Turbosoft’s web deployable terminal emulator TTWeb is being retired. While the demand for browser based host connectivity remains, the evolving state of web technologies mean the limitations of TTWeb have become apparent. Happily, with the retirement of TTWeb comes the release of our brand new HTML5 based terminal emulator for the web, TTerm Connect . For existing TTWeb customers support will continue to be provided, as will assistance in transitioning to TTerm Connect.
Why Are We Retiring TTWeb?
TTWeb was built around a Microsoft technology called ActiveX. ActiveX is a binary extension model which enabled software to be directly embedded and rendered into a web page. In an era where when web technologies were immature this allowed us to provide a sophisticated, fully featured terminal emulator directly in a browser. Indeed one of the main benefits of this technology was that it allowed TTWeb to share components with our Windows terminal emulator TTWin so that when using TTWeb, you were using the identical emulations as those found in our full blown desktop product. Configurations were largely compatible and users could expect the same accurate terminal emulations across our product range.
Internet Explorer Only
There were a number of drawbacks to ActiveX however. Firstly, as a Microsoft technology it was only ever (officially) supported by Microsoft’s own browser, Internet Explorer. At the time of TTWeb’s release IE was the dominant browser platform, particularly in the corporate world, where TTWeb was squarely aimed. In recent years however that has changed with the emergence and subsequent popularity of competitors such as Google’s Chrome and Mozilla’s Firefox.
When Microsoft released Internet Explorer’s successor 'Edge' in mid-2015 they chose to omit ActiveX support, citing security issues and a preference for native HTML5 alternatives.
Platform Limitations
ActiveX objects were still, at their core, Windows binaries, meaning they could only ever run on a device with a Microsoft Windows Operating System. Recent years have seen the emergence of other platforms in the enterprise, platforms that TTWeb was unable to service such as those on mobile devices (android and iOS) and even an increased prevalence of Linux devices.
TTerm Connect, a Modern Replacement for TTWeb
As underlying web technologies have improved over the years it’s become entirely viable to run a terminal emulator purely as a browser based application - no OCX objects, no Java applets, no external software required. At Turbosoft we’ve been busy working on producing just such a host connectivity application and testing and refining it with our partners and early adopter clients. That product is TTerm Connect and it’s available now.
Unlike TTWeb, TTerm Connect is not reliant on any one browser, it’s built on common web technologies and standards such as HTML5 and JavaScript and will be at home on any modern web browser for any operating system. Any host, any device.
Based on feedback from TTWeb users and our beta test sites, we’ve added stronger server side tools for management and integration. Tools like real time monitoring and shadowing, which allows help desk staff to follow a user host session and intervene where required. We’ve added integration with Active Directory and better support for embedding terminal emulation into your own websites.
Like TTWeb, TTerm Connect is shipped with the full range of emulations and communications protocols and includes advanced features such as macros, full keyboard remapping, hotspots for mouse or touch interaction, pass through printing and more.
TTerm Connect is Turbosoft's web based terminal emulator.
Built on common web technologies such as HTML5, CSS and Javascript, TTerm Connect requires no desktop software installation or management and is able to provide terminal emulation services regardless of platform.
For product information, free trial software and technical specifications, visit the TTerm Connect product page.
What Now for TTWeb?
TTWeb users with active maintenance will continue to be supported and downloads and resources will remain available on www.ttwin.com. TTWeb users looking to transition to TTerm Connect should contact their representative to discuss options or reach out to us at
