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IMS Tools Solution Packs Frequently Asked Questions

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Abstract

This document answers many frequently asked questions and provides hints and tips for optimal setup of IMS Tools solution packs.

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IMS Tools Solution Packs Frequently Asked Questions

This document answers many frequently asked questions and provides hints and tips for optimal setup of IMS™ Tools solution packs.


Question: What are IMS Tools solution packs?

IMS Tools solution packs are products and components that are grouped together to provide a more affordable, comprehensive portfolio of IBM® IMS Tools. The IMS Tools solution packs are designed to assist database administrators and system administrators with complete solutions to IMS operation and maintenance tasks.

The following sections list the products and components that are included in each IMS Tools solution pack:


IBM Tools Base for z/OS®
Tools Base consists of assimilated products and common infrastructure that is used by IBM IMS Tools. Tools Base is a no-charge product that must be ordered separately by using Shopz. Tools Base requires a license and must be installed prior to installing any of the IMS Tools solution packs related to database maintenance: IMS Database Solution Pack, IMS Database Utility Solution, IMS Fast Path Solution Pack, IMS Recovery Solution Pack.
The following table lists the Tools Base components.

Important: The information contained in the following table is accurate as of September 25, 2020. For comprehensive information about the material and procedures associated with the installation of IBM Tools Base for z/OS, see the Program Directory for IBM Tools Base for z/OS.
FMID
Component name
HAHN160 IBM Tools Base Administration Console for z/OS
IBM Tools Base Autonomics Director for z/OS
IBM Tools Base Connection Server for z/OS
IBM Tools Base Distributed Access Infrastructure for z/OS
IBM Tools Base IMS Hardware Data Compression Extended for z/OS
IBM Tools Base IMS Tools Common Services for z/OS
IBM Tools Base IMS Tools Knowledge Base for z/OS
IBM Tools Base Policy Services for z/OS

IBM IMS Database Solution Pack for z/OS
IMS Database Solution Pack offers features, functions, and processes that DBAs can use to more effectively analyze, maintain, and tune IMS full-function databases, including High Availability Large Databases (HALDBs). It offers features to help ensure that your databases are tuned and operational, supporting 24x7 availability. IMS Database Solution Pack provides a comprehensive set of high performance utilities to unload, load, index build, reorganize, backup, verify, and report on full-function databases. IMS Database Solution Pack can help reduce the operational complexity and the impact of database reorganization on system resources.
The following table lists the IMS Database Solution Pack for z/OS components.

Important: The information contained in the following table is accurate as of September 25, 2020. For comprehensive information about the material and procedures associated with the installation of IBM IMS Database Solution Pack for z/OS, see the Program Directory for IBM IMS Database Solution Pack for z/OS.
 
FMID
Component name
HAHP220 IBM IMS Database Solution Pack for z/OS
IBM IMS Database Solution Pack for z/OS: Database Sensor
H25N410 IBM IMS Database Reorganization Expert for z/OS
H1IN120 IBM IMS High Performance Unload for z/OS
H1IM210 IBM IMS High Performance Load for z/OS
H1IP310 IBM IMS High Performance Prefix Resolution for z/OS
H22O310 IBM IMS Index Builder for z/OS
H1J0420 IBM IMS High Performance Image Copy for z/OS
H27P220 IBM IMS Library Integrity Utilities for z/OS
HPC2310 IBM IMS High Performance Pointer Checker for z/OS
H22K310 IBM IMS Database Repair Facility for z/OS
HHRF110 IMS Online Reorganization Facility for z/OS
HIHC110 IMS High Availability Large Database (HALDB) Toolkit for z/OS
HALC110 IMS Administration Tool for z/OS
IBM IMS Database Utility Solution for z/OS
IMS Database Utility Solution Pack enables you to reorganize IMS full-function and High Availability Large Databases (HALDBs). It integrates various IMS utilities and offers features to help keep databases tuned and operational. This solution pack helps reduce operational complexity and the impact of database reorganization on system resources.
The following table lists the IMS Database Solution Pack for z/OS components.

Important: The information contained in the following table is accurate as of September 25, 2020. For comprehensive information about the material and procedures associated with the installation of IBM IMS Database Solution Pack for z/OS, see the Program Directory for IBM IMS Database Solution Pack for z/OS.
 
FMID
Component name
HDFA210 IBM IMS Database Utility Solution for z/OS
IBM IMS Database Solution Pack for z/OS: Database Sensor
H25N410 IBM IMS Database Reorganization Expert for z/OS
H1IN120 IBM IMS High Performance Unload for z/OS
H1IM210 IBM IMS High Performance Load for z/OS
H22O310 IBM IMS Index Builder for z/OS
H1J0420 IBM IMS High Performance Image Copy for z/OS
H27P220 IBM IMS Library Integrity Utilities for z/OS
HPC2310 IBM IMS High Performance Pointer Checker for z/OS
H22K310 IBM IMS Database Repair Facility for z/OS
HIHC110 IMS High Availability Large Database (HALDB) Toolkit for z/OS

IBM IMS Fast Path Solution Pack for z/OS
IMS Fast Path Solution Pack offers extensive utilities and functions that DBAs can use to analyze, maintain, and tune IMS Fast Path databases (DEDBs). Additionally, this solution pack provides features that can help boost system availability by enabling the operation of a variety of key functions without taking the IMS databases offline.
The following table lists the IMS Fast Path Solution Pack components.

Important: The information contained in the following table is accurate as of September 25, 2020. For comprehensive information about the material and procedures associated with the installation of IBM IMS Fast Path Solution Pack for z/OS, see the Program Directory for IBM IMS Fast Path Solution Pack for z/OS.
FMID
Component name
HAHQ210 IBM IMS Fast Path Solution Pack for z/OS
IBM IMS Fast Path Solution Pack for z/OS: IMS High Performance Fast Path Utilities for z/OS
IBM IMS Fast Path Solution Pack for z/OS: Database Sensor
H27P220 IBM IMS Library Integrity Utilities for z/OS
H1J0420 IBM IMS High Performance Image Copy for z/OS
H22K310 IBM IMS Database Repair Facility for z/OS

IBM IMS Performance Solution Pack for z/OS
IMS Performance Solution Pack delivers a comprehensive portfolio of IMS performance management tools. These tools are complementary, making the end-to-end analysis of IMS transactions faster and easier, thus supporting improved productivity for problem analysts, improved IMS application performance, more efficient IMS resource utilization, and higher system availability.
The following table lists the IMS Performance Solution Pack components.

Important: The information contained in the following table is accurate as of September 25, 2020. For comprehensive information about the material and procedures associated with the installation of IBM IMS Performance Solution Pack for z/OS, see the Program Directory for IBM IMS Performance Solution Pack for z/OS.
FMID
Component name
HAHL220 IBM IMS Performance Solution Pack for z/OS
H28T250 IBM IMS Problem Investigator for z/OS
H23K440 IBM IMS Performance Analyzer for z/OS
H28S310 IBM IMS Connect Extensions for z/OS
Important: IBM Common Services Library for z/OS is required for IMS Performance Solution Pack. Common Services Library is a no-charge product that must be ordered separately by using Shopz.

IBM IMS Recovery Solution Pack for z/OS
IMS Recovery Solution Pack combines several IMS products into a single consolidated solution providing everything necessary to ensure the timely recovery of IMS database assets.
The following table lists the IMS Recovery Solution Pack components.

Important: The information contained in the following table is accurate as of September 25, 2020. For comprehensive information about the material and procedures associated with the installation of IBM IMS Recovery Solution Pack for z/OS, see the Program Directory for IBM IMS Recovery Solution Pack for z/OS.
FMID
Component name
HAHM210 IBM IMS Recovery Solution Pack for z/OS
IBM IMS Recovery Solution Pack for z/OS: IMS Database Recovery Facility
IBM IMS Recovery Solution Pack for z/OS: IMS Database Recovery Facility: Extended Functions
IBM IMS Recovery Solution Pack for z/OS: IMS High Performance Change Accumulation Utility for z/OS
H22O310 IBM IMS Index Builder for z/OS
H1J0420 IBM IMS High Performance Image Copy for z/OS
HAEP220 IBM IMS Recovery Expert for z/OS
IBM IMS Transaction Manager Solution Pack for z/OS
IMS Transaction Manager Solution Pack includes a set tools that are designed to help you manage and monitor your IMS Transaction Manager within a z/OS-based environment. You can improve application resource changes, enhance the manageability of workloads, manage message queues and more.
The following table lists the IMS Transaction Manager Solution Pack components.

Important: The information contained in the following table is accurate as of September 25, 2020. For comprehensive information about the material and procedures associated with the installation of IBM IMS Transaction Manager Solution Pack for z/OS, see the Program Directory for IBM IMS Transaction Manager Solution Pack for z/OS.
FMID
Component name
H24Q240 IBM IMS High Performance System Generation Tools for z/OS
HAAF230 IBM IMS Configuration Manager for z/OS
H28S310 IBM IMS Connect Extensions for z/OS
H1J4320 IBM IMS ETO Support for z/OS
H0GN320 IBM IMS Queue Control Facility for z/OS
H31S130
H32A130
IBM IMS Sysplex Manager for z/OS

Question: How do I order IMS Tools solution packs?

You can order IMS Tools solution packs from the IBM Shopz website at https://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/ShopzSeries/ShopzSeries.jsp.

Important: IBM Tools Base for z/OS is required for any of the IMS Tools solution packs related to database maintenance: IMS Database Solution Pack, IMS Database Utility Solution, IMS Fast Path Solution Pack, IMS Recovery Solution Pack. Tools Base is a no-charge product that must be ordered separately by using Shopz.


Question: How should I customize the IMS Tools solution packs and IBM Tools Base components?
To customize any of the IMS Tools solution packs and required IBM Tools Base components, use the IMS Tools SETUP utility, which is distributed with IBM Tools Base for z/OS.  The SETUP utility is a Rexx utility that provides an ISPF interface to guide you through the customization of all required tools, including IBM Tools Base components. SETUP will generate JCL/Tasks in the order in which they must be executed by you and consolidates like tasks to avoid repetitive requests within your organization.  IBM strongly recommends you use the IMS Tools SETUP utility to consolidate the customization of any of the following IMS Tools solution packs and the IBM Tools Base components:
  • IBM Tools Base components
  • IMS Database Solution Pack
  • IMS Database Utility Solution
  • IMS Fast Path Solution Pack
  • IMS Recovery Solution Pack
SETUP also supports these standalone products:
  • IMS Administration Tool for z/OS
  • IMS Cloning Tool for z/OS
  • IMS Program Restart Facility for z/OS
By using SETUP, you do not have to refer to any configuration guides. It also provides an easy and quick way to verify the installation and customization.

To begin the customization process, execute the following Rexx EXEC in ISPF:
    EXEC ‘yourSMPEhlq.SHKTCEXE(HKTQSETU)’  ‘yourSMPEhlq’

Question: What is IBM Tools Base for z/OS and why do I need it?

IBM Tools Base for z/OS, also referred to as Tools Base, contains common infrastructure components, such as the IMS Tools Knowledge Base repositories and the Administration Console graphical web interface, that are used by multiple IBM IMS Tools. Tools Base is a no-charge product that must be ordered separately by using Shopz. Tools Base requires a license and must be installed prior to using the IMS Tools solution packs. Tools Base also includes the Rexx EXEC utility that is used to customize the IMS Tools solution packs.

Tools Base is comprised of the following components:



Modernization (GUI)
  • Components that provides a modern graphical user interface in addition to the standard ISPF interface:

    IBM Tools Base Administration Console for z/OS
    • Administration Console provides a centralized, browser-based view of data and activity gathered by IMS Tools operating in an IMS database environment. Data is consolidated from installed IBM IMS Tools solution pack components and displayed in an intuitive and interactive graphical web interface.

      Administration Console is used by the following IMS Tools solution packs:
      • IMS Database Solution Pack
      • IMS Fast Path Solution Pack
  • IMS Batch Terminal Simulator Resource Adapter
    • IMS Batch Terminal Simulator provides a resource adapter that you can use instead of the IMS Transaction Manager resource adapter (TMRA) to test TMRA client applications. By using the IMS Batch Terminal Simulator resource adapter (BTSRA), you can test and debug TMRA client applications without fully using IMS resources. Instead, the application is tested on IMS Batch Terminal Simulator by using the JCL DD statements and parameters that are specified in an XML file, which is exported from the Eclipse interface.

    IMS Batch Terminal Simulator GUI plugin
    • IMS Batch Terminal Simulator can be used with an Eclipse development environment, such as Rational® Developer for System z® and Debug Tool. By using Eclipse, application developers can run and test IMS applications from the Eclipse development environment, which helps reduce the amount of z/OS specific knowledge that an application developer requires to test IMS applications.

    IBM Tools Base Connection Server for z/OS
    • Connection Server extends ISPF functions for specific IBM IMS tools to Eclipse-based applications. Connection Server is used by the IMS Performance Solution Pack.

Autonomics
Components that simplify common database maintenance tasks by collecting database state information, analyzing this data, and providing passive or active responses to conditions that exceed specified threshold values:

IBM Tools Base Autonomics Director for z/OS
Autonomics Director schedules and automates common database maintenance tasks. Sensor-enabled IBM IMS Tools products capture the state of specific database conditions and store this data in a centralized repository. Autonomics Director uses Policy Services to evaluate this data and then makes recommendations, such as indicating a need to perform database reorganization.

Autonomics Director is used by the following IMS Tools solution packs:
  • IMS Database Solution Pack
  • IMS Database Utility Solution
  • IMS Fast Path Solution Pack
IBM Tools Base Policy Services for z/OS 
Policy Services uses policies and rules to evaluate the sensor data collected by IBM IMS Tools products, and then provides a response to any condition that has exceeded the specified threshold values.

Policy Services is used by the following IMS Tools solution packs:
  • IMS Database Solution Pack
  • IMS Database Utility Solution
  • IMS Fast Path Solution Pack
IBM Tools Base IMS Tools Knowledge Base for z/OS
IMS Tools Knowledge Base manages centralized repositories that are created to store and view a variety of data including reports, policies, rules, notification lists, database state (sensor) data, exceptions, recommendations, and evaluation schedules.
IMS Tools Knowledge Base is used by the following IMS Tools solution packs:
  • IMS Database Solution Pack
  • IMS Database Utility Solution
  • IMS Fast Path Solution Pack
  • IMS Recovery Solution Pack

IMS Tools Common Services
Components that facilitate the interactions between the various IBM IMS tools, and between IBM IMS tools and IMS:
  • IBM Tools Base IMS Tools Common Services for z/OS
    IMS Tools Common Services includes the Generic Exits for calling multiple exit routines from a single exit point, and the Tools Online System Interface that provides a command interface between IMS and IBM IMS Tools.
    IMS Tools Common Services is used by the following IMS Tools solution packs:
    • IMS Database Solution Pack
    • IMS Database Utility Solution
    • IMS Fast Path Solution Pack
    • IMS Recovery Solution Pack
IBM Tools Base Distributed Access Infrastructure for z/OS
Distributed Access Infrastructure enables distributed clients to access IBM IMS tools through TCP/IP socket communication.
IBM Tools Base IMS Hardware Data Compression Extended for z/OS
IMS Hardware Data Compression Extended provides functions for compressing IMS data by using the z/OS hardware data compression (HDC) that is available on IBM processors.

Question: I have multiple IMS Tools solution packs. How should I set up my environment?

Because each customer has their own way of performing SMP/E installation, we have provided two scenarios to help you determine the best method.

Scenario 1: Single CSI environment

In this scenario, a single CSI environment is set up that contains multiple IMS Tools solution packs. When maintaining a single CSI environment, consider the following:
 
Single IMS Tools solution pack CSI
Global HLQ.SMP*
Target HLQ.S******
DLIB HLQ.A******

When using the single CSI method, another CSI environment can be created, referred to as a TEST environment. New versions or releases of IMS Tools can be installed into this TEST environment with no effect on the libraries that are used for production and maintenance. For example:
 
Production CSI
TEST CSI
Global HLQ.SMP* HLQ.TEST.SMP*
Target HLQ.S****** HLQ.TEST.S******
DLIB HLQ.A****** HLQ.TEST.A****
Scenario 2: Multiple CSI environments
In this scenario, each IMS Tools solution pack has its own CSI environment. When maintaining multiple CSI environments, consider the following:
 
IMS Database Solution Pack CSI
IMS Fast Path Solution Pack CSI
IMS Recovery Solution Pack CSI
Global HLQ.DBSOL. SMP* HLQ.FPSOL.SMP* HLQ.SMP*
Target HLQ.DBSOL.S****** HLQ.FPSOL.S****** HLQ.S******
DLIB HLQ.DBSOL.A****** HLQ.FPSOL.A****** HLQ.A******

Question: I see that some products are delivered in multiple IMS Tools solution packs. Does this mean that I need to install and maintain multiple copies of these products?

No. Although some IMS Tools products are delivered in multiple packs, you do not need to install and maintain multiple copies of the same product. IBM IMS Tools that are shared by multiple IMS Tools solution packs have the same Function Modification Identifier (FMID). For example, the FMID for IBM IMS High Performance Image Copy for z/OS is the same whether it was included in IBM IMS Recovery Solution Pack for z/OS or in IBM IMS Database Solution Pack for z/OS. This recommendation applies to all products that are shared across multiple IMS Tools solution packs.

The following table shows the IBM IMS Tools products that are delivered in multiple IMS Tools solution packs. Note that in addition to the components listed, IMS Database Solution Pack contains all of the components of IMS Database Utility Solution.

IMS Tool
IMS Database Solution Pack
IMS Database Utility Solution
IMS Fast Path Solution Pack
IMS Recovery Solution Pack
IMS Database Repair Facility
X
X
X
-
IMS High Performance Image Copy
X
X
X
X
IMS Library Integrity Utilities
X
X
X
-
IMS Index Builder
X
X
-
X
IMS Tool
IMS Performance Solution Pack
IMS Transaction Manager Solution Pack
IMS Connect Extensions
X
X

Where can I find the DDNAMEs that are used by my IMS Tools solution pack?
For comprehensive information about the material and procedures associated with the installation of IMS Tools solution packs, see the associated program directory:

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Document Information

Modified date:
25 March 2021

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swg21590864