Running Mainframe z on Distributed Platforms: How to Create Robust Cost-Efficient Multiplatform z Environments

Running Mainframe z on Distributed Platforms reveals alternative techniques not covered by IBM for creatively adapting and enhancing multi-user IBM zPDT environments so that they are more friendly, stable, and reusable than those envisaged by IBM. The enhancement processes and methodologies taught in this book yield multiple layers for system recovery, 24x7 availability, and superior ease of updating and upgrading operating systems and subsystems without having to rebuild environments from scratch.

Most of the techniques and processes covered in this book are not new to either the mainframe or distributed platforms. What is new in this book are the authors’ innovative methods for taking distributed environments running mainframe virtual machine (VM) and multiple virtual storage (MVS) and making them look and feel like other MVS systems.

The authors’ combined expertise involves every aspect of the implementation of IBM zPDT technology to create virtualized mainframe environments by which the mainframe operations on a z series server can be transitioned to distributed platforms. All of the enhancement methods consecutively laid out in this book have been architected and developed by the authors for the CA Technologies distributed platform. Barrett and Norris impart these techniques and processes to CIOs and CTOs across the mainframe and distributed fields, to zPDT and RDz UT implementers, and to IBM’s independent software vendors and customers.

What you’ll learn

In particular, readers will learn from Running Mainframe z on Distributed Platforms:

• how to create and maintain pristine z/OS and z/VM multi-user sysplexed environments
• how to establish a mainframe distributed lab with repeatable processes and easy maintenance
• how to ensure backup/recovery integrity and business continuity
• standards and conventions, including the use of symbols in the system IPLs
• z/OS and z/VM optimizations
• DASD repository methodologies

Who this book is for

CIOs and CTOs across the mainframe and distributed fields, zPDT and RDz UT implementers, administrators and ISVs and customers.

About the Authors

Kenneth Barrett is Director of Information Technology and Infrastructure Engineering at CA Technologies, responsible for the development of pristine mainframe work environments on the distributed platform. He is CA technical and management leader for all new IBM mainframes and the architect of a zPDT lab which provides private mainframe environments on Intel-based servers. Previously he was a senior quality assurance engineer and systems programmer at CA technologies, responsible for a suite of virtual z/OS guests. He has over 30 years experience as a systems programmer and mainframe manager with particular expertise in DOS, VM, z/OS, datacenter management, mainframe security, and disaster recovery. He has a BS in Mathematics and Computer Science from California State College in Pennsylvania.

Stephen Norris is Director of Software Engineering at CA Technologies, responsible for deploying IBM zPDT technology to create virtualized mainframe environments through which the mainframe operations on a z series server can be transitioned to a distributed platform. At CA Technologies and previously at Legent, his projects have included updating and expanding network management tools, assisting customers with solution deployment, creation of automation tool kits, and virtualization of lab environments. His experience has enabled him to drive the transition of several CA Technologies Research and Development mainframe environments to a distributed platform quickly and seamlessly. Norris holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from West Virginia University and an MBA from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.