Installation Considerations

Before installing a new release of RACF, you must determine what update needed for IBM-supplied products, system libraries, and non-IBM products (Procedures for installing RACF are described in the program directory OS/390, not in this book.)

Be sure you include the following steps when planning your pre-installatio activities:

ŸObtain and install any required program temporary fixes (PTFs) or upd versions of the operating system.

Call

the

IBM

Software

Support

Center

to obtain the preventive

service

(PSP)

upgrade

for

RACF.

This

provides

the

most current information on P

for RACF. Have RETAIN checked

again

just

before

testing RACF.

Informa

for requesting the PSP upgrade can

be found in the program directo

Although the program directory contains a

list of the required PTFs,

current

information

is

available

from

the

support

center.

 

ŸContact programmers responsible for updating programs.

Verify that

your installation's programs will continue

to run, and, if

make changes

to ensure compatibility with the new

release.

For more information, see Chapter 5, “Installation Considerations” on page 2

Customization Considerations

In order for RACF to meet the specific requirements of your installat customize function to take advantage of new support after the product For example, you can tailor RACF through the use of installation exit ro descriptor table (CDT) support, or options to improve performance. This changes to RACF that might require the installation to tailor the produc ensure that RACF runs as before or to accommodate new security control installation requires.

For more information, see Chapter 6, “Customization Considerations” on page

Administration Considerations

Security

administrators must

be

aware of how changes introduced by a

product

release

can

affect an

installation's data

processing

resources.

real and virtual

storage requirements, performance, security, and integr

interest

to security

administrators or

to system

programmers

who

are

r

for making decisions

about

the

computing

system resources used

with

a

For more information, see Chapter 7, “Administration Considerations” on page

2 OS/390 V2R4.0 Security Server (RACF) Planning: Installation and Migration

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IBM OS/390 manual Installation Considerations, Customization Considerations, Administration Considerations, Psp

OS/390 specifications

IBM OS/390, a versatile operating system, was a cornerstone in enterprise environments and played a pivotal role in mainframe computing. Released in the mid-1990s, OS/390 combined the strengths of IBM's MVS (Multiple Virtual Storage) with new features and enhancements, targeting scalability, reliability, and performance in demanding business applications.

One of the key features of OS/390 was its robust support for multiple users and processes. The system allowed thousands of concurrent users to access applications and data, ensuring high availability and minimizing downtime—a critical requirement for many large organizations. This scalability was supported through various enhancements in memory management and processor scheduling, enabling optimal resource allocation across diverse workloads.

OS/390 was known for its superior workload management capabilities. The Workload Manager (WLM) component allowed administrators to define service policies, specifying how system resources would be allocated according to the priority of tasks. This ensured that critical business processes received the necessary resources while less critical tasks were managed more flexibly.

Another significant characteristic of OS/390 was its commitment to security. The operating system provided comprehensive security features, including user authentication, data encryption, and auditing capabilities. This focus on security was vital for organizations handling sensitive data, ensuring compliance with regulations and safeguarding against unauthorized access.

OS/390 also supported advanced technologies that facilitated integration and development. The system included features like the IBM CICS (Customer Information Control System) for transaction processing and IMS (Information Management System) for database management. These technologies allowed organizations to build robust, high-performance applications tailored to specific business needs.

The ease of network integration was another strength of OS/390. With the advent of the Internet and global connectivity, OS/390 systems could easily interface with various network protocols, enabling businesses to operate in a connected world. This inclusion paved the way for many organizations to expand their capabilities and offer new services, driving digital transformation.

In conclusion, IBM OS/390 represented a significant advancement in mainframe technology, combining scalability, security, and robust workload management. Its rich feature set and support for critical enterprise applications solidified its role as a vital component of many organizations' IT infrastructures, ensuring they could meet their operational challenges head-on while supporting future growth. As technology continues to evolve, the legacy of OS/390 remains influential in the realm of computing.