It has been a while since we last discussed the transition from IBM Client Access for Windows to IBM i Access Client Solutions. Since IBM recently added major enhancements to i Access Client Solutions (ACS) and Windows 10 is gaining wider acceptance, this is a good time to look at what’s new.
ACS is the client IBM supports for Windows 10 (and Windows 8.0/8.1) connectivity to IBM i, a fully integrated operating environment for IBM Power Servers. There are many good reasons to make the transition, but this enhancement is significant. You can now run run it from a server which means there is no longer a need to install it on each client. Obviously, this significantly reduces administrative overhead.
Another big win is that ACS enables system management functions and support for DB2 database administration from a graphical interface.
The August 2016 update has some additional important new capabilities including:
- Smart card authentication for the 5250 emulator
- Drag and drop of IFS files, including between LPARs
- DB2 administration enhancements
- Enhancements to Run SQL scripts
- Windows multi-user install
- Printer output restriction to current user
Linux, Web, and Mobile client support continue to received updates, too.
You can read about all the latest enhancements and find download links here.
If you have a license for IBM i Access Family (XW1), you are licensed to use all these clients. For an overview of i Mobile Access capabilities, check out this video…
(You may want to grab some popcorn and go full screen - it's about one and a half hours)
