eSendIT

Q:

Can I create PDF files that contain both text data from CICS or batch, AND a graphic image such as a Purchase order, bill of lading, invoice, or other "pre-printed" form image?

A:

At the current time, eSendIT cannot create PDF files containing graphics without using the CICS/Fax server and an add-on such as Davice Tools' TIFF-to-PDF converter.  But it  is possible to create and send a PDF that contains graphics overlays using this method.

Q:

Please explain how to tell if a fax, email, or other message was delivered successfully.

A:

Use the ESIQ CICS transaction to view the messages submitted by date/time, userid, subject, or several other criteria. The default criteria are the userid and date. Fill in the search criteria on the ESIMQYS screen and press enter. The next screen shows the sent messages matching the selection criteria. The "Status" column on this screen shows the latest status of the message. Fax messages show their status through the various stages of processing, with a "Complete" status meaning the fax was successfully transferred. However, email messages will show "Complete" if they were successfully transferred to the SMTP server. You cannot tell if an email message was actually read by the recipient.

Q:

Can eSendIT send data generated from batch or other non-CICS programs?

A:

Yes! You can use eSendIT's batch interface to extract reports from the JES or POWER queues. You can embed routing and handling information in the report itself using $FAXIT records, or you can use the Batch Routing and Segmentation CICS transactions to define a report and describe how to split it into multiple messages.

Q:

How can I send PDF files as email attachments from CICS?

A:

To send a PDF file as an email attachment from CICS, create a temp storage queue for the routing information ($FAXIT records). As with any email, you will need the $FAXIT1 record for the email subject, a $FAXIT2 for the sender's name, and a $FAXIT5 for the receiving and sending email addresses. To send the listing as a PDF attachment set the TS-Message-Format field to 'P'. Note that this is the only change required to change the message format to PDF. You can also set it to 'R' for RTF format.

Q:

Can eSendIT work without CICS/Fax? Can CICS/Fax work without eSendIT?

A:

eSendIT runs on the mainframe, mostly under CICS.  CICS/Fax is a PC product that works as a fax server to eSendIT. However, there are some situations where both products are not necessary:

1. To send email in PDF, RTF, or plain text format from CICS or batch programs, you can use eSendIT by itself.
2. If you can store print data into files (with the embedded $FAXIT records to indicate what processing should occur), then you can use CICS/Fax by itself to generate fax, PDF/RTF/TIF/TXT formatted emails, and PDF/RTF/TIF/TXT formatted files stored on a network drive.

eSendIT allows you to track the disposition of fax/email/local file copies performed by CICS/Fax, as well as email messages sent directly from eSendIT to an SMTP server.