SimoVIEW When technology complements business   Screen Conversion Tool

Copyright © 1987-2006  SimoTime Enterprises, LLC  All Rights Reserved http://www.simotime.com

Introduction
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SimoVIEW is provided to assist in the transformation or extending of a mainframe application to an Internet enabled application. One of the first steps in transforming an application that is running on a mainframe to an application that will run in an Internet enabled environment is the conversion of the mainframe screen presentation services from either Basic Mapping Support (BMS) for CICS or Message Format Services (MFS) for IMS to HTML.

Note: many of the items discussed in this document are based on the hardware and software technologies that were available when this document was created. This is a rapidly changing environment and functional improvements are expected.

There have been many different approaches to transforming, converting, re-engineering, or emulating both BMS or MFS functionality to run on non-mainframe platforms. Some technologies were available and provided minimum conversion of certain screen elements that could then be imported into a "Forms" processing program. Many of these approaches did not retain the screen positioning, field names or field attributes, it was the programmers task to complete the conversion. Another early effort at porting mainframe screens was called "screen scraping". This technique used the generated 3270 byte stream information to display an HTML page and had the following advantages

It also had the following disadvantages

What is needed is a simple capability that converts BMS or MFS screens to native HTML pages. SimoVIEW provides this capability while retaining the various data element names and positions on the HTML page. This approach provides a usable HTML page that is easily imported and used in a WEB application. This technology was originally intended to be used by SimoTime personnel to assist in the BMS to HTML conversion process. However, it was to our customer's advantage to retain this capabilities after the initial conversion effort. SimoVIEW was initially enhanced to meet this objective and is being continually enhanced base on new technologies and our customer's requirements.

System Requirements
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The following is the minimum system requirements.

Windows/2000, Windows/98 or Windows/NT
64meg of memory
2 gig disk space
Mainframe Express with the MF/ASM Option
A browser. Internet Explorer 4.0 or Netscape Navigator 1.4

The following is a typical system configuration for running Mainframe Express with the Assembler Option and SimoVIEW.

Windows/2000
128meg of memory
10 gig disk drive
Mainframe Express with the MF/ASM and CICS options
Internet Explorer and/or Netscape Navigator
Net Express

The SimoVIEW programs, this documentation, the Installation Verification Procedure (IVP) and examples are provided in a zipped file. Additional information about acquiring SimoVIEW may be obtained from http://www.simotime.com/evaltek2.htm.

Installation
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SimoVIEW is currently delivered as a ZIPped file.

Create a directory on the C-drive called SimoLIBR.

Make the SimoLIBR the current directory.

Unzip the SimoVIEW.ZIP file into the SimoVIEW directory.

Installation Verification Program
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To verify that SimoVIEW for BMS has been installed properly run the following command.

The preceding command is a batch file included with SimoVIEW.

Note: If SimoVIEW is not istalled in the drive and directory specified (i.e. C:\SIMOLIBR) then the SET4BMS1.BAT must be modified to match the drive and directory where SimoVIEW is installed.

Installation Verification for BMS
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The following is the contents of the batch file (IVP4BMS1.BAT) provided as the IVP for the BMS conversion process.

@echo OFF
rem   *
rem   * Set the Environment Vaviables
rem   *
      echo * IVP4BMS1 - Installation Verification Program for BMS is EXECUTING...
      echo * IVP4BMS1 - This procedure must execute from an MFE Command Line.
      call set4bms1
rem   *
rem   * If necessary, create the work directory
rem   *
      IF EXIST %SYSLOG1% ERASE %SYSLOG1%
      IF EXIST %SYSUT2%\SYSWORK1.TXT GOTO :JUMP10
      MD %SYSUT2%
      echo * IVP4BMS1 - Created by SIMOVIEW . . . >%SYSUT2%\SYSWORK1.TXT
:JUMP10
rem   *
rem   * If necessary, erase previously created work file,
rem   * run SimoVIEW to read a BMS member and create an HTM member.
rem   *
rem   * Note the GEN parameter, this causes the generation of the HTM member,
rem   * if a sequence error occurs during this step then change GEN to ORG.
rem   * The sequence error is usually caused by the field definitions being
rem   * out of sequence by the line and column information.
rem   * The ORG parameter will cause a sort to be executed prior to creating
rem   * the HTML member.
rem   *
      if exist %SYSUT2%\STVWMLC1.MLC erase %SYSUT2%\STVWMLC1.MLC
      run SIMOVIEW BMS HTML GEN %SYSUT1%\CUSUPD1.BMS %SYSUT1%\CUSUPD1.HTM %SYSCNTL%

Installation Verification for BMS, Environment and Directories
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The following is the batch file that sets the environment variables used by the various steps in the screen conversion process.

@echo OFF
rem   *
rem   * Set the variables used by SimoVIEW for input and output
rem   *
      echo * SET4BMS1 - is starting...
      set SYSUT1=D:\SIMOLIBR
      set SYSUT2=D:\SIMOLIBR\SYSWORK1
rem   *
rem   * Set the locations for the LOG and CONFIG files.
rem   *
      set SYSLOG1=D:\SIMOLIBR\SIMOVIEW.LOG
      set SYSCNTL=D:\SIMOLIBR\SIMOVIEW.CFG
rem   *
rem   * Set the variables used by the MF/ASM Option.
rem   *
      set SYSPUNCH=%SYSUT1%\SYSWORK1;
      set SYSMPC=.;
      set SYSLIB=.;
      set MAC370=.;
rem   *
rem   * Set the variables used by Mainframe Express
rem   *
      set cobpath=.;
      echo * SET4BMS1 - is complete...

SimoVIEW for BMS
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SimoVIEW for BMS provides for the quick conversion of BMS screens to HTML pages and provides the following capabilities.

SimoVIEW for BMS is supported for Windows/NT and requires Mainframe Express (MFE) with the MF/ASM option by Micro Focus (formerly MERANT).

To simplify the description of the conversion process it will be assumed that SimoVIEW is installed in a directory called:

and the BMS source members are downloaded from the mainframe into a directory called:

The BMS to HTML conversion is a single job that has three required steps and one optional step after the BMS source members are downloaded to the PC .

The above process may be executed from an MFE command line as a single task or logical unit of work. SimoVIEW includes an example of how to automate the process for multiple BMS members.

SimoVIEW for MFS
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MFS to HTML is currently available as Beta technology. Continue to watch this space...

The Configuration File
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Many of the functions provided by SimoVIEW may be configured. For example, font size and color or the page headers and footers may be defined as part of the conversion process.

The MFE Command Line Interface
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A Mainframe Express command line interface is provided for automating the BMS to HTML conversion process. This is especially useful for converting a large number of BMS screens. The format of the MFE command line interface is as follows.

run SimoVIEW input-type output-type function bms-member-name html-member-name configuration-file-name

The following table describes the command line parameters.

A sample .BAT file is included with SimoVIEW.

Tips and Techniques
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This section provides additional information not covered in other sections of this document. The primary focus is using SimoVIEW and the newly created HTML in specific environments.

Importing HTML into Net Express
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The HTML code created by SimoVIEW is standard HTML with Java Script and may be used by or imported into a number of presentation technologies. Additional advantage may be obtained by importing the HTML Form into Net Express. Many BMS members contain additional information such as the COBOL PICTURE clause. By saving and using this information in the filename.PGX file the HTML Form may be easily imported into Net Express with sufficient information to quickly generate a CGI program . The filename.PGX file is created when the second flag in the "/NETEX1 YYNNNNNN" statement of the configuration file is set to "Y".

A special utility program is not included with SimoVIEW called MFFBUILD, this is available from Micro Focus. Net Express, version 3.0 requires a filename.MFF file in addition to the filename.HTM file in order to properly import the HTML Form into Net Express. MFFBUILD will use the filename.HTM and filename.PGX to create the filename.MFF for Net Express. The IVP4NTX1.BAT shows the syntax for using MFFBUILD.

Note: MFFBUILD must run from a Net Express command line.

Mainframe Express and Internet Explorer
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To create a link to Internet Explorer from the Customized Tool Bar of Mainframe Express do the following steps.

Select Options from the Mainframe Express Tool Bar.

Select Customize IDE... from the pull-down menu.

Select the Tools Tab from the Customize IDE window.

Select the New Tool... button and Enter Menu Text, use WEB.SimoVIEW or a name of your choice.

Type the following into the Program box

The preceding command will need to be modified based on the browser that will be used by the client.

Type the following into the Starting dir box

Type the following into the Command line box

Click on the Apply button

Click on the OK button

Select the Tools item from the Mainframe Express Tool Bar.

Select the newly added SimoVIEW item.

Internet Explorer should start, simply select an HTML member to display.

Problem Anticipation and Avoidance
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HTML Tags in the Data String
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If the HTML code created by SimoVIEW will be inorporated and dynamically modified with data from within a Java or C++ program then care must be taken to remove or properly handle HTML tag characters.

Multiple Space Characters
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Special considerations needs to be given when literals have multiple, embedded spaces. HTML will reduce the multiple spaces to a single space and this could cause some shifting of the text within the literal to the left of the screen.

Rows of Asterisks, Hyphens or Equal Signs
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A technique that was sometimes used with mainframe screens displayed a row of asterisks, hyphens or equal signs to separate different areas on a screen. Depending on the font size and type selected for the HTML member this technique may result in this row of asterisks, hyphens or equal signs being too narrow or too wide. A possible resolution may be to select a different font size or type but this may not be acceptable. Another option may be to center this row. A better alternative may be to replace these separator rows with the HTML Horizonal Rule. SimoVIEW does not provide a capability to automate this process.

One Literal Instead of Multiple Literals
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Mainframe screens use a fixed font of a predetermined size. HTML can be a proportional font of various font sizes. This presents a problem when trying to align multiple rows and columns with a heading row of a single literal. A possible resolution to this problem is to code the single literal as multiple literals that are aligned over the columns. This could be done within the BMS member before creating the HTML or it could be done in the HTML member.

Data Conversions in a Multi-Machine Environment
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Mainframe work in EBCDIC mode and browsers work in ASCII mode. The HTML created by SimoVIEW is ASCII/Text . If the data that is merged with the HTML member is received from a mainframe it may need to be converted between EBCDIC and ASCII.

The Browser "BACK" Function
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In the mainframe and fixed-function terminal environment the paging between the screens is managed by the program running on the mainframe. If the mainframe program is sensitive and/or dependent to sending a screen and expecting only to see the results of the last screen sent then controls will need to be implemented to handle this condition. Most browser technologies allow a user to move back and forward between HTML documents without the knowledge of the host or mainframe system.

Reduce Screen Paging within a Program
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The mainframe, fixed-function terminals were usually limited to a 24 rows by 80 columns of information using a fixed font and predetermined font size. When one screen could not contain all the information a user requested a second screen was created. This also required the online program to manage the paging between screens. With the Web interface it is possible to create and download a single HTML documents consisting of many rows and columns (the limiting factor is usually the time it takes to download to the browser machine). The paging becomes scrolling within the document and is handled entirely by the browser. This can significantly reduce and possible eliminate the need to manage paging within an application program.

Technical Overview
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The following figure shows the process flow.

Let's take a closer look at each of the items in the preceding figure.

The following sections describe the steps of the generation process in more detail.

The GUI Interface
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Not currently supported, reserved for future use. SimoXGUI, this is the GUI interface. A window will be displayed to prompt for the required parameters.

The Callable Interface
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Not currently supported, reserved for future use. SimoXAPI, this is the callable interface.

The Command Line Interface
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The command line interface provides a methodology for creating batch files that will read numerous BMS files and create corresponding HTML members. Refer to The MFE Command Line Interface for more information.

Summary
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The intent of SimoVIEW is to provide the first step in extending a mainframe application to the Internet. The real value is not in the creation of HTML code from BMS code. The real value is providing the first step in the application extension process. For example, the definition of the data string required for the Web programmer. The newly created HTML code will make the application look like a Web application but will most likely be changed to make it behave like a Web application.

Acquiring Software and Links to Similar Pages
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The SimoVIEW programs, this documentation, the Installation Verification Procedure (IVP) and examples are provided in a zipped file. Additional information about acquiring SimoVIEW may be obtained from http://www.simotime.com/evaltek2.htm.

This article  Transforming a Mainframe Application for the Internet Environment  attempts to provide some answers and insight into the various issues and approaches of extending legacy systems to the Internet.

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

About SimoTime Enterprises, LLC
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Founded in 1987, SimoTime Enterprises is a privately owned, Limited Liability Corporation located in Novato, California. 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