PASSPORT Host Integration Objects (HIO) is a Microsoft-based host integration solution that offers a programmatic method of integrating IBM 3270 and 5250 host applications with other ActiveX or .NET applications using standard 3270 and 5250 screen information (screen scraping).
The non-intrusive host integration solution offers a fast, low risk approach to reusing valuable business processes that have been adapted and perfected over many years. It also eliminates the need for terminal emulation.
Running as a background communications module, developers can access the 3270/5250 connectivity application via a well-defined, object-oriented API.
You can use a Windows XP or Windows 2000 desktop as a development platform, then publish the PASSPORT Host Integration Objects from the desktop or a Microsoft Windows 2003 or 2000 Server.
PASSPORT Host Integration Objects offers a path to host information at the screen buffer level, allowing you to read and write data to the host presentation space and input fields, open and close sessions, get specific text strings from the screen, create string values, send function keys to the host, switch to other tasks and much more. In doing so, customers can reuse critical legacy applications and proven business logic without making any changes to host code.
Using Microsoft's Visual Studio (VB, VC++, etc.) or Visual Studio.NET (VB, VC++, C# .NET, ASP .NET, etc.), you can create composite integration applications that require fast, reliable access to existing IBM 3270 or 5250 applications.
PASSPORT Host Integration Objects, based on the Internet Engineering Task Force OHIO draft, includes direct TN3270 and TN5250 connectivity to critical legacy applications using IP. Separate terminal emulation is not required for host access. Sample programs, documentation and a test program that demonstrates the use of each object Method, Property and Event are included in the Zephyr development solution.
Available via an annual subscription-based license that includes the cost of the software, access to technical support and all product upgrades, PASSPORT Host Integration Objects offers one of the most inexpensive approaches to dependable host integration.
Non-intrusive host integration with existing IBM 3270 and 5250 applications
Direct access to host screen buffers (for screen scraping)
Object-oriented API based on Internet Engineering Task Force OHIO draft
Does not require terminal emulation software
Proven TN3270 and TN5250 communications module
SSL Security
Designed for a Microsoft Windows environment
Offset addressing for host screen presentation space
Simplified model for presentation space
Automatic generation of presentation space field list and attributes
Keyword-based function text strings
Event notification for host communication status and screen updates
International Support
Diagnostic tracing capabilities
Open a host session
Hide host screens from the user
Read and write information to the host presentation space
Retrieve text strings from host input fields
Retrieve text strings from screen
Determine new string values
Get associated attributes of text strings and fields
Copy information into host input fields
Simulate use of function keys with host application
Read the operator information area (OIA) for status updates
Receive notification of events (receipt of new screen, etc.)
Close the host session