Question 1

What is IMON?

Accepted Answer

IMON is a 3270-based performance monitor for z/OS. It provides real-time and historical data on system resource usage. It is designed to help users identify performance bottlenecks and optimize system performance.

Question 2

How do I access IMON?

Accepted Answer

IMON is accessed through a 3270 terminal emulator. Users interact with the system using commands entered at the terminal. The interface provides a view into various system metrics and allows for the execution of control functions.

Question 3

What system resources can I monitor with IMON?

Accepted Answer

IMON is primarily used for monitoring CPU utilization, memory usage, I/O activity, and the status of various system processes. It helps in identifying performance issues related to these resources. It also provides insights into the performance of specific applications.

Question 4

What is the history of IMON?

Accepted Answer

IMON was initially released in 1981 and has been used on older IBM System z mainframe models. It is a tool for understanding system behavior and troubleshooting performance problems. It offers a way to analyze system behavior over time.

Question 5

What are the most common commands and their syntax?

Accepted Answer

Common commands include DISPLAY, which shows system status; START and STOP, for controlling tasks; and MODIFY, for changing parameters. The syntax is command-specific, often involving parameters and operands. For example, DISPLAY CPU or START BPXAS.

Question 6

What configuration files or interfaces are used?

Accepted Answer

IMON uses configuration files to store settings such as display options and thresholds. These files are typically located in system datasets. The specific file names and locations depend on the system configuration.

Question 7

Does IMON have any APIs?

Accepted Answer

IMON does not expose APIs for external integration. Its functionality is accessed through the 3270 terminal interface. This design limits direct programmatic interaction with other systems.

Question 8

What are the main system components?

Accepted Answer

IMON's architecture consists of a main monitoring task, data collection modules, and a 3270 interface. The monitoring task coordinates data collection. Data collection modules gather information from the z/OS system. The 3270 interface provides the user interaction.

Question 9

What is the business value of using IMON?

Accepted Answer

IMON provides real-time insights into system performance, enabling administrators to quickly identify and resolve bottlenecks. This can lead to improved system efficiency and reduced downtime. It helps in proactive performance management.

Question 10

How does IMON help in optimizing resource allocation?

Accepted Answer

By monitoring resource usage, IMON helps in optimizing resource allocation, ensuring that critical applications have the resources they need. This can lead to cost savings by preventing over-provisioning of resources. It helps in capacity planning.

Question 11

How does IMON contribute to maintaining service levels?

Accepted Answer

IMON's monitoring capabilities allow for proactive identification of performance issues before they impact end-users. This helps in maintaining service levels and ensuring a positive user experience. It helps in preventing outages.

Question 12

What is the cost structure of IMON?

Accepted Answer

IMON is offered free for older IBM System z mainframe models, making it a cost-effective solution for performance monitoring. This can reduce the total cost of ownership for mainframe environments. It provides value without additional licensing costs.

Question 13

What authentication methods are supported?

Accepted Answer

IMON does not have built-in authentication mechanisms. Access control relies on the z/OS security features, such as RACF or similar security products. User authentication is handled at the z/OS level.

Question 14

What access control model is used?

Accepted Answer

IMON leverages the z/OS security model, which typically uses access control lists (ACLs) or role-based access control (RBAC) through security products like RACF. This allows administrators to define user permissions. It integrates with existing security infrastructure.

Question 15

What encryption is used and where?

Accepted Answer

IMON does not provide encryption features. Security relies on the underlying z/OS system's security features, including encryption for data at rest and in transit. This ensures data protection.

Question 16

What audit/logging capabilities exist?

Accepted Answer

IMON's audit and logging capabilities depend on the z/OS system's logging features. Security events and system activities are logged through SMF (System Management Facilities) records. This enables security auditing.

Question 17

What administrative interfaces are available?

Accepted Answer

Administrative tasks are performed through the 3270 terminal interface. There is no separate CLI or GUI. Configuration changes are made by modifying system datasets and using specific commands. It uses a terminal-based interface.

Question 18

How is user management handled?

Accepted Answer

User management is handled through the z/OS security system, such as RACF. IMON itself does not have user management features. User access and permissions are managed at the z/OS level.

Question 19

What are the main configuration parameters?

Accepted Answer

Main configuration parameters include display options, refresh intervals, and threshold settings. These parameters are typically stored in system datasets. Configuration changes require system administrator privileges.

Question 20

What monitoring/logging capabilities exist?

Accepted Answer

IMON's monitoring and logging capabilities rely on z/OS system facilities, including SMF records. These records capture system events and performance data. This data is used for monitoring and troubleshooting.

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IMON

Product Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IMON?

How do I access IMON?

What system resources can I monitor with IMON?

What is the history of IMON?

What are the most common commands and their syntax?

What configuration files or interfaces are used?

Does IMON have any APIs?

What are the main system components?

What is the business value of using IMON?

How does IMON help in optimizing resource allocation?

How does IMON contribute to maintaining service levels?

What is the cost structure of IMON?

What authentication methods are supported?

What access control model is used?

What encryption is used and where?

What audit/logging capabilities exist?

What administrative interfaces are available?

How is user management handled?

What are the main configuration parameters?

What monitoring/logging capabilities exist?

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