Product Overview
Transaction Server is a message communication facility that provides high-performance software architecture for transaction processing. To achieve both high performance and resource efficiency, Transaction Server has been closely integrated with other enterprise server software products.
General Features
Transaction Server offers a broad range of features associated with transaction-oriented systems. These features are implemented as separate modules to enable you to select only those features required for specific transaction types. Resources are allocated only for those required features. If you have transaction processing requirements beyond those defined by Transaction Server, you can create custom modules to be used as a natural part of the system, without compromising system integrity or reliability.
Custom Connect Facility (CCF)
The Custom Connect Facility (CCF) protocol-specific handler (PSH) is middleware that provides a path between MCP transports and the Transaction Server, which provides a standard method for workstation clients to communicate with the Transaction Server applications.
CCF PSH extends the capabilities of the Transaction Server to include such interfaces as Transaction Server Sockets (used by Web Enabler for ClearPath MCP).
CCF PSH consists of a Router module and individual protocol converter modules (PCMs). PCMs translate specific network protocols into a common internal CCF protocol used for communication. PCMs are "pluggable" modules that provide specific functionality. The following PCMs are offered with CCF.
|
PCM Type |
Explanation |
|---|---|
|
TCP/IP PCM |
TCP/IP protocol support. |
|
Pipes PCM |
Named Pipe support. |
|
Term PCM |
Support of standard Unisys terminal emulation through use of the CCF Terminal Services Protocol |
|
CUCI PCM |
Communications with Transaction Server |
|
Logon PCM |
Security validation with Client Access Services |
|
WEBPCM |
WEBPCM support (an interface from Transaction Server to Web users through the Web Transaction Server for ClearPath MCP). The WEBAPPSUPPORT library is also is included with WEBPCM for processing input and output messages. |
Custom Connect Facility (CCF) WEBPCM
The following security features are available.
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The ATLASSECURITY library tracks users for possible hacker lockout by their IP addresses.
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The SECOPT LOGONATTEMPTS attribute specifies the number of attempts to log on before a user is locked out. This feature prevents unauthorized users from repeatedly trying to guess a user’s password.
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The Accesscode and Chargecode user attributes further establish a user’s identity, control security, and restrict access to disk files.
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When a user fails validation, an MCS Security Violation Entry message is logged in the SUMLOG.
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When a user is locked out, an MCS Message Entry message is logged in the SUMLOG.
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The SESSIONID attribute identifies a string of text that makes the session cookie name used by WEBPCM unique among other WEBPCM services. This feature allows a user to access multiple applications with a separate session ID for each application. Multiple services can share a SESSIONID.
WEBPCM also supports the HostCSS system option. HostCSS enables the default host character set to be specified when the default CCSVERSION is ASERIESNATIVE.
Ease of Installation
Ease of installation and use are also key elements in Transaction Server design. You can define and maintain the entire transaction processing environment by using the COMS Utility and the Program Agent Facility (PAF). The COMS Utility component offers menu-driven support and a batch interface command language for the definition of the entire Transaction Server environment. The COMS Utility has been designed to guide the installation through the establishment of the Transaction Server system. It is also supported with an online help facility. You can use the Program Agent Facility to programmatically maintain the Transaction Server environment definition.
Windowing Support
Another important feature of Transaction Server is multiple views (or windows). This feature provides flexibility for both the users and developers. A single terminal can simultaneously open multiple windows, permitting communication with multiple application systems. Multiple window types are also available. A single user can open multiple windows of various types and move between them without having to log on or off.
WEBPCM Support for Kerberos and NTLM Authentication Methods
With WEBPCM, you can configure directories and applications to use one of these types of authentication:
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Basic (HTTP)
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NTLM only
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Kerberos or NTLM
If configured for NTLM only, WEBPCM tells the client to use NTLM when accessing a resource that requires authentication. NTLM provides a way to send the usercode and password in encrypted format, instead of in clear text.
If configured for Kerberos or NTLM, WEBPCM tells the client to use either method when access to a resource requires authentication. If the server receives a Kerberos token for authentication and if the server can access Kerberos software on ClearPath MCP, the server provides authentication using Kerberos. If Kerberos is not available on ClearPath MCP, the server tells the client to use NTLM authentication.
New Features/Enhancements
The following new features and enhancements are available in this release:
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(NFS) Transaction Server now provides an option to discontinue all copies of a program during a DISABLE PROGRAM operation.
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The Custom Connect Facility (CCF) has been enhanced to include the following CSPCM commands:
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CSPCM LIST DIALOG ALL
CSPCM LIST DIALOG
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CSPCM SHOW DIALOG ALL
CSPCM SHOW DIALOG
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CSPCM CLEAR DIALOG ALL
CSPCM CLEAR DIALOG
-
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(NFS) Transaction Server now cooperates with the MCP to automatically manage remote file output of an application initiated from a CANDE session. Remote file output pacing from an application is similar to the output pacing that occurs when the application is initiated directly from COMS. This more effectively manages system resources and avoids excessive output that negatively impacts the system as a whole.
Ordering Information
Transaction Server is included as part of the operating environment for ClearPath servers. Source code is available for this product. It is included as part of the operating environment source product, which you can license separately.
Product Information
Refer to the following documents for more information:
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Transaction Server for ClearPath MCP Configuration Guide (8600 0312)
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Transaction Server for ClearPath MCP Operations Guide (8600 0833)
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Transaction Server for ClearPath MCP Programming Guide (8600 0650)
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Custom Connect Facility Administration and Programming Guide (4310 3266)
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WEBAPPSUPPORT Application Programming Guide (3826 5286)
