What is SMP/E?

SMP/E is the basic tool for installing and maintaining software in OS/390® or z/OS® systems and subsystems. It controls these changes at the element level by:

Selecting the proper levels of elements to be installed from a large number of potential changes
Calling system utility programs to install the changes
Keeping records of the installed changes

SMP/E is an integral part of the installation, service, and maintenance processes for CBPDOs, ProductPacs, RefreshPacs, and selective follow-on service for CustomPacs. In addition, SMP/E can be used to install and service any software that is packaged in SMP/E system modification (SYSMOD) format.

SMP/E can be run either using batch jobs or using dialogs under Interactive System Productivity Facility/Program Development Facility (ISPF/PDF). SMP/E dialogs help you interactively query the SMP/E database, as well as create and submit jobs to process SMP/E commands.

These are some of the types of software that can be installed by SMP/E:

Products and service provided in CBPDOs and CustomPac offerings
Products and service from IBM® Software Distribution Centers not provided in CBPDOs or CustomPac offerings
Service provided in Expanded Service Options (ESOs)
Other products and service

SMP/E can install software from any of these sources, provided it is packaged as a system modification, or SYSMOD.