28.6 Managing Remote Operations

As with VSE, remote systems and workstations can communicate through NJE or RJE via commands and messages. Some remote workstations and systems have console operators, while others may not. The remainder of this chapter describes how to communicate via JES2 commands.

28.6.1 JES2 RJE Operations

There are many kinds of remote workstations: BSC and SNA, ones with just a reader and printer, and others with consoles, disks and spooling capability. Some have human operators, others do not. Some must be managed by the central host operators, others by a remote operator.

28.6.1.1 Host Operations

Usually, the remote operator controls the RJE session once the lines and interfaces are enabled. However, the host OS/390 operator can also initiate some sessions and may become involved with recovery operations if problems arise. Here are some JES2 commands to support RJE:

$S LGNn

Start the JES2/VTAM ACB (for SNA remotes)

$S LINE(nn)

Start the line

$S RMT(nn)

Start the RJE session (SNA only)

$E LINE(nn)

Re-start the line

$P LINE(nn)

Drain the line

$D Mnn,Please drain your printer

Send a message to the remote operator.

28.6.1.2 Remote Workstation Operations

You should set up an RJE workstation (of each type) to orient your remote operators to the JES2 environment, show them how to submit jobs, retrieve output, and enter commands.

Here are some JES2 RJE statements to sign on and off:

For BSC Remotes, use /*SIGNON to sign on, and /*SIGNOFF to sign off.

For SNA Remotes, use LOGON - sign on to JES2, and LOGOFF - sign off (these are actually VTAM commands).

See Chapter 6 in the JES2 Initialization and Tuning Guide for more details.

The most common commands for RJE are for printers:

$S PRnStart the printer initially or after a setup message

$DFDisplay forms queued to this remote

$D JOBQ,CMDAUTH=R3

Display jobs that can be affected by Remote 3

$DO JOBQ,DEST=R3

Display output that is destined for Remote 3

$T PRn,F=xxxx,C=...

Set up printer n for other forms, classes and so on

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IBM OS/390 manual Managing Remote Operations, 28.6.1 JES2 RJE Operations, Host Operations, Remote Workstation Operations

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.