VIRTEL announces release of Virtel 4.63: a major new version to better connect, secure, and simplify access to any mainframe application
Virtel has announced the release of Virtel 4.63, the latest version of its Virtel Web Suite, software designed to modernize mainframe application access, usability and interoperability. This strategic upgrade brings significant enhancements in connectivity, security, and administration, enabling organizations to streamline access to their 3270 systems while meeting current IT expectations and the most stringent security standards.
A more connected gateway for mainframe environments
Virtel 4.63 now embeds a native TN3270 client within the Virtel server, enabling Telnet session forwarding to other TN3270 servers (e.g. z/VM, other z/OS systems, IBM i servers, consoles, etc.). Organizations now benefit from a single, centralized access point to multiple mainframe environments, simplifying both IT infrastructure and operations.
End-to-end security aligned with modern standards
Virtel 4.63 introduces several robust security enhancements:
- Extended SSO: support for external authentication providers (AD, OIDC, SAML…), allowing users to log in using their Windows credentials.
- Reinforced session tokens: token information is removed from URLs to prevent leakage in logs and browser history.
- Custom HTTP headers: allows better alignment with enterprise web security policies.
- Improved RACF/TSS integration: better handling of passphrases, passtickets, session timeouts, and revoked users.
User Interface Performance Improvements
This new version brings several improvements to overall Virtel performance and usability:
- Improved TSO/OMVS session reliability, retaining the command line state across sessions.
- 3270 Interface Enhancements, featuring a more visible cursor and improved language support.
- Advanced template theming using custom CSS files for tailored user interfaces.
Simplified, faster, and safer administration
Virtel 4.63 includes valuable new or enhanced product administration capabilities:
- A new 3270 admin panel to monitor and terminate active sessions.
- Centralized LU Nailing management directly within the ARBO configuration.
- Improved VIRCONF versioning, easing configuration maintenance.
- Enhanced support for Virplex (Sysplex) environments.
Increased stability, performance, and interoperability
Numerous technical optimization enhancements strengthen Virtel’s robustness and adaptability:
- Improved Long Poll Keepalive for better compatibility with network proxy servers.
- Enhanced support for ICC consoles and model 3/4/5 terminals.
- Scenario language updates with new logic blocks to handle complex cases.
A concrete response to mainframe modernization challenges
Virtel 4.63 is part of Virtel’s commitment to non-disruptive mainframe application modernization. The Virtel Web Suite enables evolution in access, user interface/user experience (UI/UX), and connectivity of 3270 applications without modifying code, while improving security, usability, and integration with distributed or Cloud-based IT systems.
Source: Virtel
SHARE Orlando Early Bird Tickets Available
The mainframe community is gathering this February, and you don’t want to miss your chance to connect, collaborate, and create lasting relationships with those who understand your role and systems.
At SHARE Orlando, you will find technical leaders from all sectors of the mainframe ecosystem that come together to network, learn, and partner. From users to vendors, attendees are able to form career-long relationships. You have until January 8 to lock in early bird pricing for SHARE Orlando 2026 and gear up for networking you’ve never experienced before.
Hitachi Vantara’s Virtual Storage Platform One Wins CRN 2025 Products of the Year Award for Excellence in Hybrid Cloud Storage
Hitachi Vantara announced that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named its Virtual Storage Platform One (VSP One) unified data platform a winner in the 2025 Products of the Year Awards. VSP One was recognized in the Storage – Cloud-Focused category for its ability to address customers’ most pressing data management requirements. The platform helps enterprises manage, protect, and mobilize data across hybrid environments, giving them greater control, visibility, and performance consistency.
The CRN Products of the Year Awards spotlight new or upgraded products that deliver meaningful benefits to solution providers and their customers. Each year, finalists are selected by the CRN editorial team across 32 technology categories and then rated by solution providers who have hands-on experience with the products. Based on those scores, winners are determined for each category and for three subcategories: technology; revenue and profit; and customer need.
VSP One brings together Hitachi Vantara’s advanced storage, data resiliency and cloud technologies into a single, flexible platform that adapts as business requirements evolve. It provides unified management for block, file, object and mainframe data storage across on-premises and cloud environments, helping customers simplify operations and maintain continuous access to critical workloads. The platform delivers integrated cloud tiering, built-in ransomware protection, a 100% data availability guarantee and architecture designed for enhanced cybersecurity and data protection capabilities, as well as AI-ready performance and sustainability.
“This recognition from CRN validates our focus on helping customers and partners simplify the complexity of hybrid cloud data environments,” said Octavian Tanase, chief product officer, Hitachi Vantara. “VSP One brings together simplicity, security and sustainability in one platform. It enables organizations to unlock the full value of their data while advancing sustainability and delivering dependable outcomes at scale.”
Source: PR Newswire
Check out the Lego IBM Telum II
In celebration of the IBM z17 release that includes the new IBM Telum II processor, IBM partnered with LEGO Certified Professional Graeme Dymond to build a huge model of the Telum II processor, all out of Lego. This extra special Telum II has joined IBM Z teams around at some major events this year, but in case you haven’t had a chance to see it in person yourself yet, IBM is offering a closer look.
The Fans of IBM Z Hub is offering a complete tour of some of their favorite features of this model. Hear from Graeme himself in a short video he did with the media folks at IBM where he shares some fun facts about the build and take a closer look at the full model in all its glory. (It’s made up of HOW many bricks!?)
Source: IBM TechXchange Community
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