Accommodate functions for the z196 and z114 servers to be discontinued on future servers

Description

The following changes in hardware support could affect your environment. Make the appropriate changes as needed.
  • ISC-3 features (#0217, #0218, #0219). The IBM® zEnterprise® zEC12 is planned to be the last high-end System z® server to offer support of the InterSystem Channel-3 (ISC-3) for Parallel Sysplex® environments at extended distances. ISC-3 will not be supported on future high-end System z servers as carry forward on an upgrade. Previously it was announced that the IBM zEnterprise 196 (z196) and IBM zEnterprise 114 (z114) servers were the last to offer ordering of ISC-3. Enterprises should continue migrating from ISC-3 features (#0217, #0218, #0219) to 12x InfiniBand (#0171 - HCA3-O fanout) or 1x InfiniBand (#0170 - HCA3-O LR fanout) coupling links.
  • Power® Sequence Controller (PSC feature #6501). The last zEnterprise server machines to support PSC (feature #6501) are the z196 (machine type 2817) and z114 (machine type 2818). PSC features cannot be ordered and cannot be carried forward on an upgrade to the zEC12 server. The optional PSC feature is used to turn on or off specific control units from the central processor complex (CPC).
  • ESCON channels. The last zEnterprise server to support ESCON channels are the z196 (machine type 2817) and z114 (machine type 2818). In addition, ESCON channels cannot be carried forward on an upgrade to the zEC12 server. This applies to channel path identifier (CHPID) types CNC, CTC, CVC, and CBY and to feature numbers 2323 and 2324. You should be migrating from ESCON to FICON® and eliminating ESCON channels from the mainframe wherever possible. Alternate solutions are available for connectivity to ESCON devices. IBM Global Technology Services offers an ESCON to FICON migration solution, Offering ID #6948-97D, to help facilitate migration from ESCON to FICON. This offering can help you to simplify and manage a single physical and operational environment.
  • OSA-Express2 features. The z196 is the last high-end server, and the z114 is the last mid-range server, to support OSA-Express2 features. OSA-Express2 features are not supported on future servers. You should begin migrating from OSA-Express2 features (#3364, #3365, #3366) to OSA-Express3 1000BaseT and OSA-Express4S features.
  • Dial-up modems. The z196 is the last high-end server, and the z114 is the last mid-range server, to support dial-up modems for use with the Remote Support Facility (RSF), and the External Time Source (ETS) option of Server Time Protocol (STP). These features are not supported on future servers. The currently available Network Time Protocol (NTP) server option for ETS, as well as Internet time services available using broadband connections, can be used to provide the same degree of accuracy as dial-up time services. You should begin migrating from dial-up modems to broadband for RSF connections.
Note: IBM's statements regarding its plans, directions, and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice at IBM's sole discretion. Information regarding potential future products is intended to outline our general product direction and it should not be relied on in making a purchasing decision. The information mentioned regarding potential future products is not a commitment, promise, or legal obligation to deliver any material, code, or functionality. Information about potential future products may not be incorporated into any contract. The development, release, and timing of any future features or functionality described for our products remains at our sole discretion

Table 1 provides more details about this migration action. Use this information to plan your changes to the system.

Table 1. Information about this migration action
Element or feature: Multiple.
When change was introduced:
  • 12 July 2011 in U.S. Announcement Letter 211-252.
  • 15 February 2011 in U.S. Announcement Letter 111-012.
  • 22 July 2010 in U.S. Announcement letter 110-170.
Applies to migration from: z/OS V2R2, z/OS V2R1, and z/OS V1R13.
Timing: Before migrating to a z114 or z196 server.
Is the migration action required? Yes.
Target system hardware requirements: See Description.
Target system software requirements: None.
Other system (coexistence or fallback) requirements: None.
Restrictions: None.
System impacts: None.
Related IBM Health Checker for z/OS® check: None.

Steps to take

Take into account the statements in Description as you plan for the future.

Reference information

None.

Parent topic: Migrate to an IBM zEnterprise z196 or z114 server