Name: Hiper-Cache
Availability: InStock

Question 1

What is Hiper-Cache and what problem does it solve?

Question 2

How does Hiper-Cache improve VSAM performance?

Accepted Answer

Hiper-Cache is a software product designed to enhance the performance of VSAM datasets on z/OS systems. It improves data access speeds for both batch and CICS applications by caching frequently accessed data in memory, reducing I/O operations.

Question 3

Is Hiper-Cache transparent to existing applications?

Accepted Answer

Hiper-Cache operates transparently by intercepting VSAM I/O requests and caching data in an in-memory buffer. When an application requests data, Hiper-Cache first checks the cache. If the data is present (a cache hit), it's served from memory, avoiding disk access. This reduces the number of physical I/O operations, leading to faster data retrieval.

Question 4

What are the primary benefits of using Hiper-Cache?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Hiper-Cache is designed to be transparent to existing applications and systems. No modifications to application code or system configurations are required for initial deployment. This allows for easy integration without disrupting existing workflows.

Question 5

What types of workloads benefit most from Hiper-Cache?

Accepted Answer

The primary benefits include reduced I/O, faster data access times, improved application response times, and optimized resource utilization. These improvements lead to increased system throughput and reduced costs associated with I/O operations.

Question 6

What are the core technical components of Hiper-Cache?

Accepted Answer

Hiper-Cache utilizes a combination of in-memory caching, intelligent data prefetching, and optimized I/O handling. It uses algorithms to predict data access patterns and proactively load data into the cache. The product also includes features for managing and monitoring the cache's performance.

Question 7

What are the key components of the Hiper-Cache architecture?

Accepted Answer

The main components include the Cache Manager, which handles cache allocation and data management; the I/O Interceptor, which intercepts and processes I/O requests; and the Monitoring and Statistics component, which provides performance metrics and reporting.

Question 8

How does Hiper-Cache manage its cache?

Accepted Answer

Hiper-Cache uses a proprietary caching algorithm to determine which data to cache and how long to retain it. The algorithm considers factors such as data access frequency, recency, and dataset characteristics. The cache is dynamically adjusted to optimize performance.

Question 9

How does Hiper-Cache integrate with the z/OS operating system?

Accepted Answer

Hiper-Cache integrates with the z/OS operating system at the I/O level. It intercepts VSAM I/O requests and processes them before they reach the physical storage. This integration is achieved through system exits and other low-level mechanisms.

Question 10

What interfaces are available for managing and monitoring Hiper-Cache?

Accepted Answer

The product provides a command-line interface (CLI) for administration and monitoring. It also offers system-level APIs for integration with other monitoring and management tools. Configuration is managed through system parameters and control files.

Question 11

How does Hiper-Cache improve application performance?

Accepted Answer

Hiper-Cache reduces the time required to access VSAM datasets, leading to faster application response times. This improvement enhances user experience and increases overall system efficiency.

Question 12

How does Hiper-Cache optimize resource utilization?

Accepted Answer

By reducing the number of physical I/O operations, Hiper-Cache helps optimize resource utilization. This can lead to lower CPU consumption, reduced storage I/O, and improved overall system capacity.

Question 13

How does Hiper-Cache contribute to increased productivity?

Accepted Answer

Faster data access and improved system performance can lead to increased productivity for users and applications. This can translate into higher throughput and the ability to handle more transactions.

Question 14

How can Hiper-Cache help reduce operational costs?

Accepted Answer

By reducing I/O and optimizing resource usage, Hiper-Cache can help lower operational costs. This includes reduced hardware costs, lower energy consumption, and decreased maintenance expenses.

Question 15

What is the return on investment (ROI) for Hiper-Cache?

Accepted Answer

Hiper-Cache can be implemented without requiring significant changes to existing infrastructure or applications. This ease of deployment allows for a quick return on investment.

Question 16

How does Hiper-Cache handle security?

Accepted Answer

Hiper-Cache integrates with the z/OS security infrastructure to ensure data access control. It leverages existing security mechanisms, such as RACF or equivalent security managers, to enforce access permissions.

Question 17

What authentication methods are supported?

Accepted Answer

Hiper-Cache does not introduce its own authentication methods. It relies on the z/OS security infrastructure for user authentication. This ensures that existing security policies are consistently applied.

Question 18

What access control model is used?

Accepted Answer

Hiper-Cache uses the z/OS security model, which typically involves role-based access control (RBAC). This allows administrators to define roles and assign permissions to users based on their responsibilities.

Question 19

What encryption is used and where?

Accepted Answer

Data cached by Hiper-Cache resides in memory and is protected by the z/OS memory protection mechanisms. The product does not perform its own encryption of cached data, relying on the underlying system's security features.

Question 20

What audit/logging capabilities exist?

Accepted Answer

Hiper-Cache provides logging capabilities to track cache activity, including cache hits, misses, and data access patterns. These logs can be used for auditing and security monitoring.

Question 21

What administrative interfaces are available?

Accepted Answer

Administrators can use the Hiper-Cache command-line interface (CLI) to start, stop, and monitor the cache. The CLI provides commands to view cache statistics, adjust cache parameters, and manage the cache's operation.

Question 22

How is user management handled?

Accepted Answer

User management is handled through the z/OS security system, such as RACF. Hiper-Cache does not have its own user management system. Access to the Hiper-Cache commands and resources is controlled through the existing security infrastructure.

Question 23

What are the main configuration parameters?

Accepted Answer

Key configuration parameters include cache size, cache refresh intervals, and the datasets to be cached. These parameters are typically set through system initialization parameters and control files. The CLI can be used to dynamically adjust some parameters.

Question 24

What monitoring/logging capabilities exist?

Accepted Answer

Hiper-Cache provides extensive monitoring and logging capabilities. Administrators can monitor cache performance metrics, such as hit ratios, miss ratios, and I/O reduction. Logs provide detailed information about cache activity and potential issues.

Question 25

What are the key operational tasks for Hiper-Cache?

Accepted Answer

The product can be started and stopped using specific z/OS commands. Regular maintenance involves monitoring cache performance, adjusting cache parameters as needed, and reviewing logs for any issues. Backups of the cache are not typically required, as the cache is rebuilt on startup.

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