What is the primary function of VPS/LCDS?

VPS/LCDS is an extension to the Xerox VPS (Variable Print Solution) software, designed to route JES (Job Entry Subsystem) output from z/OS systems to Xerox LCDS (LCDS is Xerox's Line Conditioned Data Stream) capable printers and servers. It enables the transformation and delivery of mainframe print jobs to modern Xerox printing devices.

What are the key benefits of using VPS/LCDS?

The primary function is to convert mainframe print data into a format compatible with Xerox LCDS printers. This includes handling different data streams, character sets, and printer control codes to ensure accurate and efficient printing.

What types of printers are compatible with VPS/LCDS?

Key benefits include the ability to leverage modern Xerox printing technology with existing mainframe print jobs, reduce print costs through efficient data transformation, and maintain print job integrity and fidelity.

What protocols are used for communication?

The main components include the VPS/LCDS Conversion Engine, the JES Interface, the LCDS Output Module, and the Configuration Manager. These components work together to receive, transform, and send print jobs.

What is the role of the JES Interface?

VPS/LCDS uses TCP/IP for communication with both the z/OS mainframe and the Xerox LCDS printers/servers. It also utilizes internal communication protocols between its components.

How does the Conversion Engine work?

The JES Interface receives print jobs from the z/OS JES spool. It retrieves the print data and passes it to the Conversion Engine for processing.

What configuration files are used?

The Conversion Engine transforms the input data stream (e.g., AFP, Metacode) into LCDS format. It handles character set conversion, font mapping, and other necessary transformations to ensure compatibility with the target printer.

What is the return on investment (ROI) of implementing VPS/LCDS?

VPS/LCDS can reduce printing costs by optimizing print data for Xerox LCDS printers, which often support features like duplex printing and efficient toner usage. It also enables the consolidation of print jobs and reduces waste.

How does VPS/LCDS improve print job efficiency?

The ROI of VPS/LCDS can be significant, depending on the volume of print jobs and the cost savings achieved through efficient printing. Factors include reduced paper consumption, lower toner costs, and streamlined print operations.

How does VPS/LCDS support business continuity?

VPS/LCDS improves print job efficiency by transforming mainframe print data into a format optimized for Xerox printers. This reduces the time and resources needed for printing, leading to faster job completion and reduced operational overhead.

What are the scalability benefits of VPS/LCDS?

VPS/LCDS supports business continuity by ensuring that critical mainframe print jobs can be reliably routed to modern Xerox printers. This minimizes downtime and ensures that essential documents are always available.

How is data encryption handled?

VPS/LCDS supports secure communication protocols, such as TLS/SSL, to protect data transmitted between the mainframe and the Xerox printers. It also integrates with z/OS security features for access control.

What authentication methods are supported?

Data encryption is handled through the use of TLS/SSL for secure communication channels. This ensures that print data is protected during transmission.

What access control models are used?

VPS/LCDS integrates with z/OS security features, which support various authentication methods, including user IDs and passwords managed through RACF or similar security systems. The specific methods depend on the z/OS configuration.

Does VPS/LCDS provide audit logging?

VPS/LCDS leverages the access control models implemented in z/OS, such as role-based access control (RBAC) through security systems like RACF. This allows administrators to define and manage user permissions.

How is user management handled?

VPS/LCDS provides a configuration manager, typically a TSO/ISPF interface, for managing printer definitions, data stream mappings, and other settings. It also provides logging and monitoring tools.

What are the main configuration parameters?

User management is handled through the z/OS security system (e.g., RACF). Access to VPS/LCDS resources and functions is controlled by defining user profiles and assigning appropriate permissions.

What monitoring and logging capabilities exist?

Main configuration parameters include printer definitions (IP addresses, port numbers, LCDS settings), data stream mappings (AFP to LCDS), character set conversions, and logging levels. These are managed through the configuration manager.

How are print job errors handled?

VPS/LCDS provides logging for events such as job submissions, data transformations, and communication errors. Monitoring tools allow administrators to track print job status, printer availability, and system performance.

Are You a Vendor? Claim Your Listing

Take control of your product listings. Add verified information, showcase updates, and unlock a Claimed Vendor badge across the directory.

Claim Your Listing Now

VPS/LCDS

Name: VPS/LCDS
Availability: InStock

Levi, Ray & Shoup Active z/OS

Tools and Utilities Printing and Output

Vendor

Levi, Ray & Shoup

Product Overview

The architecture of VPS/LCDS is centered around the transformation and routing of mainframe print jobs to Xerox LCDS printers. , AFP to LCDS); the LCDS Output Module, which sends the transformed data to the printer; and the Configuration Manager, used for defining printer settings and data stream mappings. The JES Interface interacts with the z/OS JES via standard interfaces, retrieving print data and metadata.

The Conversion Engine processes the print data, performing character set conversions, font mapping, and other transformations. The LCDS Output Module formats the data for the target Xerox printer, using the printer's specific LCDS protocol. Communication between components and with external systems (z/OS, Xerox printers) is primarily over TCP/IP.

The Configuration Manager, typically accessed via TSO/ISPF, stores configuration data in flat files. Security is integrated with z/OS security, using user IDs and passwords managed through RACF or similar systems. Audit logging is provided for monitoring and troubleshooting.

The system's design emphasizes modularity and scalability, allowing for efficient handling of large print volumes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Help Improve This Directory

Notice outdated information? Have insights about this product? Help the mainframe community stay informed with accurate, current data.

Report Issue Suggest Product Share Event

Share Your Product Experience

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

Share Your Experience

Are You a Vendor? Claim Your Listing

VPS/LCDS

Product Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

What is VPS/LCDS and what does it do?

What is the primary function of VPS/LCDS?

What are the key benefits of using VPS/LCDS?

What types of printers are compatible with VPS/LCDS?

undefined

What are the main components of VPS/LCDS?

What protocols are used for communication?

What is the role of the JES Interface?

How does the Conversion Engine work?

What configuration files are used?

undefined

How does VPS/LCDS reduce printing costs?

What is the return on investment (ROI) of implementing VPS/LCDS?

How does VPS/LCDS improve print job efficiency?

How does VPS/LCDS support business continuity?

What are the scalability benefits of VPS/LCDS?

undefined

What security features are included in VPS/LCDS?

How is data encryption handled?

What authentication methods are supported?

What access control models are used?

Does VPS/LCDS provide audit logging?

undefined

What administrative interfaces are available?

How is user management handled?

What are the main configuration parameters?

What monitoring and logging capabilities exist?

How are print job errors handled?

undefined

Related Products

More from Levi, Ray & Shoup

Similar Products

Help Improve This Directory

Share Your Product Experience