# Overview

TIBCO messaging applications are normally the source of the external messages and requests that are received by Substation ES.

However, other providers for message distribution that are suitable for the transfer of large and high volume instant messages are Substation ES to Substation ES, TSO and batch communications internally in the mainframe by way of the XCF layer.

TIBCO Mainframe RED is the product that enables XCF communications. Applications that use this natively need to use its API to enable message send and listen activities. Using Substation ES RED Interface enables applications to communicate (publish, request, or reply) with z/OS programs and transactions that are located in batch, CICS, IMS BMP, IMS MPP or TSO regions without having to be fully knowledgeable in XCF configurations or have specific knowledge about the protocols and their usage. The basic Mainframe RED API usage is needed only for batch and TSO programs.

The Substation ES RED Interface is coupled to Substation ES's host side, enabling multiple services to asynchronously communicate with each other. When CICS applications need to publish or subscribe messages, applications can continue the use of CICS TDQ and TSQ facilities. Environments should be cautious not to use the RED interface to store messages in XCF that persist for long periods such as days. Options such as storing a message for a lengthy duration should be considered only if the environment is configured to have messages stored in auxiliary storage such as DASD.

The main value of Substation RED Interface is that it provides applications with a low-latency communication option in a true multi LPAR single SYSPLEX environment. The RED interface takes the most efficient direct route between applications, and it does away with all other options. If correctly configured and used, the RED interface reduces the use of resources, minimizes the moving parts, lowers the MSU usage and lowers the TCO for its users.

The CICS RED Trigger process can connect to two Substation ES Interfaces; either in the same or in different Substation ES address spaces.

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