IBM CL/SuperSession for z/OS: A Comprehensive Overview
In today’s enterprise environments, efficiency and centralized control are critical for managing complex workloads. IBM CL/SuperSession for z/OS is designed to meet these needs by providing a powerful session management solution that enables users to access multiple applications and systems from a single 3270-compatible terminal.
What is CL/SuperSession?
CL/SuperSession is a session management tool that acts as a single point of access to all VTAM applications. It simplifies navigation across multiple sessions, reduces hardware costs, and enhances productivity by streamlining user interactions with z/OS systems.
Key Features
CL/SuperSession offers a rich set of features to improve usability and operational efficiency:
- Intuitive User Interface
- Action bar, pull-down menus, and pop-up windows
- Session IDs organized by group
- Color formats on compatible terminals
- Keystroke reduction for faster navigation
- Session Management
- Multiple concurrent sessions
- Background sessions for uninterrupted work
- Screen image transmission and printing
- Application cut-and-paste functionality
- Ability to view another user’s sessions
- Customization & Accessibility
- Individually customizable menus and panels
- Support for multiple national languages
- Context-sensitive help panels
- Additional Capabilities
- PC file transfer
- Triggers and permanent selection list maintenance
Why CL/SuperSession is Unique
Unlike traditional solutions, CL/SuperSession allows a single 3270 terminal to access multiple applications concurrently within an SNA network. Its advanced capabilities include:
- Windowing for multiple session displays
- Dynamic session switching
- Data compression for optimized performance
- Extended attribute support
- Virtual session independence from physical sessions, enabling session transfer even after disconnection
Core Benefits
- Increased Productivity: Seamless navigation between multiple VTAM sessions
- Cost Efficiency: Reduced hardware requirements
- Centralized Access: A common gateway to z/OS applications
- Enhanced Resource Management: Real-time control across LPAR boundaries
- Load Balancing: VTAM Generic Resources for reconnection and distribution
Security Overview
Security is a cornerstone of CL/SuperSession:
- End-User Authentication
- Supports RACF, CA-ACF2, and CA-Top Secret
- Two-factor authentication via Express Logon Feature
- Client authentication using x.509 certificates
- Customizable Security Exits
- Command validation and authority checks
- SAF exits for passtickets and dynamic APPLISTs
- Audit & Compliance
- Network Accounting Facility for detailed accounting and audit records
- Support for password phrases and passtickets
Session Recoverability & High Availability
- Basic Level: Preserves user sessions during disconnection, allowing seamless resumption.
- High Availability Option:
- Synchronizes profile databases across multiple CL/SuperSession instances
- Automatic retry for failed updates
- VTAM connections for profile propagation
- SYSPlex support for load balancing and failover
References
Final Thoughts
IBM CL/SuperSession for z/OS is more than just a session manager—it’s a productivity enabler, a security enhancer, and a high-availability solution for enterprise environments. By consolidating access and streamlining operations, it empowers organizations to maximize efficiency and maintain robust control over their z/OS systems.