Platinum Technology Inc is shipping Version 2.0 of InfoSession, its middleware that enables mainframe code to be incorporated into Unix, OS/2 and Windows programs, supposedly without programming or re-engineering. It provides SQL access to mainframe data on one or multiple connected systems enabling the synchronising of distributed database updates with a main legacy repository, modernising legacy end-user interfaces, and integrating multiple applications into a single, consistent end-user interface. As well as Unix integration, the product includes Open Database Connectivity support, SNA and TCP/IP connections, a test drive application that takes users through prototyping and testing SQL statements, and a help desk to monitor workstations connected to its applications. InfoSession prices go from $52,700; it needs MVS on the mainframe, and runs under most Unixes.
