The tasks differ on mainframe systems and on Unix/Windows systems:
On mainframe systems, it is first necessary to start the openFT subsystem (BS2000) or load openFT (z/OS). Although the file transfer functions are then available, only synchronous outbound requests are executed. Other local requests are stored in the request queue. In order to execute asynchronous requests (outbound and inbound), the FT administrator must explicitly start the openFT server process via a command.
The FT administrator can explicitly stop the openFT server process via a command again and restart it.
On Unix and Windows systems, openFT is normally automatically started and ended together with the system. The openFT administrator can stop the asynchronous openFT server (and start it again) while the system is running. If the asynchronous openFT server has been stopped then only synchronous outbound requests are executed. Other local requests are stored in the request queue. This function can be used, for example, to suspend inbound operation during maintenance operations or for reasons of security.