addition, IPCS can be used to format the in-storage LOGREC buffers while analyzing a dump.

31.8 SYSLOG

All system and job related messages along with all operator commands are written to the SYSLOG JES spool data set. SDSF (under TSO) can be used to view the SYSLOG to aid in problem determination.

31.9 DFSMS/MVS Diagnosis

DFSMS/MVS provides many tools to assist a system programmer diagnose problems. Each component provides its own diagnosis documentation.

31.9.1 DFSMSdfp

DFSMSdfp provides many diagnostic aids that can be used by a system programmer when diagnosing problems. The DFSMS/MVS DFSMSdfp Diagnosis Reference, LY27-9606 provides information on reading dumps, running GTF traces, SMS traces, error codes, and more for each DFSMSdfp component. The DFSMS/MVS DFSMSrmm Diagnosis Guide, SY27-9615 provides instructions for diagnosing errors such as building keyword strings to search for known component failures.

31.9.1.1 Analyzing Catalogs for Errors and Synchronization

Catalog entries might become unsynchronized, so that the information about the attributes and characteristics of a data set are different in the BCS, VVDS, and VTOC. These differences may make a data set inaccessible or otherwise unusable.

To analyze a catalog for synchronization errors, you can use the Access Methods Services (AMS) DIAGNOSE command. This command will analyze the content of catalog records in the BCS and VVDS, and compare VVDS information with the DSCB information in the VTOC. DIAGNOSE will also check for invalid data or invalid relationships between entries. For more information concerning the DIAGNOSE command, refer to DFSMS/MVS Access Methods Services for ICF, SC26-4906. For more information on backup and recovering catalogs, catalog diagnostic information, using DIAGNOSE output for analysis, refer to Managing Catalogs, SC26-4914.

31.9.1.2 Catalog Recovery

The following is from Flash 9741 ICF Catalog Recovery

There is a dependency on catalog availability for continued operation of online systems, batch processing, and time sharing. A catalog outage can be extremely disruptive.

There are several utilities available from IBM that can be used to back up and reload a catalog. The user could choose from:

IDCAMS EXPORT/IMPORT

DFSMSdss logical DUMP/RESTORE

DFSMShsm BACKDS/RECOVER

476VSE to OS/390 Migration Workbook

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IBM OS/390 manual DFSMS/MVS Diagnosis, DFSMSdfp, Analyzing Catalogs for Errors and Synchronization, Catalog Recovery

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.