IMS information roadmap

This roadmap outlines the information resources that are available for users who are new to IMS. These resources provide information about various subject areas, such as learning basic skills, administration, programming, and troubleshooting for IMS.

Product overview
Planning and migrating
Installing
Administering
Programming
Security
Monitoring and tuning
Troubleshooting and support
Reference
Community resources

Product overview

IMS overview

An Introduction to IMS: Written for IMS Version 12 by IMS product experts, this IBM® Press publication still provides a good description of IMS components and major functions.

z/OS® overview

z/OS Basic Skills education: New to z/OS You've come to the right place! The z/OS Basic Skills education offers the fastest way to learn and become productive on z/OS.
Introduction to the New Mainframe: z/OS Basics: This IBM Redbooks® publication provides you with the background knowledge and skills necessary to begin using the basic facilities of a mainframe computer. This book is designed to introduce new users to mainframe concepts and to help new users prepare for a career in large systems computing.

Planning and migrating

Planning for specific IMS functions

IMS High Availability Large Database: In this classroom course, learn about the IMS High Availability Large Database (HALDB). Examine how databases can be migrated to HALDB and learn the advantages of using HALDBs.
IMS in the Parallel Sysplex® Volume I: Reviewing the IMSplex Technology: This IBM Redbooks publication is the first volume in a 3-volume series. These books describe how IMS exploits the Parallel Sysplex functions and how to plan for, implement, and operate IMS systems that work together in a Parallel Sysplex.
IMS in the Parallel Sysplex Volume II: Planning the IMSplex Technology: This IBM Redbooks publication is the second volume in a 3-volume series. These books describe how IMS exploits the Parallel Sysplex functions and how to plan for, implement, and operate IMS systems that work together in a Parallel Sysplex.
IMS in the Parallel Sysplex Volume III: IMSplex Implementation and Operations: This IBM Redbooks publication is the second volume in a 3-volume series. These books describe how IMS exploits the Parallel Sysplex functions and how to plan for, implement, and operate IMS systems that work together in a Parallel Sysplex.

Installing

Installing IMS Enterprise Suite Version 3.2

Installing IMS Enterprise Suite components: These topics describe how to install IMS Enterprise Suite components by using the standard SMP/E installation process. These topics also describe how to install components for distributed systems by using the IBM Installation Manager.

Administering

Managing HALDBs

The Complete IMS HALDB Guide: All You Need to Know to Manage HALDBs: High Availability Large Databases (HALDBs) enable an IMS database to grow to many terabytes. This IBM Redbooks publication describes HALDB and its uses, including migration from non-HALDB databases, application considerations, and HALDB database administration.

Connecting to IMS

IMS Connectivity in an On Demand Environment: A Practical Guide to IMS Connectivity: This IBM Redbooks publication provides an overview of the IMS Open Transaction Manager Access (OTMA) function and information about IMS Connect and its usage. This book also provides a broad understanding of the IMS TM Resource Adapter and IMS SOAP Gateway.
IMS Integrated Solutions: Learn how IMS DB, IMS TM, and IMS Enterprise Suite can integrate with other IBM software to create interconnected, intelligent systems.
IMS Enterprise Suite Connect API for Java™: The Connect API for Java, part of the IMS Enterprise Suite, provides application programming interfaces for custom IMS Connect TCP/IP client applications to specify and configure connections and interactions with IMS Connect.
IMS Enterprise Suite SOAP Gateway: SOAP Gateway, part of the IMS Enterprise Suite, is a web service solution for IMS. SOAP Gateway integrates IMS assets into a service-oriented architecture (SOA) by exposing IMS transactions as web services in an on demand environment.

Programming

IMS Enterprise Suite Explorer for Development: IMS Explorer for Development is an Eclipse-based graphical tool that simplifies IMS application development tasks such as updating IMS database and program definitions, and using standard SQL to manipulate IMS data.
IMS on GitHub: This repository on GitHub provides code samples and tutorials for IMS application development and deployment.

Security

IMS Security: In this classroom course, learn how to implement security for IMS by using RACF® as the external security manager and the installation-provided security exit routines.

Monitoring and tuning

IMS Performance and Tuning Guide: This IBM Redbooks publication provides IMS performance monitoring and tuning information and describes how certain options can affect the performance of IMS.

Troubleshooting and support

Support and code fixes

IMS Services: IMS specialists have proven technical knowledge, industry skills, and delivery experience from hundreds of engagements worldwide working with the complete spectrum of IMS clients. Our wide range of offerings include version to version migration assistance, security and performance health checks, and more, and can be tailored to meet your specific requirements.
IBM Support Portal: IMS: Use the IBM Support Portal for IMS to search for both PTFs and APARs. This website also provides links to common troubleshooting topics.
APARs: This web page displays the current list of IMS APARs. Each APAR contains links to associated PTFs, which you can order as needed.

General IBM Software Support information

Software Support Handbook: This manual provides guidelines and reference materials that you might need when you require help from IBM Software Support.
APAR Closing Codes and Acronyms: This section of the Software Support Handbook provides lists of acronyms and terms that are used frequently by IBM Software Support when solving customer problems.

Reference

IMS glossary: This glossary defines IMS terms.

Community resources

This section may provide links or references to non-IBM websites and resources. IBM makes no representations, warranties, or other commitments whatsoever about any non-IBM websites or third-party resources (including any Lenovo website) that may be referenced, accessible from, or linked to any IBM site. A link to a non-IBM web site does not mean that IBM endorses the content or use of such website or its owner. In addition, IBM is not a party to or responsible for any transactions you may enter into with third parties, even if you learn of such parties (or use a link to such parties) from an IBM site. Accordingly, you acknowledge and agree that IBM is not responsible for the availability of such external sites or resources, and is not responsible or liable for any content, services, products, or other materials on or available from those sites or resources. When you access a non-IBM website, even one that may contain the IBM-logo, please understand that it is independent from IBM, and that IBM does not control the content on that website. It is up to you to take precautions to protect yourself from viruses, worms, trojan horses, and other potentially destructive programs, and to protect your information as you deem appropriate.

Forums and organizations

IMS Developer Center: IMS Developer Center is a community where you can find various technical resources to develop for and work with IMS TM and DB.
IMS Database Discussion list by BMC: This newsgroup provides a forum for sharing information about IMS.
IBM Support forums: This exchange is a place for IMS developers to share examples and best practices.
Java & IMS: Learn how to combine Java with IMS, building Java applications inside and outside IMS.
DevOps and IMS: Read this article to learn how to integrate IMS assets into enterprise DevOps pipeline.
IMS on Z Trial Program: IBM Z® Trial Program is a guided trial for IBM Z software in a cloud-based environment, with no setup, at no cost. Try out IMS as part of the project with short, easy-to-follow tutorials integrated into your trial environment.

Social media

LinkedIn IMS: Be a part of the IMS community on LinkedIn. This group communicates to our customers and business partners what is happening in the world of IMS.

Mobile application

IBM Doc Buddy: With the IBM Doc Buddy mobile app, you can search IMS messages and codes products online and offline. It also aggregates other IMS content, including blogs, videos, IBM Documentation topics, and Thought Leader opinions.