ZOWE
Zowe is an open-source framework that provides modern, standardized interfaces to interact with IBM z/OS. It aims to make the mainframe more accessible and integrated into modern IT ecosystems by offering REST APIs, a command-line interface (CLI), and a web-based desktop experience. Zowe is a key enabler for DevOps on the mainframe, allowing developers and administrators to manage z/OS resources using familiar tools and practices.
Key Characteristics
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- Open Source: Developed under the Open Mainframe Project with an Apache 2.0 license, fostering community collaboration and transparency.
- Modular Architecture: Composed of several components, including the Zowe API Mediation Layer, Zowe CLI, Zowe Desktop, and Zowe Explorer for VS Code, allowing for flexible deployment and extensibility.
- Modern Interfaces: Provides a consistent set of REST APIs for programmatic access, a powerful
zowecommand-line interface for scripting, and a web-based graphical user interface (GUI) for interactive management. - Extensibility: Designed to be extended through plug-ins (called "conformant extensions") for its API Mediation Layer, CLI, and Desktop, enabling integration with various z/OS subsystems and third-party tools.
- Security Integration: Leverages z/OS security mechanisms (e.g., RACF, ACF2, Top Secret) for authentication and authorization, ensuring secure access to mainframe resources.
- Standard-based: Built using industry-standard technologies such as Node.js, Angular, and RESTful principles, facilitating easier adoption by non-mainframe developers.
Use Cases
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- Automated Scripting and CI/CD: Developers and DevOps engineers use the
zoweCLI to automate tasks like submitting JCL, managing datasets, retrieving job output, and interacting with USS files within CI/CD pipelines. - Modern Development Experience: The Zowe Explorer extension for VS Code allows developers to browse and edit z/OS datasets, USS files, and manage jobs directly from their preferred integrated development environment (IDE).
- API-led Integration: The Zowe API Mediation Layer exposes mainframe services (e.g., CICS, IMS, DB2, MVS) as standardized REST APIs, enabling seamless integration with cloud-native applications, mobile apps, and other enterprise systems.
- Web-based Operations and Monitoring: System programmers and operators can use the Zowe Desktop to access a web-based portal for monitoring z/OS system health, managing jobs, and interacting with various mainframe applications through a modern GUI.
- Hybrid Cloud Enablement: Zowe facilitates the integration of z/OS into hybrid cloud strategies by providing a consistent API layer that bridges traditional mainframe environments with distributed and cloud platforms.
- Automated Scripting and CI/CD: Developers and DevOps engineers use the
Related Concepts
Zowe acts as a crucial bridge between the traditional z/OS environment and modern IT practices. It runs on z/OS and provides a modern access layer to core z/OS components like datasets, USS, JES, and various subsystems such as CICS, DB2, and IMS, often by leveraging existing z/OSMF capabilities. It is fundamental to enabling a DevOps toolchain on the mainframe, allowing tools like Jenkins, Git, and VS Code to interact with COBOL, JCL, and other mainframe artifacts in a standardized manner.
- Implement Strong Security: Configure Zowe's security features rigorously, including SAF integration, TLS/SSL for all communication, and API authentication, to protect sensitive mainframe data and resources.
- Leverage Zowe CLI Profiles: Utilize Zowe CLI profiles to manage connection details and credentials securely, promoting consistency and simplifying automation scripts.
- Adopt Conformant Extensions: Prioritize using Zowe conformant extensions for integrating with specific mainframe products or services, as they adhere to Zowe's standards and ensure compatibility.
- Monitor Performance and Resources: Regularly monitor the Zowe server components' CPU, memory, and network usage on z/OS to ensure optimal performance and resource allocation.
- Stay Updated: Keep Zowe components and extensions regularly updated to benefit from the latest features, performance enhancements, and critical security fixes provided by the Open Mainframe Project community.