Overview:
We have developed a product using Microsoft Access called HOST-ACCESS which allows you to send or retrieve Host-based information. You are able to send data originating in an Access application, into a Host-based application, as if you typed it in yourself. You have the ability to retrieve Host-based information, save it, and implement it into an existing PC application. You will NO LONGER have to manually access the Host screen and input or extract information. NO LONGER is there a delay in retrieving Host data due to manual operations.

We have already implemented HOST-ACCESS into various PC applications with great success. While in development, it was brought to our attention that every company currently sending or retrieving Host information has a great need for this technology.

One of the major advantages clients experienced using HOST-ACCESS was an increase in efficiency and productivity due to the tremendous time-saving capabilities of this product. On average, this application will reduce the amount of time required to input and/or extract host data by approximately 35%. This alone demonstrates the need for this product in day-to-day operations. In addition, other benefits realized by implementing HOST-ACCESS are error-free host data entry and the reduced complexity of retrieving host information.

How does Host-Access Work?
The method used by Host-Access to manipulate the host screens is to utilize the host terminal emulation software. This is software that provides the link from a PC to the host allowing you to view the host screen and keystroke into it. Host-Access "talks" to the host emulation software, in the background, to simulate the keystrokes required to perform specific host functions. In addition, Host-Access can extract data from the host screen and save it into a database.

One central table is used to control and automate the host processes called "Host". There are two different groupings of records contained in the Host table.

Screens - this collection of records identifies each different host screen that may be encountered during a host session. This allows the software to identify where it is relative to the currently displayed host screen and maneuver to the host screen that is desired. This process can go forward or backwards through the host screens. A specific Host Form is referenced by each Screens record. This links the Screens records with the Host Forms records to fully automate the host screens.

Host Forms - is a collection of records that are used for a specific screen or function on the host. Each Host Form contains records that handle a specific task with the host. One form may be used to logon to STARS or to Extract Waybill data from RMS, etc.

By implementing the use of the Screens and Host Forms collections in this manner, you can fully automate simple to complex host processes.

Most records of a Host Form collection reference the data on the host screen by the row, column and length. They also reference either hard coded text or data from a field in an Access form, table or queries. This is the basic link from the host screen's data to the database on the PC. In many cases, over time, the host screens may change to accommodate the host-only users. When this occurs, you just change the corresponding Host Form's record and that is it. Any users utilizing that Host Form will automatically take advantage of the modification.