What infrastructure is required?

Checkpoint Facility requires a z/OS environment and typically integrates with Db2 subsystems. It may also require specific storage mechanisms for storing checkpoint data.

For mainframe products: Does this run in an LPAR?

As a mainframe product, Checkpoint Facility runs in an LPAR under z/OS. It is dependent on the z/OS operating system and may require specific subsystems to be active.

Is this a standalone product or does it extend/enhance another product?

Checkpoint Facility enhances batch application processing by providing checkpoint and restart capabilities. It is not a standalone product in the sense that it requires batch applications to function, but it operates independently to manage checkpoints.

What other products or components must be present for this to work?

Checkpoint Facility typically requires a z/OS environment with Db2 installed and configured. It also needs sufficient storage space for checkpoint datasets and may require specific JCL modifications to integrate with batch jobs.

What business problem does it solve?

Checkpoint Facility solves the business problem of lost productivity and wasted resources due to batch job failures. By enabling quick restarts, it minimizes downtime and ensures timely completion of critical processes.

What would happen if an organization did NOT use this product?

If an organization does not use Checkpoint Facility, they risk increased downtime, higher operational costs, and potential delays in critical business processes due to batch job failures. Rerunning entire jobs can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.

When should a company consider buying/using this?

A company should consider buying Checkpoint Facility when the cost of batch job failures outweighs the investment in the software. This includes considering the cost of downtime, wasted resources, and potential business impact.

When is this product NOT a good fit?

Checkpoint Facility may not be a good fit for organizations with very short-running batch jobs or those that rarely experience failures. In such cases, the overhead of implementing and maintaining the software may outweigh the benefits.

How does Checkpoint Facility address security concerns?

Checkpoint Facility's security features primarily focus on controlling access to checkpoint datasets and ensuring the integrity of restart data. It leverages z/OS security mechanisms for authentication and authorization.

What specific authentication methods are supported?

Checkpoint Facility integrates with z/OS security systems, such as RACF, ACF2, or Top Secret, for authentication. It uses these systems to verify the identity of users and control access to resources.

What access control model is used?

Checkpoint Facility uses an access control model based on z/OS security mechanisms, such as RACF, ACF2, or Top Secret. These systems provide role-based access control (RBAC) capabilities to manage user permissions.

How is this product typically deployed?

Checkpoint Facility is typically deployed on-premise in a z/OS environment. It requires technical expertise to configure and integrate with existing batch applications.

What level of technical expertise is required to implement it?

Implementing Checkpoint Facility requires a strong understanding of z/OS, Db2, and batch processing concepts. It also requires familiarity with JCL and system programming.

What ongoing operational requirements exist?

Ongoing operational requirements for Checkpoint Facility include monitoring checkpoint activity, managing checkpoint datasets, and ensuring the integrity of restart data. Regular maintenance and updates may also be required.

What are common implementation challenges?

Common implementation challenges include integrating Checkpoint Facility with existing batch applications, configuring checkpoint datasets, and ensuring compatibility with different versions of z/OS and Db2.

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Checkpoint Facility

Name: Checkpoint Facility
Availability: InStock

SoftBase Active z/OS

Batch Db2 Problem Analysis and Recovery

Vendor

SoftBase

Product Overview

Checkpoint Facility is designed to provide checkpoint and restart capabilities for batch applications running in z/OS environments, with a strong focus on Db2 integration. The architecture typically involves the following components: a checkpoint manager, a restart manager, and checkpoint datasets. The checkpoint manager is responsible for writing checkpoint information to the checkpoint datasets at defined intervals.

The restart manager uses this information to restart the application from the last valid checkpoint in case of a failure. Communication between these components is typically managed through z/OS system services and JCL. The product integrates with z/OS security systems, such as RACF, ACF2, or Top Secret, for authentication and authorization.

Alternatives include BMC AMI Application Restart and VSAM Recovery. The deployment model is typically on-premise, requiring technical expertise in z/OS and Db2.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Checkpoint Facility do?

Checkpoint Facility is a software product designed to provide checkpoint and restart capabilities for batch applications, including those using Db2 databases. It allows applications to be restarted from a specific point in case of failure, reducing the need to rerun the entire job.

Is this a system, application, or tool?

Checkpoint Facility is a tool set that provides functionality for checkpointing and restarting batch applications. It is not a complete system or application but rather a set of utilities and functions that integrate with existing applications.

What types of organizations use this?

Organizations that run large batch jobs, especially those interacting with Db2 databases, are the most likely to benefit from Checkpoint Facility. These organizations often include those in the financial, insurance, and retail sectors.

When should we consider Checkpoint Facility?

A company should consider using Checkpoint Facility when they experience frequent failures in long-running batch jobs, leading to significant time and resource waste. It is also useful when regulatory requirements mandate efficient recovery mechanisms.

What are the alternatives to Checkpoint Facility?

Alternatives to Checkpoint Facility include BMC AMI Application Restart and VSAM Recovery. These products offer similar checkpoint and restart capabilities for batch applications in z/OS environments.

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