Host Compatibility Option (HCO) is a set of tools that enable you to offload DB2 for z/OS development and testing to a PC Windows or UNIX platforms using IBM's DB2 LUW.
Host Compatibility Option does this by allowing EBCDIC-enabled programs to work with DB2 LUW. This means that you can use IMS Option and CICS Options with DB2 LUW while the data is still stored in ANSI format.
In addition, Host Compatibility Option can be used to re-host applications where the target run-time environment can change. Host Compatibility Option gives you the flexibility to use mainframe SQL syntax but replace character front ends with graphical interfaces.
For operating system and software requirements, see the System Requirements topic.