CICSPlex SM workload management

You can use the workload management function in CICSPlex® SM to route work requests to the most suitable CICS® region in a CICSplex. CICSPlex SM workload management does not affect the activities of z/OS® Workload Manager (WLM), and you can use them both simultaneously.

The workload management function in CICSPlex SM uses a user-replaceable dynamic routing program, EYU9XLOP, to decide which target region runs a work request that originates in a requesting region. The region where the decision is made is called a routing region. This type of workload management is known as workload routing.

The target region can be selected using one of four algorithms:
The queue algorithm (QUEUE)
CICSPlex SM routes work requests initiated in the requesting region to the most suitable target region in the designated set of target regions.
The link neutral queue algorithm (LNQUEUE)
The link neutral queue algorithm corresponds to the queue algorithm, except that the type of connection between the routing and target region is not considered.
The goal algorithm (GOAL)
CICSPlex SM routes work requests to the target region that is best able to meet the goals that have been predefined using the z/OS Workload Manager.
The link neutral goal algorithm (LNGOAL)
The link neutral goal algorithm corresponds to the goal algorithm, except that the type of connection between the routing and target region is not considered.
For more information, see Workload routing.
To implement the workload management function in CICSPlex SM, complete the following steps:
  • Identify the work requests that are eligible for dynamic routing (not all types of work request are eligible).
  • Use the CICS Explorer® workload management (WLM) facilities to set up workload routing, where work is routed to target regions based on your selected algorithm. You need to create groups of routing regions and target regions that you want to participate in CICSPlex SM workload management, and create workload specifications to identify the algorithm and target regions for each workload in the CICSplex. Optionally, you can specify alternative routing algorithms for specific transaction groups.
  • Use the CICS Explorer WLM facilities to specify any requirements for workload separation, where particular transactions or processes, or work under a particular user ID or terminal ID, must be routed to specific target regions.
  • Use the CICS Explorer WLM facilities to specify any affinities between transactions which affect the regions to which they can be routed.

The Managing Workloads topic has an overview of CICSPlex SM workload management.