What are the core capabilities of Fast Path Online Suite?

Fast Path Online Suite provides utilities for IMS DEDB databases that can be used while the database remains online. This minimizes downtime for critical database operations, allowing for continuous availability. Key benefits include high-performance reorganization, image copies, and online database extension.

How does Fast Path Online Suite differ from offline IMS database utilities?

The suite offers high-performance database reorganization, enabling users to optimize database structure without taking the database offline. It also facilitates high-performance image copies for backup and recovery purposes. Additionally, it allows for extending databases while they remain online using Fast Path Extend for IMS.

What types of IMS databases does Fast Path Online Suite support?

Unlike offline utilities, Fast Path Online Suite allows users to perform critical maintenance tasks without interrupting database availability. This is achieved through online processing capabilities, which reduce downtime and maintain continuous access to the database during operations such as reorganization and image copy creation.

Can you provide examples of the syntax for basic operations?

Common operations include online reorganization using the REORG command, creating image copies with the COPY command, and extending databases with the EXTEND command. Other operations involve utilities for data validation and integrity checks.

What configuration files or interfaces are used by Fast Path Online Suite?

For online reorganization, the syntax might be: REORG DEDB(db_name) ONLINE. For creating an image copy: COPY DEDB(db_name) IMAGE. To extend a database: EXTEND DEDB(db_name) SIZE(new_size).

What are the main system components of Fast Path Online Suite?

Configuration is primarily managed through JCL (Job Control Language) and control statements within the JCL. These define parameters for each utility. There are no external configuration files.

How does Fast Path Online Suite improve operational efficiency?

The primary business value is the ability to maintain high availability of IMS databases. By performing maintenance tasks online, organizations can minimize downtime, ensuring continuous access to critical data and applications.

What are the cost benefits associated with using Fast Path Online Suite?

By automating and streamlining database maintenance tasks, the suite reduces the manual effort required for database administration. This leads to improved operational efficiency and allows database administrators to focus on other critical tasks.

How does Fast Path Online Suite support business continuity and disaster recovery?

The suite helps reduce costs by minimizing downtime, which can impact business operations and revenue. It also improves resource utilization by enabling online maintenance, reducing the need for extensive offline periods.

What access control model is used?

Fast Path Online Suite leverages the security features of the z/OS environment, including RACF (Resource Access Control Facility) for authentication and authorization. It does not have its own authentication methods.

What encryption is used and where?

Access control is managed through RACF, which uses an access control list (ACL) model. This allows administrators to define permissions for users and groups to access and modify database resources.

What audit/logging capabilities exist?

Fast Path Online Suite does not provide its own encryption. It relies on the underlying z/OS security features for data protection, including encryption capabilities available within the operating system and storage systems.

How is user management handled?

Administration is primarily performed through JCL (Job Control Language) and system console commands. There is no GUI or web console.

What are the main configuration parameters?

User management is handled through the z/OS security system, typically RACF. Administrators define user access and permissions to the resources used by Fast Path Online Suite.

What monitoring/logging capabilities exist?

Configuration parameters are specified within the JCL and control statements. These parameters define the database to be processed, the operations to be performed (e.g., REORG, COPY, EXTEND), and other operational settings.

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Fast Path Online Suite

BMC Supported z/OS

Tools and Utilities IMS Administration Databases

Vendor

BMC

Product Overview

The architecture of Fast Path Online Suite is centered around providing online utilities for IMS DEDB databases, ensuring minimal downtime during maintenance operations. The main components include the Online Reorganization utility, the Online Image Copy utility, and the Online Extend utility. These components are designed to work seamlessly within the z/OS environment.

The suite leverages JCL (Job Control Language) for configuration and control. For example, the REORG command is executed via JCL, specifying the database name and the ONLINE parameter: `REORG DEDB(db_name) ONLINE`. Similarly, the COPY command is used to create image copies: `COPY DEDB(db_name) IMAGE`.

The EXTEND command is used to extend the database: `EXTEND DEDB(db_name) SIZE(new_size)`. Communication between components is managed by the z/OS operating system, ensuring efficient and reliable operation. The suite does not expose any specific APIs; all interaction is through JCL and system console commands.

The suite relies on the underlying z/OS security features, including RACF, for authentication and authorization. Data storage utilizes the IMS database structures. Monitoring and logging are provided through z/OS system facilities, including SMF.

The suite's design prioritizes high performance and minimal resource consumption, allowing for efficient online operations. The suite's online capabilities differentiate it from offline utilities, providing significant advantages in terms of uptime and operational efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Product Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fast Path Online Suite's primary function and benefit for IMS databases?

What are the core capabilities of Fast Path Online Suite?

How does Fast Path Online Suite differ from offline IMS database utilities?

What types of IMS databases does Fast Path Online Suite support?

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What are some common commands or operations performed using Fast Path Online Suite?

Can you provide examples of the syntax for basic operations?

What configuration files or interfaces are used by Fast Path Online Suite?

What are the main system components of Fast Path Online Suite?

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What is the primary business value of using Fast Path Online Suite?

How does Fast Path Online Suite improve operational efficiency?

What are the cost benefits associated with using Fast Path Online Suite?

How does Fast Path Online Suite support business continuity and disaster recovery?

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What specific authentication methods are supported by Fast Path Online Suite?

What access control model is used?

What encryption is used and where?

What audit/logging capabilities exist?

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What administrative interfaces are available for Fast Path Online Suite?

How is user management handled?

What are the main configuration parameters?

What monitoring/logging capabilities exist?

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