z/OS Communications Server

Assessment Program

The CS390 Services Assessment program assists leading edge Customers with examining new APPN/HPR and TCP/IP technologies and how they could be integrated in their network. Either APPN/HPR, or TCP/IP, or both, can be covered. The assessment includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• An on site assessment workshop with your team to:
• Understand your current network, goals and requirements. These often include moving from Subarea to APPN/HPR and to a TCP/IP backbone, and exploiting the Sysplex for its high availability and load balancing functions.
• Assess the skills available to implement the solution.
• The on-site assessment will take up to 3 days with participation by up to 2 IBM consultants.
• The assessment workshop will provide informal education for your team on such topics as:
• Differences between subarea and APPN.
• APPN borders, DLUR/DLUS, Connection Networks, Branch Extender, Enterprise Extender
• OSA Express and its implementation in SNA and TCP/IP networks
• Sysplex exploiting technologies: Generic resources, MNPS, DNS/WLM, VIPA, XCF and Sysplex Distributor
• Dynamic routing and OSPF.
• IBM, through discussions with your staff, will make recommendations for a migration design and implementation from your current environment to APPN/HPR, Enterprise Extender, high availability TCP/IP, or whatever your goal is.
• The discussions and recommendations made during the workshop will be documented in an Executive Summary report. In addition, we will outline our capabilities to provide design assistance and advice to you and your staff to accelerate your migration to APPN and TCP/IP.

The cost of this program will vary, depending on its length and the experience level of the consultants. It is usually billed hourly and lasts up to 80 hours with preparation and documentation. Travel time, for customers in the US, is not billable but actual travel expenses are billed separately.

For more information about z/OS Communications Server services offerings, contact Heather Johnson-Dunning at 336-643-7963 or hjd@us.ibm.com