What infrastructure is required?

MSM operates within the z/OS environment and requires the presence of a functional z/OS operating system. It may also require specific subsystems or components depending on the specific features being utilized.

For mainframe products: Does this run in an LPAR?

MSM runs within an LPAR (Logical Partition) on a mainframe system. It is dependent on the z/OS operating system and its associated services. It may also interact with other subsystems such as JES (Job Entry Subsystem) for job management.

What configuration files are used?

MSM likely uses configuration files to define parameters for resource sharing, inter-system communication, and security settings. These files are typically maintained by system administrators and require careful management to ensure proper operation.

How does MSM provide business value?

MSM helps organizations improve resource utilization by allowing multiple systems to share tape drives and disk datasets. This reduces the need for dedicated resources on each system, leading to cost savings and improved efficiency.

How does MSM improve system performance?

By eliminating hardware RESERVEs, MSM reduces contention for resources and improves overall system performance. This can lead to faster processing times and improved responsiveness for critical applications.

How does MSM integrate with enterprise ecosystems?

MSM integrates with existing enterprise ecosystems by providing a framework for managing and sharing resources across multiple z/OS systems. This allows organizations to leverage their existing infrastructure and investments while improving resource utilization.

What authentication methods are supported?

MSM likely supports standard authentication methods used in z/OS environments, such as RACF (Resource Access Control Facility), ACF2, or Top Secret. These methods provide a way to verify the identity of users and control access to resources.

What access control model is used?

MSM likely uses an access control model based on roles and permissions. This allows administrators to define roles with specific privileges and assign users to those roles, controlling their access to resources.

What audit/logging capabilities exist?

MSM likely provides audit and logging capabilities to track access to resources and identify potential security breaches. These logs can be used to monitor user activity and investigate security incidents.

What level of technical expertise is required?

Implementing MSM requires technical expertise in z/OS systems, resource management, and security. System administrators and security specialists are typically involved in the implementation process.

What ongoing operational requirements exist?

Ongoing operational requirements for MSM include monitoring system performance, managing configuration files, and ensuring the security of shared resources. Regular maintenance and updates may also be required to address potential issues.

What are common implementation challenges?

Common implementation challenges for MSM include configuring resource sharing parameters, resolving conflicts between systems, and ensuring compatibility with existing applications. Careful planning and testing are essential for a successful implementation.

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MSM

Name: MSM
Availability: InStock

CA Technologies Not Supported z/OS

Tape Sharing Files and Datasets

Vendor

CA Technologies

Product Overview

MSM (Multiple Systems Manager) provided a centralized system for managing shared resources in z/OS mainframe environments. Its core function was to enable the sharing of tape drives and disk datasets across multiple z/OS systems, replacing the Global Resource Serialization (GRS) function and eliminating hardware RESERVEs. MSM's architecture likely included components for managing tape resources, dataset resources, and inter-system communication.

These components coordinated access to shared resources and prevented conflicts. MSM likely used configuration files to define parameters for resource sharing, inter-system communication, and security settings. When considering a replacement for MSM, architects should evaluate solutions such as CA zDataConnect or IBM Tivoli Automated Tape Allocation Manager.

These alternatives offer different architectural approaches to resource sharing and may require adjustments to existing infrastructure. Key considerations include integration with existing security systems (RACF, ACF2, Top Secret), network requirements, and the impact on application performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does MSM do?

MSM is a software product designed to manage and share tape drives and disk datasets across multiple z/OS systems. It serves as a replacement for the Global Resource Serialization (GRS) function, aiming to eliminate hardware RESERVEs and improve resource utilization in mainframe environments.

Is this a system, application, or tool?

MSM is a system-level software product that operates within the z/OS environment. It provides a framework for managing and sharing resources, making it a critical component of the mainframe infrastructure.

What types of organizations use this?

Organizations that rely on mainframe systems and require efficient sharing of tape drives and disk datasets across multiple z/OS systems would use MSM. These organizations are typically large enterprises in industries such as banking, finance, insurance, and government.

When should we consider MSM?

A company should consider using MSM when they need to improve resource utilization, reduce contention for tape drives and disk datasets, and eliminate hardware RESERVEs in a multi-system z/OS environment. This is particularly relevant when experiencing performance bottlenecks due to resource contention.

What are the alternatives to MSM?

Alternatives to MSM include CA zDataConnect, MAINVIEW AutoOperator TapeSHARE, and Tivoli Automated Tape Allocation Manager. These products offer similar capabilities for managing and sharing resources in a z/OS environment.

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MSM

Product Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

What does MSM do?

Is this a system, application, or tool?

What types of organizations use this?

When should we consider MSM?

What are the alternatives to MSM?

What infrastructure is required?

For mainframe products: Does this run in an LPAR?

What are the main architectural components?

What configuration files are used?

How does MSM provide business value?

How does MSM improve system performance?

How does MSM integrate with enterprise ecosystems?

What authentication methods are supported?

What access control model is used?

What audit/logging capabilities exist?

What level of technical expertise is required?

What ongoing operational requirements exist?

What are common implementation challenges?

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