If a mass migration/conversion tool is used someone will need to become familiar with the product and the mass migration method. The team members should consult the product documentation related to their responsibilities and run the sample conversion.

The functions and responsibilities of each member of the team depend to some extent on local conditions. The following sections describe, in general terms, the tasks each member may perform.

3.2.2.1 Project Manager

The project manager manages the project as a whole, selecting the key resources, both technical and non-technical, required for the project. The project manager should posses the appropriate project management skills and should have current knowledge of project management techniques and tools. The project manager could be a systems programmer or technical manager who is knowledgeable in:

1.OS/390

2.The mass migration tool

3.The applications to be converted

4.VSE

The project managers tasks and responsibilities include:

Managing and controlling the migration project

Acting as a liaison between the migration team and others within the I/S organization

Drawing up migration specifications

Designing migration procedures

Tracking migration schedules and assigning necessary resources

Determining any conversion tool customization

Planning and preparing for the OS/390 production switchover

3.2.2.2 Systems Programmers

The systems programmers help the project manager to design migration procedures. They must resolve technical problems related to the local implementation of both VSE and OS/390; therefore, they must be familiar with both VSE and OS/390. Their tasks and responsibilities include:

Helping to design the specifications for the migration

Helping the project manager design the migration procedures

Installing and customizing any conversions tools

Analyzing and solving conversion problems

Preparing for the OS/390 production switchover

Assisting with OS/390 operations

46VSE to OS/390 Migration Workbook

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IBM OS/390 manual Project Manager, Systems Programmers

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.