Abstract: A method, process and system of controlling the transmission of data in a heterogeneous environment having mainframe based storage using FICON and an open system based storage using FC. The invention bridges the heterogeneous environment while maintaining DASD/Disk neutrality. The bridge is a gateway programmed to permit applications residing on the mainframe or open system to map logic paths thereby eliminating or reducing the need to store data prior to transmission. The gateway is able to appear to the first storage device as a standard CTC connection to a mainframe, while appearing to the open system as a number of SCSI tape drives.