Truserv Discovers the True Value of Zephyr Host Access Solutions
Truserv Lowers Annual Attachmate EXTRA!® Maintenance and Updates Key API Solution
(PRWEB) August 1, 2003 -- Truserv Lowers Annual Attachmate EXTRA!® Maintenance and Updates Key API Solution. TruServ's Requirements:
| | - 3270 host access over IP networks
- Attachmate compatibility for terminal emulation
- Integration of Microsoft Access with 3270 application
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Key Benefits
| | - Zephyr annual subscription license lowers cost of Attachmate EXTRA!annual maintenance
- Replaces aging Attachmate EXTRA! integration solution with updated Windows code
- Makes switch to PASSPORT with little effort; users pleased with transition
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TruServ Corporation, formed in 1997 by the merger of Cotter & Company and ServiStar Coast to Coast, supports more than 6,400 independent retailers worldwide. The 100 percent member-owned cooperative includes such retail identities as True Value, Grand Rental Station, Taylor Rental Center, Home & Garden Showplace and Induserve Supply. In 2002, TruServ reported sales of $2.2 billion and estimated retailer sales of $13.1 billion.
In searching for ways to lower annual operational costs, Truserv evaluated a list of TN3270 clients to replace their Attachmate EXTRA! host access software and the annual maintenance required to support the application. Leveraging the experience of a large number of their 3270 users, a comprehensive trial was conducted and Zephyr's PASSPORT was chosen as the best candidate to displace the Attachmate EXTRA! terminal emulation.
Like many mainframe accounts, Truserv also had business processes with terminal emulation that stood as an obstacle to transitioning to a new solution. For Truserv, that translated into a desire to continue using Microsoft Access, terminal emulation and macros to update its mainframe-based catalog of over 65,000 products.
Truserv maintains multiple Microsoft Access databases, each storing tables of critical information that relate to the 3270 catalog application, including screen ID number (3270 screen), name of input field, row and column location of the field, item number, short and long description of each item, etc. At least 1-2 times annually, vendors electronically submit new or revised product (item) descriptions, which are imported into the Microsoft Access database.
Using scripts, Microsoft Access launches the emulator, opens a 3270 session, navigates through the host application, and locates the desired 3270 screens (each table contains multiple 3270 screens and multiple items to update on each 3270 screen). Once the appropriate 3270 screen is located, the script locates the correct input field via an identification number, row and column location, etc., and updates either or both the short and long description of the item. The entire process is automated with Visual Basic macros.
Using Zephyr's development services, the source code of the key business process was updated and preserved, and PASSPORT was easily substituted for the Microsoft/Attachmate solution. Additionally, an enterprise-wide subscription license for the PASSPORT software provided the savings that Truserv desired for host access.
About Zephyr
Zephyr Development Corporation is committed to delivering high-quality, affordable TN3270, TN5250, and VT100/VT220 terminal emulation software and host access solutions. Zephyr offers subscription based licensing that substantially reduces the cost of terminal emulation
software. Founded in 1985, Zephyr is a member of IBM® PartnerWorld, Microsoft® MSDN, Cisco® EAP, and the IETF.
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