Understanding Host Integration Server 2009: A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

Dear Dev, If you are looking for an integration platform that seamlessly connects your IBM host systems with modern applications and services, Host Integration Server 2009 (HIS) is a highly efficient and effective solution. With HIS 2009, you can benefit from a range of features and functionalities that streamline the integration process, increase productivity, and help you save time and effort. In this article, we will guide you through all the ins and outs of HIS 2009, from installation to advanced configuration, and help you unlock the full potential of this powerful integration tool.

1. Introduction to Host Integration Server 2009

HIS 2009 is a middleware solution developed by Microsoft that enables seamless integration between IBM host systems and modern applications and services. With HIS 2009, you can leverage the power of your existing mainframe applications and data, and connect them with new technologies such as .NET, Java, SOAP, and XML. HIS 2009 provides a range of tools and services that simplify the integration process, including SNA Server, Host Integration Designer, and Host Integration Management.

1.1 Key Features of HIS 2009

HIS 2009 comes with a range of powerful features that enhance the integration process and enable smooth communication between disparate systems. Some of the key features of HIS 2009 include:

Feature	Description
3270 and 5250 emulation	Enables access to mainframe applications from client workstations.
SNA Server	Provides a gateway for communication between IBM host systems and Windows-based systems.
Host Integration Designer	A development tool for creating and testing integration solutions.
Host Integration Management	A management tool for configuring and monitoring HIS 2009 components.

1.2 Benefits of HIS 2009

By using HIS 2009, you can benefit from a range of advantages, including:

• Seamless integration between IBM host systems and modern applications and services.
• Increased productivity and efficiency.
• Cost savings by leveraging your existing mainframe applications and data.
• Faster time-to-market for new applications.
• Improved system performance and reliability.

2. Installing Host Integration Server 2009

Before you can start using HIS 2009, you need to install it on your system. Here are the steps to follow:

2.1 System Requirements

Before you install HIS 2009, make sure your system meets the following requirements:

• Windows Server 2003 SP2 or later
• .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 or later
• Internet Information Services (IIS) 6.0 or later
• Microsoft Message Queuing (MSMQ) 3.0 or later
• Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 for development purposes

2.2 Installation Steps

Follow these steps to install HIS 2009:

1. Insert the HIS 2009 installation CD into your CD-ROM drive.
2. Click ‘Install Host Integration Server’ on the welcome screen.
3. Accept the license agreement and click ‘Next’.
4. Select the components you want to install and click ‘Next’.
5. Choose the installation directory and click ‘Next’.
6. Configure the SNA Server and click ‘Next’.
7. Configure the HIS services and click ‘Next’.
8. Enter the license key and click ‘Next’.
9. Review the installation summary and click ‘Install’.
10. Wait for the installation to complete and click ‘Finish’.

3. Configuring Host Integration Server 2009

After you have installed HIS 2009, you need to configure it to ensure it works properly. Here are the steps to follow:

3.1 Configuring SNA Server

To configure SNA Server, follow these steps:

1. Launch the SNA Server Manager.
2. Create a new SNA Server instance.
3. Configure the SNA Server properties, such as network protocols, devices, and security settings.
4. Configure APPC and PU types.
5. Configure LU names and properties.
6. Configure session profiles.
7. Test the SNA Server settings.

3.2 Configuring HIS Services

To configure HIS services, follow these steps:

1. Launch the HIS Configuration Manager.
2. Create a new HIS service instance.
3. Configure the service properties, such as network protocols, authentication, and logging settings.
4. Configure the host connections and associations.
5. Configure the service startup settings.
6. Test the HIS service settings.

4. Developing Host Integration Solutions with HIS 2009

After you have installed and configured HIS 2009, you can start developing integration solutions using Host Integration Designer. Here are the steps to follow:

4.1 Creating a New Project

To create a new project in Host Integration Designer, follow these steps:

1. Launch Host Integration Designer.
2. Click ‘File’ > ‘New’ > ‘Project’.
3. Choose the project type, such as SNA Server or BizTalk Server.
4. Choose the project template, such as Host Program or Message Flow.
5. Configure the project properties, such as project name, solution name, and target environment.
6. Click ‘OK’ to create the project.

4.2 Adding Components and Configuring Settings

To add components and configure settings in Host Integration Designer, follow these steps:

1. Click ‘Project’ > ‘Add New Item’.
2. Choose the component type, such as Host Program or Transformation.
3. Configure the component properties, such as name, description, and source files.
4. Configure the component settings, such as input and output parameters, data mapping, and error handling.
5. Test the component configuration by running it in debug mode.

4.3 Deploying and Running the Integration Solution

To deploy and run the integration solution, follow these steps:

1. Click ‘Build’ > ‘Deploy Solution’.
2. Choose the deployment target, such as SNA Server or BizTalk Server.
3. Configure the deployment settings, such as server name, instance name, and credentials.
4. Click ‘OK’ to deploy the solution.
5. Test the integration solution by running it and verifying the output.

5. Troubleshooting Host Integration Server 2009

If you encounter any issues or errors while using HIS 2009, you can troubleshoot them using various tools and techniques. Here are some common troubleshooting methods:

5.1 Using the HIS Trace Facility

The HIS Trace Facility is a diagnostic tool that captures and logs messages sent between HIS services and IBM host systems. To use the HIS Trace Facility, follow these steps:

1. Launch the HIS Configuration Manager.
2. Click ‘Trace’ > ‘Start Trace’.
3. Select the trace options, such as destination folder and log file name.
4. Click ‘OK’ to start the trace.
5. Reproduce the error or issue you are experiencing.
6. Stop the trace and review the log file for errors and messages.

5.2 Using the HIS Event Viewer

The HIS Event Viewer is a tool that displays and logs HIS events and messages. To use the HIS Event Viewer, follow these steps:

1. Launch the HIS Event Viewer.
2. Select the event log you want to view, such as System or Application.
3. Review the event messages for errors and warnings.
4. Double-click an event to view more details.

5.3 Contacting Support

If you are unable to resolve the issue using the above methods, you can contact Microsoft support for assistance. Provide them with as much information as possible, including error messages, log files, and system configurations.

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

6.1 What is Host Integration Server 2009?

Host Integration Server 2009 is a middleware solution developed by Microsoft that enables seamless integration between IBM host systems and modern applications and services. With HIS 2009, you can leverage the power of your existing mainframe applications and data, and connect them with new technologies such as .NET, Java, SOAP, and XML.

6.2 What are the key features of HIS 2009?

HIS 2009 comes with a range of powerful features that enhance the integration process and enable smooth communication between disparate systems. Some of the key features of HIS 2009 include 3270 and 5250 emulation, SNA Server, Host Integration Designer, and Host Integration Management.

6.3 How do I install HIS 2009?

To install HIS 2009, you need to insert the installation CD into your CD-ROM drive, click ‘Install Host Integration Server’ on the welcome screen, accept the license agreement, select the components you want to install, choose the installation directory, configure the SNA Server and HIS services, enter the license key, and review the installation summary. Wait for the installation to complete and click ‘Finish’.

6.4 How do I configure HIS 2009?

To configure HIS 2009, you need to launch the HIS Configuration Manager, create a new HIS service instance, configure the service properties and host connections, and test the HIS service settings. You also need to configure the SNA Server by configuring the SNA Server properties, APPC and PU types, LU names and properties, and session profiles.

6.5 How do I develop integration solutions with HIS 2009?

To develop integration solutions with HIS 2009, you need to use Host Integration Designer, create a new project, add components and configure settings, and deploy and run the integration solution. You can also test the solution by running it in debug mode.

6.6 How do I troubleshoot issues with HIS 2009?

To troubleshoot issues with HIS 2009, you can use tools such as the HIS Trace Facility and HIS Event Viewer to capture and log messages and events. You can also contact Microsoft support for assistance.

We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of HIS 2009 and how you can benefit from its range of features and functionalities. If you have any further questions or feedback, please do not hesitate to contact us.