Automation Network Definition Process

This section summarizes the steps for defining an automation network to SA z/OS. More detail for each step of the process is provided later in this information.

1. Define your message forwarding paths between different systems. To do this, you define:
   • A primary focal point, where all notifications are sent.
   • An optional backup focal point, used when the primary focal point is unavailable.
   • Target systems, which are monitored and controlled by the focal point system.
   • Gateway sessions between the systems.

     Defining Gateway Sessions describes how to define gateway sessions.

2. Modify the NetView definitions to reflect your automation network configuration. The chapter on how to install SA z/OS on host systems in IBM Z® System Automation Planning and Installation provides details.

For an example of the automation network definition process, see also the chapter about installing SA z/OS on host systems in IBM Z System Automation Planning and Installation.

These definitions create a path allowing message forwarding from target systems to the focal point system.

A message forwarding path is best implemented by defining systems in the following top-down manner:

1. Primary focal point system
2. Backup focal point system
3. Target systems

Defining the primary focal point first ensures that it is ready to handle forwarded messages as soon as forwarding is turned on for the target systems.

If the message forwarding path is not yet implemented on all systems in an automation network, messages are displayed to notification operators on the target systems. Once the message forwarding path is implemented, notifications are forwarded to the focal point system.

If the target systems are implemented first, additional overhead occurs because the target systems unsuccessfully attempt to forward notifications, and the notifications are logged in the NetView log.