Vse/Esa, Z/VSE | IBM 890 specification

VSE/ESA

VSE clients with growing core VSE workloads, growing Linux workloads, or both will ﬁ nd the z890 to be a robust, cost-effective server solution and a unique opportunity to reduce IT cost though infrastructure simpliﬁ cation.

VSE/ESA is designed to protect extensive customer invest- ments in existing core VSE applications, data, IT skills, equipment, business processes, and end user training.

Standards-based, no-charge connectors provide ﬂ exible interoperability between VSE and Java technology-capable platforms such as Linux on zSeries. Connectors enable Linux-based applications to access core VSE applications and data. In addition, optional priced IBM middleware such as CICS Transaction Gateway, DB2 UDB or DB2 Connect, and WebSphere MQ complement VSE connectors.

VSE, Linux (exploiting IFLs), z/VM, and z890 are a compelling combination for VSE clients seeking a competitive IT advan- tage. New, state-of-the-art Linux-based Web applications and existing VSE applications and data can form comprehensive, integrated solutions that combine the best of on demand business with traditional transaction and batch processing.

z/OS remains an attractive migration target for some VSE clients. Afﬁ nity between VSE and z/OS has been an endur- ing part of IBM’s strategy for VSE. One objective of afﬁ nity is to help ensure that clients can adapt their core VSE assets and skills to z/OS.

z890 is supported by VSE/ESA Version 2 Release 6 or later.

VSE/ESA 2.6 support includes zSeries features such as FICON Express, FICON Express2, OSA-Express, OSA- Express2, OSA-Integrated Console Controller, up to 30 LPARs, and up to two Logical Channel SubSystems (4 on z990). VSE/ESA 2.7 adds HiperSockets (to make the

combination of VSE and Linux even more effective), PCICA encryption assist, and OSA-Express adapter interrupts. VSE/ESA 2.6 and 2.7 operate in 31-bit mode in LPARs, or as a 31-bit guest under z/VM. Linux for zSeries is available for new applications requiring 64-bit capability.

z/VSE

z/VSE will be the replacement product for VSE/ESA and is anticipated to be the basis for future VSE development. z/VSE will continue the VSE tradition of providing robust, cost-effective mainframe solutions. z/VSE is designed to bring the value of innovative zSeries technologies to VSE clients. It will continue to emphasize investment protection, network integration, and infrastructure simpliﬁ cation. z/VSE will focus on exploiting synergies with Linux on zSeries.

When available, z/VSE 3.1 plans to add support for FCP- attached SCSI disks to the z890 items already included in VSE/ESA 2.7. z/VSE can execute in 31-bit mode only. It does not implement z/Architecture, and speciﬁ cally does not implement 64-bit mode capabilities. z/VSE is designed to exploit selected features of IBM zSeries hardware. Linux for zSeries is available for new on demand business appli- cations requiring 64-bit capability.

Note: All statements regarding IBM’s plans, directions, and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notiﬁ ca- tion. For more information on VSE, see the VSE Web site at ibm.com/servers/eserver/zseries/os/vse.