∙System Modification Program Extended (SMP/E)

SMP/E controls software changes to modules and macros in the operating system, using a standard format and method that help ensure system integrity. SMP/E is required for installation and service functions.

2.2.1.3 Supporting Products

A typical OS/390 operating system environment also includes several other, both required and optional, system-related products.

Some of these products are described in alphabetical order below.

∙Data Facility Data Set Services (DFDSS)

DFDSS copies, moves, dumps, and restores data sets and volumes for backup and recovery. It can be used to migrate data sets from one DASD device to another. It is the product used to convert data to and from the Storage Management Subsystem.

∙Data Facility Hierarchical Storage Manager (DFHSM)

DFHSM backs up, recovers, and manages space on volumes.

∙Data Facility Sort (DFSORT)

DFSORT sorts, merges, and copies data set records.

∙MVS/Data Interfile Transfer, Testing, and Operations Utility (DITTO)

DITTO is a general-purpose utility program for tape, disk, and card input/output devices. Can be used interactively under ISPF.

∙Device Support Facilities (ICKDSF)

Device Support Facilities initializes DASD volumes and recovers data from defective tracks. It can also be used to migrate to indexed VTOCs. (This is included in the base OS/390 product.)

∙Resources Access Control Facility (RACF)

RACF controls access to data processing resources.

∙Resource Measurement Facility (RMF)

RMF measures and reports on the performance and availability of the system.

∙System Display and Search Facility (SDSF)

SDSF helps authorized users monitor and control the operation of an MVS-JES2 system. SDSF consists of online panels that provide immediate information about jobs, queues, initiators, and active tasks.

∙TME 10 Information/Management

Implement, enforce, and automate administrative processes and policies in your enterprise. TME 10 Information/Management offers you an integrated platform of tools, services, and interfaces to accomplish this. In addition, TME 10 Information/Management provides a centralized repository capable

of storing up to 400 Gigabyte of data per database on an MVS/ESA or OS/390 platform. It also integrates with many of Tivoli′s TME 10 (Tivoli Management

Environment) software products.

There are of course more system-related products available to support OS/390 installations. The ones listed above are mentioned because of their broad applicability in many environments. Not all of those listed may have applicability

Chapter 2. Sizing the Effort

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IBM OS/390 manual Supporting Products
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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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