The evolution of a user-interface
In 1995 version 1 of our first product, EXIGENCE, was released. EXIGENCE was a revelation
that turned the complex world of tracing mainframe networks from a last-resort tool
for experts to a first-level diagnostic tool for all. In doing so this innovative
product allowed customers to improve business continuity by accelerating problem
identification and reducing the impact of outages.
In common with all mainframe products of that era, the user-interface (UI) was 3270-based,
accessed either via a physical 3270 terminal or a PC using 3270 emulation. How times
have changed.
The desire to keep pace with technology and innovate is pervasive through everything
we do: The first real-time z/OS IP Monitor, the first dedicated EE Monitor, the
first dedicated OSA Monitor…the list goes on.
The Boston SHARE technology conference (August 2010) gave us an opportunity to demonstrate
another first for our market-space when we debuted ZEN, our cost saving z/OS network
management suite, being used on Apple's ubiquitous iPad. With Apple selling over
7 million iPads in the last quarter of 2010 and reporting it in use at 80 of the
fortune 100, it is clear the device has great appeal for business users. However,
not everyone has an iPad.
At the Anaheim SHARE event (March 2011) we continued to champion the mobile computing
theme with core functions of ZEN demonstrated on the iPhone, as well as Blackberry
and Android devices too. Recent development enhancements mean ZEN’s mobile facilities
can be made available for all popular smartphone and tablet platforms.
Business agility is a key element of staying ahead of your competitors. As organizations
change shape, lose elements, add others, there will be a knock-on effect on your
network. The constant changes such agility demands means a need for regular planning
meetings, but being away from your desk doesn't mean you have to be out of touch.
ZEN MOBILE means that you can stay in touch and in control of your z/OS network
wherever you are/whenever you like, but still monitoring the network, receiving
alerts and staying on top of the situation. But we save the best news until last...
In keeping with our customers’ needs to do more with less, ZEN MOBILE facilities
are included free for all licensed customers.