Question 1

What does Spool do?

Accepted Answer

Spool is a z/OS-based software solution designed to manage remote printing both on and off the mainframe. It allows routing of JES output to various managed remote printers, supporting protocols like SNA and TCP/IP LPR. It also provides an API for applications to direct print output and offers features like virtual printer interface and format conversion.

Question 2

Is this a system, application, or tool?

Accepted Answer

Spool is a software application that provides comprehensive remote print management capabilities. It is not merely a tool but a system that integrates with z/OS to manage and route print jobs to various destinations. It also provides an API for applications to route print output.

Question 3

What types of organizations use this?

Accepted Answer

Organizations that require centralized management of print output across diverse environments, including mainframe and distributed systems, benefit from Spool. This includes enterprises with a significant investment in z/OS and a need to route print jobs to various locations and formats. Industries such as banking, insurance, and government often find this type of solution valuable.

Question 4

When should we consider Spool?

Accepted Answer

A company should consider using Spool when they need to efficiently manage and route print output from their z/OS systems to a variety of printers, both on and off the mainframe. This is especially relevant when dealing with diverse printer types, format conversion requirements, and the need for centralized control over print operations.

Question 5

What are the alternatives to Spool?

Accepted Answer

Alternatives to Spool include Multiprint/VM, JES Queue for Printers, eSendIT, and Columbus Z. These products offer similar capabilities for managing and routing print output in z/OS environments. However, Spool distinguishes itself with features like its virtual printer interface and comprehensive format conversion options.

Question 6

What infrastructure is required?

Accepted Answer

Spool requires a z/OS environment, including JES (Job Entry Subsystem) for managing print queues. It can integrate with VTAM for virtual printer support and uses TCP/IP for LPR printing. It also supports interfaces for DCF, PSF, and AFP print streams. The system needs to be configured to manage network connections to remote printers.

Question 7

For mainframe products: Does this run in an LPAR?

Accepted Answer

Spool runs within an LPAR (Logical Partition) on a z/OS system. It is dependent on z/OS for its core functionality, including access to JES and other system services. It leverages z/OS security features for authentication and authorization. It can also integrate with CICS and IMS via the Virtual Printer Interface.

Question 8

Is this a standalone product or does it extend/enhance another product?

Accepted Answer

Spool extends the printing capabilities of z/OS by providing advanced features for remote print management and format conversion. It enhances the standard JES functionality by allowing output to be routed to a wider range of printers and destinations. It also provides a web interface for managing print jobs.

Question 9

What other products or components must be present for this to work?

Accepted Answer

Spool integrates with various components, including JES for job management, VTAM for virtual printer support, and TCP/IP for network communication. It also requires access to z/OS security services for authentication and authorization. Additionally, it may require specific libraries for format conversion and email integration.

Question 10

What business problem does it solve?

Accepted Answer

Spool solves the business problem of efficiently managing and routing print output from z/OS systems to a diverse range of printers and destinations. It centralizes control over print operations, reduces manual intervention, and ensures that print jobs are delivered in the required format. Without Spool, organizations may face inefficiencies, delays, and increased costs in their print operations.

Question 11

What would happen if an organization did NOT use this product?

Accepted Answer

If an organization did not use Spool, they would likely experience challenges in managing and routing print output from their z/OS systems. This could result in increased manual effort, delays in print delivery, compatibility issues with different printer types, and difficulties in converting print formats. It could also lead to higher operational costs and reduced efficiency.

Question 12

When is this product NOT a good fit?

Accepted Answer

Spool is a good fit for organizations that require centralized management of print output across diverse environments, including mainframe and distributed systems. It is particularly beneficial for enterprises with a significant investment in z/OS and a need to route print jobs to various locations and formats. However, it may not be suitable for small organizations with minimal printing needs or those without a z/OS environment.

Question 13

What are the key business benefits of using Spool?

Accepted Answer

Spool provides several key business benefits, including improved efficiency in print operations, reduced manual intervention, enhanced control over print output, and support for diverse printer types and formats. It also offers features like format conversion and email integration, which can further streamline business processes. These benefits translate into cost savings and increased productivity.

Question 14

What specific authentication methods are supported?

Accepted Answer

Spool supports various authentication methods, including z/OS security protocols like RACF, ACF2, and Top Secret. It uses an access control model based on roles and permissions, allowing administrators to define which users can access specific printers and print resources. It also provides audit logging capabilities to track user activity and security events.

Question 15

What access control model is used?

Accepted Answer

Spool employs an access control model that allows administrators to define user roles and permissions for accessing print resources. This enables granular control over who can submit print jobs to specific printers, view print queues, and perform administrative tasks. The access control model is integrated with z/OS security systems.

Question 16

How does Spool ensure the security of print data?

Accepted Answer

Spool integrates with z/OS security systems to provide comprehensive security features. It leverages RACF, ACF2, or Top Secret for authentication and authorization. It also supports encryption for sensitive data transmitted over the network. Audit logging capabilities track user activity and security events, providing a detailed record of all print-related operations.

Question 17

What audit/logging capabilities exist?

Accepted Answer

Spool provides audit logging capabilities that track user activity, system events, and security-related actions. These logs can be used to monitor system usage, detect potential security breaches, and comply with regulatory requirements. The audit logs can be integrated with SIEM systems for centralized security monitoring and analysis.

Question 18

How is Spool typically deployed?

Accepted Answer

Spool is typically deployed on-premise within a z/OS environment. It requires technical expertise to configure and maintain the system, including knowledge of z/OS, JES, and network protocols. Ongoing operational requirements include monitoring print queues, managing printer configurations, and ensuring the availability of the system.

Question 19

What level of technical expertise is required to implement it?

Accepted Answer

Implementing Spool requires a moderate level of technical expertise. Administrators need to be familiar with z/OS concepts, JES configuration, network protocols, and security settings. They also need to understand how to configure and manage remote printers. Training and documentation are essential for successful implementation.

Question 20

What ongoing operational requirements exist?

Accepted Answer

Ongoing operational requirements for Spool include monitoring print queues, managing printer configurations, troubleshooting print issues, and ensuring the availability of the system. Regular maintenance tasks include applying software updates, reviewing security logs, and optimizing system performance. Staffing requirements depend on the size and complexity of the print environment.

Question 21

What are common implementation challenges?

Accepted Answer

Common implementation challenges for Spool include configuring network connectivity to remote printers, resolving compatibility issues with different printer types, and ensuring proper security settings. It is also important to carefully plan the migration of existing print jobs and configurations to the new system. Thorough testing and validation are essential for a successful implementation.

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