SISRO and is no longer available, but deserves mentioning. The product documentation is helpful in that it provides a very good project plan and description of the mass migration approach. When sold through SISRO, this tool is know as CORTEX-Migration System (CORTEX-MS) and currently is available. Although there have been many changes to the MVS and VSE operating systems and improvements to the conversion tool, the methodology of planning and execution of the conversion has not changed significantly.

Choosing the appropriate conversion and production implementation strategy is a very crucial decision. It is important to choose the right strategy and build a corresponding plan. The mass migration method can provide a project that is definable and allows for more accurate project cost estimation and sizing. It can be the most effective strategy in light of todays I/T structure where integrated applications are closely tied to the integrated functions of business operations.

3.1.2.6 Project Staffing

It is recommended to use hired conversion specialists to handle the planning and organization of the overall OS/390 migration, and the conversion of the VSE applications to OS/390.

The VSE staff and hired conversion specialists work as a single project team. Each bring their own skills to the project and share the project responsibilities as follows:

3.1.2.7 Librarian

The librarian helps the project manager follow the migration by recording events, collecting information about the progress of the migration, drawing up checklists, and maintaining tables of problems, solutions, and programming elements affected. The tasks and responsibilities of the librarian include:

Controlling the production and updating of the migration workbook

Collecting information on the VSE source material

Recording migration events

Collecting information on program and JCL conversion, and conversion problems and solutions

3.1.2.8 Migration Responsibilities

The hired conversion specialists are typically skilled and experienced with:

OS/390 applications and operations support

OS/390 installation and implementation

VSE to OS/390 conversion tools

VSE to OS/390 conversion requirements and solutions

OS/390 migration planning and project management The VSE staff is experienced with:

Existing VSE operations

Existing VSE applications

Existing OS/390 applications (in case of pre-existing dual VSE and OS/390 operations)

Chapter 3. Developing the Plan

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IBM OS/390 manual Project Staffing, Librarian, Migration Responsibilities

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.