New technologies are bringing Web-based terminal emulation to the fore, providing a means to have a single user interface accessing applications that may be based on a Web server, then browsing to data on a mainframe with a traditional terminal interface contained on a Web page. As an added benefit, HTML is relatively easy to write, change, and maintain. System look and feel can be modified to suit individual groups, or in extreme cases, individual users. The addition of links to written or graphic help files are also easily included, which makes Web technology an ideal vehicle to present training along with the new application look. As a bonus, the help files can be made interactive with JavaScript, allowing users to be guided directly to the proper sequence of actions.
Security always heads the list of concerns when external access is discussed.
This technique can be applied to internal networks as well for protection of sensitive information within the organization. However, the benefits of a simplified interface to users are still desirable. In these cases, use of rejuvenation tools and browser-based clients will simplify and streamline tasks residing on the mainframe. HTML also allows the presentation of mainframe data in more convenient or effective formats. Graphic charts may be included for tabular data without custom mainframe programming or applications.