tablesONLINE is both a CICS transaction program and a table-driven program. The code is fully re-entrant, enabling many users to simultaneously use one copy of the code since the system creates a separate data area for each user. tableBASE tables can readily be shared, a feature that has been used throughout the product so common data is not duplicated.
Using this type of approach offers a number of advantages. It allows you to conserve region since multiple copies of the same information are not needed. One copy of common data and one tested, centralized method of accessing it also has a positive affect on reliability and security. Finally, system changes – maintenance, customization, performance tuning and installation – are simplified.