Information

Enhanced Definition

In the mainframe context, **information** refers to data that has been processed, organized, structured, or presented in a way that gives it meaning and relevance. It transforms raw, uninterpreted data into valuable insights, enabling decision-making and supporting business operations within z/OS environments.

Key Characteristics

- Contextualized and Meaningful: Unlike raw data, information provides context, answers specific questions, and supports business understanding, often derived from transactional or operational data.
- Processed and Structured: It is typically the output of COBOL, PL/I, Assembler, or other application programs that transform raw input data from files (e.g., sequential, VSAM) or databases (DB2, IMS).
- Decision-Enabling: Information is crucial for business intelligence, operational reporting, and strategic planning, often presented in reports, dashboards, or as input to other systems.
- Stored and Retrieved: Often stored in structured formats within DB2 tables, IMS segments, VSAM files, or sequential datasets after processing, and retrieved for various purposes.
- Derived from Data: It is the result of applying business rules, calculations, aggregations, and transformations to underlying raw data.

Use Cases

- Customer Billing Statements: Raw transaction data (purchases, payments) is processed by COBOL applications to generate itemized, meaningful billing statements for customers.
- Financial Reports: Summarized DB2 or IMS data on sales, expenses, and profits is compiled into balance sheets, income statements, and other financial reports for management.
- Inventory Management: Real-time VSAM or DB2 updates on stock levels, orders, and shipments are processed to provide current inventory information, preventing stockouts or overstocking.
- System Performance Metrics: Raw SMF (System Management Facilities) records are processed and analyzed by utilities or third-party tools to generate performance information about CPU utilization, I/O rates, and memory usage.
- Batch Job Status Reports: JCL execution logs and system messages are parsed to provide information on job completion status, errors, and resource consumption.

Related Concepts

Information is intrinsically linked to Data, as it is the refined product of data processing. COBOL and PL/I Applications running under z/OS are the primary engines that transform raw data, often stored in VSAM files, sequential datasets, DB2 Databases, or IMS Databases, into meaningful information. This information is then frequently presented via Reporting Tools or used as input for further Batch Processing or Online Transactions (e.g., CICS). The quality and integrity of the underlying data directly impact the reliability of the derived information.

Best Practices:

Ensure Data Quality: Implement robust data validation and cleansing routines within COBOL or PL/I applications to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the raw data before it's transformed into information.
Define Clear Business Rules: Establish precise business rules and logic for data transformation to ensure that the generated information consistently reflects organizational requirements.
Optimize Data Retrieval: Design DB2 queries, IMS access paths, and VSAM file structures for efficient retrieval of data, minimizing processing time when generating information.
Secure Information Assets: Apply RACF or equivalent security measures to control access to sensitive information, both at rest in datasets/databases and during transmission.
Implement Data Governance: Establish policies and procedures for managing the lifecycle of information, including retention, archiving, and disposal, adhering to regulatory compliance.