VTAM-Windows allows you to open up to four windows simultaneously on one screen, each being fully functional and compatible with every type of on-line application.
You can increase productivity with VTAM-Windows by having all required information simultaneously available on the same screen. You can have on your screen, all at the same time, other applications, help screens, menus, prior transactions, editors, notepads, and anything else that you may want to use.
You can have up to 4 different window configurations opened simultaneously on the same physical screen. The effect is similar to having four separate physical terminals. You can instantly toggle from the window mode to full screen, and back again, using one keystroke. The windows can be thought of as mini-terminals, with all windows having identical capabilities to the full screen. There is no need for any hardware changes, and software changes only involve table definitions.
VTAM-Windows is user friendly, easy to use, and can be operated using one or more function keys. You have complete control over whichever application is currently selected, and can easily move from one window or session to another. If no function keys are available, there are commands provided to accomplish the same functions.
Using VTAM-Windows, users benefit from entering through a common gateway, whether they continue to operate in VTAM-Windows or not. The time consuming requirement of logging on and off when switching between application systems is eliminated and information from several application systems (CICS, TSO, IMS, etc.) is available from a single screen. Information can be easily transferred from one application system to another as you are able work with more than one application on the same screen. Session management and windowing capability for thousands of terminals can be obtained by using the combination of products, VTAM-Windows and CICS-Windows.
VTAM-Windows offers many features for increasing productivity both at the operator and system level.
Up to nine virtual terminals per physical terminal
Access nine VTAM applications simultaneously.
User-defined "hot" keys for toggling between sessions
Define any PF or PA key for moving forward, backward or directly between sessions.
Terminal commands
Use terminal commands alongside or instead of "hot" keys. Commands are preceded by a user-defined control character and can be used for toggling and windowing functions while preserving application screen data when used.
Windowing support
Up to four full-function interactive windows on one screen with up to nine sessions operating in one window. Each window can be sized for best fit of application data. Panning and scrolling commands and keys are provided.
Alternate screen size support
Provided to take advantage of the largest possible screen size when in window mode. This allows larger windows for terminals which support alternate screen size. The individual applications in each session do not need to support alternate screen size in order to operate correctly in window mode.
Application menus
Display all available applications which can be accessed by each user. The application ID plus a description of the application system is displayed. The user selects an application by selecting a menu item. Until a session has been established, the application menu will display in each virtual terminal.
User customization table
Allows individual terminals to be configured for their particular needs. This table is also used to control various system functions.
Security interface
Allows basic sign-on control to VTAM-Windows as well as interfacing with other security packages.
CICS-Windows Interface
Users of the WINDOWS/PLUS package (VTAM-Windows + CICS-Windows) can enter through VTAM-Windows, "pass-thru" to the desired CICS system, automatically sign onto CICS and automatically activate CICS-Windows on their terminal, negating the overhead of the VTAM relay.
Automatic sign-on to application systems
When an application system is selected, a properly formatted sign-on transaction can be automatically routed to the application, providing complete control over the specification and formatting options of the sign-on transaction.
User command streams
Run a series of sequential programs in the application system when a session is first established without entering any commands at all or, alternatively, upon operator request at any time. On-line help displays all user commands that are available, along with a description of each.
Gateway processing
Use VTAM-Windows as a "pass-thru" processor to provide all terminal operators with a common entrypoint into the system. Those users who don't need to stay in VTAM-Windows can connect to an application and then drop out of VTAM-Windows as needed.
Session view
Operator terminal to other terminal session screen display for remote debugging of operator problems or surreptitious monitoring of another operator's activity.
VSAM file
Save screen buffers using a VSAM file and significantly reduce storage overhead when many users are on the system.
Online help screens
Screen-based instructions for operating VTAM-Windows, toggling information, windowing instruction, accessible commands, etc. available any time. A PF key will immediately enter help mode from the application menu or, at any time, whether in a session or not, the HELP command can be issued to retrieve the necessary directions.
System display
Snapshot overview of total activity in VTAM-Windows, displaying each active user, the connected applications in each virtual terminal, and some transmission totals by application. The system display can be browsed forward and backward, allowing the system programmer or other interested personnel to review total activity.
Profile displays
Detailed information for every terminal, whether active or not, making it easy for the operator to check the current session number, the connected application for the session, the available toggle and window keys, the number and configuration of windows and the connected application for each virtual terminal.
Online profile changes
Allow the terminal operator to alter the choice of hot keys, add additional hot keys, change the window configuration, and so on. The changes stay in effect until VTAM-Windows is recycled.
System console support
Perform status inquiries, run shutdown commands, and so much more!
Cut and Paste
Single field copies, multiple field copies, field propagation, line copies and full-screen copies from one session screen to another.