Chapter 33. Conversion Services and Tools

The actual process of converting JCL and programs from VSE to OS/390 can be a very tedious, time-consuming and labor intensive set of tasks. Fortunately, there are tools available from both IBM and non-IBM sources to help automate most, if not all, of the conversion process. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss some of the more popular conversion tools. It should be noted that the tools discussed in this chapter only represent a portion of those currently available and in no way constitute a blanket endorsement simply by their mere inclusion in the chapter. Users are strongly encouraged to investigate all available tools and determine that particular toolsapplicability based upon specific user requirements.

Users are also encouraged to contact as many of these types of firms as is possible and practical. At the time of publication it is our desire to publish a listing of service providers on the VSE/ESA home page. Therefore, the VSE/ESA home page should be consulted for the most current list of IBM business partners providing VSE to OS/390 migration

Also, visit the VSE/ESA Home Page for VSE to OS/390 migration information at:

http://www.s390.ibm.com/vseservices

for contact information.

This chapter discusses the following topics:

33.1, Conversion Services

33.2, Conversion Tools

33.1 Conversion Services

33.1.1 IBM Global Services

IBM Global Services provides project management and migration services for migration projects.

Call 1-800-IBM-4YOU

Contact your IBM Marketing Representative or IBM Business Partner Visit the IBM Global Services Home Page at

http://www.ibm.com/services/ http://www.s390.ibm.com/vse/

33.1.2 Automated Migration Services (AMS)

AMS provides complete migration services using mass migration methodologies based on the Cortex MS tool. AMS provides on-site migration and conversion services primarily in the United States. AMS personnel were involved in the original development of the Cortex tool and have continued to develop its capabilities. AMS will also perform the phase one project as a standalone service.

© Copyright IBM Corp. 1998

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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.