T5
T5 is Langton's communications manager for IBM mainframes. T5 enables organisations to use the Internet, X.25 or Videotex networks to connect widely-spread users to their corporate systems.

Typical applications are:
  • A travel company offering a booking system to travel agents
  • A bank operating a telebanking system
  • an automobile company/distributor communicating with their dealers
The T5 software comprises a host module written in Cobol and running under CICS or COMS and a PC workstation module. Working together the modules manage a session between the terminal and the host so as to minimise data volumes and optimise response. By distinguishing between levels of volatility in data, and only transmitting that which has changed T5 replaces volumes of transmitted data with brief exchanges of messages.
The T5 PC module automatically stores screen images originating at the host for subsequently merging with volatile data. Stored images are checked at log-on time for congruency with the current host versions and automatically updated as necessary. Version control is automatic, update the host and each workstation updates immediately it is used. With T5 there is no need to worry about whether the user has the right level of software; no waiting for new files to be downloaded; no mass distribution of update software. Change or add to applications at the host and T5 does the rest.

The T5 host software comprises a nucleus plus modules implementing image and control editors, applications interface, data mapping, system management, security, image database,cache memory and network interfaces. The modular design of T5 allows multiple presentation methods (HTML, ASCII, Videotex etc.) and multiple networks to used simultaneously without any implications for the host application. As long as the data to be sent to the user is the same it can be mapped by Langton software into a variety of images. If, say, for some reason one presentation method requires an account number to be in blue text and another presentation requires it in italics,or in a different place, or on another form, this will affect only the mapping indicators in the presentation image. There is no change needed to the host application, nor to the API. T5 also allows information to be merged with detailed print images controlled by the host and dispatched to the terminal for background printing, for example an Insurance Cover Note or policy document.