Enhanced C/C++ support

With this release, CICS Transaction Server introduces new support for C/C++, which brings the performance of these applications to a level comparable with that obtained

with COBOL, PL/I or Assembler applications. This performance level is provided by the extra performance linkage (XPLink) feature of z/OS, which delivers high-performance, subroutine linkage mechanisms and guard pages to support stack extension, resulting in highly optimized execution path lengths. Performance is also increased by running these applications in the CICS OTE, instead of in the QR TCB described previously.

The applications use standard Language Environment services and CICS storage management. This requires that the applications be written to threadsafe standards. Maximum performance can be achieved only if the applications are limited to the use of threadsafe CICS commands. The support provided is for AMODE(31) C/C++ programs. XPLink support under CICS enables you to exploit the latest compiler and optimization technologies included with C/C++. In particular, XPLink DLLs used outside CICS can now be used inside CICS as well, enabling greater C/C++ code reusability.

CICS Transaction Server, Version 3.1 also includes enhancements to provide effective management of large run-time configurations through modern user interfaces, helping you meet demanding service-level objectives.

CICSPlex System Manager

WUI enhancements

The IBM CICSPlex® System Manager WUI already provides simple, flexible, intuitive and comprehensive functions for managing CICS Transaction Server

—including important functions not available with the Time Sharing Option (TSO) end-user interface. CICS Transaction Server, Version 3.1 introduces a greater range of improvements to the WUI that delivers significant user benefits.

•Improvements to screen design maximize the use of screen space in views and menus. The view editor now allows detailed views to be displayed in a two-column format. Users can choose to create their own detail views in two columns. The SELECT ALL and DESELECT ALL buttons have also been replaced in tabular views by icons in the record heading of the table to reduce white space. And filters on tabular views can now be collapsed, so that more screen space is available to display data.

•User favorites can now be managed using a favorites editor that includes tabular views. These features enable favorites to be easily saved and retrieved for editing at a later time.

•User-group profiles containing information, such as default context, scope, CICSPlex Managed Address Space (CMAS) context and result- set warning count, can now be set by administrators using a profile editor. This allows them to configure the WUI so that it is tailored to the needs of particular groups of users.

•Result-set warning counts can be set to issue a warning before a view is opened that would generate a large number of records. This allows a filter to be altered on the view to reduce the number of records returned, helping to avoid unnecessary waits.

•The view editor now allows the user, when creating or updating views, to include a filter confirmation panel before a view is opened. This means that, when navigating to a view, the user is prompted to enter filters. Business Application Services (BAS) administration views (introduced in CICS Transaction Server, Version 2.3) have been restructured to improve their usability by dividing them

into two groups: basic BAS (which emulates resource definition online [RDO] function), and advanced BAS (which exploits the advanced features of CICSPlex System Manager).

3.1 specifications

IBM 3.1 is known for its innovative approach to computing during an era that marked the transition into more advanced personal computing solutions. Launched as part of IBM's line of personal computers, IBM 3.1 was a notable product in the early 1990s, playing a crucial role in shaping the computing landscape.

One of the key features of IBM 3.1 was its use of the IBM PC DOS operating system, which provided a solid platform for business applications and productivity tools. The inclusion of a graphical user interface (GUI) improved usability compared to its predecessors, allowing users to navigate through tasks with ease.

The system architecture of IBM 3.1 was based on the Intel 80386 microprocessor, which was a leap forward in processing power and efficiency. It offered compatibility with earlier IBM PC models, making it easier for businesses to transition to newer technologies without losing investment in software and peripherals. The introduction of enhanced memory management capabilities allowed users to run multiple applications simultaneously, dramatically improving productivity.

IBM 3.1 also supported advanced technologies such as plug-and-play hardware components, which simplified system configuration and expanded upgrade potential. This feature allowed users to easily add peripherals like printers, modems, and external storage devices without the need for complex installations.

The integrated networking capabilities of IBM 3.1 enabled better connectivity between computers, fostering collaboration among users in office environments. Support for various networking protocols allowed seamless sharing of resources, which was essential in the growing landscape of networked computing.

In terms of storage, IBM 3.1 offered both hard drive options and upgraded floppy disk drives, catering to different user needs. The system supported a variety of software applications including word processors, spreadsheets, and database management systems, solidifying its place as a valuable tool for productivity.

Overall, IBM 3.1 was a groundbreaking personal computer that combined power, user-friendliness, and adaptability. It was a turning point in the evolution of IBM PCs, influencing the design and functionality of future computing products. With its forward-thinking technologies and robust feature set, IBM 3.1 left a lasting legacy in the world of personal computing.