PSF as an access method (direct-printing mode)

In direct-printing mode, PSF acts as an access method for the printer. PSF devotes the printer exclusively to the job, and the output is printed immediately. The components involved in direct-printing mode are shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7. PSF in direct-printing mode

Only channel-attached printers can print in direct-printing mode. (Microfilm devices cannot be attached in direct-printing mode.)

PSF uses JCL parameters for direct-printing mode, but these parameters are different from those used in deferred-printing mode. Direct-printing mode does not support these deferred functions:

• User libraries
• System-assisted restart
• PSF repositioning
• Data-set checkpointing
• Multiple data-set processing
• JES operator commands to control the printer
• Job header and trailer pages
• Data set header pages
• Carrier-strip marking
• Mandatory page labeling
• System Management Facilities (SMF) type 6 processing
• Notification of print completion
• Restartable abends
• Redirection of message data sets
• PSF installation Exits 1-7
• Parameter specification in the Printer Inventory

For more information about direct-printing mode, see PSF for z/OS: Customization.