The hired conversion specialists can be deployed for converting the in-house developed applications, and leading the overall migration effort, including:

Following the migration methodology and the project plan

Identifying and addressing the conversion requirements

Converting the VSE applications to OS/390

Design and delivery of a state-of-the-art standardized OS/390 environment

The VSE staff is mainly responsible for:

The new OS/390 HW/SW configuration

The VSE application inventory

Regression testing the converted applications

OS/390 migration activity outside the conversion of VSE application code, JCL or files

3.1.2.9 Migration Assignments

The hired conversion specialists are typically assigned the following application conversion tasks:

Manage the overall migration project

Manage their own team and responsibilities

Provide technical leadership, including project planning

Receive and validate the application inventory

Develop the conversion specifications

Customize the conversion tools to local requirements

Develop new conversion tools (if applicable)

Perform manual conversion activities, when automation is not possible or not cost efficient

Perform automated mass conversions

Assist with setup of OS/390 automated operations tools

Participate in online applications tests

Participate in batch applications tests

Participate in applications switchover to OS/390

Support initial OS/390 operations

The VSE staff can be assigned the following application conversion tasks:

Manage their own team and responsibilities

Provide office space and project support tools

Participate in project planning

Receive OS/390 basic education

Provide and install OS/390 HW/SW resources

Operate the OS/390 environment

Design and implement security

Migrate the CICS application tables, and the network

Collect and supply the application inventory

Assist with the conversion specifications

Participate in VSE positioning activities, when automation is not possible or not cost efficient

Install, setup and operate OS/390 automated operations tools

Provide, install and test the OS/390 version of purchased applications

Modify all interfacing systems (PC-LANs, RJE, NJE, ...) to reflect the OS/390 migration

Perform online applications tests

Perform batch applications tests

Participate in applications switchover to OS/390

Run and support initial OS/390 operations

44VSE to OS/390 Migration Workbook

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IBM OS/390 manual Migration Assignments

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.