VSI-I64VMS-ACMSDI-V0505-0C-1-RNOTES.PDF

This document summarizes significant updates by VMS Software Inc. (VSI) to its ACMSDI gateway and TPware client software for OpenVMS ACMS, designed to modernize its integration capabilities.

Historically, ACMS (Application Control and Management System) applications on OpenVMS were limited to outdated green-screen interfaces or an insecure, Windows-only TPware for remote access, posing challenges for modern enterprise integration. The new updates aim to provide secure, reliable interaction from multiple client operating systems using contemporary programming languages.

Key enhancements include:

• Security: Optional SSL/TLS encryption (OpenSSL-based, TLS 1.3) for all network traffic.

• Platform & Language Support:

  • Introduction of both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows client DLLs.
  • New client kits for Linux, supporting C/C++, Java, Python, PHP, and Lua.
  • Support for a wider range of programming languages (Java, Python, PHP, Lua, C#) via SWIG and a new twiddle tool that generates client interfaces from ACMS STDL files.
  • A generic Microsoft .NET wrapper for C# and Visual Basic .NET applications.

• Reliability & Performance:

  • Improved ACMSDI gateway logging, moving from a fragile mailbox system to a robust log file with timestamps and client details.
  • Support for multiple distinct client connections to the gateway, benefiting multi-threaded applications.

• Modernization: Removal of legacy DECnet and AppleTalk protocols, with TCP/IP as the sole supported communication protocol.

• Usability: The OpenVMS gateway software is now provided as an easily installed PCSI kit.

These updates provide users with greater flexibility in developing and integrating ACMS applications into diverse, modern computing environments.