Connect/USS
z/OS Batch <-> Unix System Services
Better z/OS Unix Batch Integration
Batch + USS, Streamlined and Connected
Connect/USS simplifies z/OS batch Unix System Services workflows by streaming files directly into and out of native, open-source, and third-party USS utilities—including GnuPG and cURL-based applications, such as SFTP. This eliminates multiple steps and file staging, enabling more efficient and secure processing.
Cost-saving, future proof z/OS PGP Encryption
Connect/USS optimizes PGP processing in z/OS batch by combining a high-level JCL abstraction with direct piping into and out of USS GnuPG. Encryption and decryption is performed without file staging or scripting, with encrypted output delivered to z/OS datasets, USS files, FTP targets, or email destinations—eliminating the complexity of traditional approaches. [>]
SFTP Without the z/OS Batch Headaches
Connect/USS simplifies secure file transfers from z/OS batch by streaming datasets directly into and out of USS cURL using SFTP (and other supported protocols). This approach eliminates intermediate file staging, custom scripting, and the multi-step orchestration typical of traditional z/OS batch SFTP workflows.
Resources
Connect/USS
Features Overview
Key Features
Execution of USS CLI Processes from Batch — Invoke shell commands, scripts, binaries, or cryptographic utilities in USS directly via JCL steps, with simplified parameter and environment setup.
STDIN/STDOUT Streaming Support — Stream z/OS datasets into USS processes via STDIN and out eliminating file staging and related issues.
Built-in PGP Integration with GnuPG — Out-of-the-box PGP application that bridges z/OS batch and IBM-ported GnuPG using standard JCL declaratives and native file piping, eliminating custom scripts, temporary clear-text files, and common operational inefficiencies.
Seamless Batch ↔ USS Applications — Transparent handling of data between z/OS datasets and the USS applications, including format considerations where required.
Integrated Monitoring and Error Handling — Unified job logs capture USS process output/errors, return codes for easier troubleshooting of applications failures.
Security and Authorization Consistency — Leverages z/OS SAF/RACF for cross-boundary access, ensuring proper permissions without custom workarounds.
Performance-Optimized Execution — Low-overhead piping reduces latency and resource demands compared to file-based approaches.
Suite Integration— Complements other Connect/MP components (Connect/ZIP, Connect/Hybrid, Connect/Web) to support end-to-end modernization workflows.
Value of Streaming Execution
This streaming capability delivers significant value by:
Reducing resource consumption — Eliminates temp files, cuts I/O operations, and minimizes disk usage for large data volumes.
Simplifying JCL and operations — Cleaner, more readable job streams with fewer steps and no manual file management.
Improving performance and throughput — Enables streaming efficiency in application workflows, ideal for data transformation, filtering, encryption, and integration with USS tools.
Enhancing security — Eliminates the exposure of sensitive data caused by file staging.
Supporting modernization — Makes it easier to incorporate modern USS-based processing (e.g., scripting, cryptography, AI/ML tools, or DevOps utilities) into proven batch schedules without disrupting existing automation.
This feature set is especially beneficial for Extract, Transform, Load (ETL-like) workloads, secure file exchange, PGP encryption, report generation, data validation, or any scenario where batch processing must leverage USS strengths while maintaining strict control from JCL.
Prerequisite: IBM Open Enterprise Foundation for z/OS (EOF)