Micro Focus Sub-Systems
A Gateway to Information about Technology

When technology complements business

Table of Contents

Version 10.11.01

	Introduction
	Technology Focus for Micro Focus
	Technology, Mainframe Express
	Technology, Studio Enterprise Edition or Net Express
	Technology, Micro Focus Server Enterprise Edition
	Complementary Technology by SimoTime
	Reference Material
	Reference Material, Introduction to Numeric Formats
	Reference Material, Data File Format, Content, Transfer, Share, Convert and Compare
	Reference Material, Compiler Directives and Scripted Compile Process
	Summary
	Software Agreement and Disclaimer
	Downloads and Links to Similar Pages
	Glossary of Terms
	Comments, Suggestions or Feedback
	Company Overview

The SimoTime Home Page

Introduction
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The SimoTime Gateways to Technology offer practical, solution-oriented examples that use specific technologies. The Micro Focus Gateway provides documentation and sample source code to address specific programming requirements. Also included are tips and techniques for data file conversions and migrating applications between different platforms such as the IBM mainframe, Windows, Linux and UNIX. For specific information about Micro Focus products and services visit their web site at http://www.microfocus.com .

Technology Focus for Micro Focus
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Micro Focus offers a wide range of products and technologies for COBOL oriented applications that run on Mainframes, Windows and UNIX platforms. This section provides COBOL oriented examples using two of the Micro Focus products, Mainframe Express and Net Express.

Technology, Mainframe Express
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The Mainframe Express (MFE) product provides a mainframe development platform that runs with Windows. MFE provides a COBOL compiler with support for the various mainframe dialects and the ability to run mainframe jobs using mainframe JCL.. A mainframe Assembler, a CICS Emulator, an IMS Emulator and DB/2 support are provided as additional options. A Mainframe Access (MFA) component is also included for connectivity to the mainframe and easy downloading and uploading of source code. In addition, VSAM Data Sets may be quickly downloaded and reformatted with a simple point-and-click process. This is an excellent tool for maintaining, testing and/or debugging mainframe applications independent of the mainframe.

Technology, Studio Enterprise Edition or Net Express
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The Net Express product is COBOL oriented and provides a focus with Windows running on intel machines. The Net Express product also provides support for developing Java front-ends and calling COBOL programs . Since COBOL has additional function not provided by Java this immediately gives Java programmers extended capability. For example, Java does not provide support for accessing Indexed files and COBOL does this quite well. With the capability provided by Net Express the Java programmer quickly has access to Indexed files with a simple call. With the latest version of Net Express it is now possible to have and internet front-end using Java Server Pages (JSP's) and Java programs accessing data and processes using COBOL programs. The COBOL programs may be procedural or object-oriented. The programs (this includes the JSP's, Java and COBOL) may be used on a Windows platform and/or ported to Linux or UNIX platforms.

Technology, Micro Focus Server Enterprise Edition
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The Enterprise Edition of the Micro Focus Server provides a path for migrating mainframe applications between a Mainframe and a Windows, UNIX or Linux System.

Complementary Technology by SimoTime
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This section will provide links to complementary technologies that support the various Micro Focus environments. These technologies are typically used by developers, analysts, testing groups and support personnel.

Item	Description
Scripted Build	This document is an introduction or overview of the scripted application build process for an application that has been moved from a Mainframe System to a Windows system running a Micro Focus sub-system such as Enterprise Server, Application Server or Net Express.
Catalog Populate	When doing an "application migration" or "transferring and sharing data" between a Mainframe System and a Windows System with Micro Focus Server it can be a challenge to create and populate the Server Catalog entries for Data Files, Partitioned Data Sets and GDG Base Definitions. This document describes a possible solution to this challenge.
Catalog List/Dump	This utility program will list the contents of the CATALOG.DAT file that is used by Micro Focus Server for Mainframe Migration and Mainframe Express. The catalog file is a Micro Focus Key Sequence file. The catalog contains information for mapping MVS Data Set Names (DSN) to PC file names. The PC file names may be relative (based on where the CATALOG.DAT file is located) or absolute (drive:\directory\filename.ext) or it may be preceded with the name of a Micro Focus Fileshare Server ($$servername). This utility program provides a quick and simple way to list or hexdump the contents of the CATALOG.DAT file to an ASCII/Text file from a Windows Command. The list or hexdump file may be viewed with Notepad.
ezSERIES SYS1SERIES	This document is an introduction or overview of the ezSERIES or sys1SERIES of Windows Command files that may be used to start a region within Enterprise Server, submit or schedule batch jobs to a region within Enterprise Server or stop a region within Enterprise Server. There are four (4) primary command files used in the ezSERIES and sys1SERIES.
FCT Entries	For the CICS environment the resources used by the Micro Focus Enterprise Server, Mainframe Subsystem Support (or ES/MSS) is stored in the resource definitions file (DFHDRDAT). This file is a Micro Focus Key-Sequenced-Data-Set. This sample batch job uses CASRDTEX to extract the File Control Table (FCT) entries and post this information into an ASCII/Text file. A COBOL program is then used to read the ASCII/Text file and produce a Comma-Separated-Values (CSV) File that can be easily imported into an Excel spread sheet.
PCT Entries	For the CICS environment the resource used by the Micro Focus Enterprise Server, Mainframe Subsystem Support (or ES/MSS) is stored in the resource definitions file (DFHDRDAT). This file is a Micro Focus Key-Sequenced-Data-Set. This sample batch job uses CASRDTEX to extract the Program Control Table (PCT) entries and post this information into an ASCII/Text file. A COBOL program is then used to read the ASCII/Text file and produce a Comma-Separated-Values (CSV) File that can be easily imported into an Excel spread sheet.

Links to Complementary Technologies by SimoTime for Micro Focus Environments

Reference Material
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The purpose of this section is to provide reference material or links to reference materials that are helpful for mainframe programmers.

Reference Material, Introduction to Numeric Formats
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The mainframe has a variety of numeric formats. The Introduction to Mainframe Numeric Formats is a review session that describes the most commonly used numeric formats. Specific documents for the various numeric formats are as follows.

Item	Description
Numeric Formats	This document is an introduction to the various numeric formats used by COBOL and the IBM mainframe systems The session will describe three of the popular numeric formats used with COBOL and IBM Mainframe systems. The discussions include further detail about the issues and concerns of unsigned (or implied positive) numbers, signed (positive or negative) numbers and decimal or whole numbers. A sample of how to convert non-print formats to display or print formats is included along with a sample COBOL program.
Zoned Decimal	This document will focus on a discussion of a numeric field (or data string) format referred to as zoned decimal and is commonly used on an IBM Mainframe System. This is the default numeric format for COBOL and may be explicitly defined with the "USAGE IS DISPLAY" clause.
Packed	This document will focus on a discussion of a numeric field (or data string) known as "PACKED-DECIMAL" format (also referred to as packed data or a packed numeric field). This format is used on an IBM Mainframe and is supported by Micro Focus COBOL running on Windows or UNIX.
Binary	This document provides an overview (description and discussion of content and size) of binary (or COMP) fields as they are implemented on an IBM Mainframe or a Micro Focus Windows, Unix or Linux environment.
Edited	This document will focus on the discussion of an edited numeric format (or using an edit mask) that is typically used by COBOL programmers that maintain or support Mainframe applications. The edited numeric format is typically used to prepare or convert numeric data that is stored in a variety of formats into a format that is easily read by human beings or easily exported to a non-Mainframe or non-COBOL environment such as an excel spreadsheet running on a Windows platform.

Links to Reference Material for Numeric Formats used by Various Systems

Reference Material, Data File Format, Content, Transfer, Share, Convert and Compare
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This item will provide links to additional information about data content and data management.

Item	Description
Tables ASCII/EDCDIC	This table is provided as a reference for ASCII and EBCDIC translation. When moving information (files or data buffers) between EBCDIC machines and ASCII machines it is quite often necessary to convert the information. If the data strings contain only display or printable characters then it is a straightforward, byte for byte conversion. However, in the real world the actual conversion of data strings between the ASCII and EBCDIC encoding schemas is usually more complicated than a simple byte for byte conversion. For example, if the data strings contain packed or binary data or control information then the data conversion becomes content sensitive.
Data Abstract	Ever since the second computer was introduced into the world the file management tasks of data file transfer, share, convert and compare (or data file validation) have been technically challenging. This document is an overview of the data file management task involved in today's world of mainframe and distributed systems.
Data Transfer	This document is an introduction or overview of the data file transfer aspects of an application or data migration between a mainframe system and a Windows system. Many of the topics are appropriate for Linux and UNIX Systems.
Data Convert	Data conversions may be driven by business requirements or system requirements such as changes in system architectures. This document is an introduction or overview of the data file conversion aspects of an application or data migration between a mainframe system and a distributed system.
Data Compare	Reviewing the results obtained during a regression test that follows a system, application or programming change is one of the factors that drive a requirement for comparing data files. The scope of this effort is dependent of the type (or format) of file being compared and the complexity of the record structure within the file. Comparing the files is only half of the effort. What to do once an error (or non-equal) condition occurs can be a significant part of the effort.
File Formats	This is a link to a white paper that provides a quick overview of the various Micro Focus File Formats provided for the Linux, UNIX and Windows environments supported by Micro Focus
Override Location	This example will focus on Micro Focus Enterprise Server and the Mainframe Sub-System (or ES/MSS). When a Region (or Server) is configured within Micro Focus Enterprise Server to run batch jobs (i.e. submit JCL) a default directory is defined and used for placement of new physical files that are allocate by a job. This is an example of how to catalog a new data set and override the base configuration and place the physical file in an alternate directory. The technique provides the capability to key off any portion of a catalog record to control the target directory where the physical files will reside.
Tape Devices	A brief discussion about the alternatives for tape devices in a Micro Focus Server environment.

Links to Reference Material for Non-Relational Data Processing Tasks

Reference Material, Compiler Directives and Scripted Compile Process
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This item will provide links to additional information about the Micro Focus Compiler Directives.

Item	Description
Batch Online	This document provides information about how to specify and use the Micro Focus compiler directives that may be required to control program behavior in the Linux, UNIX or Windows environments in a manner compliant with the compiler options and subsequent execution on the Mainframe System.
Build Script	This document is an introduction or overview of the scripted application build process for an application that has been moved from a Mainframe System to a Windows system running a Micro Focus sub-system such as Enterprise Server, Application Server or Net Express.

Links to Reference Material for Micro Focus Compiler Directives

Summary
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The purpose of this document is to assist as a tutorial for new programmers or as a quick reference for experienced programmers. In the world of programming there are many ways to solve a problem. This documents and the links to other documents are intended to provide a choice of alternatives.

Software Agreement and Disclaimer
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Permission to use, copy, modify and distribute this software, documentation or training material for any purpose requires a fee to be paid to SimoTime Enterprises. Once the fee is received by SimoTime the latest version of the software, documentation or training material will be delivered and a license will be granted for use within an enterprise, provided the SimoTime copyright notice appear on all copies of the software. The SimoTime name or Logo may not be used in any advertising or publicity pertaining to the use of the software without the written permission of SimoTime Enterprises.

SimoTime Enterprises makes no warranty or representations about the suitability of the software, documentation or learning material for any purpose. It is provided "AS IS" without any expressed or implied warranty, including the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement. SimoTime Enterprises shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special or consequential damages resulting from the loss of use, data or projects, whether in an action of contract or tort, arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of this software, documentation or training material.

Downloads and Links to Similar Pages
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This section includes links to documents with additional information that is beyond the scope and purpose of this document.

To review all the information available on this site start at The SimoTime Home Page .

Note: You must be attached to the Internet to download a Z-Pack or view the list.

This document provides a quick summary of the File Status Key for VSAM data sets and QSAM files. This link requires an Internet connection.

Glossary of Terms
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Check out The SimoTime Glossary for a list of terms and definitions used in the documents provided by SimoTime.

Comments, Suggestions or Feedback
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This document was created and is maintained by SimoTime Enterprises.

If you have any questions, suggestions, comments or feedback please call or send an e-mail to: helpdesk@simotime.com

We appreciate hearing from you.

Company Overview
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Founded in 1987, SimoTime Enterprises is a privately owned company. We specialize in the creation and deployment of business applications using new or existing technologies and services. We have a team of individuals that understand the broad range of technologies being used in today's environments. This includes the smallest thin client using the Internet and the very large mainframe systems. There is more to making the Internet work for your company's business than just having a nice looking WEB site. It is about combining the latest technologies and existing technologies with practical business experience. It's about the business of doing business and looking good in the process. Quite often, to reach larger markets or provide a higher level of service to existing customers it requires the newer Internet technologies to work in a complementary manner with existing corporate mainframe systems.

Whether you want to use the Internet to expand into new market segments or as a delivery vehicle for existing business functions simply give us a call or check the web site at http://www.simotime.com

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Micro Focus Sub-Systems, a Gateway to Information about Technology

When technology complements business

http://www.simotime.com

Introduction (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Technology Focus for Micro Focus (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Technology, Mainframe Express (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Technology, Studio Enterprise Edition or Net Express (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Technology, Micro Focus Server Enterprise Edition (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Complementary Technology by SimoTime (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Reference Material (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Reference Material, Introduction to Numeric Formats (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Reference Material, Data File Format, Content, Transfer, Share, Convert and Compare (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Reference Material, Compiler Directives and Scripted Compile Process (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Summary (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Software Agreement and Disclaimer (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Downloads and Links to Similar Pages (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Glossary of Terms (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Comments, Suggestions or Feedback (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Company Overview (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)