Customer Information Control System (CICS) is an online transaction processing monitor from IBM that acts as an interface between the operating system and application programs to enable high-speed, high-volume online transaction processing. It allows an application to run online on demand while many other users make requests to run the same applications with the same files and programs. This makes CICS an essential tool for businesses to manage resource sharing, data integrity, and execution prioritization while also providing rapid responses to multiple users.
How Does CICS Work?
Developed by IBM in 1968, CICS allows users to develop and run online applications in an MVS environment. CICS is a transaction processing system, also known as online transaction processing (OLTP) software, that functions like an online operating system. CICS application programmers use COBOL at the command level to code user-friendly instructions into their programs.
CICS runs on IBM and IBM-compatible mainframe and microcomputer systems and provides an interface between application programs and the computer’s operating system. It facilitates the sending, receiving, and processing of data through interaction with a terminal consisting of a display unit or cathode ray tube (CRT) and a keyboard. Additionally, CICS can support a network of hundreds of terminals.
Key Features of CICS
CICS provides services that allow applications to run online on demand while other users make requests to run the same applications with the same files and programs. The key features of CICS include:
- Resource sharing
- Data integrity
- Execution prioritization with rapid response
- Authorization of users to access data
- Allocation of resources (real memory and cycles)
- Routing of application database requests to the appropriate database manager.
Why Is CICS Important?
CICS is an important system because it enables high-speed, high-volume online transaction processing. This means that organizations can process transactions much faster and more efficiently than ever before. With CICS, businesses can manage resource sharing, data integrity, and execution prioritization, all while providing rapid responses to multiple users. Additionally, CICS is widely used in server applications for the Internet, making it an essential tool for online businesses today.
FAQs
What does CICS stand for?
CICS stands for Customer Information Control System.
Who developed CICS?
CICS was developed by IBM in 1968.
What is CICS used for?
CICS is an online transaction processing monitor used for enabling high-speed, high-volume online transaction processing in an MVS environment.
The Bottom Line
In summary, CICS is an essential tool for businesses to manage resource sharing, data integrity, and execution prioritization while providing rapid responses to multiple users. Developed by IBM in 1968, CICS allows users to develop and run online applications in an MVS environment, and it is widely used in server applications for the Internet today.
