Question 1

What is KOMMAND used for?

Accepted Answer

KOMMAND provides comprehensive usage accounting and chargeback capabilities for z/OS environments. It collects and processes System Management Facility (SMF) data to generate detailed reports on resource consumption. These reports are essential for cost allocation, capacity planning, and identifying areas for optimization.

Question 2

How does KOMMAND collect and process data?

Accepted Answer

KOMMAND processes SMF data, which contains records of system resource usage. It then generates reports that summarize this data, allowing users to understand resource consumption patterns. These reports can be customized to meet specific business needs, such as allocating costs to different departments or projects.

Question 3

What types of reports can KOMMAND generate?

Accepted Answer

KOMMAND's reporting capabilities include detailed resource usage analysis, chargeback reports, and capacity planning insights. Users can generate reports on CPU time, I/O operations, memory usage, and other key metrics. These reports can be used to optimize resource allocation and control IT costs.

Question 4

How does KOMMAND integrate with existing systems?

Accepted Answer

KOMMAND integrates with existing z/OS systems by reading SMF data directly. It uses configuration files to define report formats and data processing rules. The product's architecture is designed to minimize impact on system performance while providing accurate and timely reporting.

Question 5

What are the key commands and syntax for KOMMAND?

Accepted Answer

Common commands include `START KOMMAND`, `STOP KOMMAND`, `SUBMIT REPORT`, and `UPDATE CONFIG`. The syntax for submitting a report is typically `SUBMIT REPORT REPORTNAME`. Configuration files are used to define report layouts, data sources, and processing rules. These files are updated using the `UPDATE CONFIG` command.

Question 6

What are the main components of the KOMMAND system?

Accepted Answer

KOMMAND's architecture consists of several key components, including the SMF data reader, the report processing engine, and the reporting interface. These components communicate through internal APIs and data structures. The system uses VSAM files for storing configuration data and report output.

Question 7

Does KOMMAND offer APIs for integration?

Accepted Answer

KOMMAND does not expose REST or SOAP APIs. Instead, it relies on native interfaces and batch jobs for data processing and report generation. Integration with other systems is typically achieved through file transfer and data exchange using standard z/OS utilities.

Question 8

What databases or storage mechanisms are used, and what are the network requirements?

Accepted Answer

The system uses VSAM files for storing configuration data and report output. These files are accessed directly by the KOMMAND components. There are no specific network ports required for the core functionality, as it operates within the z/OS environment.

Question 9

How does KOMMAND provide business value?

Accepted Answer

KOMMAND enables organizations to accurately track and allocate IT resource costs. This leads to better budget management and cost control. The detailed reports help identify areas of overspending and optimize resource utilization, resulting in significant cost savings.

Question 10

How does KOMMAND assist with capacity planning?

Accepted Answer

By providing detailed insights into resource consumption, KOMMAND supports capacity planning efforts. It helps identify trends in resource usage, allowing IT departments to proactively manage capacity and avoid performance bottlenecks. This ensures optimal system performance and availability.

Question 11

How does KOMMAND support chargeback processes?

Accepted Answer

KOMMAND facilitates chargeback processes, enabling organizations to bill departments or projects for the resources they consume. This promotes accountability and encourages efficient resource utilization. Accurate chargeback data supports informed decision-making and cost recovery.

Question 12

How does KOMMAND help optimize IT resources?

Accepted Answer

KOMMAND's reporting capabilities provide data-driven insights for IT optimization. By analyzing resource consumption patterns, organizations can identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce waste. This leads to better resource allocation and improved overall IT performance.

Question 13

What authentication methods are supported?

Accepted Answer

KOMMAND supports security through integration with z/OS security features. It leverages the underlying security infrastructure for access control. User authentication is managed through the z/OS security system, such as RACF or similar security managers.

Question 14

What access control model is used?

Accepted Answer

Access control is managed through the z/OS security system, such as RACF or similar security managers. This allows administrators to define user roles and permissions to control access to KOMMAND resources and data. The access control model is based on the z/OS security configuration.

Question 15

What encryption is used and where?

Accepted Answer

KOMMAND utilizes the security features provided by the z/OS operating system. Data encryption is handled at the file system level, depending on the z/OS configuration. The product itself does not provide its own encryption mechanisms.

Question 16

What audit/logging capabilities exist?

Accepted Answer

KOMMAND integrates with z/OS logging and auditing facilities. All system activities are logged through SMF records, which can be used for auditing purposes. The audit logs provide a detailed record of system events, including user actions and system changes.

Question 17

What administrative interfaces are available?

Accepted Answer

Administrative interfaces are primarily through z/OS console commands and batch jobs. The `START KOMMAND` and `STOP KOMMAND` commands are used to control the system. Configuration is managed through JCL and configuration files, which are updated using the `UPDATE CONFIG` command.

Question 18

How is user management handled?

Accepted Answer

User management is handled through the z/OS security system, such as RACF or similar security managers. Administrators define user profiles and assign permissions to control access to KOMMAND resources. This integration ensures consistent user management across the z/OS environment.

Question 19

What are the main configuration parameters?

Accepted Answer

Main configuration parameters are defined in configuration files and JCL. These parameters control report generation, data sources, and system behavior. The `UPDATE CONFIG` command is used to apply changes to the configuration files. VSAM files store configuration data.

Question 20

What monitoring/logging capabilities exist?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring and logging are provided through z/OS system facilities and SMF records. System events and errors are logged to SMF, which can be analyzed using standard z/OS tools. Performance metrics are also available through SMF data.

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