Compare PASSPORT with NetManage RUMBA(R)

Free Trial Download of PASSPORT - Ideal Replacement for Netmanage's RUMBA

January 18, 2005 -- Wall Data (acquired by NetManage) was a visionary in creating RUMBA, an early Windows-based SNA host access solution. Many organizations, particularly those with AS/400s, set the product as a corporate-wide standard for 5250 and 3270 emulation.

However, with increased competition from IBM in the AS/400 connectivity market, and a massive shift in the industry from SNA to IP, the organization opted for an exit strategy that included a sale to NetManage. In recent years, Zephyr is frequently sought out to replace Netmanage's RUMBA with PASSPORT. Why?

In addition to offering rich APIs, macros and terminal emulation, PASSPORT is extremely cost effective. Zephyr provides a subscription based licensing program that reduces your acquisition cost and maintenance cost significantly. This makes upgrading from older terminal emulation software a very attractive proposition.

100-499 units: $25 per unit per year
500-999 units: $22 per unit per year
1,000-1,999 units: $20 per unit per year
2,000-4,999 units: $18 per unit per year
5,000-9,999 units: $16 per unit per year
10,000-19,999 units: $14 per unit per year

Server Component (for WEB TO HOST only): $1500 per server per year

Two Terminal Emulation Options for Netmanage RUMBA Users

There are actually two versions of the PASSPORT terminal emulation software. Each product uses a different method of deployment.

PASSPORT PC TO HOST is desktop based terminal emulation software. This product is similar to other desktop Windows programs. PASSPORT is installed with a Windows setup program and can also be installed on a network file server. It can also be deployed using SMS, MSI or deployed from a Citrix MetaFrame or Microsoft Terminal Server.

PASSPORT WEB TO HOST is web based terminal emulation software that is deployed from a web server. The terminal emulation software is installed on a web server and provides an administrator program for centralized configuration and administration. All software and configuration files reside on the web server. When the terminal emulation software is run, an ActiveX applet is downloaded from the web server to the client desktop and run inside the web browser. The ActiveX 3270 terminal emulator running inside the web browser makes a direct VT/100, TN3270, 5250, SCO ANSI or FTP connection to the host system.

PASSPORT Highlights

VT/100, VT/220, TN3270E, TN5250E and SCO ANSI emulation clients
FTP file transfer client
Compatible with Microsoft Windows XP, 2000, NT, 98 or 95
Allows you to consolidate multiple emulators with one terminal emulation suite
Desktop-based emulation can be deployed using SMS, MSI, Citrix, Microsoft Terminal Server and other deployment methods
Browser-based emulation can be deployed from an Apache/Tomcat, BEA, IBM WebSphere or Microsoft IIS web server
Several advanced integration options for session-based screen interface
PASSPORT HLLAPI and Object Toolkits to ease integration development
Ability to use Visual Basic and VB Script to automate routine host activity
API compatibility for HLLAPI applications written for Attachmate, IBM, RUMBA and Reflection
Free Attachmate macro conversion services for clients with an annual subscription license and a minimum of 500 licenses
100% Money Back Guarantee for customers with annual subscription licenses
To seamlessly switch from Netmanage RUMBA to PASSPORT for TN3270, TN5250, VT100/VT220 and SCO ANSI host access, focus must be placed on the following areas:

Netmanage RUMBA User Preferences

PASSPORT offers flexible customization options, including a RUMBA keyboard layout, that can be configured and saved as part of a standard TN3270, TN5250, VT100/VT220 or SCO ANSI session profile for users. Its very important to duplicate these user interfaces for a successful transition.

Visual Basic and C HLLAPI Applications

Many NetManage RUMBA clients have custom or third party applications that use the industry standard HLLAPI (High Level Language Application Programming Interface) to extract and pass data to and from the host session. Like RUMBA, PASSPORT offers extensive support for Visual Basic and C applications that interface with the TN3270, TN5250, VT100, VT220 and SCO ANSI emulation session. If youve developed 32-bit HLLAPI code for RUMBA using Visual C or Visual Basic, it will likely work with PASSPORT without any modification.

Scripting and Macros

Many RUMBA users also have developed scripts to automate routine TN3270, TN5250 and VT emulation functions. Network administrators have recorded log-on macros to help users launch their terminal emulation session(s). Like RUMBA, PASSPORT also supports the use of VBScript to create productivity-enhancing macros.

Host Printing

For those users who use Netmanage RUMBA for TN3270E or TN5250E host printing, PASSPORT excels in this area. By simply configuring an LU as a 3287 LU 1 or 3 session, you can route host print data through PASSPORT.

Software for Windows XP and 2000

As a rich TN3270, TN5250, VT100/VT220 and SCO ANSI terminal emulation suite, PASSPORT was designed for Microsoft Windows. As a result, the IP-based host connectivity package is ideal for Windows XP and Windows 2000. If your organization requires an emulation upgrade to support the newest version of Windows, consider PASSPORT WEB TO HOST or PASSPORT PC TO HOST as a replacement for RUMBA.

Zephyr has a long history of developing terminal emulation software and innovative host access solutions. Founded in 1985, Zephyr is a Citrix Premier Alliance Partner, a member of IBM PartnerWorld for Developers, Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN), Cisco Enterprise Associates Program (EAP), and the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) TN3270E/TN5250E Working Group.

Quicktrial or Download Options

There are two ways to evaluate the PASSPORT software: either download a copy of the software or do a QuickTrial of the application. With QuickTrial, there is no server installation, you simply download the client from our web server. This is a fast and easy way to look at the PASSPORT software. For those that want to install the software on their own web server, you can download the full working copy of the software and complete a full evaluation.

http://www.zephyrcorp.com/netmanage-rumba-software.htm


###