TPS^®/WSM (WAN Sockets Middleware) is an RS/6000^® based software system which enables manageable, high-function file transfers between downstream legacy networks/devices and upstream processors requiring TCP/IP. Currently supported legacy protocols include:

• Bisync – including a 2780/3780 subset
• SNA Remote Job Entry (RJE) 3777 printer/punch emulation
• Async Kermit, Xmodem and Zmodem

WSM contains three major subsystems:

1. A front-end legacy communication/protocol subsystem – which utilizes the proven capabilities of other TPS^® products, such as device drivers for the IBM^® ARTIC WAN card family and legacy protocol support systems. The front-end subsystems may be automated.
2. A common back-end transport facility which handles all TCP/IP sockets communications and provides a log for uniform diagnostics and monitoring functions.
3. An extensive management and monitoring system with menu-driven user interface.

TPS^®/WSM’s design allows for straightforward data exchange with other applications. Additional legacy protocols are in development – call TPS^® for details.

TPS^®/WSM can support legacy WAN protocols including SNA, BSC and Async. TPS^®/WSM can also be used with proven capabilities of TPS^®/RJE, TPS^®/SNA and TPS^®/BSC SUPPORT.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Bridges legacy SNA / Bisync / Async and TCP/IP networks through an RS/6000 gateway server
• Robust SNA, Bisync and Async support – through native functionality of prerequisite TPS^® software products
• Extensive management and monitoring system with a menu-driven user interface
• Straightforward specification for the exchange of data on the TCP/IP side. User applications can interface easily
• Software-based – easily upgradeable to future releases
• From TPS^® Systems — with 25+ year tradition of excellence in providing network software and support for large global enterprises
  
  

PRODUCT POSITIONING

TPS^®/WSM is ideal for financial institutions and data servicers needing a flexible, scaleable and highly manageable file transfer gateway between legacy systems and upstream processors requiring TCP/IP.

FEATURES

Legacy WAN Protocol Support

WSM supports legacy WAN protocols by utilizing the proven capabilities of the following TPS^® products:

• TPS^®/SNA
• TPS^®/RJE (SNA)
• TPS^®/BSC SUPPORT
• TPS^® Device Drivers
  

Management System and User Interface

WSM is managed by an easy-to-use cursor-based menu interface enabling:

• Start/Stop/Status inquiry for all services
• Real-time display of log file/port/etc. activity
• Simplified setup, configuration and changes
• Shell out to other AIX^® utilities and functions

 

Data Flow

WSM’s front-end communication/protocol connections are started with appropriate parameters, such as the tty or ricport assignment, or a valid SNA PU name. Once the connection is started, it waits for incoming WAN-side traffic. When WAN-side traffic arrives, a WSM transport facility session is initiated to handle the data transfer. After data receipt, the transport facility checks a configuration file to validate the data for:

• Customer ID/Password
• Destination host name or I.P. Address
• Transaction type (Return or No Return)
• Trailing record - Defined by user - sent over Socket at end of transaction
• Debugging Flags
  

WSM verifies that an incoming transmission is from a certified customer by matching Customer ID/Password data in the transaction Header Record (must be defined by user) with an entry in a customer identification table. WSM’s transport facility then opens a TCP/IP Socket to the upstream processing system and sends the data over a BSD-compliant TCP/IP Socket.

WSM can determine if a remittance is required by examining the transaction Header Record. If a remittance is needed, WSM will expect remittance data to be returned from the upstream processing system over the opened TCP/IP Sockets interface.