Mainframe Systems
A Gateway to Information for MVS, OS/390 or z/OS

When technology complements business

Table of Contents

Version 11.11.14

	Introduction
	Technology Focus for the Mainframe
	Technology Focus, Non-Relational Data
	Technology Focus, VSAM Data Sets
	Technology Focus, QSAM or Sequential Files
	An Overview of Programs and Applications
	Reference Material
	Reference Material, Introduction to Mainframe Numeric Formats
	Reference Material, Data Content, Transfer, Share, Convert and Compare
	Summary
	Software Agreement and Disclaimer
	Downloads and Links to Similar Pages
	Glossary of Terms
	Comments, Suggestions or Feedback
	Company Overview

The SimoTime Home Page

Introduction
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The SimoTime Gateways to Technology offer practical, solution-oriented examples that focus on the use of specific technologies across a variety of operating systems and hardware platforms. This gateway will focus on mainframe systems.

Technology Focus for the Mainframe
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MVS, OS/390 or z/OS 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.

Technology Focus, Non-Relational Data
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The following is a list of links that provide information that is common to the non-relational data structures.

Item	Description
File_Status	A List of the Return codes or File Status codes
PDS's	This suite of programs and documentation will describe how to create and manage a Partitioned Data Set (PDS). It is quite common to refer to a PDS as a Library. The following examples use the IEFBR14 program along with a DD statement in the JCL to create, compress or delete a PDS. Also, sample programs are provided to copy members into or from a PDS.
GDG's	A Generation Data Group (or GDG) is a group of related files that can be referenced individually or as a group. The files (or generations) within a GDG are assigned names derived from the name of the GDG base. The individual files within a group have a generation number added to the end of the name to make each file name unique.

Links to White Papers and Examples for Non-Relational Data Structures

Technology Focus, 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.

Technology Focus, 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.

An Overview of Programs and Applications
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WIP

Item	Description
Assembler	Many of the applications running on IBM Mainframes include High Level Assembler (HLASM) routines or are written entirely in HLASM. This link is intended for individuals that are learning, creating or maintaining applications that include HLASM 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.
COBOL	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.
JCL PROCS	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.
VSAM QSAM	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.
Relational Data	Structured Query Language (SQL) is a standardized language for defining and manipulating data in a relational database. A relational database may be perceived as a set of tables. The tables can be created, viewed, changed, manipulated or deleted in accordance with the relational model. The SQL Connection provides a suite of sample programs and documentation that shows how to do practical task for creating and managing a relational data base. The sample programs use embedded SQL. Embedded SQL is SQL syntax written within an application programming languages such as COBOL and preprocessed by an SQL preprocessor before the application program is compiled. The SQL examples are written to compile and execute in the Micro Focus environment or an IBM Mainframe, DB2 environment or a Personal Computer using Windows and Micro Focus Mainframe Express.
CICS	The CICS Connection provides a suite of sample programs and documentation that show how to do practical tasks using CICS as the Transaction Manager. The CICS examples are written to compile and execute in the Micro Focus environment or an IBM Mainframe. This material is intended for individuals that are learning, creating or maintaining CICS application programs. The programs were created on an IBM Mainframe System and have been transferred, compiled and tested in Micro Focus Mainframe Express and Micro Focus Server, Enterprise Edition.

Links to Mainframe Oriented Programs and Application Examples

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.

Reference Material, 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 review session that describes the most commonly used numeric formats. Specific documents for the various numeric formats are as follows.

Item	Description
Number_Formats	This document is an introduction to the various numeric formats used by COBOL and the IBM mainframe systems The session will describe three of the popular numeric formats used with COBOL and IBM Mainframe systems. The discussions include further detail about the issues and concerns of unsigned (or implied positive) numbers, signed (positive or negative) numbers and decimal or whole numbers. A sample of how to convert non-print formats to display or print formats is included along with a sample COBOL program.
Zoned_Decimal	This document will focus on a discussion of a numeric field (or data string) format referred to as zoned decimal and is commonly used on an IBM Mainframe System. This is the default numeric format for COBOL and may be explicitly defined with the "USAGE IS DISPLAY" clause.
Packed	This document will focus on a discussion of a numeric field (or data string) known as "PACKED-DECIMAL" format (also referred to as packed data or a packed numeric field). This format is used on an IBM Mainframe and is supported by Micro Focus COBOL running on Windows or UNIX.
Binary	This document provides an overview (description and discussion of content and size) of binary (or COMP) fields as they are implemented on an IBM Mainframe or a Micro Focus Wintel or Unix environment.
Edited	This document will focus on the discussion of an edited numeric format (or using an edit mask) that is typically used by COBOL programmers that maintain or support Mainframe applications. The edited numeric format is typically used to prepare or convert numeric data that is stored in a variety of formats into a format that is easily read by human beings or easily exported to a non-Mainframe or non-COBOL environment such as an excel spreadsheet running on a Windows platform.

Links to Reference Material for the SimoTime Mainframe Gateway

Reference Material, Data Content, Transfer, Share, Convert and Compare
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This item will provide links to additional information about data content and data management.

Item	Description
Tables ASCII/EDCDIC	This table is provided as a reference for ASCII and EBCDIC translation. When moving information (files or data buffers) between EBCDIC machines and ASCII machines it is quite often necessary to convert the information. If the data strings contain only display or printable characters then it is a straightforward, byte for byte conversion. However, in the real world the actual conversion of data strings between the ASCII and EBCDIC encoding schemas is usually more complicated than a simple byte for byte conversion. For example, if the data strings contain packed or binary data or control information then the data conversion becomes content sensitive.
Data Abstract	Ever since the second computer was introduced into the world the file management tasks of data file transfer, share, convert and compare (or data file validation) have been technically challenging. This document is an overview of the data file management task involved in today's world of mainframe and distributed systems.
Data Transfer	This document is an introduction or overview of the data file transfer aspects of an application or data migration between a mainframe system and a Windows system. Many of the topics are appropriate for Linux and UNIX Systems.
Data Convert	Data conversions may be driven by business requirements or system requirements such as changes in system architectures. This document is an introduction or overview of the data file conversion aspects of an application or data migration between a mainframe system and a distributed system.
Data Compare	Reviewing the results obtained during a regression test that follows a system, application or programming change is one of the factors that drive a requirement for comparing data files. The scope of this effort is dependent of the type (or format) of file being compared and the complexity of the record structure within the file. Comparing the files is only half of the effort. What to do once an error (or non-equal) condition occurs can be a significant part of the effort.

Links to Reference Material for Non-Relational Data Processing Tasks

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. In the world of programming there are many ways to solve a problem. This documents and the links to other documents are intended to provide a choice of alternatives.

Software Agreement and Disclaimer
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Permission to use, copy, modify and distribute this software, documentation or training material for any purpose requires a fee to be paid to SimoTime Enterprises. Once the fee is received by SimoTime the latest version of the software, documentation or training material will be delivered and a license will be granted for use within an enterprise, 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 without the written permission of SimoTime Enterprises.

SimoTime Enterprises makes no warranty or representations about the suitability of the software, documentation or learning material for any purpose. It is provided "AS IS" without any expressed 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, documentation or training material.

SimoTime Enterprises makes no warranty or representations about the suitability of the software, documentation or learning material 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, documentation or training material.

Downloads and Links to Similar Pages
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This section includes links to documents with additional information that is beyond the scope and purpose of this document.

To review all the information available on this site start at The SimoTime Home Page .

Note: You must be attached to the Internet to download a Z-Pack or view the list.

This document provides a quick summary of the File Status Key for VSAM data sets and QSAM files. This link requires an Internet connection.

Glossary of Terms
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Check out The SimoTime Glossary for a list of terms and definitions used in the documents provided by SimoTime.

Comments, Suggestions or Feedback
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This document was created and is maintained by SimoTime Enterprises.

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

We appreciate hearing from you.

Company Overview
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Founded in 1987, SimoTime Enterprises is a privately owned company. 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

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Mainframe Systems - A Gateway to Information for MVS, OS/390 or z/OS

When technology complements business

http://www.simotime.com

Introduction (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Technology Focus for the Mainframe (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Technology Focus, Non-Relational Data (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Technology Focus, VSAM Data Sets (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Technology Focus, QSAM or Sequential Files (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

An Overview of Programs and Applications (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Reference Material (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Reference Material, Introduction to Mainframe Numeric Formats (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Reference Material, Data Content, Transfer, Share, Convert and Compare (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Summary (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Software Agreement and Disclaimer (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Downloads and Links to Similar Pages (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Glossary of Terms (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Comments, Suggestions or Feedback (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Company Overview (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)