PC Workmate Specifications
PC Workmate moves reports, data, and files between the VSE/POWER queue and desktop PCs. Specified queue entries can automatically go to LAN directories, to user’s e-mail, or to Web pages. Jobs placed in a LAN’s “hot reader” directory can automatically go the POWER queue.
Installation architecture
PC Workmate typically runs on a dedicated file server on a LAN, from which it moves files to and from the VSE/POWER queue and users’ PCs.
The server communicates with the VSE system through a 32-bit terminal emulator, probably HOBLink, which is distributed with PC Workmate.
PC Workmate requires assistance from the VSE application Powertools Plus, also distributed with PC Workmate. Powertools Plus has two parts, a Batch utility and a CICS Online facility.
PC Workmate on a LAN file server
- Automatically processes, prints, distributes, and e-mails files arriving from VSE/POWER.
- Converts POWER reports to HTML for display in a Web browser.
- Automatically transfers jobs and files to VSE/POWER from a LAN “hot reader” directory.
- The PC Workmate server requires access to users’ home directories, where it places the files it receives from VSE/POWER.
- PC Workmate e-mails files and/or notification messages to users by calling the program SdsMail.exe, a part of PC Workmate.
- Powertools Plus and HOBLink are part of the PC Workmate 3.5 distribution.
- In place of a server, PC Workmate can also be installed and run from individual desktop PCs.
Powertools Plus CICS Online facility
- Transfers files between VSE/POWER and PC Workmate.
- Displays indexes of backups created by the batch utility.
- Selectively restores files from backup.
- Lets you view entries (LST, RDR, PUN) in the VSE/POWER queue.
- Powertools Plus can also be purchased and operated without PC Workmate.
Powertools Plus Batch utility
- Submitted as a VSE/POWER batch job.
- Copies files to and from the VSE/POWER queue, VSAM, tape backups, disk.
- Splits, bundles, routes, prints, and compresses reports.
- Powertools Plus can also be purchased and operated without PC Workmate.
PC and mainframe environment
- Windows® 32-bit operating system.
- MS-DOS® 6.22 or higher
- 233 MHz PC processor, minimum
- VSE/SP 4.1 or higher
- CICS 1.7 or higher
- Does not require TCP/IP on the mainframe.
Using PC Workmate
PC Workmate runs on your PC, where it operates chiefly in the background, monitoring activity of your 3270 emulator and a “hot-reader” file directory.
When a file is copied into the PC’s hot-reader, it is automatically transferred to the CICS component of POWERTOOLS Plus, which places the file on the VSE/POWER queue. PC files can also be sent with browse, point, and click methods.
File transfers from VSE to a PC can be automated by setting the CICS component to watch the POWER queue for specified files, then transfer them. You can also initiate VSE-to-PC transfers manually from the CICS component.
When they arrive at the PC, files can automatically go to print or be further processed according to a batch command.
Like the Powertools batch component, PC Workmate has the power to search out and process specified parts of reports.
Installation
PC Workmate and HOBLink install like most Windows applications: Insert the diskette, start the setup program, and answer a few prompts regarding directory names. You can later customize your installation by editing two *.ini files.
The Powertools Plus batch utility typically installs in about 10 minutes. It requires no “hooks” into your system. Installation chiefly consists of installing the product distribution tape, defining the index and work files, and verifying the installation. Sample procedures help new users learn without risking significant data.
An options macro helps you to customize the installation and its security. Customization options include such specifications as whether and how to record the activity of Powertools Plus in an audit report, how to isolate reports from local processing during backup processes, and what to use for various control characters. A printer set-up macro helps you specify printer configurations.
Powertools Plus Online typically takes an hour to install. Installation requires changing any component names that conflict with your existing environment; defining transactions, programs, and index and report files; and refreshing your CICS region.
Powertools Plus Online can be made to automatically initiate and shutdown with CICS, or it can be made to operate in a menu-only environment. Other customization options concern limits, buffer sizes, and security.