ICOM Improves Security of Web-to-Host Offering

by Alex Woodie

ICOM Informatics last week announced a major upgrade to Winsurf Mainframe Access, or WMA, its flagship Web-to-host software for OS/400 servers, IBM mainframes, and DEC, Bull, and Videotex host systems. New features in WMA 4.0 include compatibility with Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Active Directory, a new Advanced Option package that delivers higher availability and stability, data integration with SQL databases, and functional parity between the Java applet and ActiveX deployment components.

ICOM's WMA software provides deployment options for companies delivering PC-based access to host systems. The software, which runs on a Windows 2000 or Windows NT server, can be deployed in either two-tiered or three-tiered scenarios, and users have the choice of viewing a GUI through WMA's "on-the-fly" HTML conversion, or viewing the native host screen through any one of WMA's supported emulators, including 5250, 3270, Bull 7107 and 7102, VT 320, and Minitel, which is used to connect to Videotex hosts. WMA can be deployed to a PC for "fat client" connectivity, or users can go thin and deploy using Web browsers. Here, again, ICOM provides users with the choice of deploying using Java applets or Microsoft ActiveX components.

ICOM bills WMA 4.0 as a major upgrade from the 3.x series. Perhaps the biggest enhancement with this version is compatibility with Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Active Directory. This new feature lets WMA adopt the administration and access rights that Active Directory provides for users and groups. ICOM says this feature will make WMA more secure, in part because WMA can now use Active Directory's authentication techniques, including exchange of X509 digital certificates.

Microsoft's requirement for Windows 2000 Server users to use Active Directory has been a sticking point with many Windows shops, and ICOM is wise enough to allow its users who are not migrating to Active Directory to continue to use the System Account Management with their WMA 4.0 deployments on Windows NT 4.0.

ICOM is also offering a new WMA Advanced Option with this release that boosts security and stability by allowing users to spread their WMA server software across multiple physical servers. ICOM guarantees session persistency with the WMA Advanced Option, and says the option also provides benefits through hot backups and load balancing.

ICOM also says users will improve security and performance through WMA 4.0's integration with external SQL databases. In previous releases, WMA stored information related to WMA's performance and the tracking of events in a Microsoft Access database. With WMA 4.0, that data can now be offloaded to an external Microsoft SQL Server, and Oracle and MySQL databases. ICOM says that because these databases are more secure and run on more powerful hardware than Access does, WMA users will see performance and security benefits.

Companies deploying WMA using Java applets will see enhanced security with WMA 4.0. In previous releases, ICOM's security package, Winsurf Security Server, only worked with ActiveX components. Winsurf Security Server, which ICOM ships with each WMA package, allows companies to use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), authentication, digital signatures, and data encryption. With WMA 4.0, ICOM allows Java applet users to partake of the same Winsurf Security Server features as their ActiveX brethren.

Several other administrative enhancements have been made in WMA 4.0. For example, users can now create a configuration backup file of the Microsoft Access database used to store performance statistics. Also, WMA 4.0 allows administrators to delegate others to be the local administrator of the server where WMA has been installed.

WMA 4.0 is available now. Pricing starts at $1,600 for WMA server software with an additional charge per concurrent user based on volume. For more information, go to www.icominfo.com.

Sponsored By CMS MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS

CMS Manufacturing Systems – Function, Value, Reliability CMS Manufacturing Systems offers a comprehensive, Internet-enabled ERP/Supply Chain Management solution, CMS/400 v5.0, for small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises in tight supply chain relationships, typical of a wide range of industries, from automotive to consumer goods. CMS/400's fully integrated suite of modules is sold as a single comprehensive solution, without tier or user-based pricing. And CMS staff provides all post-sales support, including, implementation, training and ongoing education and support. CMS has installations in over 2,500 plants worldwide. CMS/400's functionality includes integrated EDI/Release Accounting, CRM, Real-Time Shop-Floor Reporting, Production Analysis Tool-Set, Event Monitor, Materials and Logistics Management, APS, Financial Management, MPE, Tooling and Maintenance Integration and is fully Internet enabled with the CMS Easy e-Business Suite. This enhanced e-business capability completes the picture, making CMS the one-stop, single-source, turnkey solution provider for small and midrange enterprises with ERP/Supply Chain Management system needs. And once a new customer has purchased CMS/400, CMS commits its planning, implementation and training resources to helping management and staff fully realize CMS/400's capabilities throughout the enterprise. To learn more about CMS/400, and to register for a no-obligation test-drive, go to sales@cms400.com or www.cms400.com, or call 888-426-7400.