IBM CICS Transaction Server for z/VSE V2.1 delivers enhancements for future workloads
IBM United States Software Announcement 215-362October 5, 2015
ENUS215-362.PDF| Table of contents | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
| At a glance |
 |
IBM® CICS® Transaction Server (CICS TS) for z/VSE® V2.1 is the first release that is designed for use with z/VSE V6.1 and replaces CICS TS for VSE/ESA V1.1.1. New functionality includes:
- Update and control capabilities to CICS resources for the CICS Explorer® system management tool
- New APIs to enable the transfer of large amounts of data between CICS applications to meet the needs of growing workloads
For ordering, contact your IBM representative or an IBM Business Partner. For more information, contact the Americas Call Centers at: 800-IBM-CALL (426-2255). Reference: LE001
Back to top
|
| Overview |
|
IBM CICS Transaction Server (CICS TS) for z/VSE V2.1 is shipped with z/VSE V6.1 and can only be used with z/VSE V6.1. CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 replaces CICS TS for VSE/ESA V1.1.1 1. It delivers:
- Update and control capabilities to CICS resources for the CICS Explorer system management tool.
- New API to enable the transfer of large amounts of data between CICS applications to meet the needs of growing workloads.
CICS Distributed Data Management (CICS/DDM) is not supported with CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1.
CICS Explorer
CICS Explorer client supports the new and enhanced capabilities of CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1.
- 1
- CICS TS for VSE/ESA V1.1.1 is still supported by IBM on z/VSE V5.
Back to top
|
| Key prerequisites |
|
The minimum required level of operating system for CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 is z/VSE V6.1 (5686-VS6).
For additional information, refer to the Hardware requirements and Software requirements sections.
Back to top
|
| Planned availability date |
|
November 27, 2015
Back to top
|
| Description |
|
CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 is the first release that is designed for use with z/VSE 6.1. Earlier releases of CICS, such as CICS/VSE V2.3 and CICS TS for VSE/ESA 1.1.1, will not run on z/VSE 6.1. CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 includes enhancements in the following areas:
- CICS Explorer. The CICS Explorer is a system management tool for use by system administrators and operators. It provides a simple, easy-to-use way of managing CICS TS systems that run on z/OS® or z/VSE operating systems. The CICS Explorer consists of a client and a CICS TS server extension. CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 provides an update to CICS resources for the CICS Explorer, in addition to existing read-only capabilities.
- Channel and containers. As an alternative to using the traditional CICS communication area (COMMAREA) to transfer large amounts of data between CICS program, a channel (and its containers) can be used. This represents a more modern and flexible approach. CICS TS for z/VSE supports channel and containers through the EXEC CICS API, for use within CICS programs, provides a subset of the functionality that is available on CICS TS for z/OS. New CICS API commands are available and existing CICS API commands are extended with the CHANNEL option.
- Cipher suites AES 128 / AES 256 for CICS web support. CICS web support is enhanced to allow access with AES 128 and AES 256 cipher suites for improved security. Specifically, cipher suite TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_128_CBC_SHA for 128-bit encryption (hex code 2F) is introduced in CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1, together with cipher suite TLS_RSA_WITH_AES_256_CBC_SHA for 256-bit encryption (hex code 35).
- EXEC CICS INQUIRE OSLEVEL. The OSLEVEL option is added to the INQUIRE SYSTEM command. This option returns a 6-byte field that shows the version, release, and modification level of the z/VSE system where CICS TS for z/VSE is running. For example, z/VSE 6.1.0 returns the value 060100.
- EXEC CICS ASKTIME ABSTIME. The ABSTIME value that is returned by the EXEC CICS ASKTIME command is no longer rounded to the nearest 1/100 second. The absolute time that is returned is the system time-of-day clock, adjusted for the local timezone offset truncated to the millisecond, and returned as a packed decimal of length 8 bytes. The returned result represents the number of milliseconds since 00:00 on 1 January 1900 in the local timezone and adjusted for daylight saving time.
- EXEC CICS FORMATTIME. Before CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1, the EXEC CICS FORMATTIME command would round up a returned time, if the number of milliseconds was greater than 500. In CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1, this rounding is no longer carried out, and the returned time is given with the number of completed seconds. The new MILLISECONDS option can be used to obtain the number of milliseconds.
Report Controller Facility
The Report Controller Facility (RCF) and REXX for CICS is included with CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 at no additional charge.
RCF provides distributed control over printing and printer devices. It is designed so that anyone, with data processing skill and no previous knowledge of CICS, can control the printing of reports, defined as spool files managed by RCF via VSE/POWER.
End-user departments, operations staff, and programmers can use RCF in different ways to manage report production and can delegate control over when, where, and how reports are printed. Printers may be owned by CICS, or by VSE/POWER. RCF provides:
- Special options of the EXEC CICS SPOOL command, which is used for writing programs to create reports
- An online tool for managing reports, which is created either by using the EXEC CICS SPOOL commands, or by using batch programs
- An interface that transfers reports to printers that are known to CICS
REXX for CICS
REXX for CICS Transaction Server for z/VSE provides a native REXX-based application development, customization, prototyping and procedures language environment for REXX/CICS, along with associated runtime facilities.
CICS Distributed Data Management: CICS Distributed Data Management (CICS/DDM) is not supported with CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1.
Back to top
|
| Product positioning |
|
CICS TS is the premier, enterprise grade, mixed language application server. For over 40 years, CICS consistently delivered innovative solutions that companies have used to differentiate themselves by creating, extending, and evolving mission-critical applications.
CICS TS is designed to enable clients to create and maintain a competitive advantage by building custom, differentiated CICS applications. For these clients, this is the fastest and most effective ways to maintain and extend the leadership position they have earned.
IBM creates innovative and essential CICS TS technologies that enable clients to deliver on their business imperatives. CICS TS is continuously enhanced to help clients add value to their core CICS assets. For example, by extending them to the Internet.
Back to top
|
| Reference information |
|
For information on IBM z/VSE, V6.1, refer to the following Software Announcement 215-202, dated October 5, 2015.
CICS web pages
For up-to-date information on CICS, refer to
The CICS support web page can be used to search for terms, phrases, error codes, and APAR numbers
CICS SupportPacs
CICS SupportPacs that extend and complement CICS TS are available free of charge. Visit
Back to top
|
| Program number |
|
| Program name | VRM | Program number |
|---|---|---|
| CICS TS for z/VSE | 210 | 5655-VSE |
Back to top
|
| Business Partner information |
|
If you are a Direct Reseller - System Reseller acquiring products from IBM, you may link directly to Business Partner information for this announcement. A PartnerWorld® ID and password are required (use IBM ID).
Back to top
|
| Technical information |
|
Specified operating environment
Hardware requirements
Processor
CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 runs on any z Systems™ machine that supports the required z/VSE operating system.
Software requirements
Operating environment
z/VSE V6.1 or later is required. CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 will not initialize in an environment with a lower level of operating system installed.
CICS Explorer
The latest version of CICS Explorer runs with CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1, and is enhanced to add update and control capabilities to manage selected CICS resources more efficiently. Details on how to download CICS Explorer for CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 are available at
Compatibility
Product documentation
Details are provided in the Product documentation section.
Performance considerations
At general availability, performance information is available in both the online product documentation for CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 and downloadable in the CICS Performance Guide (SC33-1667) or the CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 Enhancement Guide (SC34-2685).
User group requirements
The following Request for Enhancements (RFEs) are satisfied or partially satisfied in CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1:
| RFE number | Description |
|---|---|
| 28883 | Support for channels and containers (FITS req:WAVV200614, FITS req:MR0526066847) |
| 28890 | Add the more current cypher suites (AES128/256) to CICS Web Support |
| 30241 | Add millisecond option to EXEC CICS FORMATTIME |
| 30243 | Millisecond support in CICS EXEC ASKTIME |
| 33118 | Add support for EXEC CICS INQUIRE SYSTEM OSLEVEL |
Requirements for CICS TS can be created, viewed, and voted for, in the IBM RFE community. Refer to
Planning information
Packaging
Physical delivery
The Licensed Program Specifications CD-ROM (for CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 only) (GC34-7321) (CD-ROM) is shipped with the product, together with the machine-readable material.
Certain other items, such as specification sheets of related IBM products, might be included.
Electronic delivery
PDF versions of CICS product documentation are also available for download from the IBM Publications Center. See the section on Product Documentation for details.
Visit the IBM Publications Center at
At general availability of CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1, clients can also download and use CICS Explorer. This release of CICS Explorer can be used with each supported release of CICS TS for z/VSE and is available as a no-charge optional feature. Further information is available at
Security, auditability, and control
Information about security is available in both the online product documentation for CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1, CICS TS for VSE/ESA V1.1.1, and z/VSE V6.1.
CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 uses the security and auditability features of the operating system under which it is running.
The customer is responsible for evaluation, selection, and implementation of security features, administrative procedures, and appropriate controls in application systems and communication facilities.
Back to top
|
| Ordering information |
|
Order VM SDO and VSE SIPO through the Internet
Shopz provides an easy way to plan and order z Systems software upgrades. This now includes VM and VSE. Using Shopz, you can quickly generate orders for VM SDOs and VSE SIPOs. Additionally, Shopz will ensure your order is technically correct (that is, ensures any co-req or pre-req or incompatibility conditions are resolved to ensure timely order placement and processing). Shopz is available in the United States and several countries in Europe. In countries where Shopz is not available yet, contact your IBM representative (or IBM Business Partner) to handle your order via the traditional IBM ordering process. For more details and availability, visit the Shopz website at
New licensees
Orders for new licenses will be accepted from November 24, 2015.
Registered clients can access IBMLink for ordering information and charges.
Shipment will not occur before the availability date.
Unless a later date is specified, orders entered before the planned availability date will be assigned a schedule date of one week following availability.
New users of CICS TS for z/VSE should specify Type:5655 Model:VSE.
Advanced Entry Workload License Charges (AEWLC) is the only price metric available for CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 on zBC12 2 and z114 2 machines.
Sub-capacity AEWLC pricing is only available to clients agreeing to the terms of the Attachment for IBM System z® Advanced Entry Workload License Charges (Z125-8755).
Midrange Workload License Charges (MWLC) is the only price metric available for CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 on the following machines: z13™, zEC12, z196, z10™ EC, z10 BC 2.
Sub-capacity MWLC pricing is only available to clients agreeing to the terms of the Attachment for IBM System z Midrange Workload License Charges (Z125-7452).
- 2
- z Systems entry license charge (zELC) is the only pricing metric for the z10 BC capacity setting A01, the z114-A01 and the zBC12-A01.
Flat Workload License Charge (FWLC) and Tiered Entry Workload License Charge (TWLC) are not available for CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1.
Clarification of software pricing for CICS TS for VSE/ESA V1.1: FWLC is not available, but TWLC remains available for CICS TS for VSE/ESA V1.1 on selected machines.
Graduated or processor-based charges: Not applicable.
Advanced Entry Workload License Charges (AEWLC) basic license
To order a basic license, specify the program number and quantity of MSUs.
| Entitlement ID | Description | License option/Pricing metric |
|---|---|---|
| S017VB2 | CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 | Basic MLC, AEWLC |
| Orderable Supply ID | Description | Language | Distribution medium |
|---|---|---|---|
| S017VB1 | CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 | US English | 3590 Tape Cartridge |
z Systems entry license charge (zELC)
To order zELC software, specify the zELC monthly license option.
Program name: CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1
Program ID: 5655-VSE
| Entitlement ID | Description | License option/Pricing metric |
|---|---|---|
| S017VB2 | CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 | Basic MLC, zELC |
| Orderable Supply ID | Description | Language | Distribution medium |
|---|---|---|---|
| S017VB1 | CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 | US English | 3590 Tape Cartridge |
Single version charging
To elect single version charging, the customer must notify and identify to IBM the prior program and replacement program and the designated machine the programs are operating on.
Basic machine-readable material
| Orderable Supply ID | Description | Language | Distribution medium |
|---|---|---|---|
| S017VB1 | CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 | US English | 3590 Tape Cartridge |
Customization options
Expedite shipments will be processed to receive 72-hour delivery from the time IBM Integrated Supply Chain (ISC) receives the order. ISC will then ship the order via overnight air transportation.
Midrange Workload License Charges (MWLC) in IBM z/VSE V6 ordering information
Midrange Workload License Charges (MWLC) for z/VSE V6
Basic license structure
| Entitlement ID | Description | License option/Pricing metric |
|---|---|---|
| S017VB2 | CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 | Basic MLC, MWLC |
| Orderable Supply ID | Description | Language | Distribution medium |
|---|---|---|---|
| S017VB1 | CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 | US English | 3590 Tape Cartridge |
Unlicensed documentation
Product documentation
CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 product documentation is provided in two ways:
- Online, through IBM Knowledge Center
- Downloadable PDF manuals, from IBM Publications Center
New functions provided by this release are described in the CICS TS for z/VSE Enhancements Guide (SC34-2685).
Online information in IBM Knowledge Center
Online documentation for CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 is hosted in IBM Knowledge Center. IBM Knowledge Center provides information for over 2,500 IBM products. The information that was previously provided in product Information Centers is in IBM Knowledge Center. IBM Knowledge Center provides integrated tools for finding, filtering, customizing, saving, and sharing information.
Benefits include:
- Consolidation: IBM Knowledge Center is one place to go to find information about all IBM products.
- Consistency: There were differences in the presentation and function of Information Centers between products. IBM Knowledge Center provides the same set of functions for all product information.
- Customization: Clients can use IBM Knowledge Center filtering capabilities to select the information that is most relevant to them, and build that information into customized collections for viewing online or in PDF. IBM updates to the information are automatically reflected in such collections.
For more information about the features of IBM Knowledge Center, refer to
For CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1, product documentation is available in IBM Knowledge Center after general availability. Refer to
PDF manuals
Documentation for CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 is also provided for download in PDF format from the IBM Publications Center. Clients can download individual manuals or a complete set, known as a Product Kit (PKIT). Refer to the IBM Publications Center at
Printed publications and CD-ROM
The Licensed Program Specifications CD-ROM (C34-7321) is delivered with the product.
Other CICS publications
For information on IBM Redbooks®, refer to
For information on IBM Redpapers™, refer to
Subsequent updates (technical newsletters or revisions between releases) to the publications shipped with the product will be distributed to the user of record for as long as a license for this software remains in effect. A separate publication order or subscription is not needed.
Back to top
|
| Terms and conditions |
|
Agreement
IBM Customer Agreement
Variable charges apply
No
Indexed monthly license charge (IMLC) applies
No
Location license applies
No
Educational allowance available
Yes, 15% education allowance applies to qualified education institution customers.
Volume orders
Not applicable.
| Replaced programs | Replacement programs | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Program number | Program name | Program number | Program name |
| 5648-054 | CICS TS for VSE/ESA V1.1.13 | 5655-VSE | CICS TS for z/VSE V2.14 |
3 CICS TS for VSE/ESA V1.1.1 is still supported by IBM on z/VSE V5.
4 CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 is only supported by IBM on z/VSE V6.1.
Warranty applies
Yes
Licensed program materials availability
Restricted materials of IBM: Some
Non-restricted source materials: Some
Object Code Only (OCO): Some
Program services
Support Center applies: Yes. Access available through the IBM Support Center
Available until discontinued: 12 months written notice
Back to top
|
| Statement of good security practices |
|
IT system security involves protecting systems and information through prevention, detection, and response to improper access from within and outside your enterprise. Improper access can result in information being altered, destroyed, or misappropriated or can result in misuse of your systems to attack others. Without a comprehensive approach to security, no IT system or product should be considered completely secure and no single product or security measure can be completely effective in preventing improper access. IBM systems and products are designed to be part of a comprehensive security approach, which will necessarily involve additional operational procedures, and may require other systems, products, or services to be most effective. IBM does not warrant that systems and products are immune from the malicious or illegal conduct of any party.
Back to top
|
| IBM Electronic Services |
|
Electronic Service Agent™ and the IBM Electronic Support web portal are dedicated to providing fast, exceptional support to IBM Systems customers. The IBM Electronic Service Agent tool is a no-additional-charge tool that proactively monitors and reports hardware events, such as system errors, performance issues, and inventory. The Electronic Service Agent tool can help you stay focused on your company's strategic business initiatives, save time, and spend less effort managing day-to-day IT maintenance issues. Servers enabled with this tool can be monitored remotely around the clock by IBM Support, all at no additional cost to you.
Now integrated into the base operating system of AIX® V5.3, AIX V6.1, and AIX V7.1, Electronic Service Agent is designed to automatically and electronically report system failures and utilization issues to IBM, which can result in faster problem resolution and increased availability. System configuration and inventory information collected by the Electronic Service Agent tool also can be viewed on the secure Electronic Support web portal, and used to improve problem determination and resolution by you and the IBM support team. To access the tool main menu, simply type smitty esa_main, and select Configure Electronic Service Agent. In addition, ESA now includes a powerful web user interface, giving the administrator easy access to status, tool settings, problem information, and filters. For more information and documentation on how to configure and use Electronic Service Agent, refer to
The IBM Electronic Support portal is a single Internet entry point that replaces the multiple entry points traditionally used to access IBM Internet services and support. This portal enables you to gain easier access to IBM resources for assistance in resolving technical problems. The My Systems and Premium Search functions make it even easier for Electronic Service Agent tool-enabled customers to track system inventory and find pertinent fixes.
Benefits
Increased uptime: The Electronic Service Agent™ tool is designed to enhance the Warranty or Maintenance Agreement by providing faster hardware error reporting and uploading system information to IBM Support. This can translate to less wasted time monitoring the symptoms, diagnosing the error, and manually calling IBM Support to open a problem record. Its 24x7 monitoring and reporting mean no more dependence on human intervention or off-hours customer personnel when errors are encountered in the middle of the night.
Security: The Electronic Service Agent tool is designed to be secure in monitoring, reporting, and storing the data at IBM. The Electronic Service Agent tool is designed to securely transmit either via the Internet (HTTPS or VPN) or modem to provide customers a single point of exit from their site. Communication is one way. Activating Electronic Service Agent does not enable IBM to call into a customer's system.
For additional information, please refer to IBM Electronic Service Agent
More accurate reporting: Because system information and error logs are automatically uploaded to the IBM Support Center in conjunction with the service request, you are not required to find and send system information, decreasing the risk of misreported or misdiagnosed errors. Once inside IBM, problem error data is run through a data knowledge management system and knowledge articles are appended to the problem record.
Customized support: Using the IBM ID entered during activation, you can view system and support information in the My Systems and Premium Search sections of the Electronic Support website at
My Systems provides valuable reports of installed hardware and software using information collected from the systems by Electronic Service Agent. Reports are available for any system associated with your IBM ID. Premium Search combines the function of search and the value of Electronic Service Agent information, providing advanced search of the technical support knowledgebase. Using Premium search and the Electronic Service Agent information that has been collected from your system, you are able to see search results that apply specifically to your systems.
For more information on how to utilize the power of IBM Electronic Services, contact your IBM Systems Services Representative, or visit
Back to top
|
| Prices |
|
Program name: CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1
Program ID: 5655-VSE
| Entitlement ID | Description | License option |
|---|---|---|
| S017VB2 | CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 | Basic MLC, zELC |
| Orderable Supply ID | Description | Language | Distribution medium |
|---|---|---|---|
| S017VB1 | CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 | US English | 3590 Tape Cartridge |
Program name: CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1
Program ID: 5655-VSE
| Entitlement ID | Description | License option |
|---|---|---|
| S017VB2 | CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 | Basic MLC, AEWLC |
| Orderable Supply ID | Description | Language | Distribution medium |
|---|---|---|---|
| S017VB1 | CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 | US English | 3590 Tape Cartridge |
TWLC: Not applicable.
Midrange Workload License Charges (MWLC) for IBM z/VSE
| Entitlement identifier | Description | License option/ Pricing metric |
|---|---|---|
| S017VB2 | CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 | Basic MLC, MWLC |
| Orderable Supply ID | Description | Language | Distribution medium |
|---|---|---|---|
| S017VB1 | CICS TS for z/VSE V2.1 | US English | 3590 Tape Cartridge |
Back to top
|
| Order now |
|
To order, contact your Americas Call Centers, local IBM representative, or your IBM Business Partner. To identify your local IBM representative or IBM Business Partner call 800-IBM-4YOU (426-4968). For more information, contact the Americas Call Centers.
Phone: 800-IBM-CALL (426-2255)
Fax: 800-2IBM-FAX (242-6329)
For IBM representative: callserv@ca.ibm.com
For IBM Business Partner: pwcs@us.ibm.com
- Mail:
-
- IBM Teleweb Customer Support
- ibm.com® Sales Execution Center, Americas North
- 3500 Steeles Ave. East, Tower 3/4
- Markham, Ontario
- Canada L3R 2Z1
- Reference: LE001
The Americas Call Centers, our national direct marketing organization, can add your name to the mailing list for catalogs of IBM products.
Note: Shipments will begin after the planned availability date.
Trademarks
z Systems, z13, z10, Redpapers and Electronic Service Agent are trademarks of IBM Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both.
IBM, CICS, z/VSE, CICS Explorer, PartnerWorld, z/OS, Redbooks, System z, AIX and ibm.com are registered trademarks of IBM Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both.
Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.
Terms of use
IBM products and services which are announced and available in your country can be ordered under the applicable standard agreements, terms, conditions, and prices in effect at the time. IBM reserves the right to modify or withdraw this announcement at any time without notice. This announcement is provided for your information only. Additional terms of use are located at:
For the most current information regarding IBM products, consult your IBM representative or reseller, or visit the IBM worldwide contacts page