Disseminate

Enhanced Definition

In the context of IBM z/OS and mainframe systems, "disseminate" refers to the process of distributing information, data, reports, messages, or software components from one source to multiple destinations, users, or systems. This often involves controlled, secure, and auditable mechanisms to ensure data integrity and availability across the enterprise.

Key Characteristics

- Automated Mechanisms: Often relies on automated job streams (JCL), scheduling systems (CA-7, TWSz), and system utilities (IDCAMS, IEBCOPY) for efficient and repeatable distribution of data and software.
- Diverse Destinations: Information can be disseminated to various targets, including printers, tape archives, disk data sets (VSAM, sequential), network locations (FTP, SFTP), other z/OS LPARs, or distributed systems.
- Security and Access Control: Distribution processes are typically secured using RACF or equivalent security managers to control who can access, send, or receive sensitive information, often down to the data set or resource level.
- Auditing and Logging: Critical dissemination processes generate audit trails (SMF records, application logs) to track what was sent, when, and to whom, ensuring compliance and accountability.
- Batch and Real-time: Can occur in batch mode (e.g., end-of-day reports) or near real-time (e.g., transaction updates, system alerts via WTO messages).
- Data Transformation: Often involves data transformation or formatting (e.g., SORT, DFSORT, ICETOOL, COBOL programs) before distribution to meet recipient requirements or integrate with target systems.

Use Cases

- Batch Report Distribution: Generating daily, weekly, or monthly reports (e.g., financial statements, inventory reports) and distributing them to specific output queues, archival systems, or network shares.
- System Message and Alert Notification: Routing WTO (Write To Operator) messages, SYSLOG entries, or application-specific alerts to operators, automated operations tools, or external monitoring systems.
- Software Product Distribution: Using SMP/E (System Modification Program/Extended) to disseminate program products, maintenance updates (PTFs), and user modifications (USERMODs) across multiple z/OS systems or LPARs within a sysplex.
- Data Replication and Synchronization: Distributing updated database records (e.g., DB2 logs, IMS logs) to disaster recovery sites or other DB2