Sampling Techdocs - June-August 2011

Here we are with some new documents from TechDocs I recently came across or found while browsing through the latest publications.

• Presentation : Why Websphere Application Server for z/OS
  Starting point of this presentation is : "Websphere is Websphere" no matter what platform you run it on. But is that really so ? No, not at all. Websphere Application Server for z/OS is very aware and is using the underlying platform to a considerable extent. So, there might be a couple of reasons why you would specifically want to use WAS for z/OS . . . So, read on, here they are.
  
  
• Presentation : z114 Hardware Management Console 2.11.1
  "The 2.11.1 Traditional Hardware Management Console (HMC) is new with the z114 Server. This presentation covers the enhanced features and functions of the 2.11.1 Traditional HMC which is available at Driver 93 for both the z196 and the new z114".
  
  
• Technical document : DS8000 EasyTier Implementation Guide
  This is a DS8000 EasyTier Implementation Guide Using DSCLI with examples. Subjects discussed are Easy Tier Overview, Easy Tier implementation using DSCLI, DS8000 Logical configuration, Data Relocation with Easy Tier Automatic Mode and with Easy Tier Manual Mode.
  

• Flash : IBM zEnterprise BladeCenter Extension Top of Rack Switch (TOR)
  New technology usually comes along with lots of new terminology as well. Well, it's not different with the zBX and here you'll find two documents explaining everything about the Top of Rack Switch and the connectivity with the mainframe.
  

• FAQ : Frequently asked questions from IBM and Oracle customers about Linux on IBM System z
  Nice FAQ that "answers a few common questions about Oracle products running on IBM System z running Linux. This document was jointly written by IBM and Oracle". Subjects are Oracle product availability on the System z platform, Oracle Grid and IBM System z and Technical Support.

• Referral pages :
  I'm concluding with some classics that keep getting updated every once in a while.
  First there's 'Withdrawal of z/OS Function Beginning with z/OS Release 5 Through Current z/OS Release'. "This flash lists those items IBM has announced intention for removal in a specific z/OS release. These items have already been announced in previous IBM z/OS announcement letters. Consideration should be given to this list when planning your migration to a z/OS release".
  The second is the 'IBM System z I/O Feature Reference Table'. This table provides information about System z I/O features and the specific machine types on which they are supported. It is grouped by card type / function: OSA, FICON, Parallel Sysplex, Cryptography, ESCON, and I/O Support.
  The last one is the 'IBM Mainframe Life Cycle History' : System z mainframe hardware product marketing and service life cycle history since 1994.
  

Well that's it for now. As I always say : just check them out !