IBM MQSeries Integrator Agent for CICS Transaction Server integrates CICS and IMS applications to
create high-performance, scalable solutions
IBM United States
Software Announcement 204-040
March 16, 2004
 ENUS204-040.PDF (41KB)
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MQSeries Integrator Agent for CICS Transaction Server provides:
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Application integration on the mainframe with CICS and IMS applications
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Functional migration from the existing MDp product
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A build time component (the MQSI Agent for CICS Adapter Builder) that runs on Windows, using tools
with a look and feel similar to those of IBM WebSphere MQ Integrator for z/OS
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Newly introduced at this time, a Link3270 Bridge adapter program
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With Adapter Builder, adapters can be:
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Built to the MQSI Agent for CICS Adapter run time environment
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Deployed as CICS applications on the z/OS server
For ordering, contact:
Your IBM representative, an IBM Business Partner, or IBM Americas Call Centers at
800-IBM-CALL
(Reference: LE001).
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The IBM MQSeries® Integrator Agent for CICS® Transaction Server (MQSI Agent for CICS) is a
product for application integration, running on z/OS®. It enables functional migration from the
Message Driven processor (MDp) product delivered by IBM as PRPQ 5799-A66. Functional enhancements
to MQSI Agent for CICS are being introduced, delivered by the service channel.
The MQSI Agent for CICS consists of two components:
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MQSI Agent for CICS Adapter Builder:
A build time component, runs on Windows™ and uses tools that look and feel similar to those of
WebSphere® MQ Integrator® Broker V2.1.
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MQSI Agent for CICS Server run time:
A run time component, runs with CICS Transaction Server for z/OS V2.2 or V2.3 as a CICS
application on a z/OS server. MQSI Agent for CICS Server run time uses CICS Business Transaction
Services (BTS) to manage the interrelationship, commit scope, recovery, and restart of the actions
that make up a business transaction.
Used together, the build time and run time components of MQSI Agent for CICS enable the construction
and execution of adapters to process requests from client applications for business applications
running on host systems, in particular CICS and IMS™.
The adapter runs when the MQSI Agent for CICS server run time receives a request from the client
application. If the client application is WebSphere MQ-enabled, the request is in the form of a
WebSphere MQ message. WebSphere MQ-enabled applications use the IBM WebSphere MQ-CICS bridge as the
interface between a WebSphere MQ-enabled client application and CICS. Any other client application
capable of initiating a CICS program can use a CICS-supplied interface to pass a request to run the
adapter. A CICS-supplied interface can be ECI, EXCI, EXEC CICS LINK, or SOAP for CICS.
Target IMS applications may be driven via FEPI. Target CICS applications may be 3270 applications
driven via FEPI or Link3270 Bridge, or COMMAREA applications driven through a Distributed Program
Link (DPL). MQSI Agent for CICS contains server adapter programs that handle these four classes of
applications.
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For run time, the following are required:
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OS/390® V2.10, or z/OS V1.2, or later
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CICS Transaction Server for z/OS V2.2 or V2.3
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MQSeries for OS/390 V2.1, or later, or WebSphere MQ for z/OS V5.2, or later
For build time, the following are required:
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Windows 2000 or Windows XP
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IBM Object REXX for Windows V2
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April 30, 2004
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MQSeries Integrator Agent for CICS Transaction Server (MQSI Agent for CICS) was originally announced
by Software Announcement
201-059
, dated March 13, 2001. MQSI Agent for CICS is the successor to the Message Driven
processor (MDp) product (originally available from Early, Cloud & Company, and more recently
delivered by IBM as a PRPQ (5799-A66)). It provides a range of requirements identified by MDp
customers as important for sustaining their MDp investment. Significant functional enhancements are
now being provided to MQSI Agent for CICS.
MQSeries Integrator Agent for CICS Transaction Server consists of two components, the MQSI Agent for
CICS Adapter Builder, and the MQSI Agent for CICS Server run time. Used together, the MQSI Agent
for CICS build time and run time components enable the construction and execution of sophisticated
adapters to process requests (business transactions) from client applications.
Using the build time component, the user performs a series of processes, including microflow
modeling, to build an adapter. As output from the build time, an adapter consists of COBOL (source
and copybooks) and JCL.
After an adapter has been built, the user moves it from the build time environment to a z/OS server,
where it is compiled as a CICS application. In its final form, the adapter consists of COBOL and
CICS executables.
The adapter runs when the MQSI Agent for CICS server run time receives a request message from a
client application.
Requests from client applications must be contained in a CICS communication area (COMMAREA). A
client application can be any WebSphere MQ-enabled application, or any application capable of
initiating a CICS program through a CICS-supplied interface (that is, ECI, EXCI, or EXEC CICS LINK).
Examples of client applications include:
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WebSphere Business Integration Message Broker V5.0.1
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WebSphere MQ Workflow V3.4
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Local, remote, or Client CICS applications
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Applications running under WebSphere Application Server (any platform) and using Java™ connectors
to access CICS programs
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Web Services clients using Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP)
If the client application is WebSphere MQ-enabled, the request is in the form of a WebSphere MQ
message, and the application uses the WebSphere MQ-CICS bridge to pass the request message to the
run time. The target application is driven via the WebSphere MQ server adapter program through
MQPUT and MQGET commands. Other client applications (as long as they can initiate a CICS program)
use a CICS-supplied interface to pass the request message to the run time.
MQSI Agent for CICS may also be used to support federated business process integration, where
another product such as WebSphere Business Integration Message Broker is responsible for the overall
business flow, managing business context state, multiple request and reply interactions,
asynchronous processing, overall business flow compensation, and the continuation of one logical
request through multiple requests, if required.
Adapter request processing can invoke server adapter programs in any sequence. The sequence is
determined using the Adapter Builder component.
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Existing CICS transactions (including custom programs) via a Distributed Program Link (DPL)
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Existing CICS or IMS (or other) applications via a 3270 data stream using CICS Front End Programming
Interface (FEPI)
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Existing CICS or IMS (or other) applications via application data structure using Link3270 bridge
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WebSphere MQ-enabled applications via WebSphere MQ
MQSI Agent for CICS Server run time
The run time component contains the following elements:
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The server adapter programs: Any one of four types of programs in the run time component that
perform the business transaction activity defined within a microflow at build time
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The navigator programs: Perform adapter request processing, manage states during the microflow and
invoke the server adapter programs
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Support for custom programs: Custom programs must be written according to a specification that is
part of MQSI Agent for CICS
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An error logging program
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Support for compensation flows, journaling, and audit levels using the BTS facilities of CICS
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A range of utility programs to support the run time component
MQSI Agent for CICS server adapter programs perform the processing modeled in the microflows (also
sometimes referred to as connector flows, micro-flow scripts, navigation scripts, or micro-control
flows). The server adapter program processing may:
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Initiate local programs using EXEC CICS Link.
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Perform screen navigation, by way of an interactive request and reply dialog with a 3270-type CICS
or IMS application. This can be accomplished in either of two ways:
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Using the FEPI function of CICS, automatically parsing 3270 screens sent by the application,
identifying their fields, attributes, and data, constructing and sending suitable replies including
keystrokes based on the modeling and simple business logic
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Using the Link3270 bridge, intercepting terminal-related commands, since there is no real 3270,
using the input supplied in the COMMAREA to satisfy input commands (RECEIVE, RECEIVE MAP, and so
forth), and collecting the output from output commands (SEND, SEND MAP, and so on) in buffers, based
on the modeling and simple business logic
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Synchronously perform WebSphere MQ PUT and GET commands, enabling the client application to maintain
responsibility for the overall business flow.
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Initiate remote CICS programs via DPL using EXEC CICS Link. These programs may include complex
logic rules.
To do this, there are four types of server adapter programs:
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The FEPI server adapter program, which interfaces to 3270-type CICS and IMS applications, and
performs screen navigation
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The Link3270 Bridge adapter program, newly introduced at this time
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The CICS server adapter program that interfaces to CICS transactions via DPL, and can also include
custom programs developed to augment the supplied function
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The WebSphere MQ server adapter program that interfaces with WebSphere MQ enabled applications
The server adapter programs are generated as a result of modeling using the build time component of
MQSI Agent for CICS.
The navigator programs, like the server adapter programs, are generated as a result of modeling via
the build time component.
MQSI Agent for CICS Adapter Builder:
The build time component of the product runs on Windows. It is provided on CD-ROM for
installation using InstallShield.
It consists of the following elements:
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A
Control Center,
similar to the Control Center of the IBM WebSphere MQ Integrator and to that of the IBM WebSphere
MQ Adapter Offering, with the addition of support for the flow components and additional primitives
of MQSI Agent for CICS. It supports the modeling and definition of the navigators and of the four
types of server adapter programs. Definitions are stored as eXtensible Markup Language (XML)
documents in the Control Center's repository.
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Importers
that collect modeling information from 3270 data streams, from COBOL record descriptions, and from
BMS source files (a facility newly introduced at this time), and represent them as structured data
types in the repository of the control center. The structured data types can then be used during
modeling. A subset of IBM Host On-Demand is used to perform the build time 3270 terminal emulation
function for the capture of the 3270 dialogs.
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A
Generator
facility running in the same system as the control center, that enables the run time component to
behave as modeled in the build time. This reads from the XML documents in the repository the
definitions of the navigators and the four types of server adapter programs, and from them generates
source code in COBOL (source and copybooks), together with the corresponding Job Control Language
(JCL) for installation in the run time environment. The generator sends these to the system
containing the run time component, and initiates the compilation in the run time machine of the
source code into the executables of the navigators and the server adapter programs.
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A
Repository,
a directory in the builder's file system that contains the messages and models.
Delivery:
The enhancements described in this announcement are delivered by the service channel, as PTF
for APAR PQ84425. The Adapter Builder, with this level of service, is at V1.1.3. The Server run
time at V1.1.0, with successive service up to this level, remains at V1.1.0. For convenience, the
product with these enhancements is referred to as V1.1.3.
Additional information
As was stated in Software announcement
203-296
, dated October 28, 2003, CICS Transaction Server for z/OS V2.3, IBM intends to include
the run time functions of this product in a future release of CICS Transaction Server.
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MQSeries Integrator Agent for CICS Transaction Server enables migration from the MDp product, and
enables these customers to migrate to a business integration solution based on CICS, while
protecting the investment they have made in MDp task objects.
With MQSI Agent for CICS, customers can also create adapters for integrating business applications
across Enterprise Information Systems, such as CICS and IMS, providing effective re-use of existing
assets such as 3270 applications. Consolidating the integration activities in the host environment
helps reduce the risk, complexity, and cost of creating point-to-point integration solutions. Thus,
integration solutions can be created with high performance, scalability, and availability by
exploiting the robust infrastructure provided by CICS Transaction Server for z/OS. It enables these
applications to be combined into larger units which perform a useful business service. These
services may be invoked via any supported access interface to CICS, including JCA, IIOP and SOAP.
MQSI Agent for CICS creates adapters that are intelligent and that use a standard interface that
remains stable even though the application changes. It provides the programs and environment that
enable adapters to run, manage, and fulfill business transactions. It controls the execution of
complex business transactions and assists in managing the interrelationship, commit scope, recovery,
and restart of the actions that make up the business transaction.
MQSI Agent for CICS may use both 3270 Bridge and FEPI together as an integration point for accessing
new CICS BMS and older 3270 data stream applications.
IBM Host Integration products are commonly marketed as providers of
general purpose 3270 emulators
to replace real 3270 hardware or 3270 emulators. Neither the CICS 3270 Bridge technology, nor FEPI
technology can be used to provide a general purpose 3270 emulation solution.
Since Host Integration products process a 3270 data stream, the application, or CICS, must generate
a 3270 data stream. CICS 3270 Bridge technology intercepts the application at the API level. With
CICS BMS, the overhead of generating a 3270 data stream is avoided.
Using MQSI Agent for CICS with either CICS 3270 Bridge technology or FEPI technology, the following
performance benefits
are provided:
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3270 screen navigation can be provided within CICS. A single business-client request can result in
multiple 3270 transactions being run to satisfy the business response. This can
greatly reduce the number of interactions
between the business client and CICS, and
avoids the navigation overhead,
resulting in improved response time.
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3270 emulation at the terminal level, including field attribute and modified data tag processing, as
well as merging a SEND, NO ERASE data stream with the current screen contents, can be provided by
MQSI Agent for CICS running under CICS. This
3270 emulation avoids the 3270 emulation overhead.
In summary, the IBM Host Integration products provide the best general purpose 3270 emulation
solution, and these products can be customized to provide refacing for 3270 and 5250 applications on
any platform. MQSI Agent for CICS with CICS Bridge Technology provides the best performing
solution, in terms of response time and scalability, for accessing CICS 3270 applications on z/OS.
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For the original announcement information of MQSeries Integrator Agent for CICS Transaction Server,
refer to Software Announcement
201-059
, dated March 13, 2001.
Trademarks
-
-
IMS is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other
countries or both.
-
-
CICS, MQSeries, z/OS, MQ Integrator, WebSphere, and OS/390 are registered trademarks of
International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both.
-
-
Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
-
-
Java is a trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc.
-
-
Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.
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Product information will be available through the Offering Information Web site at
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The publications for this product comprise the following books:
Order
Title number
MQSeries(R) Integrator Agent for CICS(R) SC34-5899
Transaction Server:
Run Time User's Guide
MQSeries Integrator Agent for CICS SC34-5901
Transaction Server:
Using the Control Center
These are provided in softcopy only. They are available in HTML format,
using the Control Center when the product is installed. They are also
available in PDF format, either by download from the CICS Web site
or from the IBM Publications Center, at
Note that these books are no longer available in hardcopy. If hardcopy
is required, it should be printed from the PDF files.
Delivered with the product in hardcopy is:
Publication
Title number
Program Directory: MQSeries Integrator GI10-2534
Agent for CICS Transaction Server
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Specified operating environment
Hardware requirements
MQSeries Integrator Agent for CICS Transaction Server run time requires a processor capable of
supporting the operating system, together with CICS Transaction Server and all other software being
run. It also requires 6 MB DASD.
MQSI Agent for CICS build time requires:
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Any Intel™ machine capable of supporting the operating system
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Any communications hardware supporting SNA LU6.2 and TCP/IP
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A minimum of 256 MB of RAM
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Approximately 250 to 750 MB of disk space, depending on installation options
Software requirements
MQSeries Integrator Agent for CICS Transaction Server at this
level requires:
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OS/390® V2.10, or z/OS® V1.2, or later
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With Enterprise COBOL for z/OS and OS/390 V3, or COBOL for OS/390 and VM V2.2.1
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CICS Transaction Server for z/OS (CICS TS) V2.2 or V2.3 (5697-E93)
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Business Transaction Services must be configured in the run time region
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CICS TS V2.2 requires PTF UQ80313 for APAR PQ77666 and PTF for APAR PQ79804
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Optionally: CICS Front End Programming Interface (FEPI) installed and configured for
region-to-region communications
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Optionally: Link3270 bridge mechanism (as shipped with CICS TS 2.2), if creating Link3270 bridge
adapters
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Optionally: External Security Manager support for FEPI pass-tickets
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This includes RACF®, delivered with OS/390 V2.10 in the OS/390 Security Server, and with z/OS
V1.2, or later, in the SecureWay® Security Server for z/OS.
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MQSeries for OS/390 V2.1 (5655-A95), with APAR PQ23961, or WebSphere® MQ for z/OS V5.2, or later
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Note that this product includes the WebSphere MQ-CICS Bridge
For build time, MQSI Agent for CICS requires:
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Windows™ XP or Windows 2000
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IBM Object REXX for Windows V2
MQSeries Integrator Agent for CICS Transaction Server may be used via FEPI with CICS 3270
applications running under CICS Transaction Server for OS/390 V2.2 or V2.3, and with IMS™ 3270
applications running under IMS Transaction Manager V7.1, or later.
Planning information
Packaging
The following items are delivered:
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IBM International Program License Agreement (IPLA) in multilingual booklet (Z125-3301)
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License Information for MQSeries Integrator Agent for CICS Transaction Server (GC34-5902) in
multiple languages
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Proof of Entitlement (PoE)
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Program Directory for MQSeries Integrator Agent for CICS Transaction Server (GI10-2534)
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A CBPDO or other Customized Offering delivery of the runtime component of the product on a 3480
1/2-inch tape cartridge
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The Adapter Builder product component on a CD-ROM
Security, auditability, and control
MQSeries Integrator Agent for CICS Transaction Server uses the security and auditability features of
the base operating system under which it is operating. It also produces its own audit logs,
providing a full audit trail for all users.
The customer is responsible for evaluation, selection, and implementation of security features,
administrative procedures, and appropriate controls in application systems and communication
facilities.
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MQSeries Integrator Agent for CICS Transaction Server is licensed under the IPLA. It has a single
"per install" charge unit. There is no change to its ordering information, as described in Software
Announcement
201-059
, dated March 13, 2001.
Customized offerings
Product media is shipped only via Customized Offerings (CBPDO, ServerPac, Systempac®).
Non-customized items (documentation as defined in the
Packaging
section) are shipped via the stand-alone product.
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Licensing:
IBM IPLA. Proofs of Entitlement are required for all authorized use.
The following agreements apply for maintenance and do not require customer signatures:
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IBM Agreement for Acquisition of Support (Z125-6011)
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Addendum for Support for Application and Integration Middleware for S/390®, Z125-6435
Limited warranty applies:
Yes
Warranty:
This program has warranty for a minimum of one year from acquisition from IBM or authorized
Business Partner. The warranty provided to the customer, for at least one year from acquisition, is
access to databases (read Web sites) for program information, FAQs, including any known fixes to
defects, which the customer can download or obtain otherwise and install at their leisure.
Program services:
Note that the statement in the original announcement of this product that program services
would be available until December 31, 2005, is no longer applicable. As with all IBM IPLA
products, discontinuance of program services will be in accordance with the policies announced by
IBM in Software Announcement
203-204
, dated August 12, 2003. In addition, the actual date of discontinuance of program
services for this product will not be earlier than that originally announced.
Program technical support:
Technical Support of a program product will be available for a minimum of three years from the
general availability date, as long as your Software Maintenance is in effect. This Technical
Support allows you to obtain assistance (via telephone or electronic means) from IBM for
product-specific, task-oriented questions regarding the installation and operation of the program
product. Software Maintenance also provides you with access to updates, releases, and versions of
the program. Customers will be notified, via announcement letter, of discontinuance of support with
12 months notice. If you require additional technical support from IBM, including an extension of
support beyond the discontinuance date, contact your IBM representative or Business Partner. This
extension may be available for a fee.
Money-back guarantee:
If for any reason you are dissatisfied with the Program, return it within 30 days from the
invoice date, to the party (either IBM or its reseller) from whom you acquired it, for a refund.
This applies only to your first acquisition of the Program.
Copy and use on home/portable computer:
No
Volume orders (IVO):
No
Passport Advantage® applies:
No
Usage restriction:
Yes
Licensing of MQSeries Integrator Agent for CICS Transaction Server Adapter Builder:
A license for MQSeries Integrator Agent for CICS Transaction Server includes the right to make
and use without additional charge, within the same enterprise, any number of copies of the MQSI
Agent for CICS Adapter Builder, subject to their use being with the licensed MQSI Agent for CICS
Adapter run time.
Software Maintenance applies:
No
For Operating System software, the revised IBM Operational Support Services — SoftwareXcel
offering will provide support for those operating systems and associated products that are not
available with the newly announced Software Maintenance offering. This will ensure total support
coverage for your enterprise needs, including IBM and selected non-IBM products. For complete lists
of products supported under both the current and revised SoftwareXcel offering, refer to our Web
site at
For additional information on the revised IBM Operational Support
Services, refer to Services Announcement
601-023
, dated July 10, 2001.
IBM operational support services — SoftwareXcel:
Yes
AIX®/UNIX® Upgrade Protection applies:
No
Entitled Upgrade for current AIX/UNIX Upgrade Protection licensees:
No
iSeries™ Software Subscription applies:
No
Variable charges apply:
No
Educational allowance available:
Yes, 15% education allowance applies to qualified education
institution customers.
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There is no change to the existing pricing for MQSeries Integrator Agent for CICS Transaction
Server.
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To order, contact the Americas Call Centers, your local IBM representative, or your IBM Business
Partner.
To identify your local IBM representative or IBM Business Partner, call 800-IBM-4YOU (426-4968).
Phone: 800-IBM-CALL (426-2255)
Fax: 800-2IBM-FAX (242-6329)
Internet: ibm_direct@vnet.ibm.com
Mail: IBM Americas Call Centers
Dept: IBM CALL, 6th Floor
105 Moatfield Drive
North York, Ontario
Canada M3B 3R1
Reference: LE001
The Americas Call Centers, our national direct marketing organization, can add your name to the
mailing list for catalogs of IBM products.
Note:
Shipments will begin after the planned availability date.
Trademarks
-
-
IMS and iSeries are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States
or other countries or both.
-
-
MQSeries, CICS, OS/390, z/OS, RACF, SecureWay, WebSphere, Systempac, S/390, Passport Advantage, and
AIX are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or
other countries or both.
-
-
Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation.
-
-
Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
-
-
UNIX is a registered trademark of the Open Company in the United States and other countries.
-
-
Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.
At a glance
