Mainframe Data Adapters for Web Service Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for exposing mainframe data as web services result in increased response times and infrastructure costs due to the need for additional application servers, which also complicate debugging and error handling.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that directly expose mainframe data as web services by receiving requests from client devices, identifying necessary drivers and APIs, and providing responses through a TCP/IP connection, eliminating the need for additional application servers and reducing infrastructure costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If requests are routed through an additional application server to access mainframe data, then the system can maintain legacy mainframe applications, but the response time increases and infrastructure costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the application server intermediary layer from the request processing path. By using mainframe data adapters that directly connect to mainframe systems through TCP/IP, the solution removes the additional routing hop through application servers, thereby reducing response time while maintaining mainframe application compatibility through the adapter layer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mainframe data adapters as a new intermediary that replaces the traditional application server intermediary. These adapters provide direct TCP/IP connectivity to mainframe systems, serving as a more efficient mediator between distributed front-end applications and mainframe back-end systems, reducing both response time and infrastructure complexity
2Reliability
If requests are routed through an additional application server, then mainframe data can be accessed, but infrastructure costs and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for additional application servers by using mainframe data adapters that provide direct connectivity. This extraction of the intermediary layer reduces infrastructure resources while maintaining the ability to access mainframe data through standardized TCP/IP connections
Solution Approach 2:
The mainframe data adapters provide universal access to mainframe data through a single interface that supports multiple protocols and communication methods. This multi-functional adapter replaces the need for multiple specialized application servers, reducing overall infrastructure requirements
3Reliability
If requests are routed through an additional application server in different environments, then mainframe applications can be maintained, but debugging becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the request routing function from distributed application servers and consolidates it in mainframe data adapters that reside in the mainframe environment. This consolidation eliminates the complexity of debugging across multiple environments by providing a single, centralized point for request processing and error handling
Solution Approach 2:
The mainframe data adapter serves as a unified intermediary that standardizes the interface between front-end applications and mainframe systems. By providing consistent error handling and logging mechanisms within the adapter, debugging becomes easier as developers can trace requests through a single standardized interface rather than navigating multiple application server environments
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, non-transitory computer readable media, and web service management apparatus that assists with exposing mainframe data as a web service include receiving a web service request from a client device. Data in the received web service request is identified. One or more drivers and one or more functional application programming interfaces (APIs) are identified based on the identified data. Provide response data from a mainframe system based on the execution of the identified one or more functional APIs.