Gresham Computing Plc says it can put IBM Corp mainframes onto the Web with the release of a version of its casablanca Web gateway for IBM. Gresham launched casablanca last June for ICL Plc mainframes, and promised an IBM version at that time (CI No 2,925). Casablanca provides an interface between mainframe applications and a Unix Web server, enabling companies to Web enable legacy mainframe systems. Casablanca for IBM is designed for any IBM mainframe or midrange, AS/400, system to make applications or data, including CICS transactions, accessible from the Web. In other words, a customer could, for example, make bookings over the Web directly onto the mainframe booking system. Gresham says the version of casablanca launched last year for ICL VME mainframes has generated a lot of interest from banks, insurance companies, utilities and local authorities that need to offer new online customer services which can integrate with existing corporate systems. The IBM version should be available by the end of this month. The move puts it into competition with Neon Systems Inc, the Sugar Land, Texas-based company that first launched its Shadow Web server for MVS mainframes last year.
