What does Environ/1 do?
Environ/1 is a transaction processing system and terminal manager for z/OS environments. It provides functionality similar to CICS, managing online transactions and terminal interactions. It was often used in conjunction with the TOTAL database management system to provide a comprehensive data management and communication solution.
Is this a system, application, or tool?
Environ/1 is a system that provides transaction processing and terminal management capabilities. It is not simply an application or a tool, but a core piece of infrastructure for managing online interactions within a z/OS environment. It provides the framework for applications to interact with users and data in real time.
What types of organizations used this?
Environ/1 was suitable for organizations that required robust transaction processing capabilities on the z/OS platform. These were typically large enterprises in industries such as banking, insurance, and government. Organizations that needed to manage high volumes of online transactions and maintain data integrity would have found Environ/1 useful.
When should we have considered Environ/1?
Environ/1 was considered when an organization needed a transaction processing system for their z/OS environment, particularly when integrating with the TOTAL database management system. It provided an alternative to CICS, offering a similar set of features and capabilities. However, given its current status, organizations should consider modern alternatives.
What are the alternatives to Environ/1?
Given that Environ/1 is no longer supported, modern alternatives include CICS Transaction Server, IBM IMS, and various open-source transaction processing frameworks. These alternatives offer enhanced features, better performance, and ongoing support. Cloud-based transaction processing services are also an option for organizations migrating away from the mainframe.