Host Access Solutions: Terminal Emulation Software and Host Integration

Host Access with Windows 2000 Terminal Services

Microsoft Windows 2000 Terminal Services and PASSPORT Ease Host Access

PASSPORT host access software can be deployed from a Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Server running Terminal Services. PASSPORT host access provides access to IBM zSeries (3270), IBM iSeries (5250) and UNIX® (Telnet) host systems. Microsoft Windows 2000 Terminal Services is an integral part of Windows 2000 technology that delivers the familiarity and ease-of-use associated with the Windows graphical user interface through a server-based computing model.

The Benefits of Deploying PASSPORT Host Access from Windows 2000 Terminal Services

There are several benefits to using this deployment method with PASSPORT 3270, 5250, VT100/VT220/VT420 or SCO ANSI host access. These include ease of deployment, centralized administration and remote host access.

Ease of Deployment – Normally, PASSPORT PC TO HOST® is deployed on a workstation-by-workstation basis, where an administrator is required to install the software on each user's machine that requires host access. By installing PASSPORT on a Terminal Server or load balanced Terminal Server Farm, deployment time is greatly reduced.

Centralized Administration – By having the terminal emulation software installed on a Windows 2000 Server with Terminal Services, administrators can create standard configurations for groups of users. If users require individual settings this can be accomplished by placing configuration files in each user's home directory or another location on the local network.

Remote Host Access – With a VPN in place, and PASSPORT running on Terminal Services, remote users may access their office desktop either from home or while traveling. This can reduce the time and costs associated with training.

PASSPORT PC TO HOST® host access installed on a Windows 2000 Server with Terminal Services enabled provides access to the following host systems:

• IBM zSeries (S/390) using TN3270 host access
• IBM iSeries (AS/400) using TN5250 host access
• UNIX® host systems using Telnet, VT100, VT220, VT420, SCO ANSI or Wyse 60 host access

Windows 2000 Terminal Services can be enabled in one of two modes:

• Application Server – applications are deployed and managed from a central location, saving administrators initial development and deployment time, as well as the time and effort required for maintenance and upgrades. Once an application is deployed using Terminal Services, many clients can connect, whether through a remote access connection, local area network (LAN), or wide area network (WAN). As well, clients can be Windows-based, Windows CE-based, or even non-Windows-based.
  
• Remote Administration – allows any server running Windows 2000 Server to be administrated remotely with full access to all the built-in graphical user interface-based administrative tools, as if the administrator was sitting at the server.

When deploying PASSPORT from a Terminal Server, the server should be running in Application Server mode. Install the application from the Add/Remove Programs applet in Control Panel. Any attempt to install the application directly will result in the following error:

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential . Microsoft headquarters are in Redmond , WA and can be accessed on the web at www.microsoft.com.

About PASSPORT Host Access

PASSPORT is a powerful host access software suite that includes VT/100, TN3270, 5250, SCO ANSI and FTP clients. The package offers high quality, reliable host access software that is fully compatible with Windows Vista®.

PASSPORT is also extremely cost effective. Zephyr provides a subscription based licensing program that reduces your acquisition cost and maintenance cost significantly. This makes upgrading from older host access software a very attractive proposition.

As one of the market's very first IP-based connectivity solutions, the mature, feature-rich package is an ideal replacement for older desktop-based emulators. With its competitive pricing and licensing options, you can save 50% to 75% on the amount of money you would normally spend for host access software.

PASSPORT Host Access Highlights

• Provides access to IBM mainframe, AS/400 and UNIX host applications
• TN3270, TN3270E, TN5250, TN5250E, VT420, VT100, SCO ANSI and Wyse 60 terminal emulation
• Standalone FTP client and integrated FTP file transfer within terminal emulation session
• PASSPORT PC TO HOST® is certified for Windows Vista®
• Supports Windows XP and 2000
• Advanced SSL security available for each host session
• Advanced SSH security available for each UNIX host session
• Secure FTP file transfer using SSL and SSH security
• IND$FILE file transfer to IBM mainframe
• Supports Citrix Password Manager
• HLLAPI available to reuse existing screen scraping applications
• Attachmate-compatible EXTRA! Objects API to reuse existing EXTRA! screen scraping applications
• VBScript to record, edit and run productivity enhancing macros
• Host printing supported through the TN3270E or TN5250E client
• Pass-through printing available for VT or SCO ANSI client
• Ability to open multiple host sessions, uniquely configure each session
• Customizable keyboard layout, mouse buttons, keypads, toolbars, hotspots, colors, fonts, cursor and more

PASSPORT Host Access Deployment

There are actually two versions of the PASSPORT host access software. Each product uses a different method of deployment.

PASSPORT PC TO HOST® is desktop-based host access software. This product is similar to other desktop Windows programs. PASSPORT is installed with a Windows setup program. It can also be deployed using SMS, MSI, Citrix or Microsoft Terminal Server.

PASSPORT WEB TO HOST® is web-based host access software that is deployed from a web server. The host access software is installed on a web server and provides an administrator program for centralized configuration and administration. All software and configuration files reside on the web server. When the host access software is run, an ActiveX applet is downloaded from the web server to the client desktop and run inside Internet Explorer. The ActiveX 3270 terminal emulator running inside Internet Explorer makes a direct VT/100, TN3270, 5250, SCO ANSI or FTP connection to the host system.

PASSPORT Host Access Quicktrial or Download Options

There are two ways to evaluate PASSPORT host access: either download a copy of the software or do a QuickTrial of the PASSPORT WEB TO HOST® application. With QuickTrial, there is no server installation, you simply download the client from our web server. This is a fast and easy way to look at the PASSPORT WEB TO HOST® software. For those that want to install the PASSPORT WEB TO HOST® software on their own web server, you can download the full working copy of the software and complete a full evaluation.

Zephyr has a long history of developing innovative host access solutions. Founded in 1985, Zephyr is a Microsoft Certified Solution Partner, Citrix Premier Alliance Partner, a member of IBM PartnerWorld for Developers, Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN), Cisco Enterprise Associates Program (EAP), and the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) TN3270E/TN5250E Working Group.

Complete Access to Everything You Need

Everything you need to fully evaluate PASSPORT as a potential replacement for your existing terminal emulator, or to use or support PASSPORT on an ongoing basis, can be found in this web site, including Technical Requirements, QuickTrial, Pricing, Free Trial Download, Documentation, Knowledge Base, FAQ, Support, and the ability to Order Online.