Visara LINCS Features - Manual (Page 56)

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LINCS Features
707021-001
Local Format Storage
The Local Format Storage feature enables the LINCS to store screen formats that can be
invoked for display by host application software or by an operator. Use of Local Format Storage
can increase network efficiency because the formats are stored in the LINCS node instead of
in the 3270 host, causing less traffic on host lines when formats are displayed.
Configuration and Management for Local Format Storage
Configuration – The LFS feature is enabled by configuring memory for the feature in a 3270
Host Profile. Any host circuit assigned to a 3270 Host Profile with LFS memory configured
will have that amount of memory available for storing formats. Refer to the LFS field on the
3270 Host Profile panel in the Configuration and Central Control manual for details on the
amount of feature memory required for loading formats and format groups.
Management – The Display/Update Local Format Storage utility on the Network Management
Menu in Central Control Mode can be used to view the formats that are currently loaded. It
can also be used to delete the formats, if desired.
Creating Formats
To present formats using the LFS feature, you must first create them, then distribute them to
the desired LINCS nodes. The host or operator may then present the formats as desired.
CICS, with standard Basic Mapping Support (BMS) commands, can create the 3270 data
streams required by the LFS feature. These formats are stored on disk in the host, and retrieved
to distribute them a LINCS node.
Distributing Formats
Once the formats are created, they may be received by a LINCS node on SNA Logical Unit
(LU) with an address of 1. This LU address supports LU type 2 sessions, and expects to
receive a subset of the 3270 data stream structured fields and commands necessary to support
formats distribution.
To initiate the distribution of formats, LU address 1 must be defined as a display to NCP,
VTAM, and CICS. When the LINCS node is IML’d, VTAM starts the LU. CICS, for automatic
transaction initiation, simulates a logon from this LU to the format distribution transaction.
LINCS supports the following query replies that indicate to the host that the LU can participate
in format loading or presentation.
• Auxiliary Device – This query reply is sent inbound from LU address 1. It tells the host that
auxiliary devices are supported.
• Format Storage Auxiliary Device – This is also sent inbound from LU address 1. This
tells the host that the Load Format Storage structured field can be used to load formats to
this LU.
• Format Presentation – This query reply is sent inbound from LUs which are connected to
CUT devices. It indicates to the host that the LU can support format presentation.