IBM System z Parallel Sysplex Operations ES73G

The audience includes operations personnel and technical staff who are directly involved in the installation, operation, systems support, and software support of their Parallel Sysplex environment.

• Describe common sysplex terminology, concepts, and benefits provided by a Parallel Sysplex configuration
• Identify the basic hardware and software components that make up the Parallel Sysplex environment and how they are used
• Use z/OS MVS commands to identify XCF signaling and sysplex shared couple data set usage and to determine current operational status
• Describe CF operation; how and when the CFCC is loaded on a System z LPAR, the various CF link definitions and how they can be used
• Identify CF structure types, definition and allocation process, and how they are used in the CF
• Use z/OS MVS commands to display structure status
• Use CF operator commands to display and change the operational status of a CF
• Describe and demonstrate recommended procedures and typical z/OS MVS commands to manage sysplex members, coupling facilities, structure rebuilds, and couple data sets
• Identify potential problems during system removal, CF structure or CDS usage, and determine appropriate operator action
• Explain the differences and benefits of having stand-alone CF and internal CF configurations
• Describe the purpose and use of Sysplex Failure Manager and how SFM can be used to address sympathy sickness
• Explain why time synchronization is important and how server time protocol is used
• Describe console usage and mode of operation for a system and a sysplex
• Describe the IPL sequence and identify where and when sysplex activation is done during IPL
• Identify key areas with the IPL, explaining potential problems and how to avoid them

You should have an understanding of:

• Basic data processing and I/O concepts and terminology
• z/OS console operation, including display of device, job, and console status

• Describe common sysplex terminology, concepts, and benefits provided by a Parallel Sysplex configuration
• Identify the basic hardware and software components that make up the Parallel Sysplex environment and how they are used
• Use z/OS MVS commands to identify XCF signaling and sysplex shared couple data set usage and to determine current operational status
• Describe CF operation; how and when the CFCC is loaded on a System z LPAR, the various CF link definitions and how they can be used
• Identify CF structure types, definition and allocation process, and how they are used in the CF
• Use z/OS MVS commands to display structure status
• Use CF operator commands to display and change the operational status of a CF
• Describe and demonstrate recommended procedures and typical z/OS MVS commands to manage sysplex members, coupling facilities, structure rebuilds, and couple data sets
• Identify potential problems during system removal, CF structure or CDS usage, and determine appropriate operator action
• Explain the differences and benefits of having stand-alone CF and internal CF configurations
• Describe the purpose and use of Sysplex Failure Manager and how SFM can be used to address sympathy sickness
• Explain why time synchronization is important and how server time protocol is used
• Describe console usage and mode of operation for a system and a sysplex
• Describe the IPL sequence and identify where and when sysplex activation is done during IPL
• Identify key areas with the IPL, explaining potential problems and how to avoid them