2Conversion Phases

Initial Trial Conversion

Regression Testing and Repeated Trial Conversions

3Implementation Phases

Actual Conversion and Switchover

Initial OS/390 Operations

This chapter will address these phases along with the key tasks to be completed in those phases. This chapter has been sectioned as follows:

32.1, ªConversion Process Introductionº on page 482

32.2, ªMass Conversion - Background, Benefits and Methodº on page 486

32.3, ªMass Conversion Phase Overviewº on page 493

32.4, ªPreparation Phasesº on page 493

32.5, ªConversion Phasesº on page 503

32.6, ªImplementation Phasesº on page 515

32.1.1 References

These materials provide sources of supplemental information for this chapter.

MVS Migration System - Planning Guide, SB11-8077 describes the planning process for the MVS-MS. This guide is for the people who are responsible for planning and scheduling the migration and fitting the conversion that

MVS-MS performs into the migration schedule. It is the basic book for the project manager and every technical person involved in planning and running both the migration and the conversion.

MVS Migration System - General Information, GB11-8074 provides an overview of the IBM MVS Migration System and is for the people at an installation who will decide if MVS-MS will work for a particular environment. It describes both the advantages and limitations of MVS-MS, presents information on how MVS-MS works, and identifies some specific early planning concerns.

MVS Migration System - Planning Chart, SB11-8090 displays the standard conversion tasks and subtasks relative to their duration and relationship to each other.

MVS MS - Production Standards, LB11-8080, is for the migration team members most concerned with defining the target MVS environment. It presents general information on MVS and detailed information on the areas in which your installation must establish production standards.

Chapter 34, ªCustomer Migration Exampleº on page529 provides an overview of a customer migration. It also includes discussion on the use of a two phased approach to a migration project and migration services providers.

IBM White Paper Appendix C, ªDFSMS Naming Conventionsº on page543 provides information on OS/390 data set naming conventions.

IBM Washington System Center Flash # 9741, which can be accessed through IBMLINK, provides information on VSAM catalog limitations in OS/390 after Year 2000.

33.2, ªConversion Toolsº on page 520 provides information about conversion service providers and conversion tools

Chapter 32. Conversion Process 483

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IBM OS/390 manual Conversion Process

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.