Solution Overview

The CQ-3770EE® connectivity solution combines numerous features with an advanced interface to provide users with 377x SNA/RJE mainframe connectivity over existing IP networks.  The transmission of SNA data over IP networks is accomplished through IBM’s® Enterprise Extender technology.

The Move to Enterprise Extender

IBM Front End Processors (FEPs), such as the 3745 and 3746 Controllers, form the backbone of many mission critical SNA networks by allowing remote SNA clients to connect to mainframe computers. These FEPs were withdrawn from marketing by IBM effective September 27, 2002.  Since that date, only used FEP products and features have been available.  Since IBM’s announcement, networks that are based on these controllers have begun the realization that these FEPs are no longer supported and another SNA type connectivity solution is necessary.

IBM states that the reason that the controllers were withdrawn from marketing is the success of IP in corporate networks.  In the IBM Announcement Letter dated February 26, 2002, IBM stated that the "explosive growth of the Internet and TCP/IP traffic have resulted in a severe decline in the demand for new 3745 and 3746 Communication Controllers."  In fact, it is widely accepted that IP is the strategic networking protocol of the future.  IP has been around since 1969 so it is well established and also offers features such as scalability, redundancy, resiliency, openness, adaptability, and manageability.

As a transition for SNA users, IBM developed an IP transport technology called Enterprise Extender (EE).  Enterprise Extender allows remote SNA clients to continue to communicate with mainframes over existing IP networks in much the same way as they do today.

SNA Connectivity over IP Networks

The IBM Announcement of FEPs being withdrawn from marketing is important because many SNA networks rely upon IBM’s FEPs to connect SNA traffic between remote clients and corporate mainframes.  The CQ-3770EE solution utilizes the EE technology and allows remote SNA clients access to corporate mainframe data centers over existing IP connections.

Through CQ-3770EE, the applications and data that remote clients have used throughout the years can now be accessed over IP networks.  CQ-3770EE users will find this new technology as reliable, scalable, and easy to use as SNA and because CQ-3770EE uses standard IP technology, the solution does not require new client hardware or software to be installed.  In fact, certain client-side hardware such as dial-up modems, DLSw routers, Token Ring cards, and serial adapter cards are eliminated altogether.

For more technical information, use this link for a Technical Overview of Enterprise Extender.

CQ-3770EE Features

• Seamless Transition for CQ-3270 Clients.  For current CQ-3770 clients, the transition to the CQ-3770EE solution is seamless as the user-interface is identical for both connectivity solutions.  The similarities between the connectivity solutions eliminate the need for any additional training programs and application changes that might have occurred had the user-interface significantly changed.
   
• Interactive GUI Interface.  The user-friendly interface makes installation, configuration, and use of CQ-3770EE simple and easy to understand.  Interface components such as drop-down menus, customizable toolbars, clearly identified buttons, and context-sensitive help can be found throughout the solution.
   
• Customizable Features.  The customizable toolbar and floating SmartKey Pad allow users convenient and quick one button access to scripts, complex commands, and other programs, such as CQ’s optional productivity solutions.  For example, a button can be setup that condenses a series of JES commands into a single mouse click.  This might be helpful as a means to have one button queue access.  A button may also be easily setup for one button remote host login access.
   
• Configurator.  CQ’s Configurator program allows users to quickly and easily set communication options.  Most of these options are set from the Quick Configuration screen.  EE specific options include the CP Name, DLUS Name, and Destination IP address.
   
• CQ In/Out Bound Screen.  An informative CQ In/Out Bound screen appears when you are connected with the host.  This screen clearly displays the current status of communications, any OutBound console data, and any InBound console data.  Users can also conveniently scroll through the data queues from this screen.  All of the information is displayed in a clear, concise manner.
   
• Scripting and Scheduling.  CQ’s scripting language allows automated and unattended CQ-3770EE host site communications through customized scripts and scheduling features.  Unattended automation facilities make host site communications more cost effective than normal attended operation.  Most any task can be scheduled for execution through CQ’s scripting commands.
   
• Printing Features.  CQ-3770EE supports any laser printer that is supported by the Windows operating system.  Customizable print features such as the number of lines and columns and page orientation can easily be setup through the solution.  CQ-3770EE also supports the Windows operating system print spooler so the user can print multiple jobs.  Up to eight concurrent printers are also supported by the solution.  The solution also supports older legacy printers for uses that require raw line prints.
  
  For the ultimate in printer features and compatibility, the CQ-Print Administrator™ productivity solution provides an efficient way to manage and print text based files according to your specific print layout requirements and specifications.  The solution is useful for large recurring print jobs that require pre-set file formatting options and also allows you to configure and save print Layouts for unattended print jobs that you schedule through other programs, including CQ-3770EE.  Through these print Layouts, you can also include customizable headers, footers, and banner pages that allow you to separate and identify print jobs according to your specific requirements.
   
• CQ Diagnostics.  CQ-3770EE provides accessible communications logging features through its audit and trace options.  These features are used for tracking the user’s data transfers and include time stamps, file send and receive information, and file size information.
   
• Security Features.  CQ-3770EE is equipped with numerous security features.  Certain areas of the program are password protected and the configuration data is decrypted dependent upon the proper entry of the correct password.  Also, for the ultimate in secure communications, the Triple Data Encryption Standard (Triple DES) security option is available as an option.
   
• CQ Access Point Agreement (CQ’s Annual License Activation and Software Maintenance Program). CQ recognizes the importance of providing our customers with access to comprehensive technical services and support.  CQ also feels that access to product upgrades and updates is an integral part of an organization’s overall software deployment strategy.  With this in mind, CQ provides the CQ Access Point agreement to its customers.  With each license acquisition, you receive annual license activation as well as access to the product upgrade and technical support features of Software Maintenance.

The Complete CQ-3770EE Solution

The complete CQ-3770EE solution also allows for simple and efficient integration of the optional CQ Productivity Suite of solutions:

• CQ-Forms Manager™ - This customizable solution provides an efficient way to select forms to manage the send and receive file transfer processes in the micro/mainframe environment.
• CQ-Print Administrator™ - This customizable solution provides an efficient way to manage and print text-based files according to your specific print layout requirements and specifications.
• CQ-Event Scheduler™ - This customizable solution provides an automated way to schedule recurring computer tasks that you would otherwise have to initiate manually.

The CQ Productivity Suite offers CQ-3770EE clients with superior data management tools that improve efficiencies while driving down the labor costs associated with the management of large quantities of recurring data.  For more information on these solutions, contact CQ.

Sample Screen Shots

CQ provides our web page visitors with a quick look at several sample CQ-3770EE screens by following this link:

• CQ-3770EE SAMPLE SCREEN SHOTS

Trials and Demos
CQ also offers trial and demo versions of CQ-3770EE.  For the ultimate look at the CQ-3770EE connectivity solution, contact CQ today for information on receiving YOUR trial version of CQ software.

Specifications

Workstation/Server Requirements

• Processor.  An Intel Pentium microprocessor is recommended, although other compatible microprocessors such as the Celeron and AMD K6/Athlon/Duron family of microprocessors are also supported.
• Drive Space.  A minimum of 200 MB of fixed drive space is required.
• Operating System.  All Microsoft Windows 32-bit operating systems are supported.
• Memory.  A minimum of 128 MB of memory is required, although at least 256 MB of memory is recommended.
• TCP/IP Protocol.  The TCP/IP protocol (i.e., Internet Protocol) should be bound to the system’s network card.
• Other Requirements.  CQ may indicate other hardware and software requirements to you at the time of purchase.  Contact CQ for additional information.

Host End Requirements

• The host computer must be an IBM mainframe or compatible host with IBM’s Enterprise Extender support.  For assistance in determining if your host site supports Enterprise Extender, you can contact your host site personnel or contact CQ and we can assist in determining if this feature is a part of your host site’s mainframe architecture.
• For Triple DES security clients, the host computer must also have the Triple DES feature installed and enabled.

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