You can use one of the methods below to obtain data stored on a mainframe or minicomputer:
| • | Download data onto your personal computer’s hard disk. The personal computer must be linked to the mainframe or minicomputer, either using a 3270 connection (for example) or directly through a LAN gateway. |
| • | Consider downloading data onto the Arbutus Windows Server via a 3270 connection (for example) or directly through a LAN gateway. The advantage is that you can off load CPU mainframe cycles to the Arbutus Windows Server. |
| • | Consider the using either the Arbutus zSeries Server or Arbutus iSeries Server to directly access and process data on the IBM mainframe or mini computer. |
| • | Consider reading data from mainframe tape via the Arbutus zSeries Server. |
Note: For more information on Arbutus Servers, see Arbutus Enterprise Servers.
The most common means of gaining access to data from a mainframe or minicomputer is via “downloading” or “terminal emulation.” In most cases, the personal computer emulates a terminal on the mainframe or minicomputer. You require software to download data to the personal computer from the mainframe or minicomputer.
You often need special hardware in the personal computer so that it can emulate a terminal. The most common devices are an IRMA, a compatible card that provides 3270 terminal access to an IBM mainframe and a network adapter, which allows you to directly access the mainframe.
Note: Most downloading software automatically translates the data to ASCII unless otherwise instructed. When you download data, it is important that you do not translate the data. Translating data to ASCII when downloading can corrupt non-printable fields. Because Analyzer is compatible with all major data types, you can simply leave the data in its original form.
You should also remember to leave enough space on your personal computer’s hard disk to store the file being downloaded. In some cases, you will need to leave a significant amount of space.
The time required to transfer the data via downloading varies considerably depending on your transfer method. Data transfer speeds range between 6K to 10,00K per minute for 3270 emulation and up to 1 MB per second for a LAN-based connection.