rational hats overview 7.5.1
DESCRIPTION
An overview of IBM Rational Host Access Transformation Services. Quickly modernize your green screen applications, reduce data entry errors, and integrate legacy applications into SOA with HATS.TRANSCRIPT
104/08/23
Host Access Transformation Services (HATS)
HATS 7.5.1
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Agenda
Customer pain points Overview of IBM Rational Host Access Transformation
Services (HATS) What is it? Benefits Architecture
What’s New in HATS 7.5.1
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Value of Existing Applications Existing applications are among the most valuable
assets a company owns Fully functional applications that run the
business today Significant investments over the years Fine-tuned for dependable optimal performance Run within fine-tuned reliable, robust, scalable
IT infrastructure and platforms
Accessed via character / text based terminals Non-intuitive, difficult to navigate user interfaces Difficult to integrate in modern business processes
5X less expensive to reuse existing applications than to write new applications from scratch
Reusing proven, time-tested applications can result in significantly lower risk and faster time to market
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Leverage “integration at the glass” - Portal and Lotus Expeditor technology
Access existing applications from a common portal
Customers want to use existing applications in their new business processes
SOA, Web Services based composite applications
Require integration with new J2EE, .NET, etc. applications for totally new user interfaces and/or business process automation
Improve the appearance of user interfaces
Reduce learning curve for newer employees
Extend to new customers who rely on web application ease-of-use
Improve employee productivity by streamlining application flow
Automate where appropriate - eliminate unnecessary keystrokes
Customize access for a specific set of users
Eliminate or reduce administration and maintenance of installed client software
3270 or 5250 emulation clients
Browser is universally available
Companies want to….
But…They don’t know how to upgrade their archaic green screen applications without rewriting or refactoring
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Agenda
• Customer pain points
• Overview of IBM Rational Host Access Transformation Services (HATS)– What is it?– Features and Benefits– Architecture
• What’s New in HATS 7.5.1
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Quickly and easily transform green screen applications to Web services, Web, Mobile, Portal and rich client interfaces
Low cost and low risk: No need to rewrite or refactor existing applications and built on open, proven platforms and technologies
Increase productivity and reduce training costs and data entry errors with workflow and navigation improvements
Integrate host business processes and data with other Web, Portal, Mobile, and rich client applications
What’s new in V7.5.1? Mobile device support for Apple iPhone and
iPod touch Rich Client support extended to Lotus Notes Ajax-based automatic disconnect and refresh Simplified, customizable Web service
definitions
RevitalizeApplications
Rational Host Access Transformation ServicesAchieve fast ROI with low risk
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Modernization At Your Own PaceToday Day 1 Tomorrow
Instant Value: HATS default rendering automatically transforms actions into
clickable links and buttons. No changes required to the host
application.
Modern UI: All pages share the same theme and
style, which can be based on an existing
Web site.
Aggregation: data from other screens,
databases, or other systems can be merged and displayed with host
data.
Integration: Text can be replaced with images, input fields can be populated from
data on other screens or from a database, date fields can be
converted into popup calendar widgets, and more!
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Architecture Comparison
Traditional Emulator IBM i or System z
(TN5250, 5250W, or TN3270)
HTML over HTTP
Eclipse-based Rich Client
Internet, Intranet, or VPN
HATS Running onWebSphere Application Server
or WebSphere Portal
Provisioning Server(Optional)
Standard Web Browser
3270/5250 datastream
3270/5250 datastream
Persistent
Non-persistent
PDA/Mobile Device
SOAP over HTTP
Web Service Client
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There are 2 Parts to HATS1. HATS Toolkit
Eclipse based development tool to create your HATS projects
Available as a free web download
Included with HATS Runtime products
Includes 2 connections
2. HATS Runtime
HATS for Multiplatforms (All), HATS for 5250 Applications (Multi & i5/OS), HIS, etc.
Priced per user or by processor value units (PVU) for unlimited users
Includes WebSphere Application Server* license
Works in conjunction with WebSphere Portal Server to support HATS portlets
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*WAS must be purchased for deployment on z/OS
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Agenda
• Customer pain points
• Overview of IBM Rational Host Access Transformation Services (HATS)– What is it?– Features and Benefits– Architecture
• What’s New in HATS 7.5.1
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Achieving a Green Screen Look with HATS
• HATS supports host colors and extended field attributes, including: Numeric only, alphabetic only,
signed numeric, reverse image, column separator, underline, and blink fields
• HATS provides cascading style sheets such as blacktheme.css (referenced in the classic terminal template) to assist in duplicating the green screen in HTML
• Supports automatic field advance
• Host keypad and OIA can be displayed (and positioned anywhere)
• Native keyboard support (i.e. pressing F12 in the browser sends F12 to the host application).
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Achieving a Modern Web Look with HATS
• Customize screens with intuitive web user controls, including: Popup lists, drop-downs, checkboxes, lists,
radio buttons, calendar popups, graphs, etc.
• Simplify screens and work flow by Split one screen into multiple screens Organize data in tabs Remove functions / actions no longer needed
by removing full screens or partial screens
• One customized Web page can be applied to more than 1 host screen!
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HATS Customized Transformation
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Improve Navigation & Productivity• Macros & Global Variables
Skip unnecessary screens Combine screens Enter data on behalf of the end user Store end user input as global variables to use
again Prefill text entry fields
• Improve User Interface with Screen Customization Add buttons, hot links, drop-down menus, valid
value lists, etc. Modify graphics, fonts, colors, and layout
• Add business logic
• Native keyboard support
• Security – HTTPS, SSL
• Performance – HTTP Compression
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Customer Example
• “Green screen” application navigation
24 screens 98 keystrokes
• Navigation with HATS HTML interface
10 HTML pages41 keystrokes58% fewer screens to traverse58% fewer keystrokes
Transaction time savings Training savings Reduced data entry errors Improved employee job satisfaction
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Before: Multiple Screen Navigation
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Background changes
Scrolls n number of pages
After: Macros collect multiple screen data and Simplify
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Before: Time Consuming Re-Keying
To add or change an item you must reenter it on this line.
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After: Web page functions more like a shopping cart
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Before: Clumsy Navigation
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After: More Intuitive Application GUI
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Integration with WebSphere Portal
• Aggregate applications and content and deliver them as role-based applications
• Tailor your host applications to different user roles as portlets
• Present multiple host applications on the same page with business, productivity, and collaboration portlets
• HATS supports: JSR168 Portlet API
Cooperative portlets Connection overrides New in 7.5.1! Single Sign-On
with portal credentials and credential vault
IBM Portlet API Cooperative portlets Single Sign-On with portal
credentials and credential vault
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HATS Rich Client Support
• Extends host applications to the desktop. Applications run on:
Eclipse RCP 3.2, 3.3, or 3.4 IBM Lotus Expeditor Client 6.1.x, 6.2.x New in 7.5.1! IBM Lotus Notes Client
8.5.1
• Provide a modern GUI interface to mission critical green screen applications.
• Processing occurs on the desktop (WebSphere Application Server is not required)
• Provides the capability to integrate host access applications with other applications on the desktop.
• Alternative to traditional terminal emulator products.
• Targeted for internal users in a controlled environment.
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Application Integration (Rich Client)
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Combine and Integrate
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Click to edit the outline text format Second Outline
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Eighth Outline Level
Ninth Outline LevelClick to edit Master text styles
Second level
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Fourth level
Fifth level
Application to Application Integration
• Create Web Services from programmed interaction of one or more host applications. Generate Java Beans
and EJBs from macros that navigate host applications.
Use IBM Rational Software Development Platform to add WSDL components.
• Supports session pooling. Create cached, logged-
on, ready to use host connections.
• Generate Struts and JavaServer Faces (JSF) Web applications.
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The Value of HATS SOA
• HATS is an important part of the IBM SOA strategy!
– IBM SOA Foundation helps to extend the value of the applications and business processes that currently run your business, not replace them.
• HATS does not require application reengineering or rewriting
– Rewriting can consume significant amounts of time and resources.
– Rewriting requires access to and understanding of application source code.
– Rewriting inherently introduces new bugs that must be found and fixed.
– Simply put - rewriting is not an option for some customers!
• HATS is unique
– HATS is the only IBM product that Web Service-enables 3270, including CICS and IMS, 5250, and VT terminal applications – great for customers with a mix of applications (one tool can be used to enable all of them).
• HATS generates standard Web Service interfaces
– HATS services can be integrated into an existing SOA.
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Concepts
1. A macro is a script that drives navigation through a set of host screens.
2. An Integration Object (or IO) is a Java bean that runs a macro.
3. Web Services, JSF / Struts Web applications, and EJB Access Beans can all drive Integration Objects.
MacroIntegration
Object
WebService
JSF / StrutsWeb App
EJB AccessBean
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Visual Macro Editor (VME)
• The VME is tool for visually developing HATS macros.
– Macros are the scripts that navigate and interact with 3270, 5250, VT host applications.
– Macros are the foundation for the Web Service support provided by HATS.
– Inputs and outputs in a HATS macro are eventually manifested as inputs and outputs in a Web Service (screen interactions are hidden behind the Web Service interface).
• The VME provides value by:
– Significantly increasing the productivity of HATS macro developers.
– Allowing for easier handling of alternate / error flows.
– Helping decrease the number of logic / flow problems (since the flow can be clearly analyzed by both developers, expert users, and business analysts).
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HATS Visual Macro Editor PaletteAdd new screens and actions.
Connect screens together.
Design Canvas
Integrated Terminal
Add new screens
Test macro
Source Editor
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Why Visualization is ImportantCurrent HATS macro tooling:
Here is the same macro
displayed in the Visual Macro
Editor …
It is much easier to understand the logic of a macro and find logic
errors and missing flows when you can see the entire macro!
Can you easily determine the flow
of this macro?
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Increases Productivity No need to administer and maintain multiple host logon identities Reduces password related support calls
HATS uses web credentials to retrieve existing network credentials from
Tivoli Access Manager Portal Credential
Extensible to any security package Developer may implement network security plug-in
HATS maps network credentials to host credentials DCAS/JDBC plug-in – Store network credentials to host ID
mapping with JDBC, HATS retrieves passticket from DCAS Developer may implement host credential mapper plug-in
HATS Single Sign-On Support
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Agenda
• Customer pain points
• Overview of IBM Rational Host Access Transformation Services (HATS)– What is it?– Features and Benefits– Architecture
• What’s New in HATS 7.5.1
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Built on Rational, WebSphere, and Lotus Technologies• IBM Rational Software Development Platform Tool
HATS Toolkit is an Eclipse plug-in to the IBM Rational Software Delivery Platform Tool
Wizard-based Creates HATS applications
• WebSphere Application Server, WebSphere Portal Server HATS leverages WebSphere Application Server
(WAS) or WebSphere Portal Server at runtime HATS Toolkit creates J2EE .war and .ear files for
deployment HATS runtime is contained in the HATS application
• Lotus Expeditor, Eclipse Rich Client Open, standards-based platform HATS runs on the client machine, not on a server
Achieve common goals by optimizing how people work
Increase efficiency and predictability by integrating workflows
COLLABORATE
Continuously improveby measuring and
reporting progress real time
REPORTAUTOMATE
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Required Skills
Default
Transformation
• HATS Toolkit
Industry standard technology skills can be
applied to many projects
Basic Screen
Customization
Advanced Screen
Customization
• Visual Editing • HTML• CSS• JSP
• JavascriptStreamline
Navigation
• Macro Recording
• XML
Integrate Business Logic
or
Custom Widgets
and Components
• Java
• HATS APIs
Examples of skills you may require
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HATS Action Lists – A non-invasive approach to a new application
Host System(3270 or 5250)
Loop through each screen in
customization list
receive 3270 screen
Screen recognition matches?
ApplyDefault
Transformation
Run each action in list
1. Apply Customized
Transformation
1. Get Global Variable Value
2. Run Business Logic
3. Run macro
Send recorded key strokes to host
Get screen
from host
Repeat until macro completes
Web browser
no
yes
Action List Example 2
Action ListExample 1
Is Screen Customized?
Last keystrokeIn macrostartsprocessagain
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J2EE Enterprise Application *
Web module
HATS Runtime
Browser
JSPs
TransformationServlet
(EntryServlet)
CSS+.JS
HATS Web Architecture
*Note:• For Portlets, HATS runtime is included in the .war• All possible parts of a HATS module shown for completeness
AdministrationServlet
IntegrationObjects Application
client
EJB Module
HTTP(S)
RM/IIOP for EJB client
orSOAP/HTTP for
Web service
HATS EJB (per client)
IntegrationObjects
SWT TerminalBeans (HOD)
TN3270(e)
5250 datastream(TN5250 or 5250W)
TNVT
System z
IBM i
System p
RAS
Conn Mgr andIO Support
WEL
HS Rendering(Components,
Widgets)
APE, 3270 Print
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HATS RCP Runtime Architecture (Client System)
Eclipse Rich Client Platform (RCP)
JVM
Host Access Beans Host Screen Rendering
HATS Core Runtime Plug-ins
HATS Runtime Extension Plug-in
HATS RCP Plug-insDeveloped withthe HATS Toolkit
(stored inthe workspace)
Provided by HATS (required by HATS RCP applications)
• The rich client runs as a desktop application on a client system. Here is the “stack” of components that make up a basic HATS rich client Eclipse environment:
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Agenda
• Customer pain points
• Overview of IBM Rational Host Access Transformation Services (HATS)– What is it?– Features and Benefits– Architecture
• What’s New in HATS 7.5.1
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New in HATS 7.5.1
• Mobile device support for iPhone and iPod Touch
• Simplified, customizable Web services
• AJAX-based Automatic Refresh and Disconnect
• Inline calendar widget
• JSR168 Portlet SSO
• Extract non text planes
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HATS Mobile Device Support
• HATS transformation applications can be accessed by mobile devices such as smart phones, data collection terminals, and Personal Digital Assistants
• This allows for the HATS developer to: Customize and transform individual screens
Add business logic to screen interactions
Enhance the presentation, layout, and flow of the original host systems
• Supported browsers: Internet Explorer Mobile 5.0 or later
New in 7.5.1! Safari for iPhone OS to add support for Apple iPhone and iPod touch
• Reminder: HATS Integration Object or Web service data can also be used in conjunction with mobile devices
Mobile template
Compact tablesupport
Optimized settings
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Mainframe on the Go!
• Sample Scenarios: An employee on the department store
floor needs to check stock in the warehouse and make an order
A distributor of products to car dealers needs to track product availability and order products while at the dealer
Hospital personnel need to take inventory across a large campus
Service personnel need to order products and mark work complete
Many possibilities!
• iPhone and iPod touch Pervasive Economical Easy to use
• New Redbook draft: System z on the Go! Access to z/OS from Smartphones
Customized System z Application
IBM i application with compact table support
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Table and Subfile Mobile Optimization
• This enhancement enables tables to be collapsed and expanded so that more data can fit in the table or subfile representation without resulting in horizontal scrolling.
• As an additional option, the table and subfile widgets will create the expandable areas for retrieval by the browser only when requested
– Uses AJAX technology
– Reduces the memory and size footprint on the client device
• The feature can also be used in standard HATS Web applications.
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Simplified, Customizable Web service Signature• Default inputs and outputs:
Prompts Extracts Chaining properties when necessary
• Customizable input and output names
• Benefits: Easier to understand No extraneous parameters means
less overhead
Defaults to defined inputs and outputs Customizable names
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AJAX-based Automatic Refresh and Disconnect• Pain points with connectionless HTTP protocol: Host applications that do unsolicited screen
updates Host applications that unlock the keyboard
after end user submits Browser close or network disruptions
• Existing solution- server push Applet that established TCP connection to
HATS runtime and updated page based on host screen updates
Difficulties: TCP connection causes firewall and configuration
issues
Java in the browser
• New option- AJAX-based client pull Configurable client poll via AJAX/HTTP for
screen updates and disconnect detection Benefits:
No Java in the browser No firewall issues
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When HATS application is active in the client browser window:
1. The host application sends an asynchronous screen update to the HATS web application.
2. The HATS client-side processing “polls” the HATS application using an AJAX-based request.
3. The HATS application responds with an indication that the host screen has been updated.
4. The client-side processing sends a “refresh” command to the HATS application to update the view in the browser.
5. The browser receives the updated HATS web page.
HATS Client-side processing in the browser polls the server-side application at a regular, defined interval to check if a host screen update has occurred.
HATS Web Page
IBM i or System z
1
HATSWeb Application
WebSphere
Host Application
HATS Web2.0 Autorefresh Support
2 3 4 5
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If you close the browser, browse away from the HATS web application or lose network connectivity to the application server:
1. The polling request is not sent or cannot be delivered to the HATS application.
2. The HATS application checks to see if a polling request has been received within the defined disconnect delay interval.
3. Since no polling request has been received, the HATS application initiates disconnect event processing which includes terminating the connection to the backend host system.
HATS Web Application receives “polls” from the client-side processing at regularly, defined intervals. If the poll requests are not received within a configurable interval, the HATS web application performs disconnect event processing.
HATS Web Page
IBM i or System z
3
HATSWeb Application
WebSphere
Host Application
HATS Web2.0 Autodisconnect Support
1
2
XX
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Inline Calendar Widget
No pop-up blocker issues Better look- inherits style from project templates
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JSR168 Portlet Single Sign-On
• Add Web Express Logon (WEL) support for JSR168 Portlets
WEL is a macro based implementation of single sign-on
Allows users to access multiple host systems and host applications without providing additional credentials (user ID + password) for host systems
• Benefits: No need to administer and
maintain multiple host logon identities
Reduces password related support calls
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Extract Non Text Planes in Macros
• Many host applications use color or other attributes relay information
• Now macros that extract to global variables can easily extract non text plane data
• Notes: Use of non text planes requires Java
programming skills to use the data returned.
Non text data can only be extracted into global variables.
Non-text data extractions work for macros resulting from a Play action, a Perform Macro Transaction action, and for extract global variable actions. This feature will not work for IOs or Web Services (there are other documented ways of extracting non-text data in IOs)
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Host Access Transformation Services SummaryRich Client PortalBrowser Mobile
• Integration at the desktop with other Eclipse-based applications
• Client side processing
• Rich set of user interface widgets
• Supports Lotus Expeditor deployment
• Integration at the glass
• Cooperative portlet support
• JSR 168 compliant
• Zero footprint
• Pure HTML
• Access through your favorite browser, including Internet Explorer and Firefox.
• Access host applications from mobile devices
Quick ROI : Host applications can be quickly deployed with a new user interface
Low cost : No need to rewrite application
Low risk : Leverage open, proven platforms and technologies
Increase productivity and reduce training costs
Improving work flow from multiple applications
Provides integration of host business processes and data with other Web, portal, and rich client applications
• Build self-service transactions
• Expose host business processes as Web Services
• Provide controlled access to vital host applications and host data.
Web Services
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IBM Enterprise Modernization SandboxOptimizing the value of your assets, skills and infrastructure investments
Since the System z and Power Sandboxes are deployed in IBM’s own data centers and available through a browser with a minimal footprint (i.e., a Citrix plug-in install) you can now realize the value proposition of IBM’s Software Products firsthand within minutes.
Learn how to revitalize applications, empower people, unify teams and exploit infrastructure based on your knowledge and experiences
New extended trials offering for customers and partners who need more time to explore product features in a controlled environment
Get fast start with scripted scenarios and best practice education materials at no cost available 24x7
A low risk way to try out several new offerings and integrated solutions without disturbing your existing environment
http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/downloads/emsandbox/
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• To become more innovative and more competitive, companies know that education – in all forms is necessary - today more than ever.
• To help, IBM has implemented solutions that feature community-based knowledge sharing - that give your developers instant, secure access to shared content, and expertise in:– RDz / RAA/ RTCz/ HATS / COBOL / IMS / CICS / DB2 and z/OS – RDp / RTCp / HATS/ RPG / iSeries / AS/400, IBM i, 5250 – EGL / EGL CE / Web 2.0 / Rich UI / Mobile– z/OS XL C/C++, Fortran, AIX
• Check out the COBOL, RPG, EGL and C/C++ Cafés– http://www-949.ibm.com/software/rational/cafe/index.jspa
• And check out upcoming free, self-paced IBM training in:– RDz / RAA / COBOL / IMS / CICS / DB2 / RDp and more…
IBM Rational Cafés – Connecting Developer Communities
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Resources for Learning Enterprise Modernization (EM) Home Page
• http://www-306.ibm.com/software/info/developer/solutions/em/index.jsp
EM Sandbox
• http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/downloads/emsandbox/systemz.html?S_TACT=105AGX23&S_CMP=EM (System z)
• http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/downloads/emsandbox/systemi.html?S_TACT=105AGX23&S_CMP=EM (Power)
HATS Resources:
• Product Page: http://www-306.ibm.com/software/awdtools/hats/index.html
• Trial Code: http://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/download/preconfig.jsp?id=2004-08-19+09%3A27%3A47.465987R&S_TACT=104CBW71&S_CMP=&S_CMP=rnav
• Demos: http://rational.demos.ibm.com/atdemo/atdemo_hats.html
• HATS HotSpot: http://www-949.ibm.com/software/rational/cafe/community/hats
• IBM Education Assistant: http://www-306.ibm.com/software/info/education/assistant/
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