IBM zSeries Servers

• 26 hrs lectures
• 26 hrs pc labs
• 7 hrs projects

• 50 pts mid-term test
• 20 pts labs
• 30 pts projects

This course introduces students into principles of IBM zSeries servers and their maintenance. Students will learn general principles as well as exercise monitoring and maintaining of common applications running on zSeries servers.

IBM zSeries servers (mainframes) are used for the execution of critical applications in large companies. This area of IT is quite specialized what means that there are only a few experts available. This course is provided by Kyndryl.

• Operating Systems (IOS)

Students are expected to have knowledge of operating systems principles and programming skills. Orientation in database systems is an advantage.

• IBM. z/OS Internet Library. http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/z/os/zos/library/bkserv/index.html

• M. Ebbers, J. Kettner, W. OBrien, B. Ogden. Introduction to the new Mainframe: zOS basics. 3. vydání. IBM Redbooks, 2011. 

1. Introduction of the zSeries servers, history of the HW, types of the zSeries processors, zStorage models, 3D presentation of the newest zSeries processor
2. zOS SW; basic panels for zSeries administration - TSO and ISPF, basic commands of the operating system
3. Types of the datasets and their use, zOS virtual storage concept
4. Job control language (JCL), Parallel sysplex - possibilities of connecting server
5. Job Entry Subsystem (JES), the start of the zOS operating system (IPL)
6. Design of the zOS applications, programming languages
7. Linking and compilation of programs for zOS
8. zSeries transaction SW - CICS
9. zSeries database systems - DB2, IMS
10. Message queue server, Web application server and Web servers for zOS
11. SW administration on mainframes - SMPE, zOS server security - RACF
12. Storage management - Storage Management Subsystem, zOS network environment
13. Summary, open discussion about the further use of zSeries for zVM or zLinux operating systems, future of the mainframes

1. Log on to the system, user profiles, basic user interface settings
2. Basic navigation in ISPF and getting of the system parameters
3. Working with datasets
4. Fundamentals of programming in JCL
5. Working with jobs and JES2
6. Character sets and basics of programming on mainframes
7. Compiling and linking programs
8. Working with the CICS transaction server
9. Working with the DB2 database system
10. Introduction to MQseries and Web Application Server on zOS
11. IPL of the system, setting of zOS parameters
12. Work with storage and networks on zOS
13. Repetition exercises

No attendance on lectures is monitored. Attendance in the computer labs is recorded. Dutiful attendance in at least 75 % of computer labs is necessary for accreditation.

Students can obtain:

• 20 points from computer labs,
• 30 points from assignments evaluated within computer labs,
• 20 points from the first test that takes place in the middle of semester and concentrates on topics discussed within first five weeks,
• 30 points from the second test that takes place at the end of semester and concentrates on all topics discussed within the course.

In order to receive credit, a minimum of 50 points (in addition to at least 75% participation in the computer exercises) is required.

Plagiarism as well as non-permitted cooperation within computer labs and homework or cheating during tests will cause that involved students are not classified and disciplinary action may be initiated.

For the accreditation, it is necessary

1. to actively participate in at least 75 % of computer labs and, at the same time,
2. get at least 50 points.