How does Virtel's pure web (straight TCP/IP) architecture compares to the architecture of 3270 emulators?

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The 3270 emulation architecture carries over the Internet the native (connected synchronous) communication mode of the mainframe, which is foundamentally incompatible with the native (disconnected asynchronous) connection mode of the Internet. The result is a dependance on client software, which creates specific compatibility, support, security, session management and performances considerations.

Client software – As illustrated below, there are two possible types of 3270 emulation architecture: thick-client and client-on-server. Both rely upon platform-dependant client software that runs either on the clients or on intermediate servers (Citrix, Microsoft, etc).

3270 emulation architecture: client-on-server

3270 emulation architecture: thick-client

Administration server – A server with platform-dependant administration software is required in either case to administer the solution.

Client and administration software upgrades – Both client and administration software must be installed, supported, and upgraded in case of OS change, e.g. when upgrading from Vista to Windows 7, or from Windows to a different OS.

Grand-public device support – Mobile devices (smartphones, PDAs, and tablets) and Apple products (Mas OS-X) might not be supported.

Host connection – TN3270 connections require opening a special port in the host's firewall, and they remains permanently opened over the Internet – whether active or not – until users logoff.

Performances and scalability – Client-on-server solutions have the advantage of being thin-client but the intermediate servers can create bottlenecks and require load balancing and performances tuning.

Because Virtel uses native (disconnected asynchronous) TCP/IP connections over the Internet straight off the mainframe instead of TN3270 ones, it doesn't need any client software or intermediate servers, which gives it universal web client support, lower support requirements, higher performances and efficiency.

True thin-client solution – Virtel uses no client software and no middle-tier server.

Virtel pure web (straight TCP/IP and thin-client) access

Universal client support – Virtel works with any browser on any platform or OS (current or future) including platforms that were not in the past used to access host applications such as Apple products and mobile devices.

Low support requirements – There is nothing to install or support outside the host. All installation, administration, and support tasks are host-centric. New web clients are automatically supported as long as they run JavaScript-enabled web browsers.

Host connection – Virtel uses the standard TCP/IP port: no need to open a special port in the host firewall. Virtel use TCP/IP connections between host and client. Those connections are opened only while active and closed while inactive.

A superior architecture – Virtel provides the benefits of a thin-client solution, and avoids the issues of solutions that rely on intermediate servers.

• Read about Virtel product architecture
• Read about Virtel technology differentiators.
• Read how P&V Assurance migrated from 3270 emulation to Virtel Pure Web.