Solutions
Mainframe Centric, Enterprise Focused.
IBM Mainframe
z/OS & Unix Systems Services
Distributed Platforms
z/Linux, Linux x86, Windows & MacOS
ZIP/390 MP
z/OS, z/Linux, Linux x86, Windows & MacOS
Enterprise Data Movement, Integration & Modernization Suite
Simplifies secure and efficient movement, access, and integration of data across mainframe and hybrid IT environments—all in one unified solution. By bridging legacy systems with modern platforms, it accelerates digital transformation initiatives, reduces operational costs, and enhances agility—enabling enterprises to unlock the full value of their data assets in today’s complex IT landscape.
Developed and supported entirely by our in-house team, ZIP/390 MP offers deep technical expertise and direct access to the people who built it — with the flexibility to adapt features and workflows to your specific business or infrastructure needs.
Applications...
- ZIP Compression
The ZIP compression component of the suite plays a key role in simplifying secure, efficient, and regulation-compliant data movement and storage within your internal ecosystem - and beyond - with partners, customers and end-users of all technical competency levels.
Highlights:
Mainframe-optimized performance: Leverages IBM zEDC and zIIP processors for hardware-accelerated compression, delivering exceptional speed while significantly reducing CPU usage and operating costs. See White Paper for more information.
Regulation-compliant encryption: Supports AES 128/256-bit encryption for secure, standards-based data protection.
Support for large data (ZIP64): Compress and decompress files over 4GB - ideal for enterprise-scale datasets and high-volume date exchange.
Integrated automation: Includes JES integration, PDF maker, system file monitoring and automation features to streamline enterprise file-handling workflows.
Integrated SMTP, FTP and proprietary TCP/UDP file transfer optimization for high-latency conditions.
Cross-platform ZIP compatibility: Seamlessly supports both mainframe and distributed systems and tools, ensuring consistency across hybrid IT environments.
Additional Info:
Features
Transparent PKZIP Replacement for 60% Savings
- Web Services
The Web Server with CGI-Integration component of the ZIP/390 MP Suite simplifies scriptable access to mainframe applications and data by enabling direct, HTTP/HTTPS-based interactions using both classic and modern programming languages—including REXX, Java, PHP, and Python. This lightweight yet powerful web interface bridges traditional mainframe resources with contemporary development environments. By supporting the Common Gateway Interface (CGI), it allows IT teams to rapidly build and deploy scripts that expose mainframe logic and data for integration with web applications, APIs, automation tools, or external systems. It fills the gap left by more complex, heavyweight integration solutions—accelerating modernization efforts, reducing integration overhead, and empowering developers of all skill levels to securely interact with enterprise data and processes.
Highlights:
Enables web-based access to z/OS applications and data, making it easier to expose mainframe funcitonality.
Break down silos between mainframe and distributed/cloud systems.
Enable hybrid architectures and service integration without rewriting COBOL or PL/I code.
Helps with Mainframe modernization by:
Allowing applications to be consumed by modern front-ends, mobile apps, or cloud-based services.
Reducing the need for third-party API gateways or middleware.
Filling the scripting gap of other mainframe modernization tools; particularly in areas of scripting application and data access - making it a valuable addition to modern mainframe environments.
Instead of costly re-platforming or code transformation, ZIP/390 allows organizations to web-enable existing assets quickly and securely, offering:
Faster time to value.
Lower risk compared to full migration.
Continued use of proven mainframe performance and reliability.
z/OS Support for Classic and Modern Scripting
Supports traditional mainframe scripting languages like REXX alongside popular modern languages like JAVA, Python and PHP out-of-the-box.
Eliminates the need for complex middleware or gateways to run these scripts on the mainframe web layer.
Lightweight, No-Plugin Architecture
Unlike solutions that require heavy plugin development or containerization, our server enables direct CGI script execution.
Developers can deploy scripts rapidly without packaging or complex build steps.
Simplified Deployment and Configuration
Minimal configuration needed to enable CGI on our server - simply drop scripts into designated directories.
No need to manage complex API gateways or micro-services infrastructure.
Fast Iteration and Development
Developers can write, test, and update scripts in-place, speeding up development cycles.
Supports interactive scripting for debugging and iterative improvements.
Seamless Integration with z/OS Ecosystem
Full access to z/OS resources, datasets, and system commands from CGI scripts.
Enables reuse of existing automation and tools without rewriting for new platforms.
No Additional Middleware or Third-Party Dependencies
Unlike other solutions requiring external servers or bridges, our web server runs on z/OS.
Reduces complexity, costs, and points of failure.
Multi-Language Flexibility
Supports a variety of scripting languages (REXX, Python, PHP, JAVA), allowing teams to leverage diverse skill sets.
Other solutions may be restricted to a single language or require complex adapters.
- Client-Server Connectivity
ZIP/390 MP’s Client-Server Connectivity feature delivers a powerful and flexible framework for high-performance, hybrid TCP/UDP-based file transfer, secure data handling through PGP encryption, and seamless cross-platform application automation and orchestration. Designed to meet the demanding needs of modern enterprise environments, this feature enables efficient and reliable communication between distributed systems, supporting large-scale data exchange with enhanced security and speed. Whether transferring massive files across heterogeneous platforms or coordinating complex workflows between mainframe and distributed systems, ZIP/390 MP’s robust connectivity architecture ensures optimal performance, interoperability, and control.
- High-Speed File Transfer
Client-Server Fast Internet Transport (FIT) file transfer protocol is engineered to significantly enhance file transfer speed and efficiency, particularly in high-latency or unreliable network environments. It uses a hybrid approach, combining TCP for reliable connection control with UDP for high-speed data transport. This architecture allows FIT to dynamically adjust to real-time network conditions—such as congestion, packet loss, and latency—optimizing throughput on-the-fly. By leveraging the strengths of both protocols, FIT ensures sustained performance across long distances and variable connections, making it ideal for mission-critical, large-scale data transfers over the internet or hybrid networks.
- Hybrid Application Integration
Client-Server based Hybrid Application Integration seamlessly initiates and streams data to any CLI-based application across platforms. It enables real-time integration without middleware, helping IT teams automate cross-platform workflows and extend mainframe reach across the enterprise and cloud services.
- Hybrid PGP
The z/OS Hybrid PGP feature provides seamless integration between z/OS and GnuPGP running on a distributed server, enabling mainframe systems to leverage existing, proven PGP encryption services without requiring native PGP implementation on z/OS. This approach simplifies key management, ensures compliance with enterprise security standards, and reduces overhead by reusing existing infrastructure. By offloading encryption and decryption tasks to a distributed environment, it enhances performance and operational flexibility while maintaining secure data exchange across platforms.
- High-Speed File Transfer
Surprising to many is the fact that Data21 has been in the mainframe ZIP compression space for longer than PKWARE.
PKZIP© for z/OS was originally developed and marketed by Ascent Solutions Inc., which acquired the branding rights from Phil Katz (the 'PK' in PKWARE) in 1993. In 1995, Data21 became an authorized reseller of Ascent Solutions and quickly grew to become its most prolific partner.
When Phil Katz passed away in 2000, an investment firm acquired PKWARE from the Katz family. A few years later, this firm also acquired Ascent Solutions, bringing PKZIP for z/OS under the PKWARE umbrella.
Shortly after the acquisition, PKWARE terminated all its reseller agreements, including Data21’s. Determined to protect the value of our years of investment and expertise in the mainframe ZIP space, we developed ZIP/390 for z/OS. We completed our first PKZIP replacement in 2004. ZIP/390 MP was entirely developed by Data21’s in-house mainframe software development team, which continues to maintain, enhance, and provide technical support for the product to this day.
With over 40 years of in-house mainframe software development and support experience, Data21 offers unmatched stability and exceptional technical support.
Today, Data21 is proud to serve a global base of loyal customers, including many of the world’s most prestigious companies.
Feature
Standard
Secure
Connect
Exchange zip files with industry standard zip tools (eg. WinZIp, 7-ZIP, PKZIP/SecureZIP, GZIP)
Mainframe zIIP and zEDC Support
Built-in Email & FTP Clients
PDF Maker
JES Writer for automated report handling
Companion Versions: z/OS, USS, Linux on IBM Z, Linux x86, MS-Windows, macOS
AES Encryption for regulatory compliant and NIST Certified protection of data
Client-Server connectivity for secure file transfer and cross-platform integration
z/OS Hybrid PGP
Fast Internet Transport (FIT)
High Speed File Transfer utilizing TCP and UDP protocols