Software Inventory

Enhanced Definition

A **Software Inventory** on a z/OS system is a comprehensive catalog of all installed software products, their versions, maintenance levels (PTFs, APARs), and associated libraries. It provides a crucial record for system management, compliance, and problem determination within the mainframe environment.

Key Characteristics

- Product Identification: Tracks specific IBM and vendor software products, often identified by a unique product ID (e.g., 5650-ZOS for z/OS).
- Version and Release Tracking: Records the major version and release level of each installed product (e.g., z/OS V2R5, CICS TS V5.6).
- Maintenance Level: Details the applied Program Temporary Fixes (PTFs) and Authorized Program Analysis Reports (APARs), crucial for understanding the current state of software.
- Installation Paths: Identifies the target libraries (e.g., SMP/E target and distribution libraries) where software components reside.
- Managed by SMP/E: For most IBM and many vendor products, the software inventory is primarily managed and maintained by SMP/E (System Modification Program/Extended).
- License Compliance: Essential for verifying software license adherence and ensuring that only authorized products are running on the system.

Use Cases

- System Upgrade Planning: Used to assess the current software landscape before planning major z/OS upgrades or migrations, identifying dependencies and compatibility issues.
- Problem Determination: Helps support teams quickly identify the exact version and maintenance level of a product when diagnosing issues, ensuring relevant fixes are applied.
- Auditing and Compliance: Provides auditors with a clear record of installed software for licensing verification and adherence to corporate standards.
- Security Vulnerability Assessment: Enables identification of products or versions that might be susceptible to known security vulnerabilities, allowing for proactive patching.
- Resource Management: Informs decisions about software lifecycle management, including decommissioning old products or consolidating instances across LPARs.

Related Concepts

Software Inventory is intrinsically linked to SMP/E, which is the primary tool for installing and maintaining software on z/OS and thus the authoritative source for much of this inventory data. It underpins effective Configuration Management by providing a baseline of the installed software. It also directly impacts System Availability and Security, as accurate inventory data is vital for applying timely maintenance and mitigating risks. It's a foundational component for Disaster Recovery Planning to ensure all necessary software can be restored.

Best Practices:

Regular Audits: Periodically audit the software inventory against actual system usage and licensing agreements to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Utilize SMP/E Reports: Leverage SMP/E reports (e.g., REPORT MISSINGSYSMOD, REPORT ERRSYSMOD) to maintain an accurate and healthy inventory of installed maintenance.
Automate Inventory Collection: Implement automated tools or scripts to regularly collect and consolidate software inventory data, especially across multiple LPARs and sysplexes.
Document Non-SMP/E Software: Maintain separate documentation for software not managed by SMP/E (e.g., custom applications, third-party utilities) to ensure a complete picture.
Integrate with Change Management: Ensure any changes to the software inventory (installations, upgrades, removals) are tracked through a formal change management process.