Microsoft Host Integration Server 2013: The Complete Guide for Devs

Hey Dev, are you looking for a reliable and efficient application integration solution? Microsoft Host Integration Server 2013 is an ideal option for enterprises that want to integrate their mainframe and Windows environments for seamless data and application integration. In this article, we’ll explore the capabilities and benefits of Microsoft Host Integration Server 2013, its features, how it works, and its benefits. Let’s dive in!

What is Microsoft Host Integration Server 2013?

Microsoft Host Integration Server 2013 is a powerful and scalable enterprise integration tool that enables businesses to connect their mainframe and Windows environments for seamless data and application integration. It provides a robust, secure, and reliable platform for integrating and managing diverse applications, protocols, and data types. The Host Integration Server 2013 supports a range of technologies, including Windows Communication Foundation (WCF), .NET Framework, and Web services, to ensure easy and efficient integration of your enterprise systems.

With Microsoft Host Integration Server 2013, you can easily integrate the following applications:

Applications
Protocols
Data Types
IBM mainframe
LU 6.2, SNA, TCP/IP
DB2, CICS, VSAM, IMS/DB, DL/1
AS/400
LU 6.2, TCP/IP
DB2/400, RPG/400, COBOL/400

Why Use Microsoft Host Integration Server 2013?

Microsoft Host Integration Server 2013 provides a range of benefits that make it an ideal choice for enterprises that want to streamline their application integration processes. Here are some of the main benefits:

Seamless Integration

With Host Integration Server, you can easily integrate your mainframe and Windows environments, thanks to its support for diverse applications, protocols, and data types. This makes it easy to achieve seamless data and application integration across your enterprise systems, resulting in increased productivity and efficiency.

Scalability and High Availability

Host Integration Server is highly scalable and can handle high volumes of data and traffic. It also provides high availability features that ensure your enterprise systems are always up and running, even in the event of hardware or software failures.

Security and Compliance

Host Integration Server provides robust security features that ensure your enterprise data remains secure and compliant with industry regulations. Its support for secure protocols such as SSL/TLS and its ability to encrypt data in transit and at rest help to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of your data.

Reduced Costs

By enabling seamless integration of your enterprise systems, Host Integration Server can help reduce costs associated with manual processes, data duplication, and system maintenance.

Ease of Use

Host Integration Server is easy to use and requires minimal IT expertise. Its intuitive interface and support for familiar development tools such as Visual Studio and .NET Framework make it easy to build and deploy integration solutions.

How Does Microsoft Host Integration Server 2013 Work?

Microsoft Host Integration Server 2013 works by providing a range of integration services that enable your mainframe and Windows environments to communicate with each other. These services include:

3270 Data Stream Integration

This service enables your Windows applications to communicate with legacy IBM mainframe applications that use the 3270 data stream protocol. It provides a range of APIs that enable you to develop integration solutions using .NET Framework, Visual Studio, and other familiar development tools.

CICS Integration

This service enables your Windows applications to communicate with CICS transactions running on IBM mainframes. It provides a range of APIs and tools that enable you to develop, test, and deploy integration solutions quickly and easily.

Data Integration

This service enables seamless and efficient transfer of data between your mainframe and Windows environments. It supports a range of data types, including DB2, CICS, VSAM, IMS/DB, DL/1, and more.

Host Integration Services

This service provides a range of tools and APIs that enable you to develop and deploy integration solutions quickly and easily. It includes support for .NET Framework, Visual Studio, and Windows Communication Foundation (WCF), among others.

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Key Features of Microsoft Host Integration Server 2013

Microsoft Host Integration Server 2013 provides a range of powerful features that make it an ideal choice for enterprise application integration. Here are some of the key features:

Host Integration Services

Host Integration Server provides a range of development tools and APIs that enable you to build and deploy integration solutions quickly and easily. It includes support for .NET Framework, Visual Studio, and Windows Communication Foundation (WCF), making it easy to develop and deploy solutions using familiar development tools.

3270 Data Stream Integration

This feature enables your Windows applications to communicate with IBM mainframe applications that use the 3270 data stream protocol. It provides a range of APIs and tools that enable you to develop integration solutions that leverage the power of .NET Framework and Visual Studio.

CICS Integration

This feature enables your Windows applications to communicate with CICS transactions running on IBM mainframes. It provides a range of APIs and tools that enable you to develop, test, and deploy integration solutions that leverage the power of .NET Framework and Visual Studio.

Data Integration

This feature provides seamless and efficient transfer of data between your mainframe and Windows environments. It supports a range of data types, including DB2, CICS, VSAM, IMS/DB, DL/1, and more. This makes it easy to integrate your enterprise systems and achieve seamless data integration.

Web Services Integration

This feature enables your Windows applications to communicate with Web services running on your mainframe. It provides a range of tools and APIs that enable you to develop and deploy integration solutions that leverage the power of Web services.

Security and Compliance

Host Integration Server provides robust security features that ensure your enterprise data remains secure and compliant with industry regulations. Its support for secure protocols such as SSL/TLS and its ability to encrypt data in transit and at rest help to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of your data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the system requirements for Microsoft Host Integration Server 2013?

To run Microsoft Host Integration Server 2013, you need the following:

  • Windows Server 2012 R2 or later
  • .NET Framework 4.5 or later
  • 8 GB RAM or higher
  • 2 GHz or faster processor

Q. How do I get started with Microsoft Host Integration Server 2013?

To get started with Microsoft Host Integration Server 2013, you can download a free trial version from the Microsoft website. You can also purchase a license through Microsoft or a certified Microsoft partner.

Q. Can I integrate other enterprise systems with Microsoft Host Integration Server 2013?

Yes, Microsoft Host Integration Server 2013 provides a range of integration services that enable you to integrate a range of enterprise systems, including IBM mainframe, AS/400, and more.

Q. Does Microsoft Host Integration Server 2013 support Web services?

Yes, Microsoft Host Integration Server 2013 provides support for Web services, making it easy to integrate Windows applications with Web services running on your mainframe.

Q. How does Microsoft Host Integration Server 2013 ensure the security of enterprise data?

Microsoft Host Integration Server 2013 provides robust security features, including support for secure protocols such as SSL/TLS and data encryption. These features help ensure the confidentiality and integrity of your enterprise data.

Conclusion

Microsoft Host Integration Server 2013 is a powerful and efficient enterprise integration tool that enables businesses to seamlessly integrate their mainframe and Windows environments. Its range of features, including support for .NET Framework, Visual Studio, and Web services, make it easy to develop and deploy integration solutions that leverage the power and efficiency of modern technology. Its robust security features and high availability make it an ideal choice for enterprises that need a reliable and scalable application integration solution. So, if you’re looking for a reliable and efficient enterprise integration tool, Microsoft Host Integration Server 2013 is definitely worth considering.