Since the introduction of the IMS Enterprise Suite Explorer for Development tool, it has become a crucial tool for IMS developers to modernize applications to access IMS.

IMS Explorer is a free and Eclipse-based graphical tool that simplifies common tasks that are related to IMS application development. IMS Explorer includes graphical editors that you can use to connect to the IMS catalog to import, visualize, and edit all types of IMS database definitions, as well as the program view and schema definitions that application programs need to access IMS databases. You can also use IMS Explorer to access and manipulate the data that is stored in IMS databases by using standard SQL.

With enterprises continuing to tighten software installation guidelines on user’s work stations and laptops, we have noticed that the current Eclipse-based IMS Explorer has given clients a set of challenges when trying to access the tooling which hinders users from keeping the installation up-to-date and consistent among users.

Therefore, we are pleased to release a preview trial that enables a new experience of using IMS Explorer from a web browser. The web-based IMS Explorer would provide single-server installation option instead of requiring each user to install IMS Explorer on their workstation, thus making it more accessible and easier to manage updates. It also gives a lightweight IDE option which is desirable for IMS DBAs and Sysprogs to use IMS Explorer to collaborate with developers for application tasks, like applying application metadata mappings to the IMS catalog.

IMS Explorer Web UI Preview program

The IMS Explorer Web UI Preview program is now available to clients for an early experience of IMS Enterprise Suite Explorer for Development Web UI. You can get hands-on experience using the new web interface to explore a few key functions of the IMS Explorer.

Register for the preview program

Requirements:

• The preview program is offered at no charge and no installation is needed. 
• IMS and previous knowledge of IMS Explorer is preferred, but not required. 

What you can expect:

• You can engage in a collaborative session and get hands-on experience with an IBM provided environment to preview middleware provisioning with IMS.
• Experience the value that the solution can bring to your business and provide feedback to IBM, and the opportunity to help influence and shape future IBM products.

To learn more and sign up for the preview program, please register here.