What does VM Pass-Through Facility do?
VM Pass-Through Facility allows users on a z/VM system to access other systems, such as z/OS, z/VSE, and other z/VM systems, from their VM session. It essentially provides a terminal emulation capability, enabling users to interact with multiple systems without needing separate terminals or sessions. The target system requires an SNA connection.
Is this a system, application, or tool?
VM Pass-Through Facility is a system that provides terminal emulation and session management capabilities. It is not merely an application or a simple tool, but a more comprehensive system that facilitates connectivity between different mainframe environments.
What types of organizations use this?
Organizations that rely on multiple mainframe systems, particularly those running z/VM, z/OS, and z/VSE, are prime candidates for VM Pass-Through Facility. These organizations typically need to provide users with seamless access to different environments for application development, testing, or production support. Industries such as banking, finance, insurance, and government often utilize such systems.
When should we consider VM Pass-Through Facility?
A company should consider VM Pass-Through Facility when they need to consolidate terminal access to multiple mainframe systems, streamline user workflows, and reduce the overhead associated with managing separate terminal sessions. It is particularly useful when users frequently switch between different mainframe environments.
What are the alternatives to VM Pass-Through Facility?
Alternatives to VM Pass-Through Facility include other terminal emulation products, session management tools, and potentially newer solutions that leverage TCP/IP-based connectivity instead of SNA. Examples include CL/Supersession, Multiterm/MVS, and InterSession. The specific choice depends on the organization's existing infrastructure and requirements.