PASSPORT Web to Host®
PASSPORT Web to Host® features a 3270 emulator as well as a suite of advanced TN3270E, TN5250E, VT, SCO ANSI and Wyse terminal emulation clients and FTP file transfer for Microsoft Windows. With HLLAPI, Object API, SSL/SSH security,Visual Basic Scripting and more, PASSPORT represents a comprehensive host access solution.
The ActiveX Client can be deployed from a centralized web server such as Microsoft Windows IIS or IBM WebSphere and is an ideal alternative to desktop and remote emulators.
As organizations worldwide seek to cut costs and lower operational expenses, PASSPORT is the number one alternative 3270 emulator chosen to replace incumbent terminal emulation solutions. Why?
- Considerable savings can be realized through a flexible and tailored Zephyr software licensing plan
- Offers enterprise licenses that eliminate software audits, tracking of desktop licenses and more
- Provides free Attachmate® macro conversion services (requires 500 or more unit license)
- Can reuse most existing HLLAPI and other screen-scraping API applications as-is
- Fast and easy deployment of PASSPORT using Microsoft Windows IIS, IBM WebSphere and other standard servers
PASSPORT Web to Host Major Features
- 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
- Designed for Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Compatible with Windows 7, Vista, 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
- Deploy PASSPORT from a centralized web server such as Microsoft IIS or IBM WebSphere
- HLLAPI available to reuse existing screen scraping applications
- Attachmate-compatible Object API that lets you reuse existing screen-scraping applications written for Attachmate EXTRA!®
- VB Script 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
- Product menus and dialog boxes can be viewed in one of six languages: English, German, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese (Europe and Brazil)
PASSPORT Web to Host® offers centralized 3270 emulator administration and deployment from a web server, including IBM's WebSphere® Application Server found on the System z, or Microsoft IIS Server. The installation can take place in minutes. PASSPORT also includes 5250, VT, SCO ANSI and Wyse 60 emulators.
Stability
Since ActiveX is tightly integrated with the Microsoft® Windows operating system and IE web browser, all Windows API functions are available and called directly. ActiveX provides the same degree of reliability found in thick clients designed for Windows. This consistency makes ActiveX solutions more reliable than similar Java-based solutions.
With PASSPORT Web to Host, you can:
- Provide access to a host application directly from a menu or HTML link within the framework of Internet Explorer
- Make use of an active host session or launch a host session in the event an active session isn't available
- Incorporate the use of single sign-on services prior to opening any host application
- Automatically navigate the user through a host session manager menu, ultimately reaching the desired 3270, 5250 or UNIX application
- Read and write information to and from the active session (screen scraping)
- Copy and paste data between applications
- Create scripts to streamline the navigation of host applications
- Give remote users an easy way to reach host applications
Securing PASSPORT WEB TO HOST
PASSPORT Web to Host® browser-based terminal emulation, can be used in conjunction with Microsoft® Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server to provide host access to remote users without the security risks associated with opening TCP port 23 on corporate firewalls.
By incorporating TN3270, TN5250, VT100, VT220, VT420, SCO ANSI and Wyse 60 host connectivity through an ISA Server, organizations can use TCP port 80 for both HTTP and Telnet traffic.
Configuring Web and Server Publishing Rule for Microsoft ISA 2006
Customizing the Keyboard
When you are in a PASSPORT session, your keyboard uses certain keys and key combinations to represent standard TN3270, TN5250, VT, SCO ANSI or Wyse 60 keys. The specific mapping of keys, or the keyboard layout, can be changed to one of several preset default layouts or can be customized to suit your preferences. Custom keyboard layouts are saved in keyboard map files with .zkb extensions. Keyboard settings are saved with the session profile, although custom keyboards are available to any session.
PASSPORT provides four industry standard keyboard layouts, also known a keyboard maps, plus the ability to create a custom keyboard map. The standard keyboard maps include PASSPORT, EXTRA!, Rumba and IBM Personal Communications.
Both the left and right control keys can be mapped. Usually, the right control key is mapped to the 3270 host ENTER key. In Java based solutions, such as IBM's Host on Demand, it is not possible to re-map the right control key or some other keys as well.All keys can be re-mapped with the exception of the Shift keys, Alt keys, Caps Lock and Num Lock keys.
Detailed Instructions for Customizing the Keyboard
Macro Scripting
The PASSPORT macro scripting language is based on the Microsoft Visual Basic scripting language. Macro scripts are used to automate common repetitive tasks. A macro script can be assigned to a key on the keyboard, keypad, toolbar, button bar or mouse button. A macro script can be run when hotspot text is clicked on with the mouse. A start-up logon macro can be configured to automatically run after connection when the host session is established.
When a macro command is executed, PASSPORT runs a separate program that is actually a HLLAPI application. This HLLAPI application utilizes both the Microsoft VB Script and the PASSPORT HLLAPI module to run the macro.
PASSPORT HLLAPI
HLLAPI (High Level Language Application Program Interface) is the industry standard method to interface Windows PC applications with host applications via terminal emulation. A typical HLLAPI application could present users with a graphical interface to a host application or be used to automate routine functions such as common file transfers.
PASSPORT supports 32-bit WinHLLAPI and is compatible with the HLLAPI support found in the IBM® Personal Communications/TN3270 terminal emulation software. The HLLAPI Interface is recommended when PASSPORT is being used to replace an existing terminal emulator and an existing PC HLLAPI application. Also, third party applications may require HLLAPI for host access. If you want to use a commercially distributed desktop application that interfaces with a TN3270 emulator via HLLAPI, configure the application as you would for use with the IBM® PC/3270 package and proceed as normal. HLLAPI is automatically available in every terminal emulator session of PASSPORT. More About the HLLAPI Interface
PASSPORT Object API for Client-Based Legacy Integration
The PASSPORT Object Interface provides compatibility with the Attachmate EXTRA! OLE automation support and exposes terminal emulation objects such as the entire group of sessions, a single session, screen, area, OIA, keypad, etc. Applications that require host access and need to control multiple host sessions can use the Object API.
For a more detailed list of PASSPORT Web to Host product features, see the Tech Specs. For a fully functioning 30 day trial, Download a Free Trial. To discuss replacing your existing 3270 emulator or other terminal emulation solutions, Contact Us.
Helpful Resources
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