HOBLink J-Term - The Convenient Solution for Enterprise Connectivity Over the Internet

Technical Recommendation:

We strongly recommend you to use the latest version of SUN's JRE with this product due to technical problems within earlier JRE versions.

Product Highlights

HOBLink J-Term 3.4 Advanced Features

HOBLink J-Term 3.4 provides you with the following advanced features, enhancing its performance over that of the previous version:

• Eclipse Plug-in
  HOBLink J-Term 3.4 can also be used as a plug-in for Eclipse-based rich client platforms.

• True Windows
  True Windows allows complete integration of remote applications running on a Windows Terminal Server into the local desktop. The user sees no difference between locally installed applications and WTS applications.

• RSA Secure ID SafeWord PremierAccess support
  A user's identity can be checked before accessing the Terminal Server (When used together with HOBLink Secure).

• Enhanced Load Balancing
  Load balancing, required for working with server farms, now takes more numerous measurement criteria into consideration for judging the system load. This allows the administrator to adjust the load balancing mechanism more closely to system requirements, improving efficiency.

The Web-to-Host Solution for Connectivity in Your Enterprise

HOBLink J-Term is a modular software suite that offers your enterprise more that just terminal emulation: 

• State-of-the-art, user-friendly emulation for 3270, 5250, HP700, SINIX 97801 terminals and VT terminals (VT52 through VT525)

• Access to centralized Windows applications on Windows Terminal Server (RDP)

• HOB Enterprise Access for central administration, user management and configuration 

• HOBLink Secure for encryption of communication data 

• Easy-to-use, centralized session management 

HOBLink J-Term is modular. That means you don’t have to buy the complete package – 3270, 5250, VT, HP700, SINIX 97801, HOBLink Secure, HOB Enterprise Access and the Windows Terminal Server access – but can combine the individual components as needed.

Single Point of Administration 

With HOB Enterprise Access the administrator can centrally manage all users and configuration data. In order to simplify user management – especially for large installations – the users are displayed in a tree structure and can be organized in groups as needed. All user settings are transferable via the tree to the groups and are then inherited by the users in each group. The result is a significant reduction in administration as compared to the task of configuring users individually. 

HOB Enterprise Access

HOB Enterprise Access can be used for more than just the central administration and configuration of HOBLink J-Term, it can also be used for other HOB products: HOBLink Terminal Edition, HOBLink JWT Enterprise Access and HOBLink X11. In combination with these products, HOB Enterprise Access enables access to all mission-critical data and applications.

HOBLink J-Term – All the Benefits at a Glance 

• Access to IBM mainframes, AS/400 (iSeries), ASCII hosts, SINIX RM400/600, HP3000/9000 and Windows Terminal Server from a single application

• Fully supports LDAP services, for example:
  - iPlanet Directory Service
  - Novell eDirectory
  - Microsoft Active Directory
  - IBM Directory Services
  - Siemens Dirx
  - Linux

• Network connection over the Internet, Intranet and Extranet 

• 3270, 5250, HP700, SINIX 97801, VT525 and Siemens 9750 (BS2000) emulation in a single application 

• Centralized configuration and management 

• Because it’s Java, it’s cross-platform capable 

• Settings can be defined for users and groups

• Graphical User Interface for host applications via “GUI-on-the-fly” 

• Strong (up to 256-bit) encryption of communication data (optional with HOBLink Secure) 

• File transfer via IND$FILE and Secure FTP 

• Supports RACF

• Office Vision Support

• Compatible with 3477 FC terminals

• 132 column mode (5250/VT)

• Multi-session support 

• Hardcopy and host system printing directly from the host application 

• Host print in VT emulation 

• Printing via LU1 (SCS) and LU3 (DSC) 

• Printing via escape sequences 

• GDDM graphics support 

• OHIO interface support 

• Four installation / configuration models: Enterprise, WebProfile, LDAP and Local

• Support for euro symbol ( € )

• User macro recording

• Express Logon: If there is an authentication certificate on the client side, it can be used in the establishment of the SSL connection as well as the subsequent logon to the 3270 Host (from z/OS 1.2 and up).

• JavaBean Support: Using JavaBeans, HOBLink J-Term can be integrated into customer-specific Java applications. The integration begins in the development stage of the application, when HOBLink J-Term is integrated into the project as a component. Another benefit provided by JavaBeans is the possibility to transfer parameters (similar to OHIO).

• Telnet Resource Manager: This is a useful tool that helps you configureTN3270 and TN5250 Resource Names. It also provides you with an import/export function for the further processing of the data (e.g., with MS Excel).

• Java Web Start Support: Java Web Start is an alternative possibility of distributing software via HTTP. After HOBLink J-Term has been started for the first time, the Web browser is no longer required in order to access an application installed on a Web server. Links for starting the application are created automatically on the desktop.

Centralized Installation and Management Reduces Costs 

HOBLink J-Term minimizes the time required to distribute and manage the terminal emulation programs – substantially reducing costs. Installed on an appropriate Web server, it allows you to carry out installation, configuration and version updates from a central location. User and user groups that were defined in Novell NDS or Microsoft ADS can be imported into the user management of HOBLink J-Term. Every user can access his own configuration from any workstation, which is a major plus for remote and mobile workers. 

Every Setting at a Glance 

Configuration options are clearly displayed in a single window, allowing administrators and users to make settings easily and intuitively. The administrator can save any set of options as a “scheme” which he then makes available to specific users or groups. In this way, he can maintain complete control of all user configurations and relieve users of having to deal with related technical details.

The HOBLink J-Term Session Editor lets you view every configuration option at a glance.

Look and Feel Identical to HOBLink Terminal Edition 

HOBLink J-Term and HOBLink Terminal Edition, the HOB terminal emulation for Windows, contain the same functions and are identical in product design. The advantage here is that users who work with both versions (e.g. HOBLink Terminal Edition at the office and HOBLink J-Term on the road) as well as users who want to migrate do not have to adjust to two different programs and require no extra training. Furthermore, both products can access the same central configuration data.

Encryption Enhances Data Security 

Any data that HOBLink J-Term transmits over the Internet can be encrypted based on SSL, version 3, using HOBLink Secure as an add-on. The cryptographic algorithms supported include RC2, RC4, DES, 3DES and AES. In concert with the HOBCOM host software, HOBLink J-Term offers a second option for encrypting 3270 data. In this case, you have the choice of encrypting only the password or the entire data stream, including print data. 

Graphical User Interfaces Replace Green Screens 

HOBLink J-Term can automatically turn host "green screens" into graphical user interfaces (GUI), allowing users to work more efficiently. The emulation window can be further enhanced with HOBLink J-FaceLifter, an add-on which enables you to create GUI applications that go far beyond the standard host functionality. 

User Friendly 

HOBLink J-Term offers the user the level of comfort he needs and wants. A comprehensive online help written in HTML gives the user access to extensive information about how to use HOBLink J-Term. An integrated macro recorder allows you to automate tasks that are often repeated. 

Working Efficiently – Quick Load Times Thanks to Compact Applets and a Modular Concept

 HOBLink J-Term was designed on a modular basis. This means that when a terminal emulation is selected, only the necessary Java classes are invoked and transmitted across the network. As a result, less data needs to be transmitted, substantially reducing both the time needed to load the program and the connection costs. A connection to the mainframe requires very few kilobytes to be loaded over the network. Unnecessary delays due to reloading the applet can be avoided with the “Smart Update” feature. 

Smart Update 

You can also configure HOBLink J-Term as a “stored client,” if desired. In this case, the applet is saved on the hard disk the first time it is run so that it does not have to be downloaded from the server every time. At every startup, a check is made to see if a new version exists on the server. If so, the new applet is downloaded and re-installed on the client.

GDDM 

HOBLink J-Term supports GDDM (Graphical Data Display Manager).

Emulated Terminals 

• 3270

• 5250

• VT (VT52, VT100, VT220, VT320, VT420, VT510, VT520, VT525)

• HP700

• SINIX 97801

• Siemens 9750 (BS2000)

• RDP-Client for Windows Terminal Server

Extended Terminal Standards

5250 and VT sessions can be displayed in 132 column mode. The 5250 emulation supports IBM Office Vision and is compatible with IBM's 3477 FC terminal.

Configuration Models 

Four different configuration models are available with HOBLink J-Term: 

LDAP Configuration Model

All user settings are stored on the server, making configuration and management efficient and convenient. This configuration model uses your inherited user management - You need not create any new users. Another of this configuration model's advantages lies in the reduced requirement on resources and components (no access/portal server required). 

Enterprise Configuration Model

For companies without an LDAP server. Administration is carried out centrally from the HOB Enterprise Access Server. 

WebProfile Configuration Model 

The administrator creates user profiles that are stored on the Web server. When a user runs HOBLink J-Term, his WebProfile is loaded from the Web server. Settings made by the user are stored locally on the client. The advantage: configuration data are loaded over the default http port, so that no additional ports must be opened, reconfigured, etc. 

Local Configuration Model 

With this configuration model, the Java applets are not loaded over the Web. Instead, the application and the user settings are stored on the local machine.

Language Support

HOBLink J-Term supports English and German. When logging on to the Web server the language of the client operating system is queried and is automatically adapted by HOBLink J-Term. HOBLink J-Term supports numerous host languages and code pages for IBM mainframes.

System Requirements

Client System:  Any browser can be used that fully supports Java 1.1.7 . For example:

• Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher

• Netscape Communicator 4.5 or higher

• Sun HotJava Browser

Web Server: Can be installed on any Web server, e.g. under Windows NT 4.0 or 2000:

• Microsoft Internet Information Server 3.x or 4.x

• Netscape Enterprise Server 3.x

A Java Virtual Machine with JDK 1.1.7 support must be installed on the Web server, if the user setups are to be stored on the Web server.

Further Information / How to Purchase

  Download HOBLink J-Term Data Sheet

You can get further information on or purchase HOB products from any of our international offices or from HOB International Distributors & Resellers.

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For technical information please contact our support department.

webmaster@hobsoft.com, Last Updated: 29-Nov-07