Virtel 4.64 Now Available: Stronger Session Security, Enhanced Japanese Codepage Support, and Key Usability Improvements

Virtel announces the availability of Virtel version 4.64, delivering major improvements in session protection, user experience for Japanese environments, and multiple maintenance updates aimed at increasing platform reliability and day-to-day administration efficiency.

Stronger protection for privileged and business-critical sessions

Virtel 4.64 introduces enforced 2FA session tokens, designed to reduce the risk of session theft and man-in-the-middle attacks. This capability is enabled via a new enhanced HDRSEC parameter, which can also be used to add security headers and optionally hide the HTTP “Server” header. When a connection attempt is detected with an invalid or missing session cookie, Virtel logs a new warning message to support rapid detection and response.

In addition, Virtel aligns passphrase management with common mainframe security managers by setting the maximum passphrase length to 100 characters, improving compatibility with RACF, TSS, and ACF2 environments.

Improved UX for Japanese users—and more flexibility for everyone

With Virtel 4.64, Japanese language support has been significantly enhanced with:

• Full support for IBM1390 and IBM1399 codepages

• A new Yu Gothic font to better render Japanese character sets

• The ability to switch codepages without disconnecting sessions, via an alternate UTF-8 codepage option (ALTUTF8) combined with a toolbar toggle

• A new JIS display mode selection (JIS78 / JIS83 / JIS90 / JIS97) through configuration options

While designed for Japanese deployments, the codepage toggle can also be leveraged in European environments to switch between Latin and US codepages when needed.

Additional usability improvements include a keyboard beep when typing into protected fields (optional via user settings) and a change in behavior, so this no longer locks the keyboard, improving navigation and user control.

Reliability and administration improvements

Virtel 4.64 also includes multiple fixes and refinements across administration panels, base components, scenario language, and interface rendering—such as improved refresh behavior in transaction management, fixes in configuration unload processing, refined default settings, improved message displays, better selection box positioning on certain 3270 screens (including OMVS and CICS), and a new “rename” capability in the macro administration panel.

Migration and support notes

To ensure a secure and supported environment:

• Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge in IE compatibility mode are no longer supported

• Virtel versions 4.60 and older are no longer supported; customers are advised to migrate to the latest GA release

• 4.64 is the final release to support VSE, Virtel team will continue to maintain version 4.64 for customers operating in VSE environments.

• No ARBO changes requiring specific migration actions from v4.61 and above; for older migrations, Virtel Support can provide guidance

About Virtel 

Virtel, a subsidiary of Syspertec Group, has been providing mainframe solutions since 1993. The company offers a comprehensive approach to modernizing and extending the life of legacy systems at the core of large enterprise IT infrastructures, centered around three key pillars:

• Software Solutions: Virtel develops the Virtel Web Suite, a comprehensive set of software tools to modernize the access, usability, and interoperability of an enterprise’s important mainframe assets, without any source code changes. 

• Training Services: Virtel offers an extensive mainframe training catalog, delivered by expert z/Systems instructors. Courses can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each organization. 

• Support and Maintenance Services: With its z/Heritage offer, Virtel provides expert support and maintenance for complex mainframe applications and systems. 

This full-spectrum approach positions Virtel as a key partner for large enterprises seeking to maintain and evolve their mainframe environments, combining technological modernization, team empowerment, and expert support to ensure long-term viability in the digital transformation era.