Sending AFP documents as encrypted PDF documents

A hospital creates test results in AFP format. A nurse needs to electronically send a patient's test results to the doctor as a PDF document that only the doctor can read and print. To ensure privacy, the PDF document must be encrypted when sent over the TCP/IP network.

Here is how the company can use the AFP to PDF transform together with Infoprint Server to meet its requirement:

1. A batch application running on z/OS creates an AFP document in an output data set on the JES spool. The application's JCL directs the output data set to Infoprint Server to be sent to the doctor's email address.
2. Infoprint Server determines that the AFP document must be transformed into PDF format and calls the AFP to PDF transform.
3. The AFP to PDF transform uses AFP resources, such as a form definition, fonts, and images from AFP resource libraries, to convert the AFP data to PDF format.
4. The transform determines that the PDF document must be encrypted. It calls its internal encryption services to encrypt the PDF data, and it associates the doctor's password with the PDF document so that only the doctor can use Adobe Reader to open the document.
5. Infoprint Server sends the encrypted PDF document as an email attachment over the TCP/IP network to the doctor's email address.
6. The doctor uses Adobe Reader to open the PDF document with his password. From Adobe Reader, the doctor can print the PDF document. The doctor can also detach the PDF document from the email and save it for future reference.

Figure 2 shows how to send an AFP document as an encrypted PDF document in an email.

Figure 2. Sending AFP documents as encrypted PDF documents in emails