25.5 Customize Your New OS/390 System

Before you start using your new OS/390 system, you must complete the installation and tailoring process by customizing the system for your use. Depending on what method you used to install the software, some of the items listed below may already have been completed for you or you may have contracted for some additional service assistance to perform these items. The following items are not a complete list, but can be used as a general checklist:

Install remaining IBM Service

Exercise IVPs

Back up system, and test recovery by restoring it

Update VTAM and NCP definitions, generate the NCPs and test them

Update MVS SYS1.PARMLIB definitions and test them

Tailor SYS1.PROCLIB procedures and test them

Update JES2 parameters and test them

Update DFSMS parameters and test them

Update RACF security environment and test it

Update LE, language options and procedures and test them

Define TSO/E user IDs and test them

Define user catalogs and test them

Set up SMP/E maintenance environment and test it

Set up IPCS service aids and test them

Set up CICS and other application subsystems and test them

Set up application development environment and test it

Develop operations procedures for common and critical tasks

Test operations procedures and train operators

Set up installation standards, test and document them

Set up hardcopy and softcopy documentation libraries

Set up accounting and billing procedures

Once more, exercise IVPs, and back up system

If you need additional assistance to complete your production ready system, you may want to contract for some services work to perform these items. The fees for these items would be based on exactly what work was required. You should ensure that all items performed as part of the services are documented so that you can make any needed adjustments in the future.

25.5.1.1 Verifying the New OS/390 System

Before you begin tailoring the new system, and at each stage of the tailoring process, you should verify that the system is in good shape before you take the next step. If your system was installed as part of a packaged offering, it was probably verified before you received it.

Chapter 25. Prepare the Migration Environment

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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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