Description
CDT’s z Systems (z/OS and zLinux) hosting platforms are comprised of the hardware, operating systems, network services, and storage. Our support includes the installation, configuration, and support of system and application enabling software components that reside on the z Systems platform. High availability and disaster recovery solutions are also available.
The z Systems platform (z/OS and zLinux) is designed to meet business requirements for applications that:
- Need 24/7 availability
- Demand a high level of security and encryption
- Requires disaster recovery
- Entail a large volume of stored data
- Demand rapid response time for transaction or analytical processing
The z Systems platform consists of:
- 10 GB network connections
- No single point of failure
- Parallel Sysplex design for redundancy and reliability
Benefits
99.999% availability – that’s only 5.26 minutes downtime a year!
- No need to purchase or manage servers, system software, storage or network equipment
- Customers focus on supporting their application product, not the hardware or operating system
- 24/7 Service Desk support
- A dedicated support team of experienced, certified professionals with specific knowledge of the z Systems platform, its capabilities and offerings
- Hardware and software components are built to create a stable, secure, fault-tolerant and scalable infrastructure
- Consultation available to identify the optimal solution that will meet business and IT requirements
Included
We provide administration on equipment within the z Systems Platform Hosting service. This includes installation, patching, and product maintenance. We perform these tasks according to standard procedures and configurations. We manage the software contract and licensing, and serve as the liaison between the Customer and technology vendors for technical system-level issues. The following components are included in the service offering:
Dedicated/Knowledgeable Technical Support Staff
A dedicated support team of experienced, certified professionals with specific knowledge of the z Systems platform, its capabilities, and offerings are responsible for the oversight and operation of the platform to ensure that services meet the stated service levels.
Operating System
- z/OS
Network Connection
- FICON channel connections to DASD
- Redundant 10 GB network connections
- One Virtual Internet Protocol Address (VIPA) – Virtual IP address associated with a software-managed stack
Disaster Recovery (DR)
The Service Continuity Mainframe Services (SCMS) offering establishes capability that enables DR for Customer systems and data on the z Systems platform hosted at one of the two CDT campuses (Rancho Cordova & Vacaville). Please see the Data Backup & Disaster Recovery tab for further details.
Programming Languages
| Language | Description | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Enterprise COBOL | Common Business Orientated Language | |
| FORTRAN | Formula Translation | |
| Assembler | Functionally Efficient Low-Level Programming Language | |
| Java | High-Level Object-Oriented Programming Language | |
| C/C++ | High-Level Object-Oriented Programming Language | |
| SAS | Statistical Analysis Software | |
| Python | Web and Internet Development, Database Access, Desktop GUIs, Scientific & Numeric | Open Source |
| Perl | Process and Experiment Automation Realtime Language. Web and Internet Development, Database Access, GUI Development, Event-Driven Programming | Open Source |
| PHP | PHP Hypertext Preprocessor. Web development software compatible with other programming languages (C++ or Python) | Open Source |
| TCL | Tool Command Language | Open Source |
Tools and Products
| Category | Tool | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Application Development/Testing | Fault Analyzer | Helps to identify, analyze, and fix the problems associated with failing applications. |
| Application Development/Testing | Workload Simulator | Used to determine system performance and response time, evaluate network design, perform functional testing, and to automate regression testing. |
| Application Development/Testing | Application Performance | Monitoring and management of performance and availability of software applications. Detects and diagnoses complex application performance problems. |
| Application Development/Testing | HourGlass | Clock simulator for testing mainframe applications |
| Application Development/Testing | Debug | Used to examine, monitor and control the execution of C, C+ and Cobol programs. |
| Identity Resolution | IIR (SSA NAME3) | Identity searching and matching. |
| Reporting | Focus | Data access and analysis tool that includes report and chart display and presentation features. |
| Reporting | Vision | A COBOL-like language with interfaces to DB2 databases and VSAM that includes pre-canned forms, memos, letters and labels. |
| Report Management | CA View (SAR) | Comprehensive report-management viewing, archival and print distribution system covering every aspect of report life cycle. |
| Report Management | Go-Online | Client Web Viewer for reports stored on SAR report management system. |
| Analytics | SAS | Statistical Analysis Software, is a suite of tools for advanced analytics, business intelligence, data management and predictive analytics. |
| Data Management | File Manager | Toolset for working with mainframe datasets and DB2 and CICS data. |
| Data Management | Syncsort | High-performance sort, merge, copy, analysis, and reporting product. |
| Reporting | EasyTrieve | Create and publish comprehensive reports using English-like commands. |
| JCL Syntax | ProJCL | JCL Syntax Checker |
| Module Control | Panvalet | A centralized library management tool for creating, storing, and maintaining program source data. |
| Workload Management | ESP | Job and event scheduling |
| GUI-based tools for z Systems | IBM Explorer | File Manager, Debug Tool, Fault Analyzer, Workload Simulator, Application Performance Analyzer. |
| Security | RACF | Resource Access Control Facility. |
Infrastructure Capacity
We review workload growth monthly to determine capacity needs and annually increase the capacity of CPU/DASD/VTS and network components to keep pace with increases in workload demand.
- Conduct system-level performance tuning as necessary.
- Provide performance reporting regarding processor utilization, memory consumption, and disk utilization.
- Monitor system throughput, usage, and capacity.
Support of z Systems Application, Database, and Software
We have implemented industry best practices in support of the z Systems platform to ensure that the operating system and third-party software are at vendor supported versions. The application, database, and software support includes, but is not limited to, installation, testing, maintenance, software licenses (keys), user exits, local mods, procurement, and migration to production.
Support of z Systems Infrastructure OS and Hardware
We have developed industry best practices in support of the z Systems platform to ensure that any hardware components (CPU, DASD, VTS, network components, etc.) are maintained via warranty, or are on an annual hardware refresh cycle. The OS and hardware support includes, but is not limited to the installation, testing, maintenance, software licenses (keys), user exits, local mods, procurement, and migration to production.
Optional
Database
We offer a number of database management system (DBMS) technologies.
- ADABAS
- Db2 – We support IBM’s relational database management system – Db2 – and its associated products. Db2 Data Sharing Groups are available and IBM’s Db2 Analytics Accelerator (IDAA). IDAA hardware and software allows for data analytics, data reporting, and data warehouse functionality for application processes requiring these features. Access to the Db2 Tools and Utilities is currently available via 3270 emulation and will be available via web browsers in the future. The current version of Db2 includes REST services. Db2 REST services enable your web, mobile, and cloud applications to interact with Db2 data through a set of scalable RESTful Application Program Interfaces (API). These API’s are fully integrated into the Db2 distributed data facility (DDF). The APIs can create, discover, execute, and manage user-defined services in Db2.
Middleware
We provide a number of middleware technologies, including:
Printing
We offer multiple printing options:
- Printing on a printed page, on impact printers, or laser printers
- Printing on a printed form
Go-Online
Go-Online provides Customers an efficient and secure alternative to view and manage output via a web browser on a desktop, mobile devices, etc. Customers can immediately access documents/reports stored in their z System repository utilizing Output Management Web Viewer (OMWV), CA-View, and CA-Deliver. This provides an economical and “green” alternative to printed reports.
For additional information, FAQs, and training demonstrations visit the Go-Online training webpage.
Other Services
- Stand-by Services – We are available, upon a Customer’s advance request, to provide standby support. In some cases, stand-by services may be billable to the Customer.
- Consulting Services – We provide customer training on specific technical items.
- Vendor Liaison Services – We can communicate with vendors, as requested, to ask questions on behalf of a Customer.
Data Backup and Disaster Recovery
Data Backup
Incremental backups are performed regularly on all data that resides in data center managed pools, i.e. all volumes except dedicated volumes. (Dedicated volumes are assigned and billed to a customer who is responsible for all storage management activities for that volume.) All backups are written to high capacity tapes.
Incremental Backups
Incremental Backups are performed by a software product called Hierarchical Storage Manager (HSM) and are done at the dataset level. These are logical backups of the datasets that are newly created or have changed since they were last backed up. All SMS datasets in the general pools are backed up by HSM.
Frequency – Datasets are backed up late evening/early morning after they are created or modified, every day of the week at the Rancho Cordova site.
Retention – The seven (7) latest versions of a dataset are retained for a maximum of 30 days. If a dataset is deleted, the last backup copy is retained for 90 days.
Off-site Replication – All backups are replicated off-site using a Virtual Tape Server (VTS) for the defined retention period.
Exceptions – Datasets in use at the time of the backups are skipped and NOT backed up.
Restore – Customers can do their own restores via the HRECOVER panel. If additional help is needed, Customers can submit an incident ticket using the CDT Service Request tool, or contact the Service Desk at (916) 464-4311.
Customer Responsibilities
- More frequent backups, if required, of critical data stored on DASD volumes.
- Creating long-term (retention period) backups, if needed, of data stored on DASD volumes.
- All backups of data stored on Customer dedicated volumes.
- Datasets that are in use during the CDT backup window.
- Database files.
Full Volume Backups
Full Volume Backups are performed by a software product called FDR. All system volumes are backed up on a weekly basis and kept for 30 days. The Service Continuity Mainframe Services (SCMS) offering enables us to provide Disaster Recovery for the z Systems platform and for Customers’ whose systems are hosted at one of the two CDT campuses (Rancho Cordova & Vacaville).
Disaster Recovery
Features
- z Systems Direct Access Storage Device (DASD) will replicate at the alternate campus.
- Virtual Tape System (VTS) will provide access to tape data at the alternate campus.
- z Systems Capacity On-Demand available at each campus to recover all DR customers at the alternate campus (in the event of a true disaster).
- 24 Hour Recovery Time Objective (RTO).
- 5 Minute Recovery Point Objective (RPO) for DASD.
- Exercise schedule flexibility.
- 24/7 Service Desk availability during DR exercises.
Roles & Responsibilities
z Systems
| Task/Role | CDT | Customer |
|---|---|---|
| Installation, configuration & support of z/OS operating system. | X | |
| Installation, configuration & support of z/OS hardware environments. | X | |
| Installation, configuration & support of z/OS application enabling software. | X | |
| Version management of hardware and software. | X | X |
| Disaster recovery solutions. | X | X |
| Software licensing (keys). | X | |
| Application support. | X | |
| User exits / APIs. | X |
z Systems Storage
| Task/Role | CDT | Customer |
|---|---|---|
| Incremental backups of managed pools. | X | |
| Dedicated volumes. | X | |
| Hierarchical Storage Manager (HSM) configuration and support. | X | |
| Backup frequency management. | X | |
| Retention policy. | X | X |
| Data replication. | X | |
| Virtual Tape System (VTS) management. | X | |
| System volume backups. | X | |
| Database file backups. | X | |
| Data on dedicated volumes. | X | |
| Application data retentions. | X | |
| Service Continuity Mainframe Service (SCMS). | X | X |
Output Management
| Task/Role | CDT | Customer |
|---|---|---|
| CA Web Viewer (Go-Online) application support (view, print, index, export). | X | X |
| CA Web Viewer technical platform support. | X | |
| CA Web Viewer administration. | X | |
| Electronic forms management (AFP and Xerox). | X | X |
z Security
| Task/Role | CDT | Customer |
|---|---|---|
| z System password administration. | X | X |
| Resource Access Control Facility (RACF) reporting. | X | |
| RACF administrator management. | X | X |
| Security audit support. | X | |
| ISM administration (DMV Only). | X | X |
| Vanguard user support. | X | X |
| Resolve z System access incidents. | X | X |
| System/product security access. | X | |
| Go-Online access administration. | X | X |
| Salesforce (CPRO) RACF administrator management. | X | X |
Capacity Planning
| Task/Role | CDT | Customer |
|---|---|---|
| Daily reporting of system capacity and performance. | X | |
| Monitoring to identify batch or online excessive use. | X | |
| Provide resource metrics for new/revised applications. | X | X |
| Vendor reporting. | X | |
| Quarterly performance measurements. | X | |
| Workload management. | X | |
| CPU projections. | X | |
| Billing (cost recovery). | X | |
| Customer impact to z System platform. | X | |
| System Managed Facility (SMF) statistical reporting. | X |
Rates
The rate schedule represents standard CDT services. If a Customer requires technology solutions that are not part of the standard, CDT will review the Customer’s request and provide customized pricing as necessary.
z/OS Processing – Normalized to IBM CPU 2064-116
| Service Description | Service Identifier | Product Name | Unit of Measurement | Rate | Service Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU Batch Processing | Normalized to IBM CPU 2064-116 | zSystem Processing | Per Hour | $573.00 | C101 | |
| CPU Time Sharing Option (TSO) | Normalized to IBM CPU 2064-116 | zSystem Processing | Per Hour | $573.00 | C102 | |
| CPU Started Task (STC) | Normalized to IBM CPU 2064-116 | zSystem Processing | Per Hour | $573.00 | C103 | |
| CPU Open Edition/Multiple Virtual System - Unix System Services (OE/MVS) | Normalized to IBM CPU 2064-116 | zSystem Processing | Per Hour | $573.00 | C104 | |
| CPU Customer Information Control System Transaction Server (CICS) | Normalized to IBM CPU 2064-116 | zSystem Processing | Per Hour | $573.00 | C105 | |
| CPU Adaptable DAta BAse System (ADABAS) | Normalized to IBM CPU 2064-116 | zSystem Processing | Per Hour | $573.00 | C106 | |
| CPU DB2 | Normalized to IBM CPU 2064-116 | zSystem Processing | Per Hour | $573.00 | C108 | |
| CPU System z Integrated Information Processor (zIIP) | Normalized to IBM CPU 2064-116 | zSystem Processing | Per Hour | $174.00 | C112 |
Storage
| Service Description | Service Identifier | Product Name | Unit of Measurement | Rate | Service Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disk Storage Shared (Z/OS Platform) | Mainframe Storage | Monthly/Per Gb | $3.10 | S101 | ||
| Dedicated Disk Storage | zSystem Storage | Monthly/Per Gb | $3.10 | S102 | ||
| Disk Storage - ADABAS | zSystem Storage | Monthly/Per Gb | $3.10 | S103 | ||
| Hierarchical Storage Management (HSM) Level 2 Data Storage Technique | zSystem Storage | Monthly/Per Gb | $1.89 | S107 | ||
| Virtual Tape Storage | zSystem Storage | Monthly/Per Gb | $0.49 | S213 |
Subscriptions to this service are available.
Request Service
| Service Request Name | Link |
|---|---|
| 258 RACF Customer Authorization Form | Order RACF Customer Authorization Form |
| CICS – Z Systems | Order CICS |
| Disk or Tape Datasets | Order Disk or Tape Datasets |
| zSystems VPS (Add, Delete, Modify) | Order Mainframe VPS (Add, Delete, Modify) |
| Non-Expiring RACF Password | Order Non-Expiring RACF Password |
| ADABAS Database Services | Order ADABAS Database Services |
| zSystems Dedicated Software | Order Mainframe Dedicated Software |
| zSystems Network Services | Order zSystems Network Services |
| Off-Shift Support | Order Off-Shift Support |
| zSystems Services (e.g., modify/cancel jobs, recycle services) | Order zSystems Services |
| zSystems - New Environment 1. The Customer develops their capacity requirements. 2. The Customer creates an architectural diagram. 3. The Customer creates and submits a Service Request with requirements and diagram attached (Under ‘Service Category’ – select “Customer-Infrastructure & Platform Services”). 4. The Customer requests their Account Lead to schedule a technical overview meeting to review the Customer's business needs/requirements and specifications. 5. CDT develops a cost estimate. 6. CDT provisions the Application Hosting environment including hardware, software, and network-based on the architectural diagram. 7. The environment is turned over to the Customer. | Order New zSystems Services |
| Professional Services | Order Professional Services |