Item G023729

Last updated

....: 10/13/1997

Abstract

: WSC FLASH 9741

VSAM CATALOG AND CVOL SUPPORT ENDS IN YR2000

Access to an MVS or OS/390 non-ICF VSAM catalog or CVOL will not be possible after 1999.

The following text was taken from the DFSMS/MVS 1.4 availability announcement made on June 6, 1997 (297-192):

²NOTE: On October 31, 1995, IBM announced Year 2000 Support

which stated that, for any S/390 platform running MVS or OS/390 to be considered as Year 2000 Ready, all data sets must use Integrated Catalog Facility (ICF).

It will not be possible to access data via a VSAM Catalog or CVOL when the system date changes past December 31, 1999.

This means that MVS customers who still have data sets cataloged in OS/VS Control Volumes (CVOLs) or in the old VSAM catalogs will need to migrate these to ICF catalogs before the end of 1999. We look forward to all of our MVS customers taking advantage of the better performance and integrity of ICF. Those VSE VSAM customers who previously shared VSAM data sets between the MVS platform and VSE or VM platforms will need to reevaluate methods for satisfying their data

sharing requirements. For further information, refer to Software Announcement 295-464.²

APARs OW25632 and OW25988 and their associated PTFs have been written to assist customers in determining whether or not they are accessing VSAM catalogs. The APARs add two new reason codes to message IEC331I return code 4:

²33 - Explanation: A VSAM catalog has been opened for use by the catalog address space. The usage is accepted.

Programmer Response: VSAM catalogs may not be opened as catalogs beginning 1/1/2000. This message is provided to simplify identifying whether any VSAM catalogs are still in use. They should be converted to ICF catalogs as soon as possible.²

Figure 8 (Part 1 of 2). Extract from WSC Flash 9741

Chapter 5. Disk and Tape Storage Considerations 113

Page 137
Image 137
IBM OS/390 manual Vsam Catalog and Cvol Support Ends in YR2000, Part 1 of 2. Extract from WSC Flash

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.