Host Integration Server: The Complete Guide for Dev

Hello Dev, welcome to our comprehensive guide on Host Integration Server. We understand that as a developer, you need to integrate your organization’s applications with a variety of platforms and systems. Host Integration Server (HIS) is a Microsoft product that helps you integrate your enterprise applications with different types of host environments. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about HIS, including its features, benefits, and how to use it to improve your development process.

What is Host Integration Server?

Host Integration Server (HIS) is a Microsoft product that provides integration capabilities for connecting enterprise applications with different types of host environments such as IBM mainframes, AS/400 systems, and other non-Microsoft platforms. HIS enables developers to access host applications and data, leverage existing investments in mainframe and other host systems, and build new applications that connect to these systems.

Features of Host Integration Server

HIS offers a range of features that enable developers to integrate their enterprise applications with diverse host systems. Some of the key features of HIS include:

Feature
Description
3270/5250 emulation
Allows users to connect to mainframe applications using TN3270/TN5250 protocol
OLE DB Provider for DB2
Provides access to IBM DB2 databases from Windows-based applications
OLE DB Provider for AS/400
Enables Windows-based applications to access AS/400 data and resources
IBM WebSphere MQ Client
Enables messaging between Windows-based applications and IBM WebSphere MQ servers
Host File Transfer
Allows users to transfer files between Windows and host systems

These are just a few of the features that HIS offers. HIS also supports other integration technologies such as Host Integration Server Gateway, Transaction Integrator, and BizTalk Server Adapter for Host Systems.

Benefits of Host Integration Server

HIS offers several benefits to developers and organizations, including:

  • Reduced costs by leveraging existing investments in mainframe and other host systems
  • Increased productivity by enabling developers to access host applications and data from Windows-based applications
  • Improved data integrity by ensuring consistency between host and Windows-based applications
  • Easy integration with other Microsoft technologies such as BizTalk Server and .NET

These benefits make HIS an ideal solution for enterprises looking to modernize their legacy applications and integrate them with modern systems.

How to Use Host Integration Server

Using HIS is straightforward and can be broken down into the following steps:

Step 1: Install Host Integration Server

The first step in using HIS is to install the software on your Windows-based server. You can download the installer from the Microsoft website and follow the instructions to install it on your server.

Step 2: Configure HIS

Once you have installed HIS, you need to configure it to connect to your host system. This involves setting up the appropriate connections, configuring security settings, and defining the services you want to use.

Step 3: Develop Applications

With HIS configured, you can start developing applications that connect to your host system. You can use HIS APIs, such as the .NET Framework Data Provider for ODBC, to access host data and services.

Step 4: Test and Deploy

After developing your applications, you should test them to ensure they work correctly. Once you are satisfied with your applications, you can deploy them to your production environment.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Host Integration Server

What is Host Integration Server used for?

Host Integration Server is used to connect enterprise applications with different types of host environments such as IBM mainframes, AS/400 systems, and other non-Microsoft platforms. HIS enables developers to access host applications and data, leverage existing investments in mainframe and other host systems, and build new applications that connect to these systems.

How does Host Integration Server work?

Host Integration Server works by providing integration capabilities for connecting enterprise applications with different types of host environments. HIS enables developers to access host applications and data, leverage existing investments in mainframe and other host systems, and build new applications that connect to these systems. HIS supports a range of integration technologies such as Host Integration Server Gateway, Transaction Integrator, and BizTalk Server Adapter for Host Systems.

What are the benefits of using Host Integration Server?

The benefits of using Host Integration Server include reduced costs, increased productivity, improved data integrity, and easy integration with other Microsoft technologies such as BizTalk Server and .NET. HIS enables enterprises to modernize their legacy applications and integrate them with modern systems.

Can Host Integration Server be used with non-Microsoft platforms?

Yes, Host Integration Server can be used with non-Microsoft platforms such as IBM mainframes and AS/400 systems. HIS provides integration capabilities for connecting enterprise applications with diverse host environments.

Is Host Integration Server easy to use?

Yes, Host Integration Server is easy to use and can be configured to connect to your host system within a few steps. HIS also provides APIs that enable developers to access host data and services from Windows-based applications.

Conclusion

Host Integration Server is a powerful tool that enables developers to integrate their enterprise applications with diverse host systems. With HIS, enterprises can reduce costs, increase productivity, and improve data integrity by leveraging existing investments in mainframe and other host systems. HIS also enables easy integration with other Microsoft technologies such as BizTalk Server and .NET. We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of HIS and how to use it to enhance your development process.