What infrastructure is required?

MFNetDisk requires a TCP/IP network connection between the mainframe and the PC. The mainframe must be able to communicate with the PC using standard TCP/IP protocols. The PC requires sufficient disk space to emulate the mainframe storage.

For mainframe products: Does this run in an LPAR?

MFNetDisk runs on a PC, while the mainframe component interacts with z/OS. It does not require specific z/OS subsystems but needs TCP/IP connectivity.

What mainframe devices does it emulate?

MFNetDisk emulates 3380/3390 disk and 3490 tape devices. These are standard mainframe storage devices.

What operating systems are supported?

The PC component of MFNetDisk typically runs on a Windows operating system. The mainframe component interacts with z/OS through TCP/IP.

How does MFNetDisk provide business value?

MFNetDisk reduces mainframe MIPS consumption by offloading storage operations to a PC. It also provides easier access to mainframe data from a PC environment, potentially eliminating the need for mainframe-based data extraction processes.

How does it reduce storage costs?

By emulating mainframe storage on a PC, MFNetDisk can significantly reduce the cost of mainframe storage hardware and maintenance. It also allows for more flexible and scalable storage options.

What are the alternatives to MFNetDisk?

Alternatives include other mainframe disk and tape virtualization solutions, as well as traditional mainframe storage hardware. Consider the specific requirements of your environment when evaluating alternatives.

How does MFNetDisk address security concerns?

MFNetDisk leverages standard TCP/IP protocols for communication, which can be secured using standard network security measures. Access to mainframe datasets is controlled through the MFNetDisk software.

What authentication methods are supported?

MFNetDisk can be configured to use various authentication methods for accessing mainframe datasets. The specific methods supported depend on the configuration of the MFNetDisk software and the mainframe environment.

What audit/logging capabilities exist?

Audit logging capabilities exist within the MFNetDisk software to track access to mainframe datasets and other system events. These logs can be used for security monitoring and compliance purposes.

How is MFNetDisk typically deployed?

MFNetDisk is typically deployed on-premise, with the PC component residing within the organization's network. Implementing MFNetDisk requires technical expertise in both mainframe and PC environments.

What ongoing operational requirements exist?

Ongoing operational requirements include monitoring the health and performance of the MFNetDisk software, as well as maintaining the network connection between the mainframe and the PC. Regular backups of the emulated storage are also recommended.

What are common implementation challenges?

Common implementation challenges include configuring the network connection between the mainframe and the PC, ensuring compatibility between the MFNetDisk software and the mainframe environment, and migrating data from existing mainframe storage to the emulated storage.

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MFNetDisk

Name: MFNetDisk
Availability: InStock

Shai Hess Active z/OS

Disk Emulation Tape

Vendor

Shai Hess

Product Overview

MFNetDisk provides mainframe disk and tape emulation on a PC, offering a flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional mainframe storage. The architecture consists of a PC-based server component that emulates 3380/3390 disk and 3490 tape devices, and a mainframe component that communicates with the PC server via TCP/IP. The PC server utilizes standard file systems for storing the emulated mainframe data.

Key components include the device emulation module, the TCP/IP communication module, and the data management module. The device emulation module presents the emulated devices to the mainframe. The TCP/IP communication module handles the network communication between the mainframe and the PC.

The data management module manages the storage and retrieval of mainframe data on the PC. The system supports device mirroring and snapshot facilities for data protection. The PC software provides APIs for accessing and manipulating mainframe datasets.

Configuration files define the mapping between mainframe devices and PC storage. Security is enforced through standard TCP/IP security protocols and access controls within the MFNetDisk software. Monitoring and logging capabilities provide insights into system performance and security events.

Alternatives include other mainframe virtualization solutions and traditional mainframe storage hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does MFNetDisk do?

MFNetDisk emulates mainframe disk and tape devices on a PC, allowing the PC to act as a virtual mainframe storage system. It uses TCP/IP to communicate between the mainframe and the PC. The PC software can also read mainframe datasets directly, without mainframe processing.

Is this a system, application, or tool?

MFNetDisk is a system that provides disk and tape emulation. It presents itself as physical devices to the mainframe, while the actual storage resides on the PC.

What types of organizations use this?

Organizations that rely on mainframe systems and need to modernize their storage infrastructure or reduce mainframe processing costs can benefit from MFNetDisk. This includes companies in banking, insurance, and government sectors.

When should we consider MFNetDisk?

Consider MFNetDisk when you need to replace aging mainframe disk or tape hardware, reduce mainframe MIPS consumption, or provide easier access to mainframe data from a PC environment.

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Share Your Product Experience

Help the community by sharing your experience with mainframe products. Your insights help others make informed decisions.

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Share Your Product Experience

MFNetDisk

Product Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

What does MFNetDisk do?

Is this a system, application, or tool?

What types of organizations use this?

When should we consider MFNetDisk?

What infrastructure is required?

For mainframe products: Does this run in an LPAR?

What mainframe devices does it emulate?

What operating systems are supported?

How does MFNetDisk provide business value?

How does it reduce storage costs?

What are the alternatives to MFNetDisk?

How does MFNetDisk address security concerns?

What authentication methods are supported?

What audit/logging capabilities exist?

How is MFNetDisk typically deployed?

What ongoing operational requirements exist?

What are common implementation challenges?

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