Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

Is TSSadmin Express™ New?

First introduced in 2006, TSSadmin Express™ is a mature product. We utilize proven technology and are currently on version 4. We have an exceptional customer satisfaction record.

 

Why Not Develop In-House?

Our customers often do develop special needs tools in-house — but TSSadmin Express™ frees them from most of that effort. We perform constant development to add new features, keep up with maintenance and documentation, and provide training materials and personal training assistance when needed.

 

Does TSSadmin Express™ Alter or “Hook” into Top Secret® z/OS?

No.   TSSadmin Express™ requires that Top Secret® z/OS be installed on the system, but it is separate and independent.  There are no hooks, exits, or APF authorizations.  Top Secret® remains in full control – TSSadmin Express™ provides no access control.  Instead, TSSadmin Express™ simplifies and speeds the workflows of performing the security administration tasks.

 

What If We Already Have IAM Administration Tools/Software?

Many of our customers use IAM software to perform much of the simple and pre-defined daily user provisioning. While TSSadmin Express™ can help with many IAM functions, these customers use TSSadmin Express™ to help do the heavy lifting that’s required for configuring, troubleshooting, researching, reporting, and maintaining their Top Secret® z/OS implementation.  Much of the functionality is unique and separate from IAM applications.

 

What About Our Current TSS Admin Workflows That We’ve Customized?

TSSadmin Express™ works alongside Top Secret® z/OS and other tools.  The legacy/native use of the TSS command, TSS utilities, and other tools and/or workflows that you regularly use today are independent from TSSadmin Express™ and will continue to be available for your use.

 

How Do I learn How to Use TSSadmin Express™?

We offer complimentary QuickStart Training Guides that you can follow at your own pace to learn the basic and more advanced functions of TEX. The basic query functions — ones that you’ll use most often — are intuitive and you’ll be productive right away with them. Keep the Desktop Reference Guide nearby as a reminder to use and explore other functions.  We also offer online instructor-led demonstrations and training as needed.  As always, we are here to answer any questions and help in any way we can!

 

Isn’t The 3270 “Green Screen” Obsolete?

Our first focus is on productivity, so we have kept this technology directly on the mainframe. This enables the use of ultra-efficient cross-memory services and avoids dependencies, maintenance, expense, and latency inherent to data unnecessarily traversing through middleware and networks. Our customers agree that even without a pretty browser the productivity is phenomenal!  And, we do make use of advanced features including color, highlighting and interactive content throughout not normally seen with the standard “green screen”.

 

Is TSSadmin Express™ CA/Broadcom Software?

No. Access Solutions, Inc. participates with the CA, Inc., a Broadcom company’s Technology Partner Program, but this software is offered independently through ASI directly as a complement to managing your Top Secret® z/OS implementation.

 

We Have A Small (or Large) TSS Implementation.  What’s the Value?

Regardless of implementation size, all Top Secret® z/OS sites have similar administration needs. Our subscription pricing model scales from small shops to large. Small shops use and appreciate the same features and benefits. In many cases administrators in smaller shops are not dedicated to working full-time with security, so simplicity and productivity is critical.  Larger shops can leverage the productivity to a greater extent.