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IBM system z and mainframe systems

• Use CICS Management Facility for record compression

  Using CICS Management Facility for compressing CICS records can save CPU and DASD. Continue Reading

• CA's Mainframe 2.0 may reduce database administration cost

  According to one mainframe expert, CA's recent initiative to help mainframe users cut costs may be worth the investment. The biggest bang for the buck will be in reducing database administration cost. Continue Reading

• Not defining Web services in a CICS SOA

  Expert Robert Crawford discusses how to use the Web services binding directory to work around defining Web services in a CICS SOA, or service-oriented architecture. Continue Reading

• Top ten reasons to choose the mainframe for service-oriented data centers

  According to many experts, mainframe architecture is the best choice for new, service-oriented data centers. One analyst lays out advantages of basing your data center strategy on the IBM System z10 mainframe. Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting mainframe application performance variables

  Why is mainframe application performance so variable? Processor clock cycles can vary for many reasons. Mainframe expert Robert Crawford outlines some reasons why, and tips for troubleshooting performance issues. Continue Reading

• Focus on the mainframe for data usefulness improvements

  Today's organizations are required to handle increasing amounts of data but face problems converting that data into useful information. This tip discusses how mainframes can serve as information hubs to improve data usefulness.Continue Reading

• Making the case for IBM to open source the mainframe

  Should IBM open source the mainframe? With the success of Linux and open source, and organizations eager to cut expenses, higher mainframe software costs may prompt even more migration off of the platform. In this tip, an expert argues that both IBM...Continue Reading

• Avoid a mainframe skills shortage: Educate recent graduates

  The mainframe skills shortage doesn't have to mean the end of the platform. We can still teach recent college graduates the mainframe basics they weren't taught in school. With a bit of schooling in mainframe-specific data management and systems ...Continue Reading

• Fun and easy-to-understand introduction to Mainframes

  An introduction to a book about Mainframes in terms beginners can understand.Continue Reading

• Using CICS dump tables to manage problems in online systems

  The CICS dump table feature, which maintains tables for transaction and system dumps, can be useful for diagnosing and managing problems in online systems when the information you need isn't available through default channels.Continue Reading

• High mainframe software costs may lead to platform's demise

  Are mainframe software costs too high or does software productivity and reduced labor costs lead to lower mainframe total cost of ownership (TCO)? Robert Crawford argues that capacity-based licensing leads to expensive mainframe hardware upgrades ...Continue Reading

• Run CICS in batch to beat a shrinking batch window

  As batch windows are getting shorter, it becomes harder to run traditional VSAM-based CICS systems. Try running CICS in batch as a low-cost solution.Continue Reading

• Solve the startup error 00161 and 00163 with IBM TP600?

  Error 00161 on an IBM TP600 may be due to a faulty CMOS battery, and 00163 may relate to your version of utility PS2 EXE.Continue Reading

• Print Partitioned Data Set (PDS) sequentially

  The IEBPTPCH utility on MVS can help you to print the members of a Partitioned Data Set (PDS) together in a sequential data set.Continue Reading

• FTP, JCL to append several files simultaneously

  Use FTP and the Job Control Language to place several files on the same directory and append them all to the mainframe.Continue Reading