Distribution

Enhanced Definition

In the mainframe context, **distribution** primarily refers to the automated process of delivering output (such as reports, documents, and data files) generated by batch jobs or online transactions to their designated recipients. It also encompasses the process of deploying software products and maintenance across z/OS systems. In the z/OS environment, **distribution** primarily refers to the process of delivering output, such as reports (SYSOUT), data, or software components, to their intended recipients or target systems. This ensures that processed information or updated software reaches the necessary users, applications, or locations for consumption or deployment.

Key Characteristics

- Automated Delivery: Often driven by batch jobs, scheduling systems, and specialized output management software to ensure timely and consistent delivery without manual intervention.
- Recipient-Specific Routing: Ability to route specific parts of a report or entire reports to different users, departments, or destinations based on predefined rules and criteria.
- Multiple Output Formats: Support for various output formats, including print-ready (e.g., AFP, line-mode), online viewable (e.g., PDF, HTML), and structured data files for further processing.
- Diverse Delivery Channels: Utilizes channels such as physical printers, online viewing repositories, email, SFTP, and archival systems to reach recipients.
- Auditability and Tracking: Provides mechanisms to track the status of distributed items, confirm delivery, and maintain an audit trail for compliance, troubleshooting, and accountability.
- Integration with JES: Heavily relies on the Job Entry Subsystem (JES) for managing SYSOUT (system output) and often leverages JES spool files as the source for distribution.

Use Cases

- Batch Report Delivery: Automatically distributing daily, weekly, or monthly operational, financial, or regulatory reports to specific business units or external entities.
- System Log and Audit Trail Dissemination: Routing system logs, security audit trails, and performance reports to system administrators, security officers, or compliance teams.
- Electronic Document Delivery: Transforming mainframe-generated documents (e.g., invoices, statements, policy documents) into electronic formats (e.g., PDF) for email or web portal