Legacy Integration - ActiveX /.NET 3270 and 5250 Middleware for Enterprise Integration

Sample Applications

Host Integration Solutions That Can Be Created with PASSPORT Host Integration Objects

Electronic Payment System for Credit Card Provider

The PASSPORT solution can be used to create a Microsoft server-based COM module that streamlines the process of securing an approval or decline for payment transactions involving credit cards. In doing so, access to a commonly used host application can be made available by phone or web server, and the amount of time spent processing the financial transactions can be greatly reduced.

The mainframe application manages the availability of funds that are present to the account holder. New business logic can be created externally from the host application that allows a web site, telephone or hand held device to access the financial application, input the credit card type and credit card number, and begin the request for electronic payment.

The PASSPORT COM object takes this information, automatically logs onto the host system, navigates through the appropriate 3270 screens, copies the information into specific host fields and retrieves the available balance, which is presented back to the server application.

The application then compares the requested payment amount against the current balance and either approves or declines the credit card payment. If the request is declined, appropriate explanations are automatically provided.

The entire transaction runs in the background and involves virtually no intervention by the end user.

Point of Sale Terminal Integration for Retailer

PASSPORT Host Integration Objects project can be used to replace outdated SNA terminal controllers with a new IP-based network that employs the use of state-of-the-art IBM 4690 POS equipment and PASSPORT HIO for 3270 application integration.

A terminal controller is used to connect multiple point-of-sale terminals to a host system, and you can find them in retail, convenience, grocery, food service and hospitality stores around the world.

Windows 2003 and 2000 Server can be used as an IP-based replacement for aging SNA terminal controllers. The solution is to install PASSPORT Host Integration Objects on a Microsoft Windows server, create a middleware application that manages communication with a 3270 inventory application, and ultimately display the appropriate information on the IBM 4690 point of sale terminals.

This middleware solution uses PASSPORT to launch the host session, navigate through the inventory application, parse the various 3270 screen buffers and pass the appropriate data to and from the POS terminal and the mainframe using the PASSPORT Host Integration Objects server.

This integration solution offers a very inexpensive approach, and is based on standard technology that can be easily managed throughout several hundred stores nationwide.

Customer Self-Service Web Application

Self-service web applications can eliminate or reduce the need for customer service personnel, and in many cases, are a preferred service method for customers, especially if given 24x7 availability.

PASSPORT Host Integration Objects technology can be used by various industries and organizations – insurance companies, local governments, car rental agencies, mortgage brokers and others - to create self-service applications that are accessible via web, kiosk and wireless communication.

Rather than call or interact with customer service personnel to request information about their account, secure services, etc., customers can help themselves electronically. Instead of a service representative requesting the client’s name, account number and other required information, the customer can directly access a CICS or IMS application using PASSPORT Host Integration Objects, and any UI or middleware software that may or may not be a component of the customer experience.

This inexpensive solution is desirable for banks, state and local governments, airlines, car rental agencies and others that can place self service equipment in secure locations under their control, or for organizations that offer secure wireless connectivity for employees and agents. With standard IP security, it can also be an inexpensive way to create self service web applications.