Starting an Autotask to Handle Automation

Creating and using NetView® automated operator station tasks (autotasks) enables work to be performed automatically. Autotasks can do work usually performed by operators, thus providing more time for operators to perform less repetitive tasks. Autotasks can perform the following tasks:
  • Perform a wide range of tasks, such as running command lists in response to messages and MSUs, sending messages to other operator tasks, scheduling commands to run using NetView timer commands, and so on.
  • Respond quickly to system or network failures.
  • Facilitate cross domain communication, thus reducing the required number of NetView programs to which an operator must be logged on.
  • Ensure consistent responses to system and network problems.
For information about defining autotasks, see the IBM Z® NetView Automation Guide.

You can start autotasks by using the NetView AUTOTASK or RMTCMD command. Table 1 shows how each command implements an autotask:

Table 1. Starting an Autotask Using AUTOTASK and RMTCMD
Autotasks started with the AUTOTASK command: Autotasks started with the RMTCMD command:
  • Perform tasks usually reserved for NetView operators.
  • Can be started before the VTAM® program is started so the NetView program can be used to monitor VTAM program failures and recover them automatically.
  • Can be associated with MVS™ consoles when started, and NetView commands can be entered at the MVS console which are then processed under the NetView autotask associated with that MVS console.
  • Are used to provide cross domain communication using LU 6.2.
  • Can be used to provide an operation path into another NetView program on the same host or on a different host. Commands can be processed on different NetView systems, and the results can be viewed.
For example, to start an autotask AUTO3 using the AUTOTASK command, enter: 
autotask opid=auto3
To start an autotask named OPER2 on the remote NetView CNM02 and display the name of the alert focal point, enter: 
 rmtcmd lu=cnm02,operid=oper2,list focpt=alert
Topic: Reference:
AUTOTASK and RMTCMD commands NetView online help
Defining operators using a security application IBM Z NetView Administration Reference.