What does ESS do?
ESS is an electronic spreadsheet system designed for use in TSO, CMS, and CICS environments. It provides users with a tool to create, manipulate, and analyze data in a spreadsheet format. It essentially brings spreadsheet functionality to mainframe environments.
Is this a system, application, or tool?
ESS is an application, providing a user interface and functionality for spreadsheet creation and manipulation within the mainframe environment. It is not a system or a toolset, but a specific application designed for end-users.
What types of organizations use this?
Organizations that rely on mainframe systems for data processing and require spreadsheet functionality within those environments would benefit from ESS. This often includes larger enterprises in sectors like finance, insurance, and government.
When should we consider ESS?
A company should consider using ESS when they need spreadsheet capabilities directly on their mainframe systems, particularly when data resides primarily on the mainframe and needs to be analyzed or manipulated in place. This avoids the need to transfer data to other systems for spreadsheet processing.
What are the alternatives to ESS?
Alternatives to ESS include other mainframe-based spreadsheet applications or transferring data to desktop spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. The choice depends on factors like data location, security requirements, and the need for real-time mainframe data access.