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Product Information

Q 1. After the initial purchase of BlueZone Access server (BZAS) / HostFront Server, can we increase the concurrent licensing?   A. Yes, licensing can be increased by purchasing an additional license. BZAS / HostFront Server licenses are available in 5, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, and 1024 concurrent sessions. Contact your Farabi Reseller or Account Manager for more information. Q 2. Does BZAS / HostFront encrypt data transactions?   A. Yes. BZAS / HostFront have built-in 128-bit bi-directional encryption capability ensures that data is securely transmitted between the client ActiveX and the BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) or HostFront Server. This capability deprives hackers the ability to gain access to the host by “sniffing” the network connection. In addition, BZAS / HostFront provide support for industry-standard Public Key Infrastructures (PKIs) such as SSL 3.0/RSA-based encryption or SecurID token-based authentication to name a few. Q 3. Does BZAS / HostFront provide concurrent licensing?   A. Yes, concurrent licensing is available. Contact your Farabi Sales Account Manager for more information. Q 4. How can BZAS / HostFront save me money?   A. A. BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) or HostFront Server can lower the total cost of ownership (TCO) in the following ways: Provides centralized management and distribution of browser-based host access clients. Requires no installation of client software. Is Operating System independent for the clients Requires no training Reduces support cost Provides you with multiple services in one product (access, web-enablement, integration) Q 5. How can BZAS / HostFront save me time?   A. BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) or HostFront Server can save your time because: It provides centralized management and distribution of browser-based host access clients. Host clients deploy easily and quickly and are upgraded automatically. Easily manages a large user base. Quick creation of client accounts by migration from Windows Domain or RSA ClearTrust Q 6. How does a BZAS / HostFront Client communicate with the host?   A. The BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) or HostFront Server Clients communicate with host systems through the BZAS / HostFront-enabled Web Server. BZAS / HostFront reside on a Windows based Web Server and runs as a Windows service. The BZAS / HostFront service coordinates all communications between BZAS / HostFront clients and the host, and provides a persistent or non-persistent connectivity between client and host. The client communicates with BZAS / HostFront Server via TCP/IP or HTTP; BZAS / HostFront Server communicate with the host using industry-standard methods such as Telnet, TN3270E, TN5250E, VT100, and/or Microsoft HIS for remote connection. BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) or HostFront Clients do not communicate directly with the AS/400 or mainframe host system. The client communicates securely with the server using TCP/IP or HTTP. The Server communicates with the host system using a TN5250E or TN3270E connection. Q 7. How much individual training is required to before using the BZAS / HostFront Clients?   A. No training is required for the clients, BZAS / HostFront ActiveX-based clients provide familiar native 3270 and 5250 terminal emulation environments. However, the Server Administrator would require training for managing and administering the server. Q 8. How secure is BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) or HostFront Server?   A. BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) / HostFront is very secure since it is based on a three-tier architecture, which eliminates direct interaction between the user and the host. BZAS / HostFront mediate the client-host connection. This type of architecture allows BZAS / HostFront to establish a very strict user-authentication procedure and to create an air-tight level of security through its built-in encryption services and enhanced management control. Furthermore, the architecture allows BZAS / HostFront to operate on a physically separate server offering an added layer of security when the server is placed in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) of a company’s network. This type of setup allows BZAS / HostFront to control public access to the private SNA or TN3270E/TN5250E/Telnet gateway located securely behind the firewall on the corporate intranet. BZAS / HostFront Server provides user authentication as its first level of security. The server authentication process can be synchronized with Windows® Domain Security or RSA ClearTrust to allow a Single Sign-On process. It also works with RSA SecurID tokens to provide maximum access control. Built-in encryption provides BZAS / HostFront’s next level of security. All data transmission between the client and BZAS / HostFront Server is encoded using bi-directional 128-bit encryption. This deprives hackers the ability to gain access by “sniffing” the network connection. In addition, BZAS / HostFront also provide support for industry standard Public Key Infrastructures (PKIs) such as SSL 3.0/RSA-based encryption, or SecurID token-based authentication, to name a few. Q 9. What are the benefits of BZAS or HostFront Server?   A. Following is a list of some of the benefits: Resides on a cost-effective Windows® server platform (2000 or 2003) BZAS / HostFront connects users securely to your host without the need to install terminal-emulation software on each client PC BZAS / HostFront provide multiple levels of security including encryption, domain authentication, and support for RSA SecurID and ClearTrust. BZAS / HostFront clients can communicate with the server over HTTP standard port 80 (or 443) only, completely shielding the host from the outside environment. With a standard Web browser, users can easily access the IBM host applications by simply downloading ActiveX clients to establish Display, Print, and File Transfer sessions with the host. For companies not wishing to use a browser, BZAS provides a Windows®-based Thin Client possessing a user interface that is similar to the browser-based ActiveX control Centralized distribution and management of clients reduces total cost of ownership (TCO) BZAS / HostFront has a server interface that can support custom communication protocols as well as EDI formats BZAS / HostFront downloads very small ActiveX-based ‘thin clients’ to your browser window Remote users can establish a secure session with the host application in seconds, whether they have broadband access or a dial-up connection Small clients provide users with full-featured host access. Users can initiate full display emulation, conduct secure bi-directional file-transfer, and print formatted reports in a variety of languages with just the click of the mouse Q 10. Is BZAS / HostFront ActiveX Windows Vista-compatible?   A. BZAS / HostFront client ActiveX is Windows Vista-ready. Q 11. Is it possible to obtain an evaluation copy of BZAS / HostFront?   A. Yes. You can download an evaluation copy of BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) / HostFront from the Web site (www.farabi.ae). The evaluation copy of BZAS / HostFront has a runtime of 200 hours, which will be activated at the runtime of the server for the evaluation. Q 12. What is the BZAS and HostFront Server?   A. BZAS stands for BlueZone Access Server® is a Web-to-Host server solution, allows users to access IBM AS/400, mainframe or UNIX application via a standard browser. Using ActiveX Controls that are downloaded to a standard Web browser, users can securely obtain Display, File Transfer, and Printing sessions as standard host emulation sessions from virtually any client desktop in the company or around the world. In Addition to the above, HostFront Server allows companies to publish IBM host application data on the Web in a user-friendly HTML format or Windows applications using a GUI format. It allows developers to consolidate data from multiple host screens into a unified, user-friendly interface (Web page or Windows application), while maintaining secure and dynamic interaction between the user and the back-end host applications. Q 13. Will I see any performance degradation on the host?   A. On the contrary. The BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) / HostFront Web-to-host gateway solution is designed to off-load the host system. All clients communication is done by the server and clients. Q 14. Does anything need to be installed on host platform?   A. HostFront is non-invasive - no software or hardware needs to be installed on your host platform to use BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) or HostFront Server. Q 15. What emulation clients are supported with BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) / HostFront Server?   A. BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) / HostFront support three types of clients: Display, Print, and File Transfer. Administrators can selectively grant access to users depending on their required tasks. Specific features of each client are as follows: The Display client offers many productivity features including keyboard mapping, local or centralized macros, hotspots, light pen, and a unified look and feel regardless of host connection type. The Printer client is highly customizable and can accommodate non-standard print forms. Remote agents, partners, or employees can have their reports printed directly over the Internet, anywhere in the world. The File Transfer client supports IND$FILE, APPC, 5250 and 3270 FTP. With an explorer-like intuitive interface, files can be dragged and dropped from source to destination. In addition, unattended transfers can be automated, requiring no human intervention. Q 16. What is the responsibility of the Cluster Service?   A. Cluster services are an integral part of the cluster. They are responsible for the following activities: Entry point to the cluster: Users connect first to the server that is running this service through the HTML page (AX3270.HTM, AX5250.HTM or AXVT100.HTM) using either a DNS server or any other IP Load Balancing device or solution (such as Microsoft Windows Load Balancing Service - WLBS). Authenticating users upon sign-on: The cluster service receives the user credentials and performs the authentication task according to the client authentication type. Load Balancing connections among the Servers based on the actual current load Maintenance of real time data in the database: If the cluster service detects that one of the Servers is not working, it manages cluster fail over by automatically removing failed services from the cluster and returning them when re-detected. You must have at least one cluster service running in your cluster regardless of the number of servers. Q 17. What host applications does BZAS / HostFront communicate with?   A. BZAS / HostFront communicate with IBM mainframe and iSeries platforms to provide access to the applications running on the legacy systems.

Supported Features

Q 18. Are light-pen emulation and the cursor select key supported?   A. Yes, light-pen emulation is supported. Q 19. Are there any keys on the PC keyboard that cannot be mapped?   A. Yes, you cannot remap [Caps Lock], [Print Screen] and [Num Lock] keys on the PC keyboard. Q 20. Are TN3270E generic, specific, and pooled LUs supported?   A. Yes, BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) / HostFront Server support generic, specific, and pooled LUs. Q 21. Can the terminal emulation screen be printed?   A. Yes, you could do screen print using the File | Print menu command, the Print icon from the BZAS / HostFront Client toolbar, or the Print icon from the Internet Explorer toolbar. All print screens are printed with the standard Windows Courier New TrueType font. Q 22. Does BZAS / HostFront have a keyboard mapping utility?   A. Yes. BZAS / HostFront products include full keyboard mapping. BZAS / HostFront also features pop-up graphical short keys help improve user efficiency and productivity. Q 23. Does BZAS / HostFront provide Java, ActiveX, or both?   A. BZAS / HostFront provide only ActiveX controls that can be downloaded to a remote PC for communication with the host application over an intranet or the Internet. Q 24. Does BZAS / HostFront support access to 3270 and 5250 screens via SNA/HIS?   A. Yes. BZAS / HostFront operate on top of SNA/HIS Server, which could use virtually any physical connection (such as Twinax, Coax, 802.2, SDLC, X.25, ISDN, or Frame Relay) for remote connection or for the lack of TN enabled on the host. Q 25. Does BZAS / HostFront support access to 3270 mainframe screens via TCP/IP?   A. Yes. You can configure BZAS / HostFront to connect to a mainframe via a TN3270E server, which could be running on the mainframe or on an external router such as Cisco CIP on a router. Q 26. Does BZAS / HostFront support access to 5250 AS/400 screens via TCP/IP?   A. Yes. You can configure BZAS / HostFront to connect to an IBM xSeries AS/400 via a TN5250E server. Q 27. Does BZAS / HostFront support printing?   A. Yes. BZAS / HostFront supports remote host printing over an intranet or the Internet. This includes locally connected printers and network printers. BZAS / HostFront ActiveX-based print sessions provide built-in encryption to secure data transfers over an IP network. BZAS / HostFront printer clients graphically display the status of print jobs, the sending of print jobs by the host, pages printed, and pages left to print. In addition, the printer clients provide local control of the output format and types of fonts to accommodate a variety of non-standard forms. Q 28. How do I know when my session is encrypted?   A. Encryption is set on the server side by the administrator. When a user has opened an ActiveX session from the server, the session is secure if a lock icon appears on the session’s toolbar Q 29. How does a 3-tier architecture increase security compared with a 2-tier host access solution?   A. A 2-tier host access solution uses the unsecured Telnet (TN) protocol to communicate with the host. A 3-tier host access solution is not restricted by the TN protocol limitation and, therefore, is able to provide a standard TN5250E/TN3270E backend connection, while securing the client-based TCP/IP or HTTP connection with built-in encryption. In essence, a 3-tier solution creates a natural protocol boundary, which secures the front-end connection from the back-end host connection. Q 30. Is File Transfer supported?   A. Yes, IND$FILE (mainframe only), APPC (AS/400 only) and FTP (both) file transfer protocol are supported. Q 31. Is HLLAPI supported?   A. Yes, HLLAPI (High Level Language Application Programming Interface) is supported only on the BlueZone Access Server Thin Client ActiveX. Q 32. Is SSL security supported?   A. Yes. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), the de facto Internet security standard originally developed by Netscape, is supported as an optional feature of BZAS / HostFront. Q 33. My company does not allow access to a Web browser. Does BZAS provide a fat client solution?   A. BZAS provide a Windows-based thin client that can be installed on the client PC; it provides the benefits of browser-based host access without the use of a Web browser. Q 34. What are HotSpots?   A. HotSpots appear on the emulation screen as three-dimensional buttons that users can click on with the mouse to quickly perform certain actions or functions. These hotspots work the same way as any push buttons in a typical Windows application. Q 35. What makes BZAS / HostFront so secure?   A. BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) or HostFront server has three-tier level of security provides organizations with security at host application, transport, and session levels: BZAS / HostFront’s user access authentication is synchronized with Microsoft’s Windows Domain Security to enable a Single Sign-On process over an intranet or extranet. BZAS / HostFront’s authentication procedure compliments the existing security offered by the Host. Host access privileges are configured and assigned to individual users. Assigning privileges such as type of session and host connection, LU name assignments can also be assigned to specific users to limit user access to specific host applications. At the transport level, BZAS / HostFront-managed client sessions, occurring over an IP network, are secured using built-in 128-bit encryption and/or industry-standard RSA encryption and SSL 3.0. Three-tier architecture also provides a natural protocol boundary between the client and host connections thereby protecting the host from any IP sniffers or trojan-like intrusions. Q 36. What type of encryption is supported by BZAS / HostFront?   A. Built-in encryption is provided by BZAS / HostFront. All data transmission between the client applet (or control) and BZAS / HostFront Server is encoded using bi-directional 128-bit encryption. In addition, BZAS / HostFront also provide support for industry-standard Public Key Infrastructures (PKIs) such as SSL 3.0/RSA-based encryption, or SecurID token-based authentication, to name a few. Q 37. Which screen sizes are supported?   A. BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) / HostFront supports the following screens: TN3270E Screen Size Columns x Rows Model 2 80 x 24 Model 3 80 x 32 Model 4 80 x 43 Model 5 132 x 27 Dynamic All the above Q 38. Which UNIX terminal models does BZAS emulate?   A. BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) emulates UNIX VT100 terminals

Installation & Configuration

Q 39. Can I install BZAS / HostFront on Virtual Machine Server created in Hyper V or ESX Server?   A. Yes, You can install BZAS / HostFront virtual machines created by Microsoft (VPC 2004, 2007 Virtual Server 2005 and Hyper V ), Citrix (Xen) and VMWare (VirtualMachine, ESXi and ESX Server) Q 40. Can the clients edit the keyboard layout?   A. No. The Keyboard Editor application can only be accessed by the Administrator for the BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) or HostFront Server console. Q 41. Can I have BZAS / HostFront multiple server clustering in two VPCs in two physical Server?   A. Yes, You can have VPCs in different physical server to configure BZAS / HostFront multiple servers clustering using Windows NLB or DNS RoundRobin. Q 42. Can the keyboard be customized?   A. Yes, the keyboard can be fully customized by the administrator. Q 43. Can you map the [Control] key to be the [Enter] key?   A. Yes, both the left and right control keys can be remapped. Usually, the “Enter” key is mapped to the 3270 host application as ENTER key. Q 44. Can you specify an alternate keyboard layout?   A. Yes. You can create a new keyboard profile that contains the same amount of keys or matches your workstation’s keyboard layout. You can then map the functions you need to the keys that you want to use. You have the following three choices: 101 keyboard 102 keyboard 104 keyboard Q 45. Do I need Microsoft SNA/HIS Client along with the Microsoft SNA/HIS Server?   A. No, in general both of the servers can be installed on the same hardware, you will need the Microsoft HIS Client only if BZAS / HostFront Server needs to connect to HIS Server located on a different server. Q 46. Does BZAS / HostFront require any modifications on the host?   A. No. BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) or HostFront Server does not require any changes on the host side. Q 47. Does BZAS or HostFront Server require a specific Web server?   A. No. BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) or HostFront Server can operate with many Web servers that run under Microsoft Windows 2000/2003 server like Microsoft IIS, iPlanet and Apache. Q 48. How do I upgrade BZAS / HostFront Server to a newer version?   A. Usually, when you purchase BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) or HostFront Server, you purchase a Standard Software Maintenance (SSM) annual coverage, which entitles you to a free upgrade for one year. If you have not purchased the SSM, or your SSM has expired then contact Farabi Sales (sales@farabi.ae) or a Farabi reseller to purchase a newer version of BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) or HostFront Server. Install the new version of BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) or HostFront Server on the same machine in which the previous version of BZAS / HostFront is already installed. The BZAS / HostFront Server profile and configuration settings will not be affected by upgrading to a newer version of the Server. Q 49. How does a user actually start a BZAS / HostFront session?   A. By pointing the user’s browser directly to the server on which the BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) or HostFront Server is installed, and by entering a username and password provided by the Administrator. Alternatively, you can create another shortcut on your desktop, which points directly to BZAS / HostFront Server. Q 50. How easy is it to install BZAS / HostFront Server?   A. BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) or HostFront Server can be installed and up and running within minutes. Through an intuitive server console, you can configure browser-based host access for hundreds of users. Q 51. How many concurrent connections are supported by BZAS / HostFront Server?   A. BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) or HostFront Server currently supports a maximum of 1024 concurrent sessions per server, If the concurrent load crosses 1024 then you could add another server to the cluster, this way every server added to a cluster increases its capacity by 1024 concurrent sessions per connection type. For example: 5000 users could be served by 5 servers in a cluster. Q 52. How large is the ActiveX which is downloaded to the user’s PC?   A. The ActiveX controls range from 1.5 MB to 2 MB in size. The ActiveX control only downloaded once from the server and cached on the client’s PC. Newer versions of the control, is automatically downloaded whenever a version change is made to the Server BZAS / HostFront Server software. Q 53. Is the Windows Server required to be a Web Server?   A. Yes, the Windows Server machine must be able to act as a Web server. It can also act as an organization’s primary intranet server or as a Web server for BZAS / HostFront only. Furthermore, you can have BZAS / HostFront running on a separate Windows Server with its own IIS and have the corporate Web Server redirecting traffic to it. Q 54. What are the hardware and software requirements for BZAS / HostFront Server?   A. The hardware and software requirements for BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) or HostFront Server are as follows: An industry-standard Server, 512 MB of RAM, and 100 MB of free hard disk space, Microsoft Windows 2000 Server or Windows 2000 Advanced Server with Service Pack (1), or Microsoft Windows 2003 server Microsoft Host Integration Server (HIS) 2004, ONLY for remote host connection. Or TN5250E connection to System iSeries (AS/400) platform or a TN3270 to zSeries mainframe platform. An industry-standard Windows NT/2000/2003-based Web Server such as Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS) 4.0, which must be installed on the same Server as the BlueZone or HostFront Server. Q 55. What are the main components of BZAS / HostFront?   A. BlueZone Access Server (BZAS): BlueZone Communication Services: Provides communication and emulation services. BlueZone Cluster Service: Authenticates and load balances among multiple servers where higher availability is required. Host Access Manager (HAM): Is the management console. The Profile Database: An SQL database that contains the BlueZone Access configuration information (profile) and the real-time data. Access Clients: the downloadable components that provide the users with display, printer or file transfer access HostFront Server: HostFront Communication Services: Provides communication and emulation services. HostFront Cluster Service: Authenticates and load balances among multiple servers where higher availability is required. Host Access Manager (HAM): Is the management console. The Profile Database: An SQL database that contains the HostFront configuration information (profile) and the real-time data. Integration Clients: The .NET and COM interfaces along with the HostFront Legacy Integrator and HostFront Pool Manager Service that allow the user to quickly generate code for integration with legacy application. Q 56. Do I need to install an SQL server?   A. No. BZAS / HostFront come with SQL Express, which is installed and configured automatically when BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) or HostFront is set up. However, you can also use the Microsoft SQL server if you wish. Q 57. What is the default port number for TN Host connections?   A. The default it is Port 23, however the administrator can change it from the properties to any other port. Q 58. Which fonts are supported?   A. Standard Windows fonts are supported for Display and Printing. Q 59. Which Web browsers are supported by BZAS / HostFront?   A. BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) / HostFront Server supports Internet Explorer v5.5 and above. Q 60. Which Web server software does BZAS / HostFront support?   A. Any Standard web server such as Microsoft IIS, Apache, or iPlanet. Q 61. With respect to BZAS / HostFront, does anything need to be installed on the AS/400, Mainframe, or UNIX hosts?   A. No software or hardware needs to be installed on your host systems.

General

Q 62. What are the advantages of using a host access thin client versus a fat client?   A. Centralized administration, ease of use, and total cost of ownership (TCO) are the main advantages. With centralized administration, all configurations are done on the server side. There is no need to install and configure client software on each user’s PC. When the software is upgraded to a newer version, the host access software only needs to be loaded on the server. The new software is then automatically downloaded to the user’s PC the next time a user logs on. A host access interface is easier to manage than a fat client interface. Because host sessions can be launched from a Web browser, accessing host computers is made much easier. With centralized deployment and administration of host access clients, the total cost of ownership is significantly less for a thin client than for a fat client. Q 63. test   A. test Q 64. What are the benefits of browser-based host access?   A. Following is a list of some of the benefits: Provides traditional terminal emulation Centralized distribution and management of ActiveX clients Secure remote host access for mobile road warriors Reliable and secure access to corporate host data over an intranet/Internet gateway Allows you to implement corporate e-business strategies Server-based license, therefore, no license is needed for SNA clients No client software installation Easy to upgrade Support for multiple security layers Operating-system independent Q 65. What is a thin client?   A. “Thin client” is a generic term used to describe a group of rapidly emerging technologies that can reduce total cost of ownership (TCO). Installed on a server to reduce desktop administration, thin clients can lower organizations’ TCO through a combination of reduced hardware costs, reduced maintenance and support costs, reduced LAN/WAN bandwidth requirements, reduced downtime, improved performance, and enhanced security. Q 66. How can I guarantee 24/7 access to my mission-critical systems with BZAS or HostFront server?   A. BlueZone Access Server BZAS or HostFront Server clusters can be configured to have no single point of failure and can be scaled with additional servers as requirements increase without limits to the number of servers or licenses. This higher level of availability and absence of a single point of failure is ideal when supporting an organization’s mission critical applications. Q 67. What kind of authentication can be utilized in BZAS or HostFront?   A. In addition to the host authentication, BlueZone Access Server (BZAS) or HostFront Server offers you highly reliable multi-layered security features. It incorporates managed-access control and synchronized authentication with Microsoft’s Active Directory Services (ADS), Windows Domain, Novel iChain, and RSA SecurID. It has built-in bi-directional 128-bit encryption and supports Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), IP tagging, LU name assignment, and TLS/SSL for 3270 and 5250 hosts. Q 68. Does BZAS support access to VT100 UNIX / Linux screens via TCP/IP?   A. Yes. You can configure BZAS to connect to a UNIX system via a Telnet server. Only VT100 is supported.