Discover the New Features of Microsoft Host Integration Server 2028

Many companies still depend on IBM mainframe and midrange systems for their important workloads. However, as application modernization, security standards, and hybrid cloud models evolve, the demand for reliable connections between these older systems and modern Windows, Linux, and Azure applications is on the rise.

Enter Microsoft Host Integration Server 2028 (HIS 2028), the latest evolution of Host Integration Server, following the 2020 version. HIS 2028 empowers IT teams and developers to seamlessly integrate existing IBM host systems alongside modern applications, enhancing security, boosting productivity, and ensuring compatibility as we move forward.

For years, HIS has offered crucial features across various domains: network, data, application, messaging, and security integration. It’s compatible with technologies like SNA connectivity, 3270/5250 sessions, Transaction Integrator (TI) for CICS/IMS, DB2 connectivity, and IBM MQ integration. HIS 2028 builds on this foundation with focused modernization efforts and cleaning up outdated features to lessen dependencies on legacy systems.

Keep reading to find out what’s new in HIS 2028, what’s being phased out, and how you can start planning your upgrade from HIS 2020.

What’s New in Host Integration Server 2028

HIS 2028 emphasizes three core areas:

1. Platform Modernization: HIS 2028 upgrades to .NET 10, ensuring it aligns with contemporary .NET development practices. Remarkably, it will be the first HIS version compatible with Linux, although this applies solely to non-SNA features.
2. Integration with Foundry: This allows clients to create agents that can utilize data from Mainframe and Midrange systems.
3. Modern API Surfaces: REST APIs are added for pivotal integration areas, such as the DB2 managed provider and Transaction Integrator workloads (CICS/IMS).

Additionally, enhancements in identity management and security will come into play:

• Identity and Hybrid Management: Microsoft Entra ID support and Azure Arc enablement will enhance security and management in hybrid environments.
• Improved Developer Experience: The design experience will migrate to Visual Studio Code, aligning it more closely with modern developer workflows.
• Expanded Platform Support: New compatibility with the latest versions of IBM middleware, including DB2, MQ, IMS, and CICS.
• New Provider Features: An IMS DB managed provider and NuGet packages will be available for Linux use cases where applicable.

Product Cleanup and Deprecations

With HIS 2028, several changes will streamline features:

• Support for Visual Studio 2017 and 2019 will be dropped as the focus shifts to newer design tools.
• 32-bit support will be removed to simplify engineering and enhance security.
• Older options like the ODBC provider and DB2 Entity Provider will be deprecated in favour of newer alternatives.
• WMI and WCF support will be cut to lessen reliance on outdated Windows components.
• The SNA Gateway will remove unsupported protocols for a more efficient product.
• Support for BizTalk adapters will end in line with BizTalk Server’s lifecycle.
• DrdaClient will be removed, with MsDb2Client and MsIfmxClient better catering to the target databases.

Security, Identity, and Hybrid Management

HIS 2028 enhances host connectivity security within hybrid settings. With Microsoft Entra ID support and Azure Arc, companies can minimize credential clutter, boost audit capabilities, and implement consistent governance across both on-premises and cloud environments.

These improvements harmonize with existing enterprise identity and operational controls, aiding teams in managing connectivity as part of their broader infrastructure and security strategies.

Get Started with the Preview

If you’re keen to explore, sign up for the preview of Host Integration Server 2028 now, as we prepare for its general release in the coming year: Join the preview here.

FAQs

What is Microsoft Host Integration Server 2028?

It’s the latest version of Host Integration Server, designed to help integrate IBM host systems with modern applications efficiently.

How does HIS 2028 improve security?

With features like Microsoft Entra ID support and Azure Arc enablement, organizations can enhance security and better manage hybrid cloud environments.

What should I do to upgrade from HIS 2020?

Start planning your upgrade now by reviewing the new features in HIS 2028 and signing up for the preview.

What deprecated features should I be aware of?

Features like support for Visual Studio 2017/2019, 32-bit applications, and older protocols will be phased out in HIS 2028.