Connect/USS
z/OS Batch <-> Unix System Services
High-Performance Streaming Between z/OS Batch and USS
Connect/USS streams data directly between z/OS batch jobs and USS applications—eliminating intermediate handling and enabling more efficient, real-time processing with simpler, more predictable pipelines.
True data streaming between z/OS datasets and USS applications:
- Simplifies batch pipelines by eliminating extra commands and file handling steps
- Reduces latency and overhead compared to file-oriented processing
- Integrates cleanly with JCL and production workflows, without requiring filesystem setup or USS expertise
- Improves security and efficiency by minimizing data at rest
- Purpose-built for high-volume batch and real-time processing
The result is a more direct, predictable, and scalable way to connect traditional z/OS data with modern USS-based tools.
Cost-saving, future proof z/OS PGP Encryption
Connect/USS optimizes PGP processing in z/OS batch by combining a high-level JCL abstraction with direct piping into and out of USS GnuPG. Encryption and decryption is performed without file staging or scripting, with encrypted output delivered to z/OS datasets, USS files, FTP targets, or email destinations—eliminating the complexity of traditional approaches. [>]
Streamlined Secure File Transfers
Connect/USS streams z/OS files directly into cURL transfers (SFTP, FTPS), eliminating staging, simplifying workflows, and enabling secure, automation-ready file movement.
Resources
Connect/USS
Key Features
Direct Execution of USS CLI Processes from Batch
Invoke shell commands, scripts, binaries, or cryptographic utilities in USS directly from JCL steps—with simplified parameter and environment setup. Eliminates the need for file-oriented invocation patterns, enabling more direct and efficient batch-to-USS integration.
True STDIN/STDOUT Streaming (No File-Based Handling)
Stream z/OS datasets directly into USS processes via STDIN and out via STDOUT—without exposing datasets as USS files or requiring intermediate file handling. Avoids file-based access patterns, reducing complexity, latency, and operational overhead.
Built-in PGP Integration with GnuPG
Out-of-the-box PGP processing that bridges z/OS batch and IBM-ported GnuPG using standard JCL declaratives and native streaming. Eliminates temporary clear-text files and file-based workflows, improving both security and operational efficiency.
Seamless Batch ↔ USS Application Integration
Directly connect z/OS datasets with USS applications through stream-based data flow, with transparent handling of format considerations where required. Removes the need to manage dataset-to-file mappings or filesystem paths, simplifying integration.
Integrated Monitoring and Error Handling
Unified job logs capture USS process output, errors, and return codes—providing clear visibility into execution without requiring separate file inspection or tracing across environments.
Security and Authorization Consistency
Leverages z/OS SAF/RACF controls across batch and USS boundaries, ensuring proper dataset and process-level access. Avoids the additional security considerations introduced by filesystem-based access models, such as mounts and path permissions.
Performance-Optimized Execution
Low-overhead streaming reduces latency, CPU, and I/O compared to file-oriented processing. By eliminating filesystem layers and intermediate steps, Connect/USS delivers more predictable, high-throughput performance.
Simplified Operations (No Filesystem Dependencies)
Operate without requiring dataset-to-file mappings, mounts, or USS file management. Reduces setup complexity and ongoing operational risk associated with file-based approaches.
Suite Integration
Complements other Connect/MP components (Connect/ZIP, Connect/Hybrid, Connect/Web) to support end-to-end modernization workflows.
Value of Streaming Execution
Connect/USS's stream-first architecture delivers clear advantages over file-based approaches:
Reduce Resource Consumption
Eliminates temporary files, reduces I/O operations, and minimizes disk usage—especially for large datasets and high-volume processing.
Simplify Batch Pipelines
Removes file handling steps, dataset-to-path mappings, and extra commands—resulting in cleaner, more maintainable JCL.
Improve Performance and Throughput
Enables efficient, continuous data flow between applications without filesystem overhead—ideal for transformation, encryption, filtering, and integration workflows.
Enhance Security
Minimizes data at rest and avoids intermediate file exposure, reducing risk compared to file-based handling models.
Reduce Operational Complexity
Avoids filesystem setup, mounts, and path management—lowering the burden on operations teams and reducing configuration errors.
Accelerate Modernization
Easily incorporate modern USS-based tools (e.g., scripting, cryptography, DevOps utilities, AI/ML tooling) into existing batch workflows—without redesigning around file-based access patterns.
Ideal Use Cases
Connect/USS is especially effective for:
- High-volume batch pipelines requiring USS integration
- Secure file exchange and API-driven transfers (e.g., cURL, SFTP)
- PGP encryption/decryption workflows
- ETL-style data transformation and validation
- Report generation and downstream system integration