Mainframe System When technology complements business   Gateway to MVS, OS/390 or z/OS

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Introduction
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The SimoTime Gateways to Technology offer practical, solution-oriented examples that use specific technologies.

Technology Focus for the Mainframe
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MVS or OS/390 running on an IBM mainframe provides an environment for managing very large data bases and processing a variety of applications for a large number of users. The intent of this document is to provide working examples that may be used by programmers in their day to day work.

VSAM Data Sets
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VSAM, Keyed-Sequential-Data-Set (or KSDS) are very widely used on the mainframe. Many CICS applications depend heavily on information that is stored in VSAM Keyed-Sequential-Data Sets. The following provides additional information about the use of VSAM data set.

QSAM or Sequential Files
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QSAM or Sequential Files are still widely used on mainframes. When data needs to be transferred from a mainframe to another system it is quite common to use a sequential file. If the primary information is not stored in a sequential file it is usually REPRO'ed (i.e. copied) to a sequential file.

Examples of Programs and Applications
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This section provides programming examples targeted for a mainframe running MVS or OS/390.

The 370 Assembler Connection
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Many of the applications running on IBM Mainframes include 370 Assembler routines or are written in 370 Assembler. This link is intended for individuals that are learning, creating or maintaining applications that include 370 Assembler routines or programs. Unless otherwise stated the examples provided in  The Assembler Connection  will run on an IBM Mainframe using MVS or a Personal Computer using Windows and Micro Focus Mainframe Express.

The COBOL Connection
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Many of the applications running on IBM Mainframes are COBOL centric or written entirely in COBOL. This link is intended for individuals that are learning, creating or maintaining applications that are COBOL centric. Unless otherwise stated the examples provided in  The COBOL Connection  will run on an IBM Mainframe using MVS or a Personal Computer using Windows and Micro Focus Mainframe Express.

The Mainframe JCL Connection
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Batch applications running on IBM Mainframes with MVS or OS/390 usually require a JCL (Job Control Language) member to allocate data files and run the programs in a predefined sequence. This link is intended for individuals that are learning, creating or maintaining batch applications and need examples of mainframe JCL. Unless otherwise stated the examples provided in  The JCL Connection  will run on an IBM Mainframe using MVS or a Personal Computer using Windows and Micro Focus Mainframe Express.

The VSAM-QSAM Connection
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Many of the applications running on IBM Mainframes access information that is stored in VSAM Data Sets or QSAM files. This link is intended for individuals that are learning, creating or maintaining applications that access VSAM data sets or QSAM files. Unless otherwise stated the examples provided in  The VSAM-QSAM Connection  will run on an IBM Mainframe using MVS or a Personal Computer using Windows and Micro Focus Mainframe Express.

Reference Material
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The purpose of this section is to provide reference material or links to reference materials that are helpful for mainframe programmers.

Introduction to Mainframe Numeric Formats
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The mainframe has a variety of numeric formats. The Introduction to Mainframe Numeric Formats is a training session that describes the three most commonly used numeric formats. Specific documents for each of the numeric formats are as follows.

Binary Tables, EBCDIC, ASCII and Hexadecimal Values
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This item will provide a link to  an ASCII or EBCDIC translation table. A column for decimal, hexadecimal and binary is also included.

File Status or Return Codes
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This document provides a quick summary of the  File Status Key  for VSAM data sets and QSAM files.

Summary
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The purpose of this document is to assist as a tutorial for new programmers or as a quick reference for experienced programmers. This section provides access to various other WEB sites. The links are provided solely as a convenience to you and not as an endorsement by SimoTime Enterprises of the content of such Web sites. SimoTime Enterprises is not responsible for the content of linked Web sites and does not make any representations regarding the content or accuracy of materials on such linked Web sites. If you decide to access linked Web sites, you do so at your own risk.

Software Agreement and Disclaimer
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Permission to use, copy, modify and distribute this software for any non-commercial purpose and without fee is hereby granted, provided the SimoTime copyright notice appear on all copies of the software. The SimoTime name or Logo may not be used in any advertising or publicity pertaining to the use of the software.

SimoTime Enterprises makes no warranty or representations about the suitability of the software for any purpose. It is provided "AS IS" without any express or implied warranty, including the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement. SimoTime Enterprises shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special or consequential damages resulting from the loss of use, data or projects, whether in an action of contract or tort, arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of this software.

Links to Similar Pages of Interest
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Check out   The SimoTime Home Page for more examples of mainframe programming techniques and sample code.

Comments or Suggestions
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If you have any questions, suggestions or comments please call or send an e-mail to: helpdesk@simotime.com

About SimoTime Enterprises, LLC
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Founded in 1987, SimoTime Enterprises is a privately owned, Limited Liability Corporation located in Novato, California. We specialize in the creation and deployment of business applications using new or existing technologies and services. We have a team of individuals that understand the broad range of technologies being used in today's environments. This includes the smallest thin client using the Internet and the very large mainframe systems. There is more to making the Internet work for your company's business than just having a nice looking WEB site. It is about combining the latest technologies and existing technologies with practical business experience. It's about the business of doing business and looking good in the process. Quite often, to reach larger markets or provide a higher level of service to existing customers it requires the newer Internet technologies to work in a complementary manner with existing corporate mainframe systems. Whether you want to use the Internet to expand into new market segments or as a delivery vehicle for existing business functions simply give us a call or check the web site at http://www.simotime.com