ACS News, Winter/Spring 1996

Updated Mainframe is "Cutting Edge"

The RAMAC system arrived first and was installed and put into operation in December. The S/390 was installed the last part of December and underwent comprehensive testing until the final switch-over, which happened over the Martin Luther King holiday weekend. Since the S/390 is a fully compatible upgrade, conversions weren't necessary.

The primary benefits of the new system are that it is the "cutting edge" of mainframe technology, and it allows ACS the flexibility to efficiently adapt to ongoing advances in hardware and software. Other important benefits are:

• Data access rates increase nearly 4-fold, from 4.5 megabytes/second to 17 megabytes/second, with a future possibility of 200 megabytes/second. For you, this means quicker response times when processing data.
• The S/390 has an internal Ethernet connection, eliminating the need for intermediary devices to attach to the campus network. This direct connection increases the communication capacity between the mainframe and the network.
• The University will save about $350,000 per year in software, maintenance, and environmental costs.

S/390 CMOS Processor

The CMOS processor extends economical benefits to the S/390, specifically: (1) an upgradable processor--ACS can upgrade the mainframe by simply replacing a card. IBM foresees jumps in mainframe processor speeds every 12-18 months; (2) compact hardware--the S/390 has the dimensions of a regular household freezer, which is between 1/4 and 1/5 the size of the previous mainframe; and (3) no need for an external water cooling system--with the reduction of cooling system operating costs and the reduced electrical power usage of both the cooling system and the processor, the University will save roughly $47,000 each year.

RAMAC Highlights

RAID Architecture. RAID stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks. The S/390 uses RAID level 5. With RAID-5, data and parity information are saved in pieces on multiple drives in such a way that if any one drive fails, the information stored on it can continue to be read using the pieces stored on the other drives. On ACS's RAMAC, each drawer has four drives (volumes), and data is "striped" across all four drives.

Multilevel Adaptive Cache. The RAMAC system is heavily cached, with 256 megabytes of cache on the cabinet, as well as additional cache on each drawer and each disk ("multilevel"). Cache memory is like RAM (random access memory) on your PC. When you request data, like a program or file, it is first located on the disk, then pulled into the cache. As long as it remains in the cache, you can access it nearly instantaneously.

If the large amounts of cache don't impress you, RAMAC's "adaptive" capabilities probably will. When you request data, not only does the system fetch your request and put it into the cache, but it also fetches the next 2 tracks as well, in preparation for what might be your next request. If it turns out that you didn't need the additional data, the system remembers and won't "pre-fetch" that particular data again. System-wide, RAMAC monitors all data requests and predicts which data should be kept in the cache. In testing, ACS technical staff found that up to 90 percent of the data that users request is already in the cache, which means you should notice faster response times on your mainframe systems.

With RAMAC, response times are also accelerated by use of non-volatile cache. Previously when you updated data, you could not continue (although the delay was usually only a fraction of a second) until the data was physically placed on DASD. On the S/390, updates are stored in non-volatile cache and you can continue uninterrupted while the data is transferred from the cache to DASD.

There are many more features of the new system that you may not notice while using the system, but that enable ACS staff to provide you with better service.

S/390 Benefits Overview

• Concurrent maintenance
• Dynamic reconfiguration of processors and devices
• Quicker diagnosis of problems
• Automatic recovery of terminal status on failure

• Data transfer rate is 5 times faster
• Parallel query support for DB2

• Increased functionality
• Additional parallel processing capabilities
• Scalability: load is automatically balanced based on need
• DB2 query performance improved by up to 50%
• Better system management tools
• Faster sorts

• Compatible with existing environment
• Software supports industry portability standard
• Software incorporates industry open system standards

• Increased distance between hardware devices
• Cryptographic functions
• Hardware assisted data compression
• Updated software versions
• Ability to directly attach to campus network

• Reduced software licensing costs
• Reduced hardware maintenance costs
• Reduced environmental costs

Get on the Web with ACS

Forms and Applications

• On-line forms that capture user input or dynamically link to mainframe Institutional Data
• Programs that retrieve, display, or update mainframe Institutional Data
• Secure interfaces between the IBM Mainframe/Institutional Database and other campus systems
• Complex hypertext documents

ACS Web Server Space

If you have your own server, ACS will store and maintain those applications that interface with Institutional Data or that require encryption for security purposes.

If you need help establishing your own web server, other campus organizations, like Telecommunications and the Computer Center, offer technical assistance with hardware and communications setup. Also, check with the computer professionals in your college or area to see if space on an existing web server is available.

Document Librarian

Consulting

Mainframe problems? Call the ACS Help Desk!

ACS Web Update

Personal Identification Number (PIN)
Students can change their PIN on the web. This project is in the final testing stage.

Personal Class Schedule
Students can view their own class schedule for the current quarter and for past quarters. This project also is in final testing.

Student Grades
Students can view their own grades for the most recent quarter and for past quarters. This project is near completion.

Admission Forms
A prospective student will be able to complete university admission forms on the web. We're working on the undergraduate and graduate application, application for non-matriculated status, admission renewal form, and readmission form.

Other Forms
We're also working on converting the application for residency and application to receive CLEP or AP credit to web forms.

Financial Aid Transcript
A student will be able to view his or her Financial Aid Application Transcript.

Look for links to these programs on the Student Services home page (www.saff.utah.edu) and the pages for each student service organization.

We are also working with Institutional Information Resources (IIR) to put the University Statistical Summary information online. Currently, the summary is updated and mailed annually to departments. In addition, students and faculty routinely request copies for their projects. Since many of the recipients have web connections, moving the summary online will provide quick access to this information and will allow IIR to update material as it becomes available. A cost savings is expected from using the web site as a vehicle to distribute this important University information.

Need Site License Info?

Pitch those Pink Security Forms!

1. Mainframe User ID form
   This form is used to establish a mainframe User ID and access for employees who have never used the mainframe.
2. Data Access/Job Submit form
   This form is for employees who have a mainframe User ID and need to access datasets.

The major change of the new security procedure is that after your initial setup, you don't have to submit Security Authorization Forms to access additional systems. Once you have a mainframe User ID, you just call the coordinator for the system you want to access. They will work out your internal security for that system and coordinate any other access changes with ACS.

Since most of you who are reading this newsletter already have a mainframe User ID, you won't be using the new Mainframe User ID Form, unless you're helping a new employee fill it out or you're leaving the university. But, don't file it yet! The names and phone numbers for other system coordinators are on the back of the form, and you will need that information to access other systems.

If you change departments, you need to request that your User ID be deleted. This has long been a requirement, but it is often overlooked by both users and their supervisors. Even if you use the mainframe in your new job, you should delete your old User ID and have a new one assigned that corresponds with your new department and new job functions.

Since system coordinators are responsible for internal security paperwork, you may be asked to complete a separate security form for a particular system. Each coordinator may have their own method of recording and tracking user security information.

Also as part of the new procedure, User IDs that have been dormant for 120 days will be deleted. This goes into effect February 1st. If you want to keep your User ID active, just sign on to the mainframe once a month.

If you have any questions about the new procedures or forms that your supervisor can't answer, please call ACS Security at 581-3323.

Situation	Procedure	Form
I need access to a system on the mainframe. I have never used the mainframe before.	With the help of your supervisor, submit a Mainframe User ID form. ACS will assign you a User ID, arrange basic mainframe access, and forward your request to the appropriate system coordinator, who will then contact you to work out internal security.
I already have a mainframe user ID, but now I need access to another system.	Call the coordinator for the system you need to access and arrange for internal security. Look on the back of the Mainframe User ID form for a list of systems, coordinators, and phone numbers. The coordinator will work with ACS Security to make changes to your basic setup. If the system you need isn't listed, call the ACS Help Desk at 581-3323.
I need access to additional features or screens in a system that I already use.	Call the coordinator for the system to work out additional internal security.
I need access to a mainframe dataset either for viewing the data or submitting jobs through CA7 and TSO.	In order to access datasets or submit jobs, you must already be setup as a mainframe user. Submit a Data Access/Job Submit form to the appropriate system coordinator. In the Data Access portion, mark Add and either list the datasets you need, or identify a Setup Same As employee. The coordinator will grant access and forward the request to ACS, who will contact you when setup is complete.
I need access to a different dataset.	Submit a Data Access/Job Submit form to the appropriate system coordinator. In the Data Access portion, mark Change and indicate the new dataset name. The coordinator will grant access and forward to ACS, who will contact you when setup is complete.
I no longer need access to datasets.	Submit a Data Access/Job Submit form to the appropriate system coordinator. In the Data Access portion mark, Delete.
I'm changing departments and may or may not be using the mainframe in my new position.	Submit a Mainframe User ID form and complete the Remove a Mainframe User ID portion at the bottom of the page. If someone will be replacing you, check Suspend access. Your information will be saved for 120 days and used to setup access for your replacement. If no replacement will be hired, check Delete access. ACS will notify the coordinators of the systems you used so they can remove your user access. If you have access to datasets, complete a Data Access/Job Submit Form also. In the Data Access portion, mark Delete.
I'm leaving the university.

PC Keyboards and the Mainframe

Terminal vs. PC Keyboard

If you are using a dedicated mainframe terminal, the extra PF keys and special keys aren't a problem because they are built into the terminal keyboard. But the odds are that you, like most mainframe users, do not have a dedicated terminal: you are using a PC keyboard that has only 10 or 12 function keys. So, for mainframe systems, you will have to press a combination of keys to produce PF13 through PF24 and the other mainframe-specific keys.

Determining your Keyboard Layout

If you are on a network, your best bet is to ask your network manager to show you which keys are assigned to which mainframe functions. If you are not on a network, look in your reference manual under a topic like "keyboard layout" to identify your mainframe keystrokes. The ACS Help Desk has a number of handouts to help you determine or record your keyboard layout.

Mainframe Functions

Tab.
Moves the cursor forward to the next enterable field. If the cursor is at the last field on the screen, Tab will move it to the first field on the screen. Corresponding PC keystroke: usually the Tab key.

Back-tab.
Moves the cursor backward to the previous enterable field. If the cursor is at the first field on the screen, Back-tab moves it to the last field on the screen. Corresponding PC keystroke: usually Shift+Tab.

Enter.
Accepts screen input and proceeds, or processes a command. Corresponding PC keystroke: usually the lower right Ctrl key, however, many users program their PC Enter key for the mainframe Enter command.

F1-F24.
The function of each key varies depending on the system. Corresponding PC keystrokes: usually the function keys F1 through F12 produce the mainframe keys PF1-PF12; Shift+F1 through Shift+F12 produce PF13-PF24. Other combinations include Alt1 through Alt= for PF1-PF12; Esc1 through Esc+ for PF13-PF24.

Reset.
Unlocks the keyboard when an incorrect key or a combination of keys has been pressed. Typing faster than the computer can accept input and entering non-numeric data in a numeric field can lock the keyboard. Corresponding PC keystroke: varies widely depending on emulation software. Includes Alt+1+0, Scroll Lock, F5, F10, Esc, and lower left Ctrl.

Clear.
In most CICS systems, exits application system and allows log-off of CICS. In some cases, the Clear key can be used when normal logoff of a system is not possible due to invalid input or system error. Corresponding PC keystroke: varies widely depending on emulation software. Includes Alt 2, Pause, F10, F2, Alt 3, Alt Scroll Lock, and Num Lock.

Erase End of Field (EEOF).
Erases everything from the right of the cursor to the end of the field. Corresponding PC keystroke: usually End or Ctrl End.

Home.
In CICS, positions the cursor at the beginning character of the current field. In some CICS systems, positions the cursor at the first enterable field on the screen. Corresponding PC keystroke: usually Home key.

Up, Down, Left, Right.
Moves the cursor on the screen. The arrow keys are useful for moving up and down several lines, however to precisely position the cursor at the beginning of a field, use Tab and Back-tab. Corresponding PC keystrokes: usually the arrow keys.

Standard Configuration

To change your keyboard configuration, or view your present configuration, refer to your terminal emulation software documentation, or contact your network manager. If your configuration differs from the IBM 3191us standard, note the differences and keep a copy of your key assignments for reference when calling the ACS Help Desk.