Requirements for using the SFM policy

For a sysplex to take advantage of an SFM policy, the policy must be active on all systems in the sysplex. That is:

All systems must be running OS/390® or MVS/ESA SP Version 5.
An SFM policy must be started in the SFM couple data set.
All systems must have connectivity to the SFM couple data set.

If any system loses access to the SFM couple data set, the policy becomes inactive in the sysplex. If that system regains access to the SFM couple data set, SFM automatically becomes active again in the sysplex.

Similarly, if an MVS/ESA SP Version 4 system joins a sysplex where an SFM policy is active, the policy is disabled for the entire sysplex. When that system is removed from the sysplex, SFM automatically becomes active again in the sysplex.