IBM Session Manager for z/OS V1.2 provides improved facilities for simple and secure access to
multiple systems from one terminal
IBM United States
Software Announcement 204-138
June 22, 2004
 ENUS204-138.PDF (60KB)
|
Session Manager for z/OS offers access from a single terminal to multiple z/OS or OS/390 systems.
V1.2 delivers a range of valuable enhancements:
-
New administration capabilities
-
Improved usability
For ordering, contact:
Your IBM representative, an IBM Business Partner, or IBM Americas Call Centers at
800-IBM-CALL
(Reference: LE001).
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Session Manager for z/OS® V1.2, a VTAM® or TCP/IP session manager, provides access from a single
terminal to multiple z/OS or OS/390® systems. This release offers a range of enhancements,
particularly to administration functions, together with functions offering improved usability.
New administration capabilities include self administration, which allows applications, profiles,
and users to be added, deleted, or updated by the end user. Dynamic menus allow users and
applications to be administered by way of definitions in an External Security Manager, including
RACF®. This can be done from a single point of control. It is now possible to hide menu entries
from end users. A new capability allows Session Manager to be administered by a batch job, easing
the potential administration overhead for mass updates for large sites.
Other new functions include enhancements to the multiple sign-on capability to enable it to be
easily configurable and to enhance the query and stop user commands with respect to multiple users.
A command exit and an application output exit now allow all inbound commands and datastreams to be
processed before being "actioned" or displayed to the user. The CLEAR key can now be specified as a
menu escape; and if any menu escape (not just the CLEAR key) is entered twice within a predefined
time, then the escape sequence is sent to the application rather than causing an escape to the menu.
Also introduced is the ability to disable startscript when starting sessions, a duplicate session
removal enhancement and multiple profiles.
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OS/390 V2.10, or z/OS V1.2, or later
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August 6, 2004
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Session Manager for z/OS is a VTAM or TCP/IP session manager, providing secure and user-friendly
access to multiple z/OS or OS/390 systems from a single 3270 terminal. It provides users with a
single secure sign-on, and then allows access to all their applications from multiple concurrent
virtual sessions, with a wide range of tools and facilities. Session Manager brings advantages of
greater user productivity, enhanced system usage, increased security, reduced costs, and improved
communication.
Session Manager for z/OS V1.2 delivers a broad range of enhancements to the function delivered in
the initial release. These enhancements particularly address functions involved in administration,
and in providing improved assistance to users moving to Session Manager from other solutions.
Self-administration
This capability allows end-users to add, delete, update, and copy applications, profiles, and users
via online panels within Session Manager. This replaces the method of updating the Partitioned Data
Set (PDS) members using the functions provided by TSO. This function enables the creation of user
definitions which the end-users can dynamically customize for their particular needs. Functions
available include add, delete, update, and copy of applications within a user definition, and the
addition, deletion, and copying of user definitions. Applications can be reordered, and sessions
can be added and deleted. User definition changes can be made just for the current session or may
be made permanent. This capability offers the option of moving the work of administration for
Session Manager to groups within the organization, such as key entry personnel, who have no
knowledge of, for example, TSO or MVS™ dataset administration.
This new administration capability is also accessible via an API. This allows changes to, for
example, user definitions or session keys to be made from scripts. The changes take effect in real
time so that, depending on the specific parameter changed, the applicable user or users will
immediately get the newly changed user definition. There is also the option for changes to be
delayed, so that they take effect at some time in the future, for example when Session Manager is
recycled. Along with this API, there are also administrator facilities to extract information and
produce reports, in order to provide an audit trail of change activity.
Dynamic menus
Newly introduced in this release is the ability to dynamically build user menus for the
administration of users and applications based on definitions in an External Security Manager, such
as RACF, ACF2, or TopSecret. Dynamic menus also offer an easier path for customers migrating users
to Session Manager from other products providing comparable functions; if required, customers may
find it convenient to perform their profile management activities via their security administration
function.
Hide menu entries
Session Manager V1.2 provides a much simplified mechanism for making menu entries invisible when
inactive. This capability enables applications to be started from scripts, yet hidden from the end
user. The application does not appear at all, and the end user is unable to start the application
directly.
Batch administration
This function provides the ability to administer Session Manager via a batch job. Batch
administration can operate standalone, that is without an instance of Session Manager being active,
although it can also operate when Session Manager instances are active. In order to utilize the
script administration APIs which provide the configuration access mechanisms delivered as part of
online administration, batch administration operates by executing Session Manager in batch mode.
The batch interface provides:
-
A batch program request that specifies a search request, modify request (add, delete, modify), or
any combination of these.
-
An activate mechanism that updates any connected Session Manager instance. There are two forms: an
individual activate for each modify request, and a request to the connected Session Manager
instances to update (reload) their entire configuration.
Multiple sign-on
A number of enhancements have been made to this capability, which enhance its usability. Multiple
sign-on is facilitated by a new common end user parameter SHARE, which can be specified on USER,
TERMINAL, PROFILES, or SYSTEM definitions. When set to "On," the SHARE parameter enables a user to
be defined as a "shared user" as per the E21_RUSER parameter. A read-only system variable T_SHARE
indicates the state of the SHARE parameter. The output from the query user and terminal commands
includes an additional four-character qualifier for users who are signed on more than one terminal.
A new parameter in the "stop user" command allows specification of the four-character qualifier of
users who are signed on more than one terminal.
Command and application output exits
These exits process all inbound commands and datastreams before they are "actioned" or displayed at
the user's terminal. For example, they provide the ability to seamlessly switch between
applications within the Session Manager environment. Users could switch between, say, CICS® and
IMS™ systems without the need for any manual intervention.
CLEAR key as escape
It is now possible to use the CLEAR key as a menu escape. CLEAR key escape processing requires the
Session Manager miser to be active for all sessions. If the menu key is assigned to the CLEAR key,
either at logon time or dynamically by the user, then Session Manager automatically ensures that all
sessions have the miser active.
Passing escape sequence to an application
When a menu escape (including the CLEAR key) is pressed twice within a defined time (which is
configurable), the first escape will escape to the menu as normal. The second escape will return
the screen display to the session, and send the escape key or sequence to the application. A new
command SME (Send Menu Escape) that only operates from the menu sends the menu escape sequence or
key to the last active session.
This function is not supported for non-menu escapes.
Disable Startscript
The ability to start sessions without a "logon script" is further enhanced to improve the usability
of this function.
New escape sequence or program function key
Another enhancement to usability is provided by a new escape sequence or program function key that
enables users to switch directly from their current active session to their last active session.
Multiple profiles
A user can now be associated with multiple profiles.
Duplicate session removal enhancement
Application definitions can now be assigned a session-type. Sessions with the same session-type
will be eliminated from a user's menu. This is especially useful with the introduction of multiple
profiles allowing a user's sessions to originate from a number of sources, for example, from the
user's own definition and up to ten profiles.
Early delivery
Some of the enhancements described earlier are already available in March 2004 via the service
channel for Session Manager V1.1. They were delivered via PTF UQ86857 for APAR PQ86710. These
functions are:
-
Self administration
-
Dynamic menus
-
Hide menu entries
-
New escape sequence or program function key
-
Multiple profiles
-
Duplicate session removal enhancement
The remaining enhancements will also be made available for Session Manager V1.1, via PTF for APAR
PQ89033, by the end of June, 2004.
Accessibility by people with disabilities
The following features support use by people with disabilities:
-
Operation by keyboard alone.
-
Optional font enlargement and high-contrast display settings.
-
Suitability for use by people with hearing impairment.
-
Capability to use with screen readers and magnifiers for those with visual impairment; it has been
tested using the Jaws and WindowEyes screen readers.
Softcopy documentation for the product is provided in .pdf format. This documentation supports
optional font enlargement and high-contrast display settings, and may be operated by the keyboard
alone. Fully accessible softcopy documentation, with alternative text for diagrams, will be made
available on request.
Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act
Session Manager for z/OS V1.2 is capable as of August 6, 2004, when used in accordance
with associated IBM documentation, of satisfying the applicable requirements of Section 508 of the
Rehabilitation Act, provided that any assistive technology used with the product properly
interoperates with it.
Value Unit-based pricing
Value Unit-based pricing will help align the prices of these products to the principle of the
Parallel Sysplex® License Charge (PSLC) pricing curve, which provides for a lower price per MSU
(millions of service units per hour) for larger capacities.
There is also a price benefit when customers grow their capacity. Additional capacity will be based
on the number of Value Units (MSUs) the customer has already installed; for example, additional
capacity will not be priced starting at the base with a higher price per unit but on the capacity
that is already installed.
Note that Value Units of a given product cannot be exchanged, interchanged, or aggregated with Value
Units of another product.
IPLA and subscription and support considerations
International Program License Agreement (IPLA) licenses can be transferred from one machine to
another within, but not limited to an enterprise. The customer may aggregate the capacity for all
the processors the product is operated on to achieve a more economic price. This will result in a
single Proof of Entitlement. It is the customer's responsibility to manage the distribution of
Value Units within the limits of the entitlement of the product license.
Subscription and Support must cover the same capacity as the product license entitlement.
Subscription and Support will be available in the country in which the agreement is made.
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Session Manager for z/OS V1.2 is intended for enterprise or medium-sized customers running a range
of applications on mainframe systems, with end users accessing these applications at 3270 terminals
or workstations running 3270 emulators. The customers may be running CICS or using VTAM, typically
with LU6.2 or 3270 connections, or TCP/IP. The product provides the end-users with a simple and
effective way of accessing these applications seamlessly, together with a wide range of other
valuable facilities.
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For information on Session Manager for z/OS V1.1, refer to Software Announcement
202-349
, dated December 17, 2002.
Trademarks
-
-
MVS and IMS are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or
other countries or both.
-
-
VTAM, z/OS, OS/390, RACF, CICS, and Parallel Sysplex are registered trademarks of International
Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both.
-
-
Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.
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No education is provided specific to this product.
Visit the IBM IT Education Services Web site for educational information
Call IBM IT Global Services Education Services at 800-IBM-TEACH
(426-8322) for catalogs, schedules, and enrollments.
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Product information is available via the Offering Information Web site
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The following publications are provided for Session Manager for z/OS®
V1.2:
Order
Title number
Session Manager for z/OS V1.2 --
Installation and Getting Started GC34-6285
Technical Reference SC34-6286
Facilities Reference SC34-6287
Panels, Scripts, and Variables SC34-6288
Messages and Codes GC34-6289
Online and Batch Administration SC34-6366
Quick Reference SC34-6290
Program Directory GI10-2562
Of these, Online and Batch Administration was introduced since the
initial shipment of Release 1.
The Program Directory is delivered in hardcopy. All other publications
are available only in softcopy, in PDF format. They are provided by
download from the IBM Publications Center Web site at
If they are required in hardcopy, they can be printed from the PDF file.
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Hardware requirements
Session Manager runs on any S/390® or z/Architecture™ machine on which the applicable operating
system and software will run.
Software requirements
Session Manager requires:
-
OS/390® (5647-A01) V2.10
-
z/OS (5694-A01) V1.2, or later, including z/OS.e (5655-G52)
The product functions in the VTAM® environment of the operating system.
Customer requirements:
The enhancements in this release of Session Manager for z/OS satisfy the following customer
requirements identified by the IBM Sales team:
-
Dynamic menus, single sign-on for multiple CICS® regions
-
Enhanced administrative authority
-
Audit
-
Multiple sign-ons
-
Online operator facility to display/manage user sessions
-
Ability for user to change screens
-
Submit updates via batch job
-
Build user menus dynamically based on RACF®
-
System Administrators to change applications, profiles, users, and scripts
-
Submit batch reports
-
Exit point for inbound commands and datastreams
-
Use clear key as escape key
-
Disable auto scripts
-
Ability for users to dynamically add sessions to their menu
Planning information
Packaging:
The following items are delivered:
-
IBM International Program License Agreement (IPLA) in multilanguage booklet (Z125-3301)
-
License Information (GC34-6284) in multiple languages
-
Proof of Entitlement
-
Program Directory (GI10-2562)
-
A CBPDO or other Customized Offering delivery of the product on a 3480 1/2-inch tape cartridge
Security, auditability, and control
Session Manager for z/OS V1.2 uses the security and auditability features of the base operating
system under which it is operating. It also produces its own audit logs, providing a full audit
trail for all users.
The customer is responsible for evaluation, selection, and implementation of security features,
administrative procedures, and appropriate controls in application systems and communication
facilities.
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Session Manager for z/OS V1.2 is licensed under the IPLA. It has a single one-time license charge
(OTC) based on Value Units for program usage. It also has an annual recurring charge for enhanced
support that includes telephone assistance, service, and future product updates (enhancements and
new versions or releases).
There is no change to the existing ordering information which applies to Session Manager for z/OS
V1.1. It is stated fully here for the convenience of users.
Session Manager for z/OS V1.2 replaces Session Manager for z/OS V1.1, which will no longer be
available after the general availability of Session Manager for z/OS V1.2.
Existing customers who have Session Manager for z/OS V1.1, with a current Software Subscription and
Support agreement (5655-J98), are entitled to receive Session Manager for z/OS V1.2 at no charge. A
new order must be placed for the product, with delivery of media via the customized offerings.
Customers who do not have a current Software Subscription and Support agreement but wish to upgrade
to this new release must either place a new order for the product, or purchase Software Subscription
and Support, backdated to the date on which their current release of Session Manager for z/OS was
ordered. Having done the latter, they can place a new order for the product, and will receive
Session Manager for z/OS V1.2 at no charge.
Value Unit exhibit VUE007
MSUs MSUs
minimum maximum Value Units/MSU
Base 1 3 1
Tier A 4 45 0.45
Tier B 46 175 0.36
Tier C 176 315 0.27
Tier D 316 + 0.2
Value Units for non MSU-based S/390 processors:
Hardware Value Units/machine
MP3000 H30 6
MP3000 H50 8
MP3000 H70 12
ESL Models 2
Ordering example
The total number of Value Units is calculated according to the following example.
If the customer has installed 1,500 MSUs, the applicable Value Units would be:
Translation from MSUs to Value Units
MSUs * Value Units/MSU = Value Units
Base 3 * 1.00 = 3.00
Tier A 42 * .45 = 18.90
Tier B 130 * .36 = 46.80
Tier C 140 * .27 = 37.80
Tier D 1,185 * .20 = 237.00
Total 1,500 343.50
When calculating the total number of Value Units, the sum is to be rounded up to the next integer.
Example:
In the above ordering example, for the product running on a machine with 1,500 MSUs requiring 344
Value Units, order feature number, quantity 344.
Ordering z/OS through the Internet:
ShopzSeries provides an easy way to plan and order your z/OS ServerPac or CBPDO. It will analyze
your current installation, determine the correct product migration, and present your new
configuration based on z/OS. Additional products can also be added to your order (including
determination of whether all product requisites are satisfied). ShopzSeries is available in the
U.S. and several countries in Europe. In countries where ShopzSeries is not available yet, contact
your IBM representative (or IBM Business Partner) to handle your order via the traditional IBM
ordering process. For more details and availability, visit the ShopzSeries Web site at
The products in this announcement have one charge unit — Value Units.
Value Units for IBM 9672 processors will be based upon the full capacity
of these systems. This is applicable to all S/390-based systems that are
measured on MSU capacity. Information on MSU capacities can be found in
the IBM System/370™, System/390®, and zSeries® Machine Exhibit
(Z125-3901).
Value Units for zSeries will be based upon full MSU capacity as defined
in the Machine Exhibits.
A tool will be available that provides support for transforming the
MSU-based capacities of S/390 systems to new Value Units by calculating
the applicable number of Value Units for a given number of MSUs.
Basic license:
To order, specify the program number, feature number 9001 for asset
registration, and the one-time charge (OTC) feature number. Also specify
the feature number of the desired distribution medium. To suppress
shipment of media, select the license-only option in CFSW.
Program
Description number Medium
Session Manager 5655-K01 3480 1/2-inch
for z/OS V1 Tape
Cartridge
Session Manager
for z/OS V1 --
Software 5655-J98 Paper
Subscription
and Support
Program
Description number
Session Manager 5655-K01
for z/OS
One Value Unit
Entitlement Entity Material Identifier (MMID): S00XMKG
Subscription and support:
To receive voice technical support via telephone during normal
business hours and future releases and versions at no additional charge,
order Subscription and Support. The capacity of Subscription and Support
(Value Units) must be the same as the capacity ordered for the product
licenses.
To order, specify the support program number, 5655-J98, and feature
number 9001 for asset registration. IBM is also providing subscription
and support for these products via a separately purchased offering under
the terms of the IBM International Agreement for Acquisition of Support
(IAAS). This offering:
-
Includes and extends the support services provided in the base support to
include technical support via telephone during normal business hours.
-
Entitles customers to future releases and versions at no additional
charge. Note that customer is not entitled to new products.
Once subscription and support is ordered, the charges will renew
automatically annually unless cancelled by the customer.
Program
Description number
Subscription and 5655-J98
Support for
Session Manager
for z/OS
Per Value Unit
SW Subscription and
Support Registration
(no charge)
One Value Unit
Decline SW Subscription
and Support (no charge)
Entitlement Entity Material Identifier (MMID): S00XMK9
On/Off Capacity on Demand
Session Manager for z/OS, program number 5655-K01
Entitlement Entity
Material Identifier (MMID): S00XMKG
MSU-DAY(s)
Customized offerings
Product media is shipped only via Customized Offerings (for example, CBPDO, ServerPac,
Systempac®). Non-customized items (CDs, diskettes, source media, media kits) will continue to be
shipped via the stand-alone product.
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Agreement:
IPLA. Proofs of Entitlement are required for all authorized use.
These products are licensed under the IPLA, the associated Agreement for Acquisition of Support, and
the Addendum for Support (Z125-6435), which provides for support with ongoing access to releases and
versions of the program. These programs have a one-time license charge for use of the program and
an annual renewable charge for the enhanced support that includes telephone assistance (voice
support for defects during normal business hours) as well as access to updates, releases, and
versions of the program as long as support is in effect. S/390 and zSeries IBM Operational Support
Services — SoftwareXcel is an option for those customers who desire added services.
Limited warranty applies:
Yes
Program services
Warranty:
This program has warranty for a minimum of one year from acquisition from IBM or authorized
IBM Business Partner. The warranty provided to the customer, for at least one year from
acquisition, is access to databases (read Web sites) for program information and FAQs, including any
known fixes to defects, which the customer can download or obtain otherwise and install at leisure.
Program support:
Enhanced Support, called Subscription and Support, includes telephone assistance (voice support
for defects during normal business hours) as well as access to updates, releases, and versions of
the program as long as support is in effect. The customer will be notified of discontinuance of
support with 12 months' notice.
Money-back guarantee:
If for any reason you are dissatisfied with the program, return it within 30 days from the
invoice date to the party (either IBM or its reseller) from whom you acquired it for a refund. This
applies only to your first acquisition of the program.
Copy and use on home/portable computer:
No
Volume orders (IVO):
No
Passport Advantage® applies:
No
Software Maintenance applies:
No
For Operating System software, the revised IBM Operational Support Services — SoftwareXcel
offering will provide support for those operating systems and associated products that are not
available with the newly announced Software Maintenance offering. This will ensure total support
coverage for your enterprise needs, including IBM and selected non-IBM products. For complete lists
of products supported under both the current and revised SoftwareXcel offering, visit
For additional information on the revised IBM Operational Support
Services, refer to Services Announcement
601-023
, dated July 10, 2001.
IBM Operational Support Services — SoftwareXcel:
Yes
AIX®/UNIX® upgrade protection applies:
No
Entitled upgrade for current AIX/UNIX upgrade protection licensees:
No
iSeries™ Software Subscription applies:
No
Variable charges apply:
No
Educational allowance available:
Yes, 15% education allowance applies to qualified education
institution customers.
Subcapacity charges terms and conditions
IBM 
zSeries software charges
at less than full machine capacity for eligible tools apply when z/OS is running in z/Architecture
(64 bit) mode on a zSeries 900, no other MVS™-based operating system is licensed to that server
and the required information is provided by the customer in accordance with the applicable terms.
Subcapacity charges for an eligible tool is based on the z/OS product defined capacity. To obtain
charges at less than full machine capacity for eligible tools, the customer is required to
-
Determine the MSUs needed for each machine on which the tools will run. Only machines on which the
customer has implemented subcapacity Workstation License Charges (WLC) according to the above terms
and conditions, are eligible for charges at less than full machine capacity for the tools.
-
Use the product defined capacity for z/OS (as specified on the Subcapacity Reports submitted to IBM
for subcapacity WLC) as the subcapacity (MSUs) for each tool.
-
Submit any additional MSUs and/or Value Units required for each product along with the current
entitlement in Value Units for each product.
Subcapacity charges for tools
To be eligible for subcapacity charges for tools, the machine on which the tools are running must be
eligible for WLC subcapacity charges terms and conditions. The customer must have signed the
Attachment for zSeries Workload License Charges-Pre-ILM (Z125-6516), and submitted at least one
Subcapacity Report to IBM as defined in the attachment.
With subcapacity charges, the charge for an eligible tool is based on the z/OS product defined
capacity. To obtain charges at less than full machine capacity for each eligible tool for each
machine, the customer should:
-
Determine the MSUs needed for the machine on which the tools will run. In a data sharing
environment, determine the aggregate MSUs needed on the machine where the tools run. Use the
product defined capacity (MSUs) for z/OS (as specified on the Subcapacity Reports submitted to IBM
for subcapacity WLC) as the subcapacity (MSUs) for each tool.
-
Submit any additional MSUs and/or Value Units required for each product along with the current
entitlement in Value Units for each product.
-
If the use of subcapacity pricing terms for tools results in a reduced requirement for Value Units,
thus freeing up entitlements, customers can reallocate the entitlement difference by distributing
the Value Units across a larger or different set of systems, or reserve them for future growth.
There will be no refunds for these freed up Value Units. Subscription and Support volumes and
entitlements for existing contracts will continue to be at the same levels as the acquired licenses.
Management of the Value Unit entitlements continues to be a customer responsibility. If one of the
following occur on a machine to which tools are licensed, the customer must determine if additional
Value Units and Subscription and Support need to be ordered for those tools to cover the increase:
-
The z/OS defined capacity is increased.
-
The requirements for WLC subcapacity charges are no longer met.
On/Off Capacity on Demand
To be eligible for On/Off Capacity on Demand pricing, customers must be enabled for temporary
capacity on the corresponding hardware, and the required contract — Z125-6611, Attachment for
Customer Initiated Upgrade and IBM eServer® On/Off Capacity on Demand — Software — must be
signed prior to use.
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The prices provided in this announcement are suggested retail prices for the U.S. only and are
provided for your information only. Dealer prices may vary, and prices may also vary by country.
Prices are subject to change without notice. For additional information and current prices, contact
your local IBM representative.
The existing prices for Session Manager for z/OS are unaffected by this announcement. For price
information, refer to earlier announcements, or contact your IBM representative.
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To order, contact the Americas Call Centers, your local IBM representative, or your IBM Business
Partner.
To identify your local IBM representative or IBM Business Partner, call 800-IBM-4YOU (426-4968).
Phone: 800-IBM-CALL (426-2255)
Fax: 800-2IBM-FAX (242-6329)
Internet: ibm_direct@vnet.ibm.com
Mail: IBM Americas Call Centers
Dept: IBM CALL, 11th Floor
105 Moatfield Drive
North York, Ontario
Canada M3B 3R1
Reference: LE001
The Americas Call Centers, our national direct marketing organization, can add your name to the
mailing list for catalogs of IBM products.
Note:
Shipments will begin after the planned availability date.
Trademarks
-
-
z/Architecture, System/370, iSeries, and MVS are trademarks of International Business Machines
Corporation in the United States or other countries or both.
-
-
The e-business logo, z/OS, S/390, OS/390, VTAM, CICS, RACF, System/390, zSeries, Systempac, Passport
Advantage, AIX, and eServer are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation
in the United States or other countries or both.
-
-
UNIX is a registered trademark of the Open Company in the United States and other countries.
-
-
Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.
At a glance
