
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rackmount-type 1 U server |
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• Operating system: |
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Novell [ SUSE LINUX Enterprise Server ] |
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• Host application unified solution: |
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Magic Software Japan KK [ ApplinX ] |
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• Webserver software: |
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[ Apache ] |
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• Database software: |
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[ PostgreSQL ] |
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• Unlimited users license for IBM iSeries (AS/400) |
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(the following are options)
CSV formatting software for legacy data
Client license for IBM mainframe
Client license for Fujitsu mainframe (XSP, MSP)
Client license for HP NonStop server |
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• For all of the above, 1 year of maintenance service |
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(2) |
Suggested Retail Price |
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Standard Features: 4,200,000 Yen (without tax: 4,000,000 Yen) |
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* A separate fee is required for the installation of solution
* A separate fee is required for the customization of screen |
* Product and company names are the trademarks and registered trademarks of each of the companies above.
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The information shown in this page is the latest as of the day of the release. It is subject to change without further notice. Thank you for your kind understanding and consideration.
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