"Batch" processing originated in single-user, single-threaded, single-system processing environments. And while today's environment is multi-user, multithreaded and networked, the reality is that batch processing is just as critical to efficient, secure and reliable operations as it is to mainframe users. The demands of modern distributed systems, supporting e-commerce, Web-enabled applications and high-availability systems has forced the evolution of batch processing into what we now call "workload automation systems" (WAS).

Workload Automation Systems are available now that provide all of the timebased scheduling functions of native tools, but incorporate features to provide centralized, efficient management of today's multi-vendor, multi-site networks. Some of these tools are components of multi-function management application suites, while others, like Xi-Batch? from Taricon Technologies, are point solutions, focused on the unique requirements of workload automation.