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Connect/MP

Version 7

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Connect/ZIP (formerly ZIP/390) is Grok AI's #1 choice for cost-effective high-performance mainframe ZIP compression. [ › ]

Independent Analysis › AI Review

Ranked #1 in Mainframe Cost Performance by Grok AI

Review date: August 27, 2025

Prompt: "Of third-party mainframe zip compression products which would you recommend?"

Recommendation: "For most z/OS mainframe environments, ZIP/390 MP (Connect/ZIP) is the best third-party ZIP compression product due to its excellent price-performance ratio, high compression efficiency (85-95%), zEDC/zIIP optimization, robust automation features, and strong security. It's particularly ideal for organizations looking to replace PKZIP/SecureZIP to reduce costs without sacrificing functionality."

GROK AI (8/27/2025)

Prompt: “Of third-party mainframe zip compression products which would you recommend?”

Recommendation: “For most z/OS mainframe environments, ZIP/390 MP (Connect/ZIP) is the best third-party ZIP compression product due to its excellent price-performance ratio, high compression efficiency (85-95%), zEDC/zIIP optimization, robust automation features, and strong security. It’s particularly ideal for organizations looking to replace PKZIP/SecureZIP to reduce costs without sacrificing functionality. For specific pricing details or a demo, contact Data21 at https://www.data21.com.”

Insights

Latest from Data 21

Press Release

Data21 Launches Connect/3270: Unlocking Mainframe Intelligence for Human and AI Access

For the first time, mainframe screen data becomes JSON — enabling AI agents and scripts to read, interpret, and act on mainframe intelligence in real time. Connect/3270 delivers web browser 3270 access with zero client software, secured by SAF and System SSL.

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White Paper

Streaming vs File-Based Access to z/OS Datasets from USS

Not all data access patterns are equal on the mainframe. Explore the performance trade-offs and architectural implications of streaming versus file-based approaches when reading z/OS datasets directly from Unix System Services.

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White Paper

Optimizing OpenPGP on z/OS

Strong encryption shouldn't mean slower batch jobs. This white paper breaks down practical strategies for tuning OpenPGP performance on z/OS — covering key management, algorithm selection, and throughput optimization for high-volume production environments.

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White Paper

Maximizing ZIP Cost Efficiency with zIIP and zEDC

zIIP and zEDC offloading can dramatically reduce what you pay to run ZIP compression on z/OS. Learn how to configure Connect/ZIP to leverage these specialty engines — and drive down both CPU costs and software licensing fees across your enterprise.

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Cost Reduction

Ready to Replace?

PKZIP® Replacement

Drop-in replacement for PKZIP® for z/OS — strong encryption, additional features, and 50% cost reduction.

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Session Manager Replacement

Replace your obsolescent or high-cost 3270 Session Manager with a modern, proven solution.

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Software Cost Reduction

Unlock Savings, Unleash Potential.

Effectively managing IT expenses is more important than ever, especially since mainframe costs can constitute a significant part of an organization's budget. Is mainframe cost reduction a priority at your organization?

Learn how we can help:

Enterprise ZIP Compression

Enterprise ZIP compression offers significant benefits for today's corporate IT environments by improving data efficiency, reducing storage costs, and accelerating file transfer speeds. By compressing large volumes of data into smaller, manageable archives, organizations can optimize storage usage across on-premises and cloud systems, enabling more cost-effective infrastructure planning. It also enhances data transmission across networks, especially in bandwidth-constrained environments, supporting faster backups, system migrations, and collaboration across global teams. Moreover, enterprise-grade ZIP tools often include robust encryption and access controls, ensuring data security and compliance with regulatory standards. These advantages make ZIP compression a valuable tool in modern IT operations, where performance, cost-efficiency, and security are paramount.

Hybrid Connectivity

As organizations embrace cloud technologies while maintaining critical on-premises systems, hybrid connectivity has become essential. Today’s IT environments are increasingly complex, with siloed systems and fragmented data slowing down agility, innovation, and efficiency. Hybrid connectivity bridges these divides — enabling seamless, secure communication across cloud, on-prem, and edge environments. It ensures that applications, data, and services work together reliably, regardless of where they reside. In a world where digital transformation demands speed, flexibility, and interoperability, hybrid connectivity is the backbone that keeps modern enterprises connected, responsive, and ready for what’s next.

Cloud Integration

Unlock the Power of Cloud Integration.

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, integrating mainframe systems with cloud environments is crucial for organizations seeking to enhance agility, scalability, and innovation. Our product's mainframe cloud integration functionality simplifies seamless file exchange and workflow synchronization between mainframe and modern cloud applications. This integration not only preserves the value of existing mainframe investments but also empowers businesses to leverage cloud capabilities for improved operational efficiency and faster time-to-market. By bridging the gap between traditional and cloud-based infrastructures, we help organizations harness the best of both worlds, driving transformative growth and ensuring they remain competitive in an increasingly digital economy.

Learn how we can help:

X-Platform Application Integration

Connect. Integrate. Innovate.

Client-Server Application Integration facilitates seamless interactions between Mainframe jobs and both local and remote distributed applications. This robust integration allows for tight coupling of processes, ensuring that data flows efficiently between systems. A standout feature is the ability to pipe mainframe files directly into any command-line process that supports standard input (STDIN), enabling real-time data processing and reducing latency. By bridging the gap between mainframe environments and distributed applications, our solution empowers organizations to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and accelerate workflows, ultimately driving greater innovation and responsiveness in their IT ecosystems.

File Transfer Speed

Hybrid Speed, Unmatched Efficiency.

The ability to transfer files more quickly and utilize bandwidth more effectively is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. By improving file transfer speed and optimizing bandwidth usage, businesses can enhance productivity and SLA compliance. Additionally, better bandwidth utilization reduces costs and supports scalability, allowing organizations to adapt seamlessly to growing data demands.

Learn how we can help:

Report Delivery and Archiving

Deliver, Archive, Repeat.

Timely and efficient JES report delivery and archiving are key to smooth operations and informed decision-making. Automation ensures stakeholders receive reports when needed, enabling quick actions, while efficient archiving ensures proper storage for future reference, compliance, and analysis. Together, these practices enhance productivity, ensure compliance, and support long-term goals by preserving accessible records of critical data.

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User Interface

Elevating Experiences.

In an era where user experience is paramount, enhancing the mainframe User Interface (UI) is essential for driving productivity and engagement. Our offerings are designed to modernize and optimize mainframe UIs, making them more intuitive and user-friendly. This not only improves user satisfaction but also accelerates workflows, enabling organizations to leverage their mainframe capabilities to the fullest. Transforming the mainframe UI enhances usability and fosters a more agile, responsive environment for all users.

Learn how we can help:

Quantum Safe Encryption

Protect What Matters: Strong Encryption, Stronger Security.

As the digital landscape evolves, so do the threats to data security. With the advent of quantum computing on the horizon, traditional encryption methods face the risk of becoming vulnerable to powerful quantum algorithms capable of breaking existing cryptographic protocols. Our quantum-safe encryption features address this pressing need by providing data encryption solutions designed to withstand potential quantum attacks. By implementing these forward-thinking encryption methods, organizations can protect sensitive data today while ensuring resilience against future threats, safeguarding their assets and maintaining trust in an increasingly complex cybersecurity environment.

Learn how we can help:

Web Services

Empower Your Mainframe: Seamless CGI Integration for HTTP & RESTful API Access.

Mainframe modernization and integration are about unlocking the full potential of existing systems - enhancing agility, driving innovation and ensuring long-term relevance in an increasingly digital world.

Coming Soon

Contact salesteam@data21.com if you have any questions.

If you want to pay more, that's your business.
If you want to pay less, that's our business.

InterSession 3270 Session Manager

The transparent replacement for CA-TPX, TELEVIEW & SOLVE ACCESS.

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Interested in learning more?

Visit our PKZIP Replacement page here.

Over 45 Years of Mainframe Solutions

Data 21, the Data 21 logo, and all other Data 21 software product and service names are trademarks of Data 21. All other trademarks belong to their respective companies. © Copyright 2026 Data 21. PKZIP®, PKWARE®, SecureZIP® are trademarks of PKWARE® and are not affiliated with Data 21.

Data 21

About Data 21

Founded in 1980, Data 21 Inc. is a veteran-owned enterprise software company headquartered in California. For over 45 years, we have delivered innovative, reliable, high-performance mainframe-centric solutions that power today’s connected enterprise.

Our software is embedded in the critical daily operations of hundreds of enterprises worldwide — a testament to our commitment to exceptional engineering and long-term client success. We don’t just support our customers; we evolve alongside them.

At Data 21, the mainframe isn’t a legacy constraint — it’s a strategic foundation.

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