zCX for OpenShift trial

You can work with your IBM representative to enable a trial period for zCX for OpenShift. An IBM z14 or higher processor is required to enable the trial. You have 60 days from the day the trial begins to use and evaluate the function. After 60 days have elapsed, you either stop using or purchase zCX for OpenShift.

Setting up the zCX for OpenShift trial

Activating the zCX for OpenShift trial is a simple process that does not require assistance from IBM. Use the following steps to begin your trial.

Edit the dynamic element parmlib member
  1. Create a copy of IFAPRD00 or your currently active IFAPRDxx member to enable the trial.
  2. Update the new member with the following definitions:
    PRODUCT OWNER('IBM CORP')
   NAME('zCXforOpenShift')
   ID(5655-ZCX)
   VERSION(*)
   RELEASE(*)
   MOD(*)
   FEATURENAME('zCX TRIALOCP60')
   STATE(ENABLED)
  3. Issue the SET PROD command to specify the new member as active on the system.
  4. Update IEASYSxx to point to the new member.
Grant file system access
To start the trial, each user ID associated with zCX started task must have write access in addition to search access to the zCX instance registry directory in the z/OS UNIX System Services file system.
  1. Issue the ls -ld REGISTRY_DIR command in the z/OS UNIX System Services OMVS shell to find the group name associated with the zCX instance registry directory.
  2. Use the CONNECT RACF TSO command to associate the user ID with the group name.

Trial duration

Once set up, the trial can run for up to 60 days.

If you wish to end the trial before the 60 days have elapsed, use the following steps to prevent zCX for OpenShift from starting:
  1. Edit the IFAPRDxx member that enabled the trial to remove the entire section associated with FEATURENAME('zCX TRIALOCP60').
    • Alternatively, change STATE(ENABLED) to STATE(DISABLED).
  2. Adjust the file system to remove write access granted for the trial.
While these steps are not required, they are necessary if you wish to prevent zCX for OpenShift from being restarted during the 60 days. They may be optionally conducted for system hygiene after the 60-day full duration as well.

The trial cannot be paused. The original start time is used to calculate the 60-day interval.

If you mistakenly remove or disable the IFAPRDxx statement during the trial, the 60-day duration continues. Replace or enable the IFAPRDxx statement as soon as possible to continue the trial.

When the trial is over

To continue using zCX for OpenShift beyond the trial, you must purchase the zCX Foundation for Red Hat OpenShift product and enable the license.

Encountering zCX for OpenShift Trial errors

Error messages are issued in response to failure during setup. They include return and reason codes to identify and correct the errors. For UNIX System Service errors, the return and reason codes are errno and errnojrs. If data in the file system cannot be accessed, the trial probably did not start. It is, however, possible to have errors even when the trial has started. These errors should be dealt with promptly, as the trial start time and date are not adjusted.