The following are some basic terms and definitions:

SMS complex

A system or a collection of systems that share a common configuration including a common active control data set (ACDS) and a common communication data set (COMMDS) pair. The SMS configuration now supports up to 32 system names, system group names, or both.

Parallel Sysplex®

A collection of MVS systems in a multi-system environment supported by the cross-system coupling facility (XCF).

System name

The name of the system where an SMS operation is being performed.

System group

The system names within a Parallel Sysplex, excluding those systems in that sysplex, if any, that are individually defined in the SCDS. This support can be used even if the XCF is not active.