Introduction to z/OS elements and features

z/OS® consists of base elements and optional features:

The base elements (or simply elements) deliver essential operating system functions. The base elements are listed in Table 1. When you order z/OS, you receive all of the base elements.
The optional features (or simply features) are orderable with z/OS and provide additional operating system functions. The optional features are listed in Table 1.
Optional features are unpriced or priced:
- Unpriced features are shipped to you only if you order them. If you plan to use any unpriced features, you should order them when you order your base elements. You must not wait until the next release becomes available. Once a release's base elements are no longer orderable, neither are its unpriced features.
  To make ordering easier, the number of unpriced features has been reduced from time to time, mainly through consolidation. The number of unpriced features is currently two: Communications Server Security Level 3 and z/OS Security Level 3.
- Priced features are always shipped to you. When IBM® packages your order, we enable the priced features that you ordered. These features are ready to use after you install z/OS (and customize it as needed). We disable the priced features that you did not order. Although they are installed on your system, you cannot use them. Later on, if you decide to use them, you notify IBM and you enable them dynamically (which is known as dynamic enablement). You dynamically enable by updating parmlib member IFAPRDxx and you notify IBM by contacting your IBM representative.

Elements and features may be exclusive or nonexclusive:

An element or feature is called exclusive to z/OS if it exists only within z/OS (not also as a separately orderable product) and if future functional enhancements will occur only within z/OS.
An element or feature is called nonexclusive if it exists both (1) within z/OS and (2) as a separate product.