Hardware Overview

Figure 1 illustrates a basic hardware configuration.

It shows a two-processor Parallel Sysplex configuration with systems running on it.

Operators can use a web browser to log on to IBM Z® Automation Web Console, to work with tabular and graphical views of the SA z/OS controlled resources. The Z Automation Web Console dashboards receive status changes from any SA z/OS backend that is connected to Z Automation Web Console via the end-to-end adapter. Sysplex-specific facilities, like the coupling facility hardware can be managed and controlled using the 3270 Network Communications Control Facility (NCCF) based SA z/OS operator interfaces.

With the same interfaces, processor operations, another SA z/OS focal point function can be operated. With processor operations it is possible to manage and control the complete processor hardware in a sysplex. Operator tasks such as re-IPLing a sysplex member or activating a changed processor configuration can be accomplished. Processor operations uses the processor hardware infrastructure, consisting of the CPC Support Element (SE), or the Hardware Management Console (HMC) interconnected in a processor hardware LAN, to communicate with the own, other local, or remote located Support Elements of other CPCs. The Support Elements provide the Systems Management Interface OCF (Operations Command Facility) to perform hardware commands like LOAD or SYSTEM RESET to control the hardware and hardware images. SA z/OS processor operations can be customized to use hybrid SNMP for communication. For Parallel Sysplex environments, SA z/OS provides an additional processor hardware interface, the BCP (basic control program) internal interface. This interface is independent from processor operations. It allows processor hardware operation in a sysplex, without requiring external network CUs (control units). From a system in the sysplex, the SE of the own CPC as well as the SEs of the other processors in the sysplex can be accessed.