DPMOD - Distributed Print Model

Enhanced Definition

DPMOD, or Distributed Print Model, is a strategy within z/OS for managing and distributing print output (SYSOUT) from the mainframe to network-attached printers or print servers using TCP/IP protocols. It enables the mainframe to leverage distributed printing resources, moving away from traditional SNA-based or locally attached printers. DPMOD, or Distributed Print Model, is an architectural concept within IBM's Systems Network Architecture (SNA) that defines how print data is managed and distributed to printers that are not directly attached to the mainframe host, often leveraging peer-to-peer communication protocols like LU 6.2 (APPC). It enables distributed print servers or intelligent controllers to handle print formatting and spooling, offloading processing from the z/OS host.

Key Characteristics

- IP-based Distribution: Utilizes TCP/IP protocols, primarily LPR/LPD (Line Printer Remote/Daemon) or direct sockets, to send print data across a network to distributed devices.
- IP PrintWay Component: Implemented and managed by the IP PrintWay component of Infoprint Server (part of z/OS), which transforms SYSOUT data and routes it to specified IP addresses.
- Offloading Mainframe Resources: Reduces the processing burden on the mainframe by delegating print spooling, formatting, and physical printing tasks to distributed print servers or intelligent network printers.
- Support for Various Formats: Can handle various SYSOUT data formats, including AFP (Advanced Function Presentation), PCL (Printer Command Language), PostScript, and line-mode data, often converting them as needed.
- Enhanced Flexibility: Allows print jobs to be directed to a wide array of network printers, including those in different geographical locations, providing greater flexibility in output management.
- Integration with JES: Works seamlessly with JES2 and JES3 to process SYSOUT datasets, treating network printers as external devices managed by IP PrintWay through FSS (Functional Subsystem) and FSA (Functional Subsystem Application) definitions.

Use Cases

- Printing to Departmental Network Printers: Routing SYSOUT from batch jobs or online transactions directly to printers located in user departments or remote offices.
- Sending Output to Distributed Print Servers: Utilizing dedicated print servers (e.g., Windows, Linux) to receive mainframe print jobs, perform further processing (e.g., archiving, bundling), and then send them to physical printers.
- Generating Electronic Documents: Converting SYSOUT into formats like PDF or TIFF via IP PrintWay and then sending these electronic documents to network repositories or email systems.
- Consolidating Print Management: Centralizing the management of mainframe print output while distributing the actual printing to various network devices, simplifying administration.
- High-Volume Report Distribution: Efficiently distributing large reports generated on the mainframe to multiple recipients or locations without requiring local mainframe printer attachments.

Related Concepts

DPMOD is fundamentally linked to JES (Job Entry Subsystem), which manages SYSOUT datasets. IP PrintWay, a component of Infoprint Server for z/OS, is the primary enabler of DPMOD, acting as