Latest release of Shield's FTP utility provides an easy-to-use interface with enhanced IBM i system functionality.

Shield Advanced Solutions (Canada) Ltd. has announced the release of V6.1 of its popular FTP utility, FTP Client. 

FTP Client provides a user-friendly interface to the FTP functions on IBM i and Power Systems. Written as a substitute for the command-line IBM FTP Client, Shield's FTP Client provides the user with an easy-to-use and intuitive interface to carry out FTP functions on remote servers. 

“FTP Client eliminates difficult-to-remember commands and options,” says Shield's Chris Hird. “FTP Client carries out all of the connection and transfer settings automatically on link activation. This version also recognizes the IBM i servers, which have been configured with the default *LIB,*CURLIB,*DFT settings that produce garbage LIST output on most PC based FTP clients.” 

Advantages 

The IBM FTP Client is a command-line based solution, and navigating the commands and making transfers between systems can be a laborious task even to the most seasoned user, says Hird. The latest release of Shield's FTP Client provides an interface that is easy to understand and use, and all of the functionality is provided by user-friendly options. 

Context sensitive help provides assistance when needed and is available for all of the supported features. With FTP Client, there is no more transferring from host to PC to IBM i, the user can transfer objects directly to the IBM i from the host with ease, according to Hird. Due to the built-in CCSID support, users no longer will have the problem of a PC client causing the transferred objects to be displayed as ACSII. 

Among the features and benefits are: 

• User-friendly interface to the FTP Client functions
• Easy viewing of both the local and remote file lists
• Eliminates hard-to-remember commands for making transfers, instead there are simple options to allow transfers
• Allows file lists from IBM i FTP servers to be correctly displayed (those running *LIB,*CURLIB,*DFT)
• Site links by user allow users to see only their own links
• Each link’s password is stored in an encrypted form
• Full CCSID support for EBCDIC to ASCII translations when communicating with the remote server
• Recognizes a directory request and will create the remote directory object correctly
• Faster to initialize than the supplied IBM Client providing a better user experience 

FTP Client Version 6.1 installs as an IBM Licensed Program Product. Licensing is by base plus active FTP Clients. The product ships with a 30 day trial license which allows up to five FTP clients to be active at any time. After expiration of the trail period, a new license can be obtained from Shield Advanced Solutions. 

Base pricing is by IBM processor group. Additional client licenses can be purchased in batches of 10. For additional information, contact Shield Advanced Solutions Ltd. by visiting www.shield.on.ca or writing to Chris Hird at chrish@shield.on.ca.