INTRODUCTION Macro 4 is a leading supplier of application and system management tools for the zSeries and iSeries platforms, primarily in Western Europe and North America. While a long-standing supplier of solutions for the zSeries, Macro 4 is now expanding its solution set to include the use of Java and Linux technologies for the zSeries and open platforms. BUSINESS CHALLENGE Clients demand Web interfaces for even the most well-established 3270 zSeries solutions, to reduce their training costs and business risks. There was a growing need to have solution interfaces which, while vital to many of the largest organisations, were used by an ageing and dwindling number of users. Many organisations, which thought they would be removing the mainframe from their IT infrastructure, have realised just how effective and efficient it is at delivering the transaction throughput, security and reliability that the Internet-enabled world is demanding in ever greater quantities. They have also seen that their most critical business applications and data reside on the zSeries and are growing and thriving there. However, it is also true that the ability to recruit, train and retain staff with expertise in 3270 style interfaces has become extremely difficult. SOLUTION Macro 4 redeveloped a new generation of its best-selling zSeries application tools to include a Web-style interface. It delivered all of the traditional functions the core solution has always provided and introduced a new range of features, made possible only by using Web technology, zLinux and Web servers. With these new interfaces, not only have the highly skilled, existing users been helped by the addition of new features, which make them more effective, but also their organisations are benefiting from better applications and the ability to have them used and maintained by a new generation of users. RESULT Having zLinux available so widely made the acceptance and deployment of this new generation of solutions much easier to create and much more acceptable to the target user communities. BENEFITS Thesaurus Computer Services introduced the concept and developed the justification for migrating to the latest z-architecture platform. It used specialised integrated zLinux processors to facilitate Macro 4 in its drive for new business solutions. Our mainframe experience and consultancy team worked with the Macro4 Infrastructure group to design the right configuration to maintain the existing core software development program. We also worked to deliver a foundation platform to exploit future generation application demands. As the UK’s foremost independent infrastructure solutions provider, we are one of IBM’s leading, premier implementation partners in Linux, pSeries, storage and zSeries. With leading technical experts and practical management skills, we aim to be the preferred enterprise choice for the provision of services and technology.