Mainframe IMS system support involves managing and maintaining the Information Management System (IMS), a database management system for z/OS, the IBM operating system for mainframes. This includes installation, configuration, upgrades, troubleshooting, performance tuning, security, and disaster recovery for IMS DB and IMS TM (Transaction Manager).
| Key Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Installation and Configuration | Setting up IMS components like IMS DB and IMS TM on the z/OS mainframe system. |
| System Programming | Managing IMS system software, utilities, and program products. |
| Maintenance | Applying system updates, patches, and new features using SMP/E (Software Maintenance Program). |
| Security | Implementing and maintaining security policies and access controls for IMS systems and databases. |
| Backup and Recovery | Performing regular backups and developing recovery plans for disaster recovery and system failures. |
| Performance Tuning | Analyzing and optimizing the performance of IMS databases and components. |
| Troubleshooting | Identifying, diagnosing, and resolving issues related to IMS functionality and applications. |
| Monitoring | Utilizing IMS monitoring tools to observe and report on system performance and health. |
| Integration | Collaborating with other z/OS subsystems such as CICS and DB2 for seamless operations. |
| Data Sharing and Sysplex | Managing IMS data sharing and configurations in a Sysplex (Parallel Sysplex) environment. |
| JCL, TSO, and other tools | Proficiency in using Job Control Language (JCL), TSO/SDSF, JES2, SYSVIEW, and SMP/E for daily operations and support. |
| IMS Restarts | Understanding different types of IMS restarts like COLD, WARM, and Emergency Restart (ERE) and when to use them. |
| IMS SYSGEN | Knowledge of the SYSGEN (System Generation) process used to define IMS resources like transactions and programs. |