|
What is Web/Quick-Ref?
Web/Quick-Ref is Chicago-Soft's web-based interface to MVS/Quick-Ref
on the mainframe. Web/QuickRef consists of a set of HTML screens and CGI
(common gateway interface) programs, all of which reside on a mainframe
system. MVS/Quick-Ref itself must also have already been installed on
the same mainframe system.
How does Web/Quick-Ref
work?
Web/Quick-Ref is invoked via the correct URL from any web browser that
supports HTML level 3 or higher, such as Netscape 3.0 or Microsoft Internet
Explorer 4.0 or higher. The product is written in REXX, Assembler, and
HTML. No JAVA components currently exist. All components reside on the
mainframe.
When invoked, Web/Quick-Ref
accepts a request from a web browser, processes it, then invokes MVS/Quick-Ref
on the mainframe to extract the desired information from the MVS/Quick-Ref
data base and any defined MVS/Quick-Ref user data bases. HTML screens
containing the desired information from the data base(s) are then built
dynamically and sent to the web browser.
The web browser client
itself may actually reside on a corporate intranet or anywhere on the
Internet, but there must be a TCP/IP connection to the mainframe system
containing Web/Quick-Ref.
How long does it
take to install Web/Quick-Ref?
Installation takes less than an hour in most cases. Since the product
consists of HTML screens and CGI programs, it can be packaged in such
a way that it can be distributed on floppy disk, CD-ROM, mainframe tape
cartridge, or via Internet download. Presently it is being sent via e-mail
as a ZIP file attachment.
The installer unzips
or extracts the components of the product, uploads them to the mainframe,
performs one program link-edit, copies the HTML screens to the proper
web server directory, then invokes the product.
SMP/E installation
is currently not supported. The installer must have some knowledge of
the configuration and usage of the IBM HTTP server at his location.
What about security
issues with Web/Quick-Ref?
Release 1.3 of Web/Quick-Ref uses the security features that are built
into the IBM HTTP Server. Protecting access to Web/Quick-Ref is the responsibility
of the customer security administrator and/or Web/Quick-Ref installer.
Facilities exist within the IBM HTTP server that can be used to prevent
unauthorized users from accessing Web/Quick-Ref at the customer site or
via the Internet.
What are the system
requirements for Web/Quick-Ref?
Web/Quick-Ref requires that at least one of the following IBM web (HTTP)
servers be installed, as well as a copy of the MVS/Quick-Ref:
- IBM HTTP Server
for z/OS, also known as the HTTP server component of the WebSphere
Application Server for z/OS
- IBM ICSS Server
(used on older releases of OS/390)
- IBM Lotus Domino
Server for S/390
|