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IBM OS/390 manual Automated Conversion, Repetitive Conversion

Models: OS/390

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32.2.2.1 Automated Conversion

There are several ways to automate some or all of the conversion. The automation that Cortex-MS provides is unique in that it is a mass conversion. After an extensive period of analysis, which includes running both pilot conversions and dummy conversions, you can, in a final mass conversion, convert all of your VSE applications to MVS in a single automated process.

Mass conversion is more conducive to automation than progressive conversion, due to the fact that it addresses the same conversion requirement for all converted elements at a time, instead of addressing all conversion requirements for one converted element at a time as in the progressive conversion.

When converting one element at a time it may appear faster to do it manually than to invest in an automated solution. Until you see how many occurrences of the same conversion requirement must be addressed, you cannot properly assess the value of investing in an automated solution.

Because of the automated conversion procedures, all of the Cortex-MS conversion steps can be iterative; in other words, you can proceed by trial and error and then refine the Cortex-MS customization. A major step in implementing and customizing Cortex-MS is to automate the conversion procedures to support as many iterations as necessary before switching over to MVS. With this support, Cortex-MS enables a small conversion team to handle the conversion process in a relatively short time with minimum disruption to operations and development. This automation results in workload and time frame reductions. The methodology ensures consistent and reliable results, therefore reducing the scope of conversion tests.

A high degree of automation is required to convert and switch an entire VSE application portfolio to OS/390 over a short period of time, as done in the single-switchover-weekend mass conversion approach.

32.2.2.2 Repetitive Conversion

The repetitive conversion is an iterative method in which the conversion is improved by refining the automated conversion process and the associated software instead of the generated MVS material. After a trial mass conversion, the generated MVS material is function tested in MVS. In the event that the conversion reports or MVS tests indicate conversion errors, the CORTEX-MS software is custom modified to perform the conversion without errors, and a new trial mass conversion is run again starting from a fresh copy of VSE source material. This procedure is repeated until all conversion errors are eliminated. The actual and final conversion, and the switchover to MVS do not start until trial mass conversions are error free.

This approach allows assessing the progress made with the customization of the conversion tools and the automation of the conversion process. Carefully monitoring that progress is key to the project management, progress tracking and foremost to understanding when the automated conversion process is ready for the final mass conversion and weekend switchover. The repetitive conversion allows greatly reducing the risk inherent to a single mass conversion and weekend switchover.

By using a fresh copy of VSE source material for each mass conversion, all changes and modifications applied under VSE are automatically taken into account without having to follow up the VSE maintenance and to duplicate it in

488VSE to OS/390 Migration Workbook

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IBM OS/390 manual Automated Conversion, Repetitive Conversion
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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.