Connect/ZIP95%
Max Compression
Ratio
256-bit
AES Strong
Encryption
zEDC
Native Hardware
Acceleration
4GB+
ZIP64 File
Size Support
4
Supported
Platforms
Every Connect/MP component — including Connect/ZIP — includes MCP API access for JES, FILE, and 3270 for your own scripts and agents, plus the chat-only Web Workspace, at no extra cost. Connect/AI is a separate add-on that unlocks agentic execution: workspace tool use and native batch inference invoked from JCL.
File Exchange
ZIP files streamline business workflows by compressing data by up to 95%, consolidating multiple files into one, ensuring compatibility across platforms and ZIP tools — leveraging a widely recognized, trusted format.
Encryption
ZIP's AES password encryption simplifies secure file sharing across platforms and ZIP tools, protecting sensitive data during storage and transfer — potentially reducing reliance on more complex and costly secure file-sharing solutions.
Big Data
ZIP/64 support combined with zSeries zEDC and zIIP utilization enables high-performance native processing of very large files and archives (4GB+) — ideal for enterprise-scale datasets and high-volume data exchange and archiving.
With highly competitive pricing and native zEDC/zIIP integration, Connect/ZIP boosts performance and minimizes compute overhead and operational costs — offering a more efficient alternative to generalized third-party ZIP compression solutions. View full recommendation ›
Connect/MP is a powerful, enterprise-grade solution that combines industry-leading ZIP compression, seamless cross-platform integration, and robust legacy modernization capabilities. Unlike traditional approaches that require multiple tools and costly licensing, Connect/MP delivers these features in a unified platform—at a lower cost than comparable standalone mainframe ZIP solutions. It’s a smart, cost-effective investment for organizations looking to reduce operational overhead, streamline data exchange, and maximize the value of their existing mainframe infrastructure with modern, scalable access.
Whether you're modernizing core business systems, embracing hybrid cloud strategies, or enabling secure, real-time data sharing across platforms, Connect/MP delivers the performance, flexibility, and ROI your enterprise needs.
Connect/MP › Connect/ZIP
General features
Unsurpassed Compression
Up to 95% compression ratio
Archive Maintenance
ADD, UPDATE, FRESHEN, COPY, DELETE
AES Encryption
128-bit and 256-bit passphrase protection
Large File (ZIP64) Support
Files > 4 GB, archives > 65,535 entries
Unicode Encoding
UTF-8 support for international characters
CRC32 Integrity Check
Automatic data verification
Wildcard Selection & Renaming
Pattern-based file handling
Multi-Platform Support — One Compatible Ecosystem
CLI Versions for Linux x86, Windows, and macOS are included with your z/OS license
Mainframe-specific features
z/OS and USS Native
Bi-directional cross-environment access
zEDC & zIIP Acceleration
Hardware-offloaded compression
Mainframe File Attributes
Preserved RECFM, LRECL, BLKSIZE
Resources
Value and Benefits of ZIP Compression Products Leveraging IBM zEDC and zIIP
Read White PaperOur Story
Surprising to many is the fact that Data 21 has been in the mainframe ZIP compression space longer than PKWARE.
1993
PKZIP® for z/OS is born
Ascent Solutions Inc. develops and markets PKZIP® for z/OS, licensing the brand from Phil Katz — the “PK” in PKWARE.
1995
Data 21 becomes Ascent Solutions’ top reseller
Data 21 joins as an authorized reseller of Ascent Solutions — quickly becoming its most prolific partner.
2000
Phil Katz passes away — PKWARE changes hands
Following Phil Katz’s death, an investment firm acquires PKWARE from the Katz family.
Early 2000s
Ascent Solutions absorbed into PKWARE
The same investment firm acquires Ascent Solutions, folding PKZIP for z/OS under the PKWARE umbrella — and terminating reseller agreements, including Data 21’s.
2004
Data 21 builds its own solution — ZIP/390
Rather than walk away from decades of expertise, Data 21 builds ZIP/390 for z/OS in-house and completes its first PKZIP replacement installation.
2004 – 2025
Continuous evolution — ZIP/390 MP
ZIP/390 is continuously enhanced and grows its customer base, with many organizations making the switch from PKZIP. The product evolves into ZIP/390 MP, expanding its capabilities across multiple platforms.
October 2025
Rebranded as Connect/ZIP
ZIP/390 MP is officially rebranded as Connect/ZIP — a key component of the Connect/MP Suite. The development team shifts focus to embedding AI-driven innovations across the entire product line.
Today
45+ years of mainframe expertise — and counting
With over 45 years of in-house mainframe development and support experience, Data 21 serves a global base of customers — including many of the world’s most prestigious companies.
PKZIP Replacement
Connect/ZIP delivers full PKZIP compatibility at half the real-dollar cost — with bundled Server licenses at no charge. For high-MSU shops, the savings are substantial enough to offset licensing Connect/AI or Connect/3270. One migration, two wins.
Connect/ZIP › AI Review
Review date: August 27, 2025
Prompt: "Of third-party mainframe zip compression products which would you recommend?"
Recommendation: "For most z/OS mainframe environments, ZIP/390 MP (Connect/ZIP) is the best third-party ZIP compression product due to its excellent price-performance ratio, high compression efficiency (85–95%), zEDC/zIIP optimization, robust automation features, and strong security. It's particularly ideal for organizations looking to replace PKZIP/SecureZIP to reduce costs without sacrificing functionality."
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ZIP/390 MP has been rebranded to Connect/ZIP — the same industry-leading mainframe ZIP compression you rely on, now part of the Connect/MP Suite.
Connect/MP brings together ZIP compression, cross-platform integration, web gateway access, and more — all in a single, cost-effective mainframe platform. Continue below to learn everything Connect/ZIP has to offer.
z/OS