File Gateway for Mainframe-Distributed Data Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for data transfer between mainframe and distributed systems are inefficient and resource-intensive, requiring significant mainframe resources and posing security risks due to the need for direct access and format translation.
Innovation Solution
A data processing appliance is used to create a shared file system, enabling seamless integration with mainframe architecture, transforming, sharing, and processing enterprise data in real-time, reducing the need for FTP protocols and offloading mainframe processing to lower-cost distributed systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If FTP and direct connect protocols are used for data transfer between mainframe and distributed systems, then data sharing capability is achieved, but mainframe resource utilization increases and processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a file gateway as an intermediary component that sits between the mainframe and distributed systems. This file gateway translates file operations and protocols, allowing distributed systems to access mainframe files without requiring the mainframe to directly handle distributed system protocols. The gateway handles the complexity of protocol translation and data format conversion, freeing mainframe resources while enabling efficient data sharing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If FTP and direct connect protocols are used for data transfer, then data exchange between systems is enabled, but mainframe resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The file gateway serves as a mediator that handles protocol translation and data format conversion between mainframe and distributed systems. By placing this intermediary in front of the mainframe, the patent offloads the resource-intensive tasks of protocol interpretation and data transformation from the mainframe to the gateway, thereby reducing mainframe resource consumption while maintaining full data exchange capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the mainframe file system through the file gateway, which presents a simplified interface to distributed systems. Instead of requiring distributed systems to directly access and process mainframe-specific data formats and protocols, the gateway creates a copied or mirrored view of the file system that is compatible with distributed system requirements, reducing the computational burden on the mainframe.
3Productivity
If direct access protocols are used between mainframe and distributed systems, then data transfer is enabled, but system security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The file gateway acts as a security intermediary that sits between the mainframe and distributed systems. It can implement security policies, authenticate users, and control access to mainframe resources without requiring the mainframe itself to handle security complexities. The gateway can log all access attempts and enforce security rules, maintaining system security while enabling data transfer capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed system may comprise a mainframe computing resource, a data library, a data processing appliance, and a distributed system. The data library may be securely connected to the mainframe computing resource. The data library may be configured to receive data from the mainframe computing resource via a first interface. The data processing appliance may be configured to read and write data to the data library via a second user interface. The distributed system may be configured to receive data from the data processing appliance. The distributed system may be further configured to process the data based on a workflow from the mainframe computing system.