25.2.5.4 Data Transfer and NJE

You will want to set up an NJE connection between the two systems for remote job submission and for routing print files or bulk data between the two systems. Use the same communication controllers, real Channel to Channel adapter (CTC) controlled by VTAM or virtual CTCs. You have several choices with ESCON CTCs, virtual CTCs under VM, and 3088s.

See 25.5.1.5, ªProviding NJE Connection to the OS/390 Systemº on page 415.

We recommend NJE for job submission, spool file and printer transfer, and disk/tape for file transfer and VTAM cross domain for terminal access.

25.3 Order and Install the OS/390 Software

As with VSE, there are several options available for you to order your OS/390 system and install it. Some assume that you already have a running OS/390 system, while others provide a ²starter system.² Some are ²entitled² or included with the price of the OS/390 software, while others are ²fee-based², and include on-site IBM assistance, and integrate ISV (Independent Software Vendor) products on your system.

In general, we recommend the SoftwareXcel Installation Express (SIE) for the US customers migrating to OS/390, and full volume dump format SystemPac for the non-US customers.

OS/390 Planning for Installation, GC28-1726 is your primary reference book for this. Although it is oriented towards ServerPac, Chapter F ²Checklist of Installation Procedures² provides an excellent list of planning activities. Each of the following installation options includes its own planning materials. You can obtain on-site assistance with some of the offerings, or separately.

Note: Not all options are available in all countries! Refer to the most recent IBM Announcement Letters or your IBM representative for details.

25.3.1 Fee-based Methods of Installing OS/390

For the first-time OS/390 user, you should consider one of the following fee-based IBM services.

25.3.1.1 SoftwareXcel Installation Express (SIE)

This is an IBM US offering which provides pre-built OS/390 system packages in full volume dump format, tailored to customer hardware and software configurations. SIE includes on-site planning, installation, and package testing by an experienced IBM Technical Representative. You can also obtain a compatibility research report and selected non-IBM software products integrated into the system package.

Contact your local IBM Representative for more information.

Chapter 25. Prepare the Migration Environment

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IBM manual Order and Install the OS/390 Software, Fee-based Methods of Installing OS/390, Data Transfer and NJE, 405
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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.
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