The SDS Blog

Read our latest blog posts, press releases, and product updates to stay up-to-date on the latest SDS mainframe news and information.

CAFC 6.2.00 Offers First Day Support for CICS/TS 6.2

June 14, 2024

SDS releases CAFC 6.2.00, a new version of its CICS Management product. This new CICS Transaction Server for z/OS 6.2-compatible version of CAFC also contains numerous new features and capabilities.

SHARE Orlando 2024 Recap

March 6, 2024

SDS attended SHARE Orlando and unveiled two new products. VitalSigns for Secure Transfer (VST) and Virtel Screen Redesigner, both products offer customers modern solutions for the mainframe.

Peeling the Onion of SFTP: Options for Securing z/OS File Transfers

October 6, 2023

Securing mainframe file transfers requires navigating multiple layers of solutions, from FTPS and SSH tunnels to SFTP and PGP encryption, each with distinct advantages and limitations. This comprehensive guide peels back the "onion" of z/OS FTP security options to help organizations choose the right combination of tools, including the VFTP-SSH collaboration, to protect data both in transit and at rest.

Now Available: VitalSigns SIEM Agent for z/OS 4.3.1 featuring zIIP Enablement

August 16, 2023

VitalSigns SIEM Agent for z/OS, an event monitoring product for z/OS mainframes, now offers zIIP enablement in its latest version, 4.3.1.

Mainframe FTP Compliance – Overview

May 11, 2023

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a commonly used protocol for transferring files between computers on a network. However, using FTP can also create security vulnerabilities that can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information.

Mainframe Security Compliance – Main Components

April 13, 2023

While mainframes are known for their reliability and security, they are not immune to cyber threats. Organizations must implement comprehensive security measures including access controls, encryption, network isolation, and continuous monitoring to maintain compliance with regulatory frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS.

SHARE Atlanta 2023 Recap

March 9, 2023

The SDS team was at the SHARE conference in Atlanta and showcased updates to the VitalSigns suite of products and E-business Server.

TN3270, 3270 terminal, 3270 applications… What is 3270?

July 18, 2022

The IBM 3270 terminal, first released in 1971, revolutionized mainframe access and became ubiquitous in corporate environments throughout the '70s and '80s. While the physical terminals have disappeared, the 3270 data stream and applications live on through modern emulators, with innovations like web-based thin clients bridging the gap between legacy systems and contemporary interfaces.

CAFC 6.1.00 Maintenance Release Provides First Day Support for CICS/TS 6.1

June 17, 2022

Software Diversified Services (SDS) has released CAFC 6.1.00 MAINT001, delivering day one support for IBM CICS Transaction Server 6.1 and continuing its streak of same-day compatibility dating back to 2016. This maintenance release supports CICS/TS versions 5.4 through 6.1 and includes several new customer-requested features for enhanced CICS application file control management.

CAFC 6.1.00 is G.A. – New Features and CICS/TS 6.1 Support

March 31, 2022

Software Diversified Services (SDS) has released CAFC 6.1.00, a major update to its CICS Application File Control product that provides day one support for IBM CICS Transaction Server 6.1. The new version includes numerous customer-requested enhancements, including improved RACF security functionality with SMF 80 record generation, expanded batch interface capabilities, and enhanced serviceability features.

Seven Vulnerabilities of Thick-Client TN3270 Emulators

September 14, 2021

Thick-client TN3270 emulators expose mainframe 3270 applications to seven critical security vulnerabilities, including exposed terminal emulation code, reliance on outdated browsers, and unaudited macros. Download our whitepaper to learn how Virtel Web Access' browser-based thin-client emulator eliminates these risks and protects your organization's data and network.

Three Use-cases of ConicIT in action

May 19, 2021

ConicIT's predictive analytics engine learns system behavior patterns over time and proactively collects diagnostic data before performance problems fully materialize, enabling first-fault problem resolution. By detecting anomalies in CPU behavior, database resource contention, and transaction patterns, ConicIT provides system programmers with comprehensive causal analysis and relevant monitoring data at their fingertips—making diagnosis significantly easier without adding noticeable system load.