Name: Print Subsystem
Availability: InStock

Question 1

What does Print Subsystem do?

Accepted Answer

Print Subsystem by MPI Tech converts AFP (Advanced Function Presentation) print output from z/OS systems into formats compatible with PCL and PostScript printers. It also enables the conversion of AFP output to Adobe PDF files. This allows organizations to utilize a wider range of printers and digital document formats for their mainframe-generated output.

Question 2

Is this a system, application, or tool?

Accepted Answer

Print Subsystem is middleware. It sits between the z/OS applications generating AFP output and the printers or systems that require PCL, PostScript, or PDF formats. It provides the necessary conversion and formatting to ensure compatibility.

Question 3

What types of organizations use this?

Accepted Answer

Organizations that rely on z/OS for their core business applications and need to print AFP output on a variety of printers or create PDF documents will find Print Subsystem valuable. This includes enterprises in industries such as banking, insurance, and government.

Question 4

When should we consider Print Subsystem?

Accepted Answer

Consider Print Subsystem when you need to modernize your mainframe printing infrastructure, reduce printing costs by using standard PCL/PostScript printers, or create archival-quality PDF documents from your AFP output. It is also useful when integrating mainframe applications with modern document management systems.

Question 5

What are the alternatives to Print Subsystem?

Accepted Answer

Alternatives include other AFP conversion products, such as those from IBM or other third-party vendors. Some organizations may choose to rewrite their applications to directly generate PCL or PostScript output, but this is a more complex and costly approach.

Question 6

For mainframe products: Does this run in an LPAR?

Accepted Answer

Print Subsystem runs on z/OS and z/VM. It requires access to the AFP print streams generated by z/OS applications. It typically operates within an LPAR and may require specific subsystems to be active, depending on the configuration.

Question 7

What infrastructure is required?

Accepted Answer

Print Subsystem requires a z/OS or z/VM environment with AFP print streams. It needs access to printers that support PCL or PostScript, or a system capable of creating PDF files. Sufficient storage and processing power are also necessary to handle the conversion process.

Question 8

What are the main system components?

Accepted Answer

The core components include the AFP conversion engine, the PCL/PostScript formatting modules, and the PDF generation module. These components communicate through internal APIs and data streams to transform the AFP input into the desired output format.

Question 9

How does it integrate with other systems?

Accepted Answer

Print Subsystem integrates with z/OS print management systems, such as JES2 or JES3, to capture AFP print streams. It can also integrate with document management systems via standard file transfer protocols or APIs to deliver converted PDF documents.

Question 10

How does Print Subsystem reduce costs?

Accepted Answer

By enabling the use of standard PCL and PostScript printers, Print Subsystem can significantly reduce printing costs compared to specialized AFP printers. It also allows for the creation of PDF documents, which can streamline document archiving and distribution, reducing paper and storage costs.

Question 11

How does Print Subsystem improve business agility?

Accepted Answer

Print Subsystem helps organizations modernize their mainframe printing infrastructure, making it more flexible and adaptable to changing business needs. It also improves document accessibility by providing PDF output, which can be easily shared and viewed on various devices.

Question 12

What is the main business benefit of using Print Subsystem?

Accepted Answer

The primary benefit is the ability to leverage existing z/OS applications and AFP print streams while outputting to modern printer technologies and digital formats. This avoids costly application rewrites and allows organizations to maintain their investment in mainframe systems.

Question 13

How does Print Subsystem ensure security?

Accepted Answer

Print Subsystem leverages z/OS security features to control access to AFP print streams and converted output. It supports authentication methods such as RACF, ACF2, and Top Secret. Access control is typically based on user IDs and group memberships.

Question 14

What access control model is used?

Accepted Answer

The access control model is typically based on Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), where users are assigned roles that define their permissions to access and process AFP print streams. This allows administrators to manage user access efficiently.

Question 15

What audit/logging capabilities exist?

Accepted Answer

Print Subsystem provides audit logging capabilities to track user access, conversion activities, and any errors that occur during processing. These logs can be integrated with SIEM systems for security monitoring and analysis.

Question 16

How is Print Subsystem typically deployed?

Accepted Answer

Print Subsystem is typically deployed on-premise within the z/OS environment. The implementation requires technical expertise in z/OS, AFP printing, and network configuration. Ongoing operational requirements include monitoring system performance, managing print queues, and ensuring data security.

Question 17

What ongoing operational requirements exist?

Accepted Answer

Ongoing operational requirements include monitoring system performance, managing print queues, and ensuring data security. Regular maintenance is required to apply updates and patches. Staffing requirements include personnel with z/OS and printing expertise.

Question 18

What are common implementation challenges?

Accepted Answer

Common implementation challenges include configuring the system to correctly interpret AFP print streams, ensuring compatibility with different printer models, and integrating with existing security and audit logging systems. Proper planning and testing are essential for a successful implementation.

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Print Subsystem

Product Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Print Subsystem do?

Is this a system, application, or tool?

What types of organizations use this?

When should we consider Print Subsystem?

What are the alternatives to Print Subsystem?

For mainframe products: Does this run in an LPAR?

What infrastructure is required?

What are the main system components?

How does it integrate with other systems?

How does Print Subsystem reduce costs?

How does Print Subsystem improve business agility?

What is the main business benefit of using Print Subsystem?

How does Print Subsystem ensure security?

What access control model is used?

What audit/logging capabilities exist?

How is Print Subsystem typically deployed?

What ongoing operational requirements exist?

What are common implementation challenges?

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