Solutions

Standard Edition

• Industry Leading Mainframe ZIP Compression Utility

  ZIP/390 MP enables IBM mainframes to seamlessly exchange ZIP files with various tools like WinZip, 7-Zip, and PKZIP. By adhering to industry-standard ZIP compression formats, it ensures compatibility across platforms, facilitating efficient and secure file exchanges throughout the internal IT ecosystem and beyond with customers, partners, and users of varying skill levels.

  • Space Savings: ZIP/390 MP reduces file sizes an average of 85-95%, decreasing the amount of storage space required for files, allowing users to store more data on their devices.

  • Faster Transfers: Reduced file sizes of 85 to 95% result in faster transfer times and lower network overhead. Additionally, ZIP/390 MP’s integrated high-speed file transfer capability offers quicker WAN transfers than traditional FTP methods.

  • Convenience: Multiple files can be aggregated into a single ZIP archive, simplifying the management and sharing of collections and for better file transfer efficiency.

  • zSeries Performance: ZIP/390 MP for z/OS is specifically developed for mainframe environments. It incorporates key zSeries performance features, such as zEnterprise Data Compression Acceleration (zEDC) and IBM z Integrated Information Processor (zIIP), to minimize GP overhead, maximize compression speed, and reduce job completion times.
    See White Paper for more information.

  • Comprehensive Mainframe File Support: ZIP/390 directly supports zipping and unzipping of common mainframe file systems, including z/OS Sequential, PDS, PDS(E), TAPE, Spanned and Extended Datasets, and HFS/zFS, ensuring seamless integration with mainframe environments.

  • ZIP Compression for Large Data (ZIP64): ZIP file compression and decompression of very large datasets (over 4GB), which is important for enterprise applications that handle large volumes of data.

  • Full ZIP Archive Maintenance: ZIP/390 MP supports industry-standard commands for maintaining ZIP archives, including adding, updating, and deleting files within an archive, as well as copying files between archives.

  • EBCIDIC, ASCII and Unicode Translation: Seamless conversion between EBCIDIC, ASCII and Unicode formats, ensuring compatibility across diverse systems and enabling smooth data exchange.

  • Data Integrity: ZIP/390 MP includes error-checking features that help ensure data integrity during transfer.

  • Widely Supported: ZIP files are compatible with many operating systems and software applications, and familiar to users of all skill levels.

  • Built-in Transport: Zip files can be transported via integrated transports: Email (SMPT), FTP, and Connect Edition’s Fast Internet Transport (FIT)™ protocol.

  • Supported Platforms: ZIP/390 MP runs in standalone mode and/or in ZIP/390 MP Connect Edition client-server mode on all supported platforms:
    • IBM Mainframe: zOS, Unix System Services (USS)
    • Distributed Servers: Command-line versions for zLinux, Linux x86, Windows and MacOS
      
      

  • PKZIP Replacement: ZIP/390 MP transparently replaces PKZIP© for zOS and PKZIP for Server, promising at least a 60% cost reduction. There are no changes required for operations or end-users, and in most cases, existing batch jobs and programs remain unchanged, greatly simplifying the transition.
    

  More information:
  ZIP/390 History
  PKZIP Replacement
  

• Automated JES Report Delivery

  Enhance your mainframe report management with ZIP/390 MP’s Automated JES Report Delivery feature. Seamlessly distribute critical mainframe reports as TEXT, ZIP and PDF files directly to servers and end-users inboxes. Enhance operational efficiency by reducing manual processes, ensuring timely delivery, and improving accessibility. With robust automation, you can minimize errors, save valuable time, and empower users with instant access to vital data—boosting productivity and decision-making across your organization.

  • One-time and Interval processing: ZIP/390 MP's JES Writer feature addresses multiple report delivery needs and instances. It can be initiated as a one-time process or scheduled to run at specified intervals, automatically sending the designated category of reports to the chosen destination or end-users as soon as they become available in JES.

  • Flexible report selection: The SELECT: parameter is used to specify the selection criteria to be processed each specific instance; criteria such as CLASS, FORMS, DESTINATION, JOB NAME and more.

  • Post processing disposition control: The SELDISP: parameter is used to specify post processing disposition for the selected reports; ie, DELETE or KEEP.

  • Deliverable formats: EBCDIC/ASC translation guarantees that data is formatted correctly for the destination. Additionally, the products built-in ZIP compression and PDF conversion features may be utilized to deliver reports as .zip and .pdf files, enhancing efficiency, security, and accessibility.

  • Built-in transports: Reports can be delivered via integrated transports: Email (SMPT), FTP, and Connect Edition’s Fast Internet Transport (FIT)™ protocol.

Secure Edition

• Secure ZIP Files

  Many organizations prioritize transmission encryption, but data is often more vulnerable when stored. ZIP password encryption provides a simple solution for persistent data encryption, ensuring protection during transmission and storage. This empowers owners to maintain security and compliance, regardless of external factors.

  However, ZIP v2.0 (legacy) password encryption is relatively weak and not compliant with current regulations. It also lacks the advantages of mainframe cryptographic hardware, resulting in slower performance and higher costs. In contrast, ZIP/390 MP's FIPS 197-certified AES password encryption is both user-friendly and fully compliant. It leverages mainframe hardware for faster operations and is fully compatible with other popular AES-enabled zip compression tools, including WinZIP, 7-ZIP, and SecureZip—providing a simple, low-cost means of secure file exchange.

  Features and Benefits of ZIP AES Password Encryption:
  

  • Enhanced Security: AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) provides strong encryption, making it difficult for unauthorized users to access the contents of the archive.

  • Data Integrity: Password protection helps ensure that only those with the correct credentials can view or modify the files, maintaining data integrity.

  • Compliance: Many industries have regulations regarding data protection. Using AES encryption can help organizations meet these compliance requirements.

  • Convenience: ZIP archives are widely used for compressing and archiving files, and adding AES encryption allows for secure storage and easy sharing of sensitive data.

  • Versatility: AES password-protected ZIP files can be used across various platforms and systems, making them a flexible solution for secure data exchange.

  • Cost-Effectiveness: Implementing AES encryption through ZIP archives does not require expensive software, as many tools offer this feature for free or at a low cost.

• Encrypt/Decrypt Files and Data Strings

  ZIP/390's Cryptographic Facility includes Encrypt/Decrypt Batch commands for encrypting a single input file or string of data. Data encrypted with the ENCRYPT command can be decrypted with the DECRYPT command. Data can also be decrypted with any utility that supports the AES cryptographic facility standard.

  Features and Benefits:

  • Strong Security: AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) provides robust encryption with key lengths of 128, 192, or 256 bits, making it highly resistant to brute-force attacks.

  • Encryption Modes: Most AES Encryption modes are supported; such aa ECB, CBC, CFB and OBF, to allow flexibility in how data is encrypted depending on the application, while maintaining the core security of the AES algorithm itself.

  • Performance Efficiency: AES is optimized for speed and efficiency, allowing for fast encryption and decryption processes, which is particularly important for large files or high-volume data.

  • Wide Adoption: AES is a globally recognized standard used by governments, financial institutions, and organizations worldwide, ensuring a high level of trust and compatibility across various platforms and systems.

  • Versatility: AES can encrypt various types of data, including files, strings, and streams, making it adaptable for different applications and use cases.

  • Scalability: The algorithm is scalable, allowing organizations to adjust key lengths based on their security needs without sacrificing performance.

  • Compliance Support: Many regulations and standards require strong encryption for protecting sensitive data. Using AES helps organizations meet these compliance requirements.

  • Resilience Against Cryptanalysis: AES has undergone extensive scrutiny and analysis, making it one of the most secure encryption methods available today, with proven resistance to various attack vectors.

  • Ease of Implementation: AES is supported by a wide range of programming languages and libraries, simplifying the integration of encryption into existing systems and applications.

• Data Compression/Encryption API

  The ZIP/390 MP Data Compression/Encryption Programmer API provides for in-memory, on-the-fly compression and encryption of records and data fields. This API enables organizations to secure sensitive information dynamically, ensuring that data is protected at every stage—whether it’s stored in memory, transmitted across networks, or processed within applications. By providing granular control over which data elements are are encrypted, organizations can tailor their security measures to meet specific compliance requirements and safeguard critical information, all while minimizing the impact on system resources.

  Features and Benefits:

  • Encryption: FIPS-197 Certified AES (128, 192, 256) Encryption.

  • Data Compression: Deflate is an industry-standard algorithm for lossless file compression and decompression. It is used in many programs, including zip, gzip, and PGP.  

  • Calling the API: Standard IBM call linkage is employed, enabling use with all mainframe programming languages that support standard linkage calls; such as, S390 Assembler, Cobol and PLI.

  • Hardware Assisted Data Compression and Encryption: The API enables mainframe programmers to take advantage of specialized zEDC and CPACF hardware for offloading CPU-intensive data compression and encryption cycles from general processors for outstanding cost performance.

  • Robust Security: With AES encryption, sensitive data is protected against unauthorized access, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and safeguarding against data breaches.

  • Dynamic Data Protection: The API enables on-the-fly encryption and compression, allowing organizations to secure data in real-time without interrupting workflows, making it ideal for high-volume transactions.

  • Resource Optimization: By minimizing data size through compression, the API helps conserve mainframe resources, reducing costs associated with storage and processing power.

  • Seamless Integration: The API can be easily integrated into existing applications, providing a straightforward way to enhance security and efficiency without requiring extensive system overhauls.

  • Granular Control: Organizations can selectively encrypt specific data elements, allowing for customized security measures tailored to their unique data protection needs.

  • Improved Compliance: With built-in encryption, organizations can more easily meet regulatory requirements for data security and privacy, thereby reducing the risk of penalties and reputation damage.

  • Increased Trust: By implementing strong encryption measures, businesses can foster trust among customers and stakeholders, demonstrating their commitment to protecting sensitive information.

Connect Edition

• Client-Server Functionality

  ZIP/390 MP Connect Edition adds client-server based functionality for facilitating high-speed hybrid TCP/UDP Fast Internet Transport (FIT)™ for faster long distance file exchange. Additionally, powerful cross-platform application integration features enable seamless mainframe-orchestrated distributed processing.

  Supported Platforms: zOS, Unix System Services (USS), zLinux, Linux x86, MacOS and Windows

  ZIP/390 MP's client-server functionality offers several advantages, including:

  • High-Speed Transfers: Utilizing hybrid TCP/UDP Fast Internet Transport, ZIP/390 MP ensures rapid and efficient file transfers, reducing wait times and improving overall productivity.

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: With support for multiple platforms, including IBM z/OS, Unix System Services (USS), zLinux, Linux x86, Windows, and macOS, ZIP/390 MP facilitates seamless integration across diverse environments.

  • Mainframe Orchestration: The ability to orchestrate distributed processing from a mainframe environment allows for centralized control and management of tasks, enhancing operational efficiency.

  • Scalability: The client-server architecture can easily scale to accommodate growing workloads, making it suitable for both small and large enterprises.

  • Robust Application Integration: Powerful integration features enable smooth communication between applications across different platforms, streamlining workflows and enhancing collaboration.

  • Improved Reliability: The combination of TCP and UDP protocols provides flexibility in data transfer methods, ensuring reliable delivery even in challenging network conditions.

  • Enhanced Security: With built-in security features, ZIP/390 MP helps protect sensitive data during transfers, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

  These advantages make ZIP/390 MP an ideal solution for organizations looking to optimize their data processing and integration capabilities.

• Faster WAN File Transfers

  Connect Edition’s Fast Internet Transport (FIT)™ hybrid TCP/UDP file transfer protocol revolutionizes data transfer by effectively addressing the latency challenges of traditional TCP. By seamlessly combining the reliability of TCP with the speed of UDP, our protocol minimizes delays and maximizes throughput, ensuring faster file transfers over long distances or congested networks.

  Features and Benefits:

  • Inline Compression: Connect Edition’s Fast Internet Transport (FIT) protocol utilizes zSeries zEDC compression acceleration hardware to deliver incredibly fast, low-overhead data compression of up to 95%. By significantly reducing the physical size of the data being transmitted, FIT dramatically enhances transfer speeds, ensuring efficient and rapid data delivery.

  • Cyclical Redundancy Check (CRC): Ensures that the data received or stored matches the data that was sent or originally created.

  • Multi-Port Buffer-Level Transmission: Optional multi-port connections can be defined for sending multiple buffers simultaneously to reduce transfer time.

  • Inline Encryption: Connect Edition’s client-server communications and file transfer data are protected using AES-256 quantum-safe symmetric key encryption, ensuring secure and safe file transfers.

  • User Authentication: User and Group Authentication allows administrators to define specific permissions and roles, ensuring that users can only access the files and data relevant to their responsibilities.

  • Reduced Latency: Combines the strengths of TCP and UDP to minimize delays, ensuring quicker data transfers.

  • Throughput: Optimizes bandwidth usage, allowing for faster file transfers, even in congested networks.

  • Reliable Delivery: Maintains the reliability of TCP, ensuring data integrity and successful delivery while leveraging UDP's speed.

  • Dynamic Adaptability: Adjusts to network conditions in real-time, optimizing performance based on available bandwidth and latency.

  • Enhanced Performance: Supports larger file sizes and higher data volumes, making it suitable for enterprise-level data transfers.

  • Better Handling of Packet Loss: Utilizes advanced techniques to manage packet loss effectively, ensuring minimal impact on transfer speeds.

• Mainframe Orchestrated Distributed Processing

  Elevate your enterprise's performance and agility by harnessing the strengths of both mainframe and distributed environments, like SAS and Cloud Services, through ZIP/390 MP Connect Edition’s innovative Cross-Platform Application Integration feature. Drive digital transformation and unlock new efficiencies.

  Features and Benefits:

  • Leveraged Strengths: Combines the high performance, reliability, and security of mainframes with the flexibility and scalability of distributed systems.

  • Seamless Workflows: Integration allows for smooth data and process flows between mainframe applications and distributed systems, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

  • Centralized Control: Organizations can maintain centralized control and governance over both mainframe and distributed processes, simplifying management and oversight.

  • Enhanced Data Access: Integrating mainframes with distributed processing allows for better data accessibility across platforms, enabling real-time analytics and informed decision-making.

  • Cost Reduction: By offloading certain tasks to distributed systems, organizations can optimize mainframe usage and reduce operational costs associated with mainframe processing.

  • Improved Agility: The combination allows organizations to adapt quickly to changing business requirements by leveraging the strengths of both environments.

  • Increased Innovation: Access to modern tools and technologies in distributed systems can drive innovation while still utilizing the stability of mainframe systems for critical operations.

  • Future-Proofing: Organizations can gradually transition to newer technologies and architectures while maintaining essential mainframe capabilities, ensuring long-term viability.

  • Real-Time Data Access: Directly piping files into applications allows for real-time data processing, enabling timely decision-making and immediate responses to business needs.

  • Increased Efficiency: Directly piping files into applications eliminates the need for staging files, reducing the time and resources spent on data transfer and preparation, leading to faster workflow execution.

  • Reduced Complexity: Directly piping files into applications simplifies the integration architecture by minimizing intermediary steps and potential points of failure associated with staging processes.

  • Enhanced Security: Directly piping files into applications minimizes the handling of temporary files, the risk of data exposure or loss is reduced, bolstering overall security.

  • Cost Savings: Directly piping files into applications reduces storage and processing costs associated with maintaining staging environments and extra data management overhead.

  • Scalability: Directly piping files into applications facilitates easier scaling of processes as new applications or platforms can be integrated without extensive staging setups.

• Cost Saving z/OS Hybrid PGP

  Connect Edition’s Hybrid z/OS PGP feature offers the benefits of a fully native mainframe PGP solution while significantly reducing mainframe consumption and software-related costs. ZIP/390 MP on zOS and/or Unix System Services (USS) seamlessly integrates in real-time with GnuPG, a free open-source, 100% OpenPGP-compatible tool provided with nearly all Linux distributions, including zLinux, for those requiring a fully zSeries-based solutions, and also available for MS-Windows.
  

  Features and Benefits:
  

  • GnuPG: GnuPG is a complete and free implementation of the OpenPGP standard as defined by RFC4880 (also known as PGP). GnuPG allows you to encrypt and sign your data and communications; it features a versatile key management system, along with access modules for all kinds of public key directories. GnuPG, also known as GPG, is a command line tool with features for easy integration with other applications. A wealth of frontend applications and libraries are available.

  • Output Options: The output of ZIP/390 MP PGP and UNPGP actions is automatically saved on the mainframe executing the job or may be routed to a specified mainframe, server, or Email inbox via built-in transport methods: Email (SMTP), FTP and Connect Edition Fast Internet Transport (FIT)™ file transfer.

  • Support: Data 21 offers support for ZIP/390 MP’s Hybrid z/OS PGP feature and guidance on using GnuPG to customers on maintenance. GnuPG product maintenance and technical support are available for free from the GnuPG community, while paid maintenance and support can be obtained from third-party providers.

  • Cost Savings: ZIP/390 Hybrid z/OS PGP offloads PGP processing overhead from the mainframe to a local server, reducing CPC consumption and associated costs. Additionally, GnuPG software is free, eliminating the licensing fees typically associated with fully native mainframe solutions.