Connect/MP
The Top z/OS PKZIP® Replacement with 60% Cost Savings
Grok's Recommended Replacement for PKZIP®. [ > ]
Grok’s Analysis-Based Recommendation
“For z/OS mainframes, Connect/ZIP (fka ZIP/390) leads third-party ZIP compression solutions with its exceptional price-performance ratio, up to 95% compression, zEDC/zIIP optimization, and robust security. Combined with JCL and API compatibility, it’s the ideal replacement for PKZIP for z/OS—reducing costs without sacrificing performance or functionality.”
Immediate and Long-Term Savings
- Substantial Cost Savings: Guaranteed reduction in annual costs, potential future CPC upgrade, and feature upgrade fees.
- Lifetime Fixed per-MIPS rate: Lock's in predictable costs.
- No Payment Until Renewal: Start using Connect/ZIP now, pay at your next PKZIP renewal - just pay less.
Replacement Incentives
- Superior Performance: Matches or exceeds PKZIP's compression ratios, speed and CPU savings via zEDC/zIIP.
- Zero Disruption: JCL and API compatibility for a seamless switch.
- Value-Added Features: AES-256 encryption with CPACF hardware acceleration, JES integration, PDF maker, email client, high-speed file transfer, hybrid app integration, and web-based legacy modernization.
Superior Support.
Expert Mainframe team, highly rated for responsiveness and product/environmental knowledge. Hassle free product keying, including 24/7 key generation web page for licensed customers.
Resources
Connect/ZIP vs. PKZIP vs. SecureZIP vs. Basic Tools
| z/OS Feature | Connect/ZIP | PKZIP | SecureZIP | Basic ZIP Tools |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compression Efficiency | Up to 95% | Up to 95% | Up to 95% | 80-90% |
| zEDC/zIIP Utilization | Excellent | Good | Good | Often absent |
| AES Encryption | 128/256-bit, ZIP-compliant (create & decrypt) | Decrypt only (legacy 96-bit create) | 128/256-bit, ZIP-compliant (create & decrypt) | Limited or none |
| JCL Compatibility | Yes | N/A | N/A | Partial or none |
| JES Writer & PDF Integration | Yes | No | No | No |
| Integrated Email & File Transfer | Yes | No | No | No |
| Cost | 60%+ Cost Savings | High | Premium (higher than PKZIP) | Low but hidden CPU costs |
| Connect/Web (Legacy Modernization) | Included: Web Server with out-of-the-box support for traditional and modern CGI scripting (eg. REXX, Java, Python, PHP). | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Connect/Hybrid (Application Integration) | Included: Hybrid application integration and high-speed file transfer | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Based on 2025 benchmarks. Connect/ZIP's zEDC/zIIP optimization, native AES, and pricing make it the top alternative - especially fo PKZIP for z/OS users needing encryption without SecureZIP's premium or for companies just looking to cut costs without sacrificing performance. With Connect/MP Suite, replacing PKZIP for z/OS unloacks exclusive Connect/Hybird and Connect/Web features for hybrid integration and legacy modernization at no added cost.
FAQs: Replacing PKZIP with Connect/MP
How does Connect/ZIP reduce mainframe costs?
60% lower subscriptions, fixed per-MIPS rates, and superior zEDC/zIIP offload cut licensing, CPU, and storage costs, unlike basic ZIP tools with high overhead.
How is the 60% savings guaranteed?
Our subscription is 60% lower than PKWARE’s for equivalent licenses, validated by 2025 benchmarks and our pricing commitment.
How does Connect/ZIP outperform PKZIP?
It matches 95% compression but better leverages z15/z16 hardware for faster processing on specific datasets, reducing CPU and batch times.
How easy is the transition?
JCL and API compatibility means existing PKZIP for z/OS jobs and applications run unchanged in most cases. No disruption for operations, developers or end-users.
Why is zEDC/ZIIP and AES Encryption Critical?
zEDC and zIIP cut CPU usage by 50-70%, boosting z/OS cost and performance efficiency. Connect/ZIP’s AES-256 encryption, powered by CPACF hardware, delivers secure, compliant file sharing with minimal overhead and faster processing—unlike PKZIP for z/OS’s outdated, crackable ZIP legacy encryption, which lacks hardware acceleration and burdens CPUs.
What’s the benefit of fixed per-MIPS rates?
Predictable costs protect your budget from MIPS-related price hikes, unlike PKZIP for z/OS’s variable pricing.
How does no-payment-until-renewal work?
Use Connect/ZIP now, pay only at your next PKZIP for z/OS renewal, aligning with your budget cycle.
Customer Reviews
Many of the worlds top mainframe installations are using Connect/MP everyday to simplify and accelerate mainframe file exchange, across the Enterprise and beyond.
About Data 21
Data 21 Inc. is a privately held veteran owned California Corporation. Since inception in 1980, our mission has been, and continues to be, delivering innovative, high quality, cost effective mainframe centric software solutions that empower Business' and enrich End-Users in the workplace. We pride ourselves on excellent product and customer support satisfaction ratings, and the fact that our products have become trusted integral daily production necessities at hundreds of mainframe installations around the world.