Trusted by major global organizations, Tubes from Macro 4, a division of UNICOM Global, is a session manager used by millions of mainframe users daily to provide secure access to all their z/OS mainframe applications from a single sign-on.

The next step in its evolution is Tubes DX, a web interface that turns Tubes into a modern web-based session manager. In other words, it allows mainframe users to securely access all the applications they are authorized to use from any device via a web browser - after signing in only once through Tubes.

This makes Tubes with Tubes DX the perfect mainframe session management solution for the many IBM Z users who have embraced home or hybrid working, as well as anyone who needs to access their mainframe applications on the go.

Another advantage is that with Tubes DX, there's no need to maintain and pay licence fees for separate terminal emulation software on end-user devices. And since it is browser-based, there is no overhead for deploying and supporting session management software on end-user devices across the enterprise.

Enhanced user experience for greater productivity

Importantly, in addition to providing the convenience of web-based access, Tubes DX further enhances the end user's mainframe experience, increasing productivity in various ways.

For example, users can view each of their z/OS applications in separate browser tabs and easily switch between them as they need to throughout the day. They also have the flexibility of viewing multiple application sessions docked side by side in one unified window - really helpful if they need to compare data from different applications or monitor multiple systems at once. Multitaskers can even view multiple different screens from the same application in different tabs or side by side.

A fit-to-width feature adapts the mainframe screen to the browser window for optimal readability. Zoom-in and zoom-out facilities allow users to tailor the display to their preferences, which can be especially helpful when viewing multiple screens within a single window.

Security is paramount

Of course, security is always a priority for controlling any type of mainframe access. With Tubes DX, users log in by entering their standard Tubes login credentials - with Tubes interfacing to their organization's external security manager of choice (RACF or ACF2) and their current implementation of multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Importantly, because Tubes DX refers to the underlying Tubes software for security definitions, there is no duplicate effort for Tubes customers who are adding Tubes DX functionality.

All the expected terminal emulation functionality

Tubes DX has all the expected usability features and functionality of an advanced desktop mainframe emulator, but they are available via a web browser.

This includes comprehensive file transfer, download and export options. Users can capture the mainframe screen as an image for easy sharing, extract text for analysis, or export data as JSON for programmatic access.

Modern file management features are available directly through the browser. By selecting a file through the browser, users can securely transfer it to the mainframe with just a few clicks. Binary and text transfer modes are supported and it's also easy to download files to the user's local machine through their browser.

Users can customise their keyboard layout for maximum efficiency with the ability to easily remap any key or shortcut.

Similarly, Tubes DX comes with full colour mapping, giving users the ability to customize the classic 3270 colour palette to create a visually appealing and personalized experience using their preferred text colours and highlights.

User management

The Tubes DX operations interface simplifies user and session management directly through the web browser. This is in addition to the classic Tubes 3270 and Eclipse user management facilities. It also includes integrated helpdesk features to effortlessly log off users, send instant messages and monitor active sessions for real-time support.

A modern mainframe session manager for today

Tubes DX turns Tubes into the ultimate mainframe session manager for today's enterprise. By enabling web-based application access, it suits both office, home, hybrid and mobile workers while its superior modern user experience is designed to increase end-user productivity. It cuts IT spend by eliminating the need to pay for desktop emulation software. And being browser-based, Tubes DX helps reduce the workload on the IT team by freeing them from the need to deploy and update session management software on end-user devices.