Global software and services company Macro 4 has introduced a new IBM mainframe 3270 terminal emulation capability as part of its z/Explorer software. The new 3270 Access view allows mainframe development and support staff to log into 3270 mainframe applications without leaving the Eclipse Integrated Development Environment (IDE).

The z/Explorer 3270 Access view, which is available free to Macro 4 customers, provides the opportunity to reduce software license and maintenance costs significantly by removing the need for additional 3270 emulation software. It is fully configurable, allowing users to define keyboard mapping, code page, font, colour and screen size.

“Eclipse allows you to work with mainframe applications in a more user-friendly way, but there are still times when you will need 'green screen' access - for example when testing applications that only have a 3270 user interface. z/Explorer gives you an alternative way of providing 3270 access to anyone who needs it, without incurring any of the costs of running a traditional 3270 emulator," said Keith Banham, Manager and Lead Engineer, Macro 4 Research and Development.

z/Explorer is designed to provide easier mainframe file access and editing, and fast execution of key tasks that are part of the application development process, such as application compilations and test jobs. It is one of a growing range of Macro 4 mainframe application lifecycle management tools that are integrated within the Eclipse IDE, and are also available as part of the company’s M4Workbench Eclipse framework.

Eclipse is a key focus area for Macro 4 because its modern interface helps increase user productivity and it also provides a new, more user-friendly way of accessing the mainframe environment that is successfully attracting a new generation of developers.