Inventory Validation

Translate the Languages/Programs

Translate the JCL

File Transfer

32.2.5.1 Inventory Validation

The Cortex tool cross references the run JCL, the procs, the FCBs and various includes. Then it cross references the source programs, copy books, macros, subroutines, PSBs, the CICS tables and maps for CICS; basically all the JCL elements. In CICS the CICS PPT and transaction programs and applications are cross referenced. The tool cross references these against the base Processing Program Table (PPT). From these each element is linked to what the element includes to determine what is referenced, what is missing and which is unreferenced. The benefit of the tool is that when you run the Cortex scan utility the results are available in a few minutes versus a few days if cross referenced manually.

32.2.5.2 Translate the Languages/Programs

The Cortex MS tool can translate most syntax that is acceptable to VSE compilers, and most of the clauses that VSE and MVS compilers interpret differently.

COBOL Conversion Tools

The main support the Cortex MS tool provides regarding COBOL conversion is with Reserved Words.

Assembler Conversion Tools

The main task the Cortex MS tool provides regarding Assembler conversion is with Macros.

32.2.5.3 JCL Conversion Tools

Cortex MS converts most VSE JCL and job entry control language (JECL) statements and operands, and their different formats.

The main tasks the Cortex MS tool provides regarding JCL conversion are:

Expand the JCL and convert it in association with the file information that comes from the programs

Provide guidance on file handling

Provide the capability for exception handling

32.2.5.4 File Transfer

The Cortex MS tool automatically handles the transfer of most files from VSE to MVS by building the REPRO jobs to copy the correct files to OS/390. The tool builds a listing, to be used for data migration, from reading VTOCs and LISTCATs. It also reads JCL, the programs and the source code from which to build cross references.

The tool does not provide any utility to transfer the data, only the utilities to prepare jobs to use IDCAMS. The IDCAMS REPRO standard utilities that exist in both VSE and OS/390 can provide this function.

492VSE to OS/390 Migration Workbook

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IBM OS/390 manual Inventory Validation, Translate the Languages/Programs, JCL Conversion Tools, File Transfer

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.