Image FOCUS

The primary purpose of Image FOCUS is to ensure, to the extent possible, the maximum availability of the Sysplex, its Images, their subsystems and the integrity and regulatory compliance of the organization. To accomplish this, Image FOCUS relies on a unique NewEra Software core technology, the Inspection Server.

In Image FOCUS, the shift in emphasis from the Image to the Sysplex as the primary target of auto-discovery and inspection has resulted in numerous changes to the Production and Workbench Views. The Recovery View remains unchanged from prior releases, while Definition and Setting Options have been enhanced to support more robust release migration tools.

See also: Why Image FOCUS is Important to you!

The Inspection Server

The Inspection Server  is a collection of "Rule Sets" with knowledge of each release of MVS and z/OS including their major subsystems. Each of the thousands of individual rules is derived from available IBM documentation and real world experience. IPL Path Rules tell the Inspection Server the specific Search Order it is to follow in the discovery and identification of each Image/Sysplex component/construct; we call this "Auto-Discovery". IPL Processing Rules tell the Inspection Server the nature of each component/construct and how it is to be processed, i.e., datasets for attributes, members and JCL for syntax, keywords for values and/or conflicts. We call this an "Inspection".

On average, the Inspection Server will traverse the IPL Path of a moderate size Image/Sysplex environment, applying individual IPL Process Rules as needed, in about 90seconds! When the Inspection is finished, the configuration of the target Image/Sysplex is fully documented and weaknesses, if any, are identified. Based on outcome and user-defined Programmed Actions, Configuration Blueprints will be updated and Action Notices sent to those with a need to know.

Image/Sysplex Blueprints

Image/Sysplex Blueprints are a snapshot of a configuration’s definition, as it exists at the end of a successful Inspection. These Blueprints can alternately be used as needed when making a configuration repair, because named components can be accessed and restored directly. But the primary purpose of the Blueprint is to assist in a process of Configuration Surveillance. Controlled directly by Image FOCUS or your Automated Operator, defined Images are inspected at programmed intervals. These are complete Inspections in which a new working Blueprint of each target configuration is created. Existing Blueprint elements are compared against the new working copy. Changes, if any, are identified.

Programmed Actions

Programmed Actions that send notifications and update configuration Blueprints are defined by the Image FOCUS user. These actions are executed at the termination of the Inspection Server when Image FOCUS has received two critical bits of information – 1.) Has a configuration change been detected? or 2.) Is there a configuration weakness?

Inspection Reports

The Inspection Report contains the step-by-step detail of the IPL. It begins with the validation of the IPL Unit and LOADPARM Address and it continues from there, processing each PARMLIB and PROCLIB member for syntactical correctness and related data sets for referential integrity and attribute characteristics. Sysplex relationships defined within the Sysplex parameters of an Image are crosschecked with other Images to ensure Image eligibility in the Sysplex. In final form, the Inspection Report will appear to you as a very detailed IPL Logic Map. This Map documents and validates each and every step of the "Virtual IPL" process and often will become an integral part of your system documentation. Elements that fail to validate during Inspection are flagged as Errors, Warnings or Notices.

The Inspection Server generates reports that fully document your operating system and the major subsystems – JES, VTAM and TCP/IP – the tens of thousands of lines that make up your OS/390 or z/OS Sysplex/Monoplex.  These reports represent a knowledge base of all of the information gained when inspecting the IPL Path and each step taken to validate each component found against the IPL Rules applied.  It is a complete set of documentation sufficient to meet the demands of internal and external auditors.  A fully documented system can help you reach Sarbanes-Oxley compliance.

New Release Analysis

In order to take full advantage of the latest technology in processing power and software function, it is often necessary to move to a newer release or version of the Operating System or one of its subsystems. The impact of such a move is often unpredictable and may lead to subsequent IPL failure. To reduce this risk, the Image FOCUS Release Analyzers are enhanced to “understand release changes” as new releases are announced. Inspecting the current configuration definitions of a Sysplex, Image or Subsystem using the “Rule Set” of a planned release will isolate problems and flag areas that need attention before the actual migration begins.  Release Analyzers are available for the Operating System, JES, VTAM and TCP/IP.  They support OS/390 V2R10 and all announced z/OS releases.

The Image FOCUS Workbench

Image FOCUS users can also invoke the Inspection Server directly from the Image FOCUS Workbench. The Workbench is an interactive environment designed to support the OS and Subsystem programming needs of individual users in the Image FOCUS Workgroup. Workbench functions allow individuals to change release level and concatenation sequence as needed to accommodate specific "What if" scenarios. This is very useful when planning new releases and member components.