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What is Focus?
Focus is a fourth generation language that provides ad-hoc reporting from the BGSU administrative databases for BGSU clients
and Information Technology Services' analysts and programmers. The Focus Interface presents an online environment in which
clients can write focexecs or Focus programs, maintain focexec libraries, develop and submit focexecs, and receive output.
Who has access to Focus?
In order to use Focus you must have a CICS account. Refer to CICS FAQs for how to get a CICS Account. Anyone with a CICS account can access Focus; however, having a CICS account does not give
an account holder total access to the system. Most clients only have access to certain databases. For security purposes, you
must complete and submit a form to be approved for access to AFIN and SIS.
Focus consists of three types of libraries including a common library, departmental libraries and personal libraries. Level
1 users, those who do not write their own programs, but produce reports with Focus, only have access to the common library
and his/her departmental library.
The common library is available to all users. It currently contains Focus programs that query the Student Information System
(SIS). These programs were written for academic departments and colleges. The first member of the common library, @TOC, provides
brief descriptions of all programs within the common library. Departmental libraries are only available to members of a person's
own department.
Level 2 users, those individuals who write their own programs, have an additional personal library that contains the programs
they write.
How does Focus work?
Multi-Sessions Option, MSO, allows multiple Focus users to use a single address space simultaneously. MSO runs under CICS
in three separate CICS regions which include production, training for clients, and program development for Information Technology
Services' development staff. Behind MSO is the BGSU Interface which, in turn, links to Focus. Focus allows access to various
data structures including DB2 and VSAM. See the flow chart below to further understand how Focus works.
Click the thumbnail above to see a full-sized version of this image.
How do I receive Focus reports?
When obtaining reports, you can print them, download them or view them by browsing on-line. You must print to either the mainframe
printer or to a secure networked printer. To set your computer to print to the mainframe printer, select RMT0 as your designated
printer. Print-outs can be picked up at the data control window on the third floor of Hayes Hall Monday through Friday from
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Large departments that have previously used the courier services can have print-outs delivered.
If a department wants to use a networked printer for Focus printing or if a department wants to add an additional printer,
there is a form "Focus Networked Printing Setup" to request this. Your department CICS contact person will need to fill out
the request form and return it to the TSC (Technology Support Center), Room 110, Hayes Hall. (For security reasons, the request
form is not accessible through the Web.) You can get it from the TSC, Room 110, Hayes Hall or by calling 2-0999.
What precautions should be taken with Focus reports?
Material should only be printed to secure areas where unauthorized individuals do not have access to it. Each person is responsible
for the security and privacy of the data they handle. Please dispose of reports properly and be selective when giving out
information. Keep in mind that a report that is sent from the mainframe to your networked printer is using a network transmission
protocol known as TCP/IP and without the use of this encryption, the information sent to a printer could conceivably be seen
or altered en-route by a hacker. Additionally, if your printer name is changed and ITS is unaware of the change, lost print
may result. Go to ITS Computer Policies for additional information about ITS regulations.
Where should I direct Focus related questions?
If you need assistance with running Focus programs, call the Technology Support Center at 2-0999. They will put you in contact
with a Focus support person. Requests for additions to the common library or questions concerning the content of Focus programs
can be directed to William Knight, Director of Institutional Research, by phone at 2-7816 or via email at wknight@bgsu.edu
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