CFT / MQS

SYLVIE JOLIE -  
 Cacahuète -
Hi,

I'm still having issues with mainframe.
Could someone explain to me what the CFT and MQ Series exchange protocols consist of...?

Thank you all,

Sylvie

45 answers

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  1. jwittek Posted messages 8 Status Member 31
     
    Here is an interesting topic. I will try to answer your question in a relatively complete way.
    If you want further explanations, email me:

    CFT (Cross File Transfer) is a software package primarily used in the insurance and banking sectors. Published by Credintrans, acquired by SOPRA and then AXWAY, it allows for the exchange of files - or messages - in a multi-platform architecture (AS400, MVS, UNIX, Linux, Microsoft).
    The principle is simple: 2 clients/servers communicate to exchange files. Under NT/200X/XP, there are even very useful lightweight clients that allow a user to initiate a transfer.
    If it's a simple Windows/Windows transfer, well-suited CFT maps and user rights will suffice to retrieve or deposit a file from one machine to another. Under UNIX, the context is of course local (except for NFS mounting).

    CFT requests can be scheduled in a UNIX crontab or in a proprietary scheduler like $Univers, Control M, autosys, or even a simple winat!

    SSL can be implemented in CFT. OpenSSL certificates work very well, but if you want to set up a Windows 2003 certificate server, I've noted that the issued certificates do not work on CFT V2.23 and V2.30 unpatched.

    On the monitoring side, CFT comes with a tool that graphically summarizes the status of transfers. CFT is also interfaceable with the XFBScope tool. Information is sent over IP for storage under Oracle client.

    The main protocols are PESIT, PESIT E, ODETTE, and even ETEBAC V - if you have the card. Level 3, IP can be used, as well as X25.
    These standards make CFT compatible with other products, like InterPel.

    MQSeries is a middleware that also allows, in its own way, to send files or messages to a clearly identified recipient. It is indeed a method of communication between two servers. MQSeries is multi-platform and even exists under Linux! (Like CFT)

    A communication channel must be implemented. Here we talk about channels.
    Between two partners, two channels are defined to ensure the push or pull of messages.
    These messages are deposited and received in FIFO queues. Messages leave as soon as the channel is open. Where we spoke of scheduling for CFT, we are talking here about triggering.

    The messages thus received can be exploited in their content or in the action generated by the event.

    Ultimately, it is important to note that MQSeries benefits from an advanced logs exploitation. In the event of a technical incident, a Dead Letter queue is used to store serious events. MQSeries is also capable of correcting certain anomalies and resuming its conversational work.

    I have found many utilities mainly in Java that allow for the graphical and thus user-friendly administration of the server(s), but nothing to make IBM programmers blush who also offer a worthy explorer. (and I do not work for IBM ;-)

    To summarize, I think we clearly understand the difference in usage between CFT and MQSeries. CFT is somewhat to the user what MQSeries is to the application (that doesn't mean much but I find this phrase quite artistic so I’ll leave it).

    Good luck!
    Name removed Moderation CCM
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    1. geraldine
       
      Good evening

      I need to modify an installation to execute a script upon receiving a file. The problem is that I don't know how to do it.

      I have an AIX version of CFT

      CFTU20I CFT/V2/UAIX 43xL
      CFTU20I Version 230 2003/02/11
      CFTU20I (C) Copyright SOPRA 1993-2001

      Do you have any documentation?

      Can you give me information on what I need to do?

      Talk later
      geraldine
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    2. Dom
       
      And how does SonicMQ compare to MQSeries?
      Is it also possible to manage file transfers with SonicMQ? And can it be integrated with a JMS client to process received files asynchronously?
      Thank you!

      Dominique
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    3. jwittek Posted messages 8 Status Member 31 > geraldine
       
      Hello Géraldine,

      I've worked quite a bit with AIX using CFT 2.23 and 2.30.
      In the end, the syntax is exactly the same as under NT.
      To trigger a post-receipt batch, you need to add the exec command in your cftrecv, and you can place it wherever you like (I got into the habit of putting the exec at the end of the command for readability).

      cftrecv idf =Julien,
      fname = /$env/appli/recv/julien.&IDT,
      flrecl = 120, /* I'm giving you this size as an example */
      exec = /home/cft/scripts/MonScriptShell.csh

      If you want to trigger routing of the file you just received for example:
      vi /home/cft/scripts/MonScriptShell.csh

      #!/bin/csh
      CFTUTIL send idf=MonFichier,part=MonPartenaire,fname=&fname

      actually fname=&fname is a little trick I found that allows you to take a file you just dropped, which has a variable name (here the suffix &IDT which includes among other things the time)
      It saves you from hacks like setenv file from ls -lrt | tail -1 etc...
      Name removed CCM Moderation
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    4. jwittek Posted messages 8 Status Member 31 > Dom
       
      It is indeed about messaging, so it's an asynchronous exploitation. But regarding the proprietary aspect of the MOM from SonicSoftware, I can't tell you if an EJB can be implemented for the support of this middleware. I imagine it can. Sorry I couldn't help you.
      Name removed Moderation CCM
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    5. radoudou Posted messages 1 Status Member
       
      Hello JULIEN,

      given your knowledge and experience with CFT and MQS products, could you please direct me to some links where I could gather more specific information about these tools? If possible, I'm looking for documentation that explains everything from A to Z as I would like to become level 3 support for these products.

      Thank you in advance.
      --
      radoudou
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  2. Enky
     
    Hello,

    I am working on a migration from CFT 2.3.1 to 2.5.1. Are there any specific steps required to carry out this task?
    I am completely new to CFT and I'm on Windows 2000.

    Thank you
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  3. lashemale
     
    I add a question: in the context of a Java application hosted on an application server, does transferring (only) files with CFT require having the CFT product installed on the workstation or just the product's API (jar)?
    Thank you.
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  4. Jean-Séb
     
    Hi, I'm looking for documentation on INTERPEL to make CFT transfers. Could you point me to where I can find this documentation or anything that can help me configure Interpel on Linux!!!!
    THANK YOU!!!
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  5. system admin
     
    CFT is a secure file transfer software.
    It's a bit complicated.
    Check the CFTUTIL CFTPARAM commands if I remember correctly, but it's old for me.
    I don't know anything about the other one.
    I haven't really answered the question, but the others haven't done any better.
    Maybe after this message they will wake up.
    Good luck.
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    1. sonyx
       
      Hello ADMIN

      I am looking for CFT trainers
      Do you have anyone or a person for me

      I am in need of a CFT trainer and I am really having a hard time finding one

      Best regards
      Email address removed CCM Moderation
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  6. SYLVIE JOLIE
     
    Thank you system admin, that's already a start ;o)

    Sylvie.
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  7. sebsauvage Posted messages 33284 Registration date   Status Moderator Last intervention   15 684
     
    MQ Series is a network messaging system with error recovery
    (if the server crashes or the client crashes, all untransmitted messages are retransmitted).

    This allows (in theory) for a great reliability in message transfer.

    It's made by IBM, and there is an API to program it.
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  8. SYLVIE
     
    Alright, thanks.

    Hugs to both of you.

    I'll be back soon with more questions!!!
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    1. lama
       
      MQSeries is an IBM middleware that allows for queuing.
      In fact, you create queues, and you can send messages from anywhere into these queues. And you can also read messages from anywhere. When I say anywhere, I mean any system, any PC, as long as you have access to the MQSeries server.
      There is a Java package that allows you to send and read messages in the queues, you can also use JMS (Java Message Service).
      I've been using MQSeries for a while, and it's super stable, no particular issues, and no message loss obviously.

      Having a bit of experience with MQSeries, if you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

      See you later
      Lama
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      1. BMH > lama
         
        Do you have any information on how to configure MQSeries to send a message from one PC to another?

        Thank you.
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      2. Katabomane > lama
         
        Hi Lama!

        I'm looking for explanations on how to program an MQ Series client using IBM's APIs in C++. Of course, I've read some IBM documentation and I find it a bit complicated, and especially my English is not perfect.
        Could you give me some examples?
        Sending messages, receiving...
        Thank you in advance.
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  9. Tittom
     
    Hello,

    I’m bringing this message back from the dead, as I would like more information on CFT.

    Besides the fact that it allows file transfers, are there any additional features? Automated processing triggers? Automatic "dispatching" of transferred files into configured directories?

    I searched for documentation online but couldn't find any :(

    Thank you...
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    1. BANGBANG12345 Posted messages 4 Status Member
       
      HELLO IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON CFT, GO TO THE AXWAY SITE OF SOPRA GROUP; THEY ARE THE ONES WHO DESIGNED CFT

      IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION, I CAN SEND YOU THE DOC I GOT; SEE YOU LATER


      BUT FIRST OF ALL, YOU USE CFT

      IT'S A PRODUCT FOR BUSINESSES OR BANKS OR INSURANCE COMPANIES

      GOOD LUCK AND KEEP ME UPDATED
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      1. TechAndCo Posted messages 254 Status Member 20 > BANGBANG12345 Posted messages 4 Status Member
         
        Hello,

        Do you have the CFT documentation? If so, I would be interested.

        Best regards.
        --

        TechAndCo, a free solution to help you...
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  10. blux Posted messages 2060 Registration date   Status Moderator Last intervention   3 455
     
    Hello,

    CFT is a data transfer monitor between machines.

    It doesn't handle the transfer itself but it knows how to control the packets sent and execute commands upon reception... (response to tittom: yes to all his questions :-))

    For your case, I think the software needs to be installed because it establishes a specific protocol when initializing communication.

    Every time I've had to transfer data, the product was installed on both ends...

    See you, Blux
     "Stupid people dare to do anything. That's how we recognize them." 
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    1. fred
       
      Hello Blux,

      do you have any links to information about CFT, and specifically this story about a protocol that would prevent the remote invocation of transfer?

      Thanks in advance!

      Fred
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    2. blux Posted messages 2060 Registration date   Status Moderator Last intervention   3 455
       
      Hi,

      Google is your friend :-)

      http://www.google.fr/search?hl=fr&q=cross+file+transfer+cft&btnG=Rechercher&meta=

      For your question, I don't understand everything!

      We can invoke a remote transfer, but the product needs to be operational at both ends...

      See you later Blux        
       "Stupid people dare everything. That's how you recognize them."
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    3. alex
       
      My dear Blux,
      do you know if I can set up a CFT monitor to communicate with a remote site (which has a CFT solution) using a 512k ADSL line of the xtense type from Wanadoo?

      The problem is that I only have this type of line for now, and I don't want to shell out for a leased line or something like that.

      If you know... I would appreciate it greatly.

      Thank you
      Alex
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      1. blux Posted messages 2060 Registration date   Status Moderator Last intervention   3 455 > alex
         
        Hi,

        I don't see what would prevent it:

        the connection is established, you have an IP access on your other machine, you just need to open the right ports on both sides...

        but that's just my (theoretical…) opinion

        --
        Cheers, Blux
         "Stupid people will do anything. That's how you recognize them."
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  11. sebsauvage Posted messages 33284 Registration date   Status Moderator Last intervention   15 684
     
    According to what I've seen, MQSeries does indeed have mechanisms to launch applications when certain types of messages arrive.
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  12. downloader Posted messages 3 Status Member
     
    Hi everyone, I have a problem with CFT, I need to work with it and I don't know anything about CFT. Please, if you have anything, don't hesitate to give me ideas about this tool:

    Where can I find it online to try it out?

    Thanks in advance AAAAAAAAAAAA++++ "ashraf"
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  13. Frederic
     
    Could you recommend a Java utility for administering MQ servers?
    Thank you.
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    1. jwittek Posted messages 8 Status Member 31
       
      MQJExplorer is perfect!

      - Julien
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  14. Iulians
     
    Hello!

    I have a new question.
    I saw that CFT exists for Win2k & NT. Can you provide me with something for installation on a Windows machine?

    Best regards,
    Iulians
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  15. jpfaye1 Posted messages 3 Status Member
     
    Hello,

    I need to retrieve files via CFT that are on a server.

    CFT is installed on this server.

    Previously, I was receiving from a mainframe (CFT MVS).

    I would like to do these receptions from my PC.

    What do I need to install on my PC? Is it paid?

    Thank you for your responses

    JP
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    1. jwittek Posted messages 8 Status Member 31
       
      You need to install the cftutil executable delivered with the CFT client installation.
      But that's not enough. You absolutely must have a CFT server for each platform (UNIX, MS, MVS, AS400, Linux...).
      The CFT server on Windows includes cftutil.exe.
      So directly install a CFT server for Windows and you'll be able to do everything.
      If you have a Tom DDMS on the other end—since you have a mainframe—the protocols are compatible. (as with Axway interpel...)

      For your information, there is no "CFT client" on UNIX/Linux.
      So, unless you mount NFS, one server = one license...

      - Julien
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  16. blux Posted messages 2060 Registration date   Status Moderator Last intervention   3 455
     
    Hi,

    You need to install CFT on your workstation...
    and it’s paid!

    --
    Cheers, Blux
     "You can recognize idiots by the fact that they dare anything." 
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  17. c@sh Posted messages 1 Status Member
     
    MQ: If your server crashes, messages are retransmitted only if they are in PERSISTENT mode; otherwise, you can say goodbye to your messages!!
    CFT: The editor is SOPRA. Maybe you can find a Keygen somewhere.... I don't know!
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    1. jwittek Posted messages 8 Status Member 31
       
      It's no longer Sopra. It's Axway for 3 years now.

      - Julien
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  18. kermadj menouer
     
    Hello everyone.

    For a file transfer need between clients/server on a Windows/Windows platform (first case) and a Windows/Unix platform (second case).

    I am asking you to guide me on an effective software that ensures the transfer with all security (in the case of files containing FINANCIAL messages), I was told about CFT.

    Thank you for any information or guidance.

    Mr. Kermadj
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    1. jwittek Posted messages 8 Status Member 31
       
      CFT is perfect for finance, as you can specify the length of records, the number, fixed or variable format, EBCDIC ASCII type, to convert, etc...
      Moreover, it prevents you from receiving seemingly successful files that are actually truncated... (see FTP protocol).

      Julien
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  19. lezioul
     
    Is there a Java interface to communicate with a CFT server? Like JMS or something similar?
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  20. Jacques
     
    Hello Julien

    Impressed by your knowledge in the MQSeries field, I would like to ask you for a little advice!
    I need to connect to an MQS server at a client’s site!
    Of course, we are not on the same network!
    From a Windows Server 2003, what do I need to install to access their server?
    We need to exchange files (gateway)!
    Thank you for your help

    Jacques
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