Episode 33 "These Boots Were Made"

What’s New

• Preliminary z/OS 3.1 Upgrade materials


• Python 3.1.1 zIIP enablemment OA63406 and PH52983

Mainframe -

• Requires: z/OS V2.5 with PTFs, IBM z16 with microcode. Has both driving and target system requirements, use IBM.Function.ValidatedBoot FIXCAT.


• Front end: Siging the in-scope artifacts (NUCLEUS, LPA, IPL Text, and SA Dump Text), z16 is not required here although z/OS V2.5 and PTFs are.


• Back end: Verification of those signed in-scope artifacts. z16 with correct microcode level is required here (with z/OS V2.5 and PTFs).


• Security set up work is required.

Performance - Open Data Sets, Part 2

• Follow on, from Part 1 which was physical open and close of data sets as seen by z/OS.


• This is about Db2 with the notion of logically Open and Closed data sets.


• Its main role is to manage inter-Db2 read/write interest, for Datasharing efficiency purposes.


• Two Db2 subsystem parameters have traditionally been used to control pseudoclose: PCLOSET and PCLOSEN. PCLOSEN is gone in V12 with APAR PH28280, as part of a DSNZPARM simplification effort. So PCLOSET would need adjusting down to whatever mimics PCLOSEN - in anticipation of this APAR or V13.

Topics - Messing With Digital Electronics

• Martin explores his experiences with input devices (Stream Decks, Quick Keys, ...)


• Martin has even built his own input devices: having an RFID card kick off automation, rotary encoders, USB Human Interface Device.

On the blog

• Marna's blog


• Martin's blogs

So It Goes