In my most recent Blog, I discussed IBM's Advanced Function Presentation (AFP) architecture, which enables enterprises to create attractive, highly useful documents from their mainframe applications. However, AFP is not the only game in town when it comes to formatted document creation. Another company has also been in this business for nearly as long as IBM. You may have heard of them: their name is Xerox.
Many IT professionals associate Xerox data streams with a mainframe computing environment. While this is the predominate environment for creating and printing large-scale Xerox output, we should also consider the additional uses and capabilities of these data streams away from the mainframe.
This article is intended to provide a background for the possible uses of Xerox-style report and statement documents utilizing complimentary tools from across the entire enterprise. We will consider the relationship between Xerox data streams and Enterprise Output Management (EOM) systems like those of Levi, Ray & Shoup, Inc. (LRS). LRS products excel in multiplatform document distribution, enabling seamless data flow between mainframe environments and distributed systems like z/Linux, UNIX, and Windows. This capability is critical for businesses with hybrid IT infrastructures, where flexibility and high-speed output are essential. There are real benefits of this type of collaboration including streamlining output processes, optimizing resources, and maintaining consistent document integrity across large-scale environments.
XEROX Component Overview
- XEROX Printer Access Facility (XPAF): A host-resident (mainframe started task) software product that enhances the capabilities and use of Xerox printers in the IBM z/OS environment. Launched around 1988 as an answer to IBM’s Advanced Function Printing (AFP) architecture, XPAF retrieves data streams from the JES spool or Xerox Direct Print Service (XDS) and prepares them for printing on a Xerox printer.
- XEROX Data Types: The XEROX print architecture supports multiple data types, such as LCDS (Line Conditioned Data Stream), Metacode and others. The most common are described below.
LCDS refers to the Xerox print stream that originated as mainframe EBCDIC printer data that includes embedded DJDE (Dynamic Job Data Entry) printer controls to define the fonts, graphics, and data layout for the printed output. DJDE's are statements used with LCDS that specify how a document should be printed on the physical printer. DJDE processing enables certain printer parameters to change from one job, page, or record boundary to the next.
Example (LCDS Report with In-Stream DJDE’s):
Metacode is fully-composed Xerox data and commands that allow users to place commands in print streams to control positioning of data on a page, orientation of data on the page, font selection, etc. Metacode can also include DJDE control statements. These print files can be very large, so Metacode commands and command options are represented in hexadecimal codes.
- XEROX Resources: The Xerox print architecture utilizes many function-specific resources that help manage complex document creation. These resources make it possible to handle dynamic font changes, form creation, embedded logos, and much more. LRS EOM solutions assist by managing resources more effectively, tracking usage and standardizing resources across environments. Listed below are some key Xerox resources.
- JSL Job Source Language used to describe report formatting via resource objects
- FRM Electronic form definitions
- IMG & LGO Image and Logo definitions
- FNT Fonts are a collection of characters of a certain size, typeface, and type style
The Intersection of Xerox data streams and LRS EOM Solutions
For close to fifty years of development and use, Xerox data streams have enabled customers to create and print very complex reports, documents and statements. When combined with EOM solutions (some developed via cooperation with XEROX) from Levi, Ray & Shoup, the enterprise can benefit in several ways.
- Centralized Management: LRS EOM solutions create a “single point of control” enabling administrators to track print jobs and maintain consistency across diverse platforms.
- Automated Job Routing and Error Management: By automating job routing and monitoring, LRS EOM enhances the reliability of the Xerox printing environment. Errors are detected and resolved before they impact the end-user experience.
- Resource Optimization: LRS EOM technology optimizes resource usage by managing how forms, fonts, images and logos are stored and accessed, minimizing redundancy and ensuring all elements are up to date across the enterprise.
- Data Stream Transformation: LRS EOM offers specialized data stream transformation tools that run on multiple operating system platforms including Mainframe, UNIX, Linux, and Windows. These tools ingest output, including mainframe Xerox Data Streams, and produce a suitable format to match print and/or viewing requirements for the enterprise. This can eliminate the need to purchase new printing hardware devices and remove the burden and costs of handling specialized data streams on the mainframe.
- Addition of Destination Choices for Xerox Output: The true value of LRS EOM solutions lies in their flexibility to direct output to various endpoints based on specific business needs. With LRS Secure Print, Mobile Print and Report Archive & Viewing solutions, Xerox output can be securely printed at a local printer or viewed via an online GUI using a user’s organizational credentials. These solutions make it possible to swipe a badge, enter a pin or wave a mobile phone and release your mainframe output alongside print jobs from Windows, UNIX, Linux, Mac, and mobile device environments. These solutions offer a highly efficient, scalable way to handle document distribution across complex, multiplatform environments. With the flexibility to move data between mainframes and distributed systems, and even loop back when additional processing is required, LRS products empower organizations to maintain control over document workflows, ensuring reliable, secure, and timely output.
Conclusion
The use of Xerox data streams has made its mark for decades by providing robust, complex and essential documents within mainframe environments. With the addition of LRS EOM solutions, this functionality transforms from a simple print solution into a highly secure and efficient document management platform. From initial composition to final printing/viewing output, the synergy between Xerox data streams and LRS EOM tools provide organizations with the precision, efficiency, and consistency required for their critical enterprise document workflows.
In today’s business environment, where hybrid IT infrastructure is the norm, such versatility is invaluable. Whether your goal is to streamline document delivery and archiving, optimize data transformations, or meet specialized platform processing requirements, LRS EOM solutions can simplify and enhance your enterprise output management strategy.
With a comprehensive approach, Enterprise Output Management utilizing Xerox and LRS solutions can transform the way your organization handles high-volume output.
Contact LRS - We are here to help.