What are some common commands used in CICS Print Facility?

Common commands include those for creating print requests, viewing queue status, releasing reports, and deleting reports. Exact syntax depends on the specific implementation and customization.

What configuration files are used by CICS Print Facility?

CPF uses configuration files, often VSAM datasets, to store system parameters, printer definitions, and user access controls. These files are typically maintained through CICS transactions or batch utilities.

Does CICS Print Facility expose any APIs?

CPF may expose APIs or interfaces for submitting print requests programmatically. These interfaces are often implemented using CICS commands or EXEC CICS calls. Specific API details depend on the customization.

What communication protocols does CICS Print Facility use?

CPF communicates within the CICS environment using CICS inter-region communication (IRC) or intersystem communication (ISC). Batch components communicate through standard z/OS batch interfaces.

What is the business value of using CICS Print Facility?

CPF streamlines report distribution, reducing manual effort and improving efficiency. It provides centralized management of print output, ensuring timely delivery of critical information.

How does CICS Print Facility reduce costs and improve compliance?

By automating report management, CPF reduces operational costs associated with manual handling of print output. It also improves compliance by ensuring reports are properly archived and accessible.

How does the Batch Aging Facility contribute to business value?

The optional Batch Aging Facility (BAF) allows for automated report aging and archiving, freeing up valuable storage space and ensuring compliance with retention policies.

How does CICS Print Facility handle security?

CPF leverages CICS security features for user authentication and authorization. It supports integration with external security managers like RACF, ACF2, and Top Secret.

What access control model does CICS Print Facility use?

CPF uses an access control model based on user IDs and resource permissions. Access to specific reports and print queues can be restricted based on user roles or individual permissions.

What audit and logging capabilities does CICS Print Facility provide?

CPF provides audit logging capabilities, recording user access, print requests, and system events. These logs can be used for security monitoring and compliance reporting.

How is CICS Print Facility administered?

CPF is administered through CICS transactions and batch utilities. System parameters, printer definitions, and user access controls are configured through these interfaces.

What monitoring capabilities does CICS Print Facility offer?

CPF provides monitoring capabilities through CICS monitoring facility (CMF) and system logs. These tools can be used to track system performance, identify errors, and monitor print queue activity.

How is user management handled in CICS Print Facility?

User management is handled through CICS security and external security managers. User IDs and passwords are created and maintained through these systems.

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CICS Print Facility

STITech Supported z/OS

Report Generation and Management Printing and Output Automation

Vendor

STITech

Product Overview

The architecture of CICS Print Facility (CPF) is centered around the CICS environment, leveraging its transaction processing capabilities and security infrastructure. Key components include: * **CICS Interface:** This component intercepts print requests generated by CICS applications and routes them to the print queue management module. * **Print Queue Management:** This module manages the print queues, prioritizing print requests and scheduling output for delivery.

* **Output Distribution:** This module delivers the printed output to the designated printers or output destinations. * **Print Management Facility (PMF):** This optional component provides enhanced queuing capabilities for large print volumes, offloading the processing from CICS. * **Batch SYSOUT Load (BSL):** This optional component allows loading of reports from batch processing into CPF when CICS is unavailable.

* **Batch Aging Facility (BAF):** This optional component performs report aging in batch mode, archiving older reports and freeing up storage space. CPF uses VSAM datasets for storing report definitions, queue information, and system configuration. Communication within the CICS environment is achieved through IRC or ISC.

Security is managed through CICS security features and external security managers (RACF, ACF2, Top Secret).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CICS Print Facility and what does it do?

CICS Print Facility (CPF) is used to manage and distribute reports directly from CICS. It allows users to create print requests, view report status, and manage output queues. Optional enhancements provide batch processing capabilities for report queuing, loading, and aging.

How does CICS Print Facility integrate with CICS and other systems?

CPF integrates with CICS transaction processing. It intercepts print requests generated by CICS applications and manages the output. Optional components allow for integration with batch processing for tasks like report aging and loading.

What are the main components of CICS Print Facility?

The core components include the CICS interface, print queue management, and output distribution modules. Optional components include the Print Management Facility (PMF), Batch SYSOUT Load (BSL), and Batch Aging Facility (BAF).

What type of data storage does CICS Print Facility use?

CPF uses VSAM datasets for storing report definitions, queue information, and system configuration. The Batch SYSOUT Load (BSL) can load reports from sequential datasets.

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