Redbooks on z/OS V2R2

Here's a nice collection of Redbooks on z/OS V2R2. Some have been around for some time now, but most of them have a publication date from last week. They focus for each topic on what's new for z/OS V2R2.

IBM z/OS V2R2: Unix Systems Services, SG24-8310-00
IBM z/OS V2R2: Diagnostics, SG24-8306-00
IBM z/OS V2R2: JES2, JES3, and SDSF, SG24-8287-00
IBM z/OS V2R2: ServerPac, SG24-8500-00
IBM z/OS V2R2: User Interfaces, SG24-8311-00
IBM z/OS V2R2: Performance, SG24-8292-00
IBM z/OS V2R2: Availability Management, SG24-8290-00
IBM z/OS V2R2: Storage Management and Utilities, SG24-8289-00
IBM z/OS V2R2: Sysplex, SG24-8307-00
IBM z/OS V2R2: Operations, SG24-8305-00
IBM z/OS V2R2: Security, SG24-8288-00

Well, I'd say that makes for some interesting reading during the holidays . . . or when you're back.

Redbook : IBM z13 Configuration Setup

When introducing the new IBM z13 I also listed out some documentation including some redbooks. At that time one of them, the Configuration Setup redbook, wasn't available yet. You can now download a first draft from the 'deploy' section of the page specifically dedicated to IBM z13 I also mentioned previously.

The abstract of the Redbook :

"This IBM® Redbooks® publication helps you install, configure, and maintain the IBM z13. The z13 offers new functions that require a comprehensive understanding of the available configuration options. This book presents configuration setup scenarios, and describes implementation examples in detail.

This publication is intended for systems engineers, hardware planners, and anyone who needs to understand IBM z Systems configuration and implementation".

The table of contents :

Chapter 1. Introducing the IBM z13
Chapter 2. Channel subsystem
Chapter 3. Configuration planning
Chapter 4. Upgrading from an IBM zEC12 to IBM z13
Chapter 5. Replacing an IBM zEC12 with IBM z13
Chapter 6. Installing a new IBM z13
Chapter 7. Installing an extra IBM z13
Chapter 8. Server Time Protocol (STP)
Chapter 9. Crypto Express5S and Crypto Express4S configuration
Chapter 10. Logical partitions
Chapter 11. Preparing IBM z13 for zBX Model 004
Chapter 12. Flash Express
Chapter 13. Configure Open System Adaptor (OSA) and RoCE Express
Appendix A. Additional features and functions

I don't think it needs any more recommendations. If you're going to install a new IBM z13, this is a good place to start.

Redbooks revisited

I've noticed recently that there are a couple of new things on Redbooks that might be interesting to know.

First of all, it's nice to see that you can now also download redbooks in EPUB format.

 
This means you can read these publications also on an E-reader. This might of course also be your iPad or your smartphone. I guess. I'm not all that familiar with this world. Yet. But I know, lots of you are by now.

Second there seems to be a new type of Redbooks called Redbooks - Point-of-View publications.

(...) brief, strategy-oriented documents that represent an author's perspective on a particular technical topic. Written by senior IBM subject matter experts, the publications examine current industry trends, directions, and emerging technologies. They further outline how you can address business challenges with specific approaches, and explain the business value that your company or organization may gain by choosing the highlighted solution.
At about 5 pages in length, Point-of-View publications typically include solution highlights, a description of the problems being addressed, proposed solutions, and references for additional reading.

You'll find an overview of some over here.

But while I'm at it, let me also point out that that's not the only novelty at Redbooks we've seen introduced in recent times :

Point-of-View publications are one of the latest offerings from IBM Redbooks, which recently expanded its offerings to include video interviews, tutorials, and 3-minute Redbooks overviews; blogging on blogs; IBM Redbooks Product Guides; IBM Redbooks Solution Guides; and more.

As I always say, just check it out !

Redbook : IBM zEnterprise EC12 Configuration Setup

I already mentioned the usual Redbooks when a new system is announced. For the zEC12 this was the IBM zEnterprise EC12 Technical Introduction and the IBM zEnterprise EC12 Technical Guide. But there's a lesser known third one that's been getting published since the z10 EC for the Enterprise Class systems. The new one for the zEC12 is : IBM zEnterprise EC12 Configuration Setup.

I mention it as it's easily overlooked because, unlike the others, it usually appears somewhat after the announcement date of the system. What's its content ? Well, let me just quote the introductory summary.

"This IBM Redbooks publication helps you install, configure, and maintain the IBM zEnterprise EC12 server. The zEC12 offers new functions that require a comprehensive understanding of the available configuration options. This book presents configuration setup scenarios, and discusses implementation examples in detail.
This book is intended for systems engineers, hardware planners, and anyone who needs to understand IBM System z configuration and implementation. Readers should be generally familiar with current IBM System z technology and terminology."

Just take a look at the different chapters and you'll see that it's surely worth a look when you'll be installing a zEC12.

Chapter 1. Channel Subsystem
Chapter 2. Configuration Planning
Chapter 3. I/O Autoconfiguration on IBM zEnterprise EC12 processors
Chapter 4. Upgrading from an IBM System IBM zEnterprise 196 to an IBM zEnterprise EC12
Chapter 5. Replacing an IBM System z10 EC/z196 with an IBM zEnterprise EC12
Chapter 6. Installing a new IBM zEnterprise EC12
Chapter 7. Installing an additional IBM zEnterprise EC12
Chapter 8. Server Time Protocol Setup
Chapter 9. Crypto Express4S Configuration
Chapter 10. Reserved logical partitions
Chapter 11. Preparing the IBM zEnterprise EC12 for the zEnterprise BladeCenter® Extension (zBX)Model 003

Next to that I'd also like to mention that the inevitable IBM System z Connectivity Handbook has also been updated for the zEC12.

As I always say, just check them out !
And you know what, if it comes down to reading a good Redbook : you're not alone.

Redbook - System z Parallel Sysplex Best Practices

Here's an interesting new Redbook : 'System z Parallel Sysplex Best Practices'. It "pulls together diverse information regarding the best way to design, implement, and manage a Parallel Sysplex to deliver the levels of performance and availability required by your organization".

Here's the argumentation of the authors to write this Redbook :

"One of the greatest strengths of Parallel Sysplex is its flexibility. Parallel Sysplex can be exploited by the largest corporations with huge sysplexes, and by small customers with just a single processor. However, this flexibility can also be a challenge. With so many options, how do you know what is the best way to configure a sysplex to achieve your objectives? And with so many demands for your time, how can you possibly keep up with all the latest recommendations for how to set up your sysplex?

This book makes it easier for you to obtain the latest guidance for your Parallel Sysplex in one succinct and easy-to-use place. Configuring your sysplex to adhere to these guidelines does not guarantee that you will never encounter an outage again, but it should result in a more resilient configuration that delivers improved levels of service".

The Redbook is divided into several chapters treating Parallel Sysplex with regards to z/OS, CICS, DB2, IMS, MQ and WAS.

As I always say : just check it out !

Redguides

Redbooks, Redpapers, Redpieces, drafts, there's not just Redbooks, as you all know of course. But have you heard already about Redguides ? Perhaps not.

"IBM Redguides focus on the business view of technology that solves business issues, provides business value, or enables competitive advantage by applying existing technologies or exploring a roadmap for emerging technologies."

Redguides are more written from a business perspective and it's already indicated in the subtitle : 'for business leaders'. They also start each time with an 'executive summary'. Does that make them less valuable for the technical guys ? No, just the opposite as it puts everything into a broader business perspective. On the one hand, it takes a step back from the really technical aspects but on the other hand it gives you a good general introduction to the topic which is discussed. So, you can use them as introduction to fields you're not particularly familiar with or it might give you extra, non-technical arguments when you have to convince your management about a certain technology.

Is this all too theoretical for you ? I'll give you a couple of examples of Redguides.

• Using IBM System z As the Foundation for Your Information Management Architecture
  I already mentioned this redguide when talking about the Smart Analytics Optimizer. Just take a look at the content and you'll know what I mean : Information management challenges, Strengths of IBM System z for information management, Exploring the IBM Smart Analytics Optimizer for DB2 for z/OS V1.1. As I said : less technical, good overview.

• The IBM Mainframe Today: System z Strengths and Values
  This is exactly what the title says. Do the test : think of a couple of strengths of the mainframe and you'll find them back here ... with the right arguments for the non-believers.

• IBM zEnterprise System: Smart Infrastructure for Today’s Heterogeneous Business Applications
  This one particulary focuses on the zEnterprise and gives a good overall introduction to it, once again, from a business perspective.

You want some more, then have a look at these ones : IBM Cognos Business Intelligence V10.1: Intelligence Unleashed, Ready to Access DB2 for z/OS Data on Solid-State Drives and IBM System Storage Business Continuity Solutions Overview.

As I always say : just check them out !

Redbook : z/OS V1R11 Implementation . . . is back

I talked about this Redbook some time ago, but then it suddenly disappeared off the radar. Well, it's back now : z/OS Version 1 Release 11 Implementation'. At first sight, I think it's been updated here and there. Let's hope it stays up longer this time.

Redbooks : z/OS V1R11 Implementation

Update 2009-12-28 : This Reddraft is no longer available for the moment. I'll post the new link as soon as it's available again.

When I talked about the announcement of z/OS 1.11 back in August, I also mentioned some interesting resources. Well, here's another one : 'z/OS Version 1 Release 11 Implementation'. It's a RedBook, as a matter of fact, it's still a draft, but I've got the impression it's pretty well finished by now.

The title covers it all : it's for every one who's planning on implementing z/OS 1.11. Nevertheless, it also gives lots of information on all kinds of new features. So it's definitely worth taking a look if you want all the details on some or other new feature. A couple of examples : there's an extensive chapter on EAV (Extended Address Volumes), other topics covered are e.g. Basic HyperSwap and zHPF (High Performance Ficon for z). Of course also every other aspect of z/OS 1.11 is covered. I've programmed a lot in the past, so it's nice to see that ISPF finally has an HX line command. But you know how I think about that : Xedit already had this for ages.

So, definitely worth using this Redbook when you start implementing z/OS 1.11

ABCs of z/OS System Programming Volume 12 : WLM

Last time I mentioned this series, there was still one gap in the thirteen part series : 'Volume 12: Unknown'. This has changed now as there's a draft available of this redbook which you can find over here. Here's a brief summary of what's being discussed in the four chapters of the book.

• Chapter 1. Workload manager with an introduction on WLM, workloads, service policies, service classes, service class goals, subsystems supported by WLM . . .
  
• Chapter 2. WLM ISPF application on using the application for the creation of service definitions, policies and classes . . .
  
• Chapter 3. WLM goal management on WLM functions, performance index (PI), PI calculation, CPU delays, I/O priority management, IRD, (Hyper)PAV . . .
  
• Chapter 4. WLM miscellaneous on dynamic load balancing, (resource group) capping . . .

Of course there's a lot more than what I just mentioned, but I hope you're interested enough by now to go and take a look. And as I always say : just check it out !

A draft, a book and a technote

If you haven't got a clue what I'm talking about, then shame on you : three types of publications you find on the IBM Redbook site. The book is the final product while a draft is a publication that's not yet entirely finalized, but is already worth publishing on the site. A Technote is a short, usually very practical text, on one particular subject.

The book : 'DB2 9 for z/OS: Distributed Functions'
It consists of 4 parts

• Distributed Database architecture and configurations : the authors "introduce the concepts and protocols of DRDA and describe the layout and the components of the possible configurations where DB2 for z/OS can play a client or server role"
• Setup and Configuration : "a description of the steps needed for the installation of a distributed environment"
• Distributed Applications : Application programming and data sharing
• Performance and problem determination

The book also contains lots of samples.
And if you live in the Belgian region, you might want to go to the joint DB2-CICS-SOA GSE meeting next Thursday where there's also a session on 'Talking with DB2 for z/OS : today's distributed connectivity options'.

The Draft : 'Batch modernization on z/OS'
"As a large portion of the workload on z/OS is processed in a batch mode, it is not difficult to justify a dedicated publication on this matter.
These days there are many different technologies that can be put at work in a batch environment on z/OS. This Redbook demonstrates that batch on z/OS is not only COBOL, JCL and a job scheduler anymore. This book also demonstrates that z/OS offers a sophisticated environment for batch that you may not have implemented on z/OS yet.
(...) The book also includes a chapter on future developments in batch processing."

The Technote : 'Converting LPAR Weights to Logical Processor Allocation'
Plain and simple, but useful : "This Tip describes how to calculate the portion of a shared logical processor assigned to an LPAR."
--> Link seems to be no longer working. Workaround : you can Google for lpar weight redbooks. It gives you the non-working link to the document, but you can still find it via the 'in cache' link.

Draft : Parallel Sysplex Operational Scenarios

I remember one of my first posts more than 2 years ago. I really wanted to mention the Redbooks, though I knew every one knows or should know them. What would we do without them ? If not the first, it's definitely one of the first resources you'll turn to when implementing some new technology or software. And you probably all receive the IBM Redbooks Weekly Newsletter.


The latest newsletter mentions a new draft of the Redbook : 'Parallel Sysplex Operational Scenarios' which really is a very helpful document when you start setting up a sysplex. What are the differences between this draft and the original version from 1998. Well, the draft is more elaborate than the original version. The first chapters introducing the sysplex, Sysplex Failure Management, CF Considerations, Couple Data Set and XCF management are similar to the first version. One chapter has gone (Tape sharing operations in a sysplex) and is replaced by the z/OS Health checker. The chapters discussing CICS, DB2 and also IMS are much more elaborate and there are new chapters on Websphere MQ, Resource Recovery Services (RRS) and z/OS Unix.

So, as I always say, just check it out !

Server Time Protocol NTP Client support

The announcement of Server Time Protocol (STP) last year had the following statement of direction :

Network Time Protocol (NTP) client support: IBM intends to enhance the STP design to provide Network Time Protocol (NTP) client capability, so that Coordinated Server Time may be initialized and maintained to time provided by an NTP server. The purpose of this function is to allow the same time across an enterprise comprised of heterogeneous platforms.

As of today, this NTP client support is available on System z9 servers that are at Driver 67L and have the STP Feature 1021 installed.

The STP design has been enhanced to include code for a Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP) client on the Support Element (SE) of the IBM System z9 Enterprise Class (z9 EC) and IBM System z9 Business Class (z9 BC) servers. This support will allow customers to initialize the time of an STP-only Coordinated Timing Network to the time provided by a Network Time Protocol (NTP) server, and maintain time accuracy. This allows an enterprise comprised of heterogeneous platforms to track to the same time source.

You can find additional information about the NTP client on the IBM STP page. There's a Redpaper available describing this new functionality : 'Server Time Protocol NTP Client support'. The redbook 'Server Time Protocol Implementation Guide' will be updated soon.

Redbook : GDPS Family

I still find this blogging business a bit strange. Last month I was a bit worried because I didn't have much to post. But then again, I didn't want to post just for the sake of it. But see, this week, I made as many posts as last month. Apparently my blogging just reflects the real world. Sometimes just nothing happens and then all of a sudden everything comes together. It's like having nothing to do for ages and then you get three invitations all for the same date. Synchronicity ? Now . . . back to business.

The Redbooks Newsletter is a great source to stay up to date with the redbook publications for your specific interest areas. You can subscribe over here. Though it's not a new one, the redbook that caught my attention this time is 'GDPS Family : An Introduction to Concepts and Capabilities'. This is a 180p. introduction to GDPS in its various forms. I guess the Table of Contents gives you a good idea of what's being discussed. Overall,

• Chapter 1. Introduction to Business Resilience and the role of GDPS
• Chapter 2. Service Availability technologies
  Explanation of the underlying technology such as Parallel Sysplex, copy technologies, synchronous vs asynchronous, Recovery Time and Recovery Point Objectives . . .
  
• Chapter 3. GDPS/PPRC
  Protecting data integrity, Active/Active and Active/Standby discussion, Freeze Policies, Open LUN support, Management with lots of examples
  
• Chapter 4. GDPS/PPRC HyperSwap Manager
• Chapter 5. GDPS/XRC
• Chapter 6. GDPS/Global Mirror
• Chapter 7. Combining Local/Metro HA with out-of-region DR
• Chapter 8. RCMF/PPRC
  This was unknown to me : it offers "a small subset of the function provided by GDPS/PPRC and GDPS/PPRC HM, providing just the ability to manage your remote copy configuration using a set of NetView panels. It is not a disaster recovery offering because it does not include the Freeze function and therefore cannot guarantee consistency across multiple LSSs". It may be a first step towards the implementation of "full GDPS/PPRC or GDPS/PPRC HM in the future".
  
• Chapter 9. RCMF/XRC
• Chapter 10. Sample continuous availability and disaster recovery scenarios
  Some case studies going covering single site solutions and various two data center solutions.
  

IBM Redbooks in Second Life: Meet the Authors event

I wrote about Second Life a couple of weeks ago and this might be a nice occasion to pick up the thread again - or to step in. This is the second 'Meet the Authors' event in a couple of weeks. What's it about ? IBM brings out a new Redbook, in this case still a draft : 'WebSphere Portal for z/OS Version 6'. Up to now the Redbooks were announced in the Redbook Newsletter, you could read a short description at the page of the book itself and decide whether or not to read the book. With this particular redbook IBM is presenting "IBM WebSphere Portal Enable for z/OS Version 6.0.0.1 , which is a combination of all the rich functionality provided by IBM WebSphere Portal for Multi Platforms and the Qualities of Service provided by the z/OS platform. The information in this book is based on experiences gained during an ITSO Proof of Concept in which we installed and configured WebSphere Portal on z/OS in a high available and secure environment".

What's new : you can now have a chat with the authors of the redbook in Second Life : "At this informal, online event in the Second Life virtual world, you can ask questions and discuss WebSphere Portal and Redbooks topics with subject matter experts while experiencing the unique atmosphere of the new virtual IBM Support Library in Second Life. You’ll also receive a free special edition T-shirt for your avatar and other freebies". Unfortunately you can't wear the T-shirt IRL (in real life). Still, I'm looking forward to attend one of these events, even if it's only out of shere curiosity. What's attractive is that the threshold to get into contact with the authors is lower than it would normally be. So I guess this might turn out te be a nice initiative.

The details : it takes place June 28, from 10:00 to 11:00 EDT (4PM-5PM in Belgium) in the IBM Support Library in Second Life. Check out all the details over here.

Redbook : DB2 9 for z/OS Technical Overview

I don't know if all readers of this blog are familiar with the work of Frank Zappa. No, he's not a system engineer or a mainframe guru, but a musician. Every time I start a topic on DB2, one particular song of his comes to my mind : "You are what you is". That's exactly the reason why I'm paying more attention to DB2 than e.g. to Websphere. I've been into DB2 programming and DB2 adminstration for almost 20 years now. So, allthough most of my time goes to System z presales, I'm still 'dba-ing' from time to time and following the scene closely.
So here's 'DB2 9 for z/OS Technical Overview' a redbook (draft) giving you an overview of the new DB2 version for z/OS. "Its scope is to help DB2 for z/OS users understand the functions offered by DB2 9, justify their investment in installing or migrating, and start planning for prerequisites in exploiting the key new capabilities". As I was writing this post, I saw Willie Favero had already covered it too in his blog, and according to him it's not a draft anymore, as it's nowhere mentioned in the book itself.
Well it's nearly 600 pages but it looks quite thorough. I've just browsed through the XML section and it gives lots of useful information and examples going through every detail. I think, this will become a valuable work of reference.

Redbook : Implementing Rexx Support in SDSF

Dolmen is hosting the three-monthly meeting of the Belgian GSE (Guide Share Europe) zOS working group. The latest was last week and we also had a 'z/OS 1.9 Preview' presentation. If you're interested you can find it (amongst some other presentations) on the download page of the Belgian GSE z/OS Working group site. One of the things that was mentioned was the new System REXX. You can now run REXX outside of TSO via programming interface or operator command. One of the uses of System REXX is that the Health Checker now support checks written in System REXX.
The redbook 'Implementing REXX support in SDSF' (still a draft) how REXX support has been added to SDSF in z/OS 1.9. "This function provides the ability to access SDSF panel data through REXX variables. In addition, the data can be modified in a manner similar to SDSF action characters and overtypes. SYSOUT data sets can be browsed using EXECIO or printed using SDSF functions. This book describes the new support and provides sample REXX execs that exploit the new function." The Redbook provides lots of samples so that you can immediately (well, not before september) try out lots of "real-world tasks related to operations, systems programming, system administration, and automation".

IBM Redbooks

Today I'm stating the obvious of course. Every one knows the IBM Redbooks. But I just added the URL to my links because there were a couple of interesting redbooks this week. People tend to forget soon, but I still find the Redbooks a great initiative as compared to the former manuals we were always cursing because they were unreadable. You can subscribe to the Redbooks Newsletter over here, indicating your interest areas. So, you'll get an update on the site every Monday. Or you can even get real-time updates with the RSS-feeds nowadays.
The first redbook I would like to mention is still a draft : z/OS Version 1 Release 8 Implementation. But the draft is already worth mentioning. The content is too exhaustive to cover entirely here, but here's a foretaste :

This redbook describes the functional enhancements to z/OS® for Version 1 Release 8, (z/OS V1R8). These enhancements that are described are designed to help installations install, tailor, migrate, and configure z/OS V1R8.
This redbook describes the new enhancements as follows:
z/OS Version 1 Release 8 Overview
Installation and migration to z/OS V1R8
Console restructure
CFRM performance enhancements
RMF enhancements
WLM enhancements
.
.
.

The second one is ICF Catalog Backup and Recovery: Catalog RecoveryPlus Update. This Redpaper tells us about IBM Integrated Catalog Forward Recovery Utility (ICFRU) and Mainstar Catalog RecoveryPlus, two tool for ICF catalog backup and recovery. It "provides information and practical examples on how to use the Mainstar Catalog RecoveryPlus product in a catalog recovery situation. It also provides useful recommendations for storage administrators in implementing a catalog backup and recovery plan.
This redbook also provides a variety of practical tests to help you with the
different error scenarios you may find in your daily production activities."