Assist/TS

The Assist/TS architecture comprises three main components: the Help Definition Manager, the Runtime Engine, and the User Interface. The Help Definition Manager is a web-based application used to create, edit, and manage help text. It stores help definitions in a file-based system.

The Runtime Engine is a CICS program that integrates with CICS transactions to display help text. It retrieves help definitions from the file-based system and presents them to the user. The User Interface provides access to the help system, allowing users to view help text.

The components communicate using standard protocols, including HTTP for API calls and file I/O for data storage. The system uses a file-based storage mechanism for help definitions. Network requirements include access to the CICS region and the web server hosting the Help Definition Manager.

Security is implemented through user authentication and access control. The system supports user IDs and passwords for authentication. Access control is managed via user profiles, which define the level of access each user has to the help system.

Encryption is used to protect sensitive data during transmission. Audit logging is provided to track system usage and changes, including user logins, help text modifications, and system errors. Compared to competitors, Assist/TS offers a streamlined approach to help creation and deployment, reducing the need for extensive coding and minimizing the impact on existing CICS applications.