IBM is expanding its mainframe offerings with the latest version of its CICS Transaction Server application, which looks to offer additional Web services and manageability features for service-oriented architecture.

On April 4, IBM will release the beta of Customer Information Control System Transaction Server for z/OS Version 3.2. The latest version of the application adds some features, as well as new support for SOA, said Jim Rhyne, IBM's chief architect for enterprise software platforms.

Specifically, the latest version of the application will address issues of connectivity, application reuse and service management for customers of IBM's System z mainframes.

"Web services have become a bigger and bigger topic for various companies," Rhyne said. "Many companies start off with something simple, and they are not so much worried about services. The more they become engaged in Web services, the more additional requirements they need, such as security."

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For example, some of the new Web services capabilities include the ability to convey binary data within a Web services request. The new application also offers management and monitoring tools that allow customers to check on traffic that goes in and out of CICS.

As with previous versions, the 3.2 version of CICS Transaction Server is combined with the latest versions of IBM's WebSphere middleware, DB2 database and IMS (Information Management System), IBM's transactional database management system.

The full version of this application will be available June 29, according to the Armonk, N.Y., company. The pricing depends on a customer's specific mainframe system configurations.

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