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ZIP/390 MP

z/OS, Unix System Services,(USS), z/linux, Linux x86, Windows & MacOS

Enterprise Data Movement, Integration & Modernization Suite

Simplifies secure and efficient movement, access, and integration of data across mainframe and hybrid IT environments—all in one unified solution. By bridging legacy systems with modern platforms, it accelerates digital transformation initiatives, reduces operational costs, and enhances agility—enabling enterprises to unlock the full value of their data assets in today’s complex IT landscape.

Developed and supported entirely by our in-house team, ZIP/390 MP offers deep technical expertise and direct access to the people who built it — with the flexibility to adapt features and workflows to your specific business or infrastructure needs.

Key Features...

  • ZIP Compression

    The ZIP compression component of the suite plays a key role in simplifying secure, efficient, and regulation-compliant data movement and storage within your internal ecosystem - and beyond - with partners, customers and end-users of all technical competency levels.

    Highlights:

    • Mainframe-optimized performance:Leverages IBM zEDC and zIIP processors for hardware-accelerated compression, delivering exceptional speed while significantly reducing CPU usage and operating costs. See White Paper for more information.

    • Regulation-compliant encryption: SupportsAES 128/256-bit encryption for secure, standards-based data protection.

    • Support for large data (ZIP64): Compress and decompress files over 4GB - ideal for enterprise-scale datasets and high-volume date exchange.

    • Integrated automation: IncludesJES integration, PDF maker, system file monitoring and automation features to streamline enterprise file-handling workflows.

    • Integrated SMTP, FTP and proprietary TCP/UDP file transfer optimization for high-latency conditions.

    • Cross-platform ZIP compatibility: Seamlessly supports both mainframe and distributed systems and tools, ensuring consistency across hybrid IT environments.

    Additional Info:
    Transparent PKZIP Replacement for 60% Savings

  • Web Services

    The Web Server with CGI-Integration component of the ZIP/390 MP Suite simplifies scriptable access to mainframe applications and data by enabling direct, HTTP/HTTPS-based interactions using both classic and modern programming languages—including REXX, Java, PHP, and Python. This lightweight yet powerful web interface bridges traditional mainframe resources with contemporary development environments. By supporting the Common Gateway Interface (CGI), it allows IT teams to rapidly build and deploy scripts that expose mainframe logic and data for integration with web applications, APIs, automation tools, or external systems. It fills the gap left by more complex, heavyweight integration solutions—accelerating modernization efforts, reducing integration overhead, and empowering developers of all skill levels to securely interact with enterprise data and processes.

    Highlights:

    Enables web-based access to z/OS applications and data, making it easier to expose mainframe funcitonality.

    • Break down silos between mainframe and distributed/cloud systems.

    • Enable hybrid architectures and service integration without rewriting COBOL or PL/I code.

    Helps with Mainframe modernization by:

    • Allowing applications to be consumed by modern front-ends, mobile apps, or cloud-based services.

    • Reducing the need for third-party API gateways or middleware.

    • Filling the scripting gap of other mainframe modernization tools; particularly in areas of scripting application and data access - making it a valuable addition to modern mainframe environments.

    Instead of costly re-platforming or code transformation, ZIP/390 allows organizations to web-enable existing assets quickly and securely, offering:

    • Faster time to value.

    • Lower risk compared to full migration.

    • Continued use of proven mainframe performance and reliability.

    Native z/OS Support for Classic and Modern Scripting

    • Supports traditional mainframe scripting languages like REXX alongside popular modern languages like JAVA, Python and PHP out-of-the-box.

    • Eliminates the need for complex middleware or gateways to run these scripts on the mainframe web layer.

    Lightweight, No-Plugin Architecture

    • Unlike solutions that require heavy plugin development or containerization, our server enables direct CGI script execution.

    • Developers can deploy scripts rapidly without packaging or complex build steps.

    Simplified Deployment and Configuration

    • Minimal configuration needed to enable CGI on our server - simply drop scripts into designated directories.

    • No need to manage complex API gateways or micro-services infrastructure.

    Fast Interation and Development

    • Developers can write, test, and update scripts in-place, speeding up development cycles.

    • Supports interactive scripting for debugging and iterative improvements.

    Seamless Integration with z/OS Ecosystem

    • Full access to z/OS resources, datasets, and system commands from CGI scripts.

    • Enables reuse of existing automation and tools without rewriting for new platforms.

    No Additional Middleware or Third-Party Dependencies

    • Unlike other solutions requiring external servers or bridges, our web server runs natively on z/OS.

    • Reduces complexity, costs, and points of failure.

    Multi-Language Flexibility

    • Supports a variety of scripting languages (REXX, Python, PHP), allowing teams to leverage diverse skill sets.

    • Other solutions may be restricted to a single language or require complex adapters.

  • Cross-Platform Automation & Orchestration

    Elevate your enterprise's performance and agility by harnessing the strengths of both mainframe and distributed environments, like SAS and Cloud Services, through ZIP/390 MP’s innovative client-server based cross-platform application integration features. Drive digital transformation and unlock new efficiencies.

    Highlights:

    • Leveraged Strenghts Combines the high performance, reliability and security of mainframes with the flexibility and scalability of distributed systems.

    • Seamless Workflows: Integration allows for smooth data and process flows between mainframe applications and distributed systems, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

    • Centralized Control: Organizations can maintain centralized control and governance over both mainframe and distributed processes, simplifying management and oversight.

    • Enhanced Data Acces: Integrating mainframes with distributed processing allows for better data accessibility across platforms, enabling real-time analytics and informed decision-making.

    • Cost Reduction: By offloading certain tasks to distributed systems, organizations can optimize mainframe usage and reduce operational costs associated with mainframe processing.

    • Improved Agility: The combination allows organizations to adapt quickly to changing business requirements by leveraging the strenghts of both environments.

    • Increased Innovation: Access to modern tools and technologies in distributed systems can drive innovation while still utilizing the stability of mainframe systems for critical operations.

    • Future-Proofing: Organizations can gradually transition to newer technologies and architectures while maintaining essential mainfame capabilities, ensuring long-term viability.

Other features & benefits

  • Installs in minutes.

  • Simple implementation and administration.

  • Exchange zip files with other industry standard zip solutions (eg. WinZip, 7-ZIP, PKZIP/SecureZIP and GZIP).

  • EBCDIC/ASCII translation

  • Password encryption

  • Mainframe file attributes are retained in the archive for VIEW and dynamic allocation when unzipping.

  • JES and system file monitoring for process automation.

  • PDF Creation

  • PDS, PDS(e), Large, Extended, GDG, HFS/zFS, TAPE

  • MP command-line versions for Unix System Services (USS), zLinux and x86, MS-Windows, MacOS, and others

Surprising to many is the fact that Data21 has been in the mainframe ZIP compression space for longer than PKWARE.

PKZIP© for z/OS was originally developed and marketed by Ascent Solutions Inc., which acquired the branding rights from Phil Katz (the 'PK' in PKWARE) in 1993. In 1995, Data21 became an authorized reseller of Ascent Solutions and quickly grew to become its most prolific partner.

When Phil Katz passed away in 2000, an investment firm acquired PKWARE from the Katz family. A few years later, this firm also acquired Ascent Solutions, bringing PKZIP for z/OS under the PKWARE umbrella.

Shortly after the acquisition, PKWARE terminated all its reseller agreements, including Data21’s. Determined to protect the value of our years of investment and expertise in the mainframe ZIP space, we developed ZIP/390 for z/OS. We completed our first PKZIP replacement in 2004. ZIP/390 MP was entirely developed by Data21’s in-house mainframe software development team, which continues to maintain, enhance, and provide technical support for the product to this day.

With over 40 years of in-house mainframe software development and support experience, Data21 offers unmatched stability and exceptional technical support.

Today, Data21 is proud to serve a global base of loyal customers, including many of the world’s most prestigious companies.

Feature

Standard

Secure

Connect

Exchange zip files with industry standard zip tools (eg. WinZIp, 7-ZIP, PKZIP/SecureZIP, GZIP)

Mainframe zIIP and zEDC Support

Built-in Email & FTP Clients

PDF Maker

JES Writer for automated report handling

Companion Versions: z/OS, USS, Linux on IBM Z, Linux x86, MS-Windows, macOS

AES Encryption for regulatory compliant and NIST Certified protection of data

Client-Server connectivity for secure file transfer and cross-platform integration

z/OS Hybrid PGP

Fast Internet Transport (FIT)
High Speed File Transfer utilizing TCP and UDP protocols

Many of the worlds top mainframe installations are using ZIP/390 everyday to simplify and accelerate mainframe file exchange, across the Enterprise and beyond.

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