List of base elements and optional features

The z/OS Upgrade Workflow provides the steps for upgrading to each new release of z/OS. IBM provides the z/OS Upgrade Workflow as a BCP component. Updates and fixes for the z/OS Upgrade Workflow are delivered through the standard z/OS service process.

To obtain the latest PTFs for the z/OS V2R5 Upgrade Workflow, run the SMP/E REPORT MISSINGFIX command on your z/OS systems and specify a FIXCAT value of "IBM.Coexistence.z/OS.V2R5".

The z/OS V2R5 Upgrade Workflow can be run on z/OS releases V2R3, V2R4, and V2R5.

Bulk Data Transfer (BDT) provides the base services that the optional BDT features (BDT File-to-File and BDT SNA NJE) need to transfer data from one computer system to another.

You cannot activate any BDT functions until one or both of the optional BDT features is enabled.

Bulk Data Transfer (BDT) File-to-File allows users at one z/OS system in a SNA network to copy data sets to or from another z/OS system in the network. This feature is related to the element BDT.

Bulk Data Transfer (BDT) SNA NJE allows JES3 users to transmit jobs, output, commands, and messages from one computer system to another within a SNA network. This feature is related to the element BDT and the feature JES3.

Common Information Model is a standard data model for describing and accessing systems management data in heterogeneous environments. It allows system administrators to write applications that measure system resources in a network with different operating systems and hardware. To enable z/OS for cross platform management, a subset of resources and metrics of a z/OS system are mapped into the CIM standard data model.

Transport layer security (TLS) encryption is performed for CIM by base element Communications Server. CIM does not implement any of its own encryption algorithms.

Communications Server supports secure TCP/IP, SNA, and UNIX networking throughout an enterprise. It gives you the ability to connect subsystems and applications to each other, and to connect network devices (such as terminals and printers) to the system.

Communications Server consists of two components: IP Services and SNA Services. A related optional feature is Communications Server Security Level 3.

For encryption, IP Services uses the SNMPv3 DES 56-bit and IPsec DES 56-bit algorithms. IP Services also uses the System SSL component of Cryptographic Services for encryption services. SNA Services use the limited DES algorithm for encryption.

This feature works with the Communications Server base element to provide stronger encryption (greater than 64 bits) than is available without this feature. This feature uses the TDES and AES algorithms for encryption. The actual level of encryption that takes place with this feature installed can be configured to be less than the maximum level enabled by this feature. This feature is worldwide exportable subject to US export regulations. This feature uses System SSL, ICSF, and CPACF.

Cryptography is the transformation of data to conceal its meaning. In z/OS, the base element Cryptographic Services provide the following base cryptographic functions: data secrecy, data integrity, personal identification, digital signatures, and the management of cryptographic keys. Keys up to 56 bits are supported by this base element. Keys longer than 56 bits are supported by the optional feature z/OS Security Level 3.

DFSMSdfp provides storage, data, program, and device management functions. Related optional features are DFSMSrmm, DFSMSdss, DFSMShsm, and DFSMStvs.

DFSMSdss copies and moves data for backup and recovery, and to reduce free-space fragmentation.

DFSMShsm provides automated DASD storage management, including space management for low and inactive data, and availability management for accidental data loss caused by local and site disasters. DFSMShsm also helps you to make effective use of tape media.

DFSMShsm requires DFSMSdss. For this reason, DFSMShsm is not available by itself. If you want to use DFSMShsm, you must order the DFSMShsm and DFSMSdss combination. DFSMSdss is also available by itself for installations that do not require DFSMShsm.

DFSMSrmm helps you manage your removable media as one enterprise-wide library across systems that can share DASD. DFSMSrmm also has a client/server function (through TCP/IP) that enables a single enterprise-wide library without the need for shared DASD.

DFSMS Transactional VSAM Services (DFSMStvs) enables batch jobs and CICS® online transactions to update shared VSAM data sets concurrently.

DFSORT provides fast sorting, merging, copying, reporting, and analysis of your business information, and versatile data handling at the record, field, and bit level. DFSORT also includes the high-performance ICEGENER facility, the versatile ICETOOL utility, symbols, and multiple output capabilities with the powerful OUTFIL feature.

(EREP MVS™ V3R5, 5658-260)

Environmental Record Editing and Printing Program (EREP) edits and prints reports for the records that are placed in the error recording data set (ERDS), which can be used by IBM Support to diagnose problems.

First Failure Support Technology/MVS (FFST/MVS) provides immediate notification and first failure data capture for software events.

GDDM provides presentation services and device-driving capability. It includes PCLK and REXX code. Related optional features are GDDM-Presentation Graphics Feature and GDDM-REXX.

GDDM-Presentation Graphics Feature (PGF) is a set of programs for creating presentation material in various styles. This feature is related to the base element GDDM.

GDDM-REXX is a productivity tool that enables programmers to prototype GDDM applications and to create small routines and utility programs quickly and easily. This feature is related to the base element GDDM.

Hardware Configuration Definition (HCD) defines both the operating system configuration and the processor hardware configuration for a system. A related optional feature is HCM.

Hardware Configuration Manager (HCM) is a PWS-based client/server interface to z/OS Hardware Configuration Definition (HCD).

(High Level Assembler for z/OS, z/VM®, and z/VSE® V1R6, 5696-234)

High Level Assembler (HLASM) integrates almost all functions of past assemblers and provides extensions and improvements. A related optional feature is High Level Assembler Toolkit.

(Toolkit feature of High Level Assembler for z/OS, z/VM, and z/VSE V1R6, 5696-234)

High Level Assembler Toolkit (HLASM Toolkit) provides tools to improve application development, debugging, and recovery. It is related to the base element High Level Assembler.

IBM HTTP Server powered by Apache is the web server for z/OS. It provides scalable, high-performance web serving for critical e-business applications. It includes security authentication and authorization capabilities similar to those provided in the Domino® HTTP Server.

The level that is incorporated in z/OS is based on Apache HTTP Server 2.4. In element publications, you might see the name IBM HTTP Server - Powered by Apache V9, which is how this level is referenced.

IBM Knowledge Center for z/OS is the IBM strategic framework for providing Internet-based product documentation. IBM Knowledge Center for z/OS provides enhanced search technology similar to that used for Information Centers. It also helps you create your own local repositories and tailor the content that is presented from them.

Softcopy Librarian makes it easier to manage and update content for IBM Knowledge Center for z/OS. You can download it from IBM Softcopy Librarian.

z/OS V2R3 includes a new release of IBM Knowledge Center for z/OS, which includes a Knowledge Center-based replacement for the legacy LookAT facility that was used for message look-ups. You can find it here: IBM Z: Look@ IBM Documentation

IBM Tivoli Directory Server for z/OS (IBM TDS for z/OS) provides secure access for applications and systems on the network to directory information held on z/OS using the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP). This component consists of the LDAP server, LDAP client, and utilities.

For encryption, IBM TDS for z/OS uses the DES (56 bit) and MD5 encryption algorithms.

For more information, see zDNN Programming Guide and Reference.

z/OS includes a copy of the IBM Liberty server stack for sharing between IBM z/OS elements. This base element is supported for use by IBM products only. It is not intended for use by customer applications.

Important differences exist in the frequency and method by which WebSphere Liberty (the WebSphere component) and Liberty Embedded (the z/OS base element) are serviced by IBM. For more information, see "Service policy for the IBM z/OS Liberty Embedded base element."

IBM z/OS Management Facility (z/OSMF) provides a web-based interface that helps you manage various aspects of your z/OS systems through a browser at any time, from any location. By streamlining some traditional tasks and automating others, z/OSMF can help to simplify some areas of z/OS system management.

z/OSMF is a driving system requirement for the system on which you perform software installation activities. For an overview of ServerPac with z/OSMF Software Management and the steps to follow, see the ServerPac Installation using z/OSMF website. Here, you can find a sample portable software instance that can be used to verify that your z/OS driving system is operational for installing a z/OS ServerPac.

You can configure SMF to collect IBM z/OS Workload Interaction Correlator data. IBM z/OS Workload Interaction Correlator enables a product, such as a z/OS component, middleware, or application that runs in multiple instances that are distributed across multiple address spaces to generate a high-frequency, summarized, system-wide view. Products can use the IBM z/OS Workload Interaction Correlator services to generate an SMF type 98 record for a product subtype every 5 seconds. The record contains data about the product's activities in a standardized, synchronized, contextualized format. For more information, see z/OS Workload Interaction Correlator in z/OS MVS Programming: Authorized Assembler Services Guide.

IBM z/OS Workload Interaction Correlator generated data can be used as input to an analytics engine, such as the IBM z/OS Workload Interaction Navigator.

For more information, see IBM z/OS Workload Interaction Correlator in z/OS MVS System Management Facilities (SMF).

Note: Enabling the IBM z/OS Advanced Data Gatherer feature also implicitly enables the IBM z/OS Workload Interaction Correlator feature.

(ICKDSF , z/OS.e, and OS/390 R17, 5655-257)

ICKDSF helps you perform functions that are required for the installation and use of IBM DASD. You can also use it to perform service functions, error detection, and media maintenance.

ICKDSF was last changed in the z/OS V1R4 z990 Compatibility Support feature. This level was carried forward to the z/OS V1R4 z990 Exploitation Support feature and then to z/OS V1R5 and later, and is functionally equivalent to the R17 level of the ICKDSF product.

Infoprint Server helps you print files on z/OS printers from any workstation that has TCP/IP access.

IBM recommends that you use the Infoprint Server feature IP PrintWay component, rather than the Communications Server base element Network Print Facility (NPF) to reroute print data to an IP network. IP PrintWay provides improved function, capacity, performance, and usability over NPF.

In IBM United States Software Announcement 218-236, dated May 15, 2018, IBM stated that the SCLM component is functionally stabilized. While this element will continue to be maintained and supported, it will not be enhanced with new features in the future.

JES2 accepts the submission of work for the BCP. JES2 exercises independent control over its job processing functions, whereas JES3 exercises centralized control.

Starting with z/OS V2R5, in your z/OS order, JES2 is merged into the BCP zone. In previous releases, JES2 was delivered in a separate zone.

JES3 accepts the submission of work for the BCP. JES3 exercises centralized control over its job processing functions, whereas JES2 exercises independent control.

z/OS V2R5 is the last release of z/OS that will include JES3 as a feature. If your installation uses JES3, IBM encourages you to start planning your migration.

Your z/OS order includes JES3 only if you order it. This change is applicable for all of the Customized Offerings, such as ServerPac and CBPDO. In previous releases, JES3 was included in every z/OS order.

In IBM United States Software Announcement 217-246 IBM z/OS Version 2 Release 3 - Engine for digital transformation, dated July 17, 2017, IBM announced that JES2 is the strategic Job Entry Subsystem (JES) for the z/OS operating system and that JES3 would continue to be supported and maintained.

Language Environment provides the runtime environment for programs that are generated with C, C++, COBOL, Fortran, and PL/I.

Inclusion of Language Environment as a base element in z/OS does not replace the need for separate compilers.

Language Environment uses the limited DES algorithm for encryption.

The Metal C Runtime Library is a set of LPA-resident C functions that can be called from a C program that is created by using the z/OS XL C compiler METAL option.

MICR/OCR provides the device support code for various magnetic and optical devices.

Network File System (NFS) is a distributed file system protocol that allows a user on a client computer to access files on a server over a network, much like local storage is accessed. Both the client and server use z/OS UNIX System Services sockets.

NFS uses the Network Authentication Service component of Integrated Security Services for encryption.

The Resource Measurement Facility (RMF) feature generates performance reports based on the data that is provided by the z/OS Advanced Data Gatherer feature. Generation of RMF reports with Parallel Sysplex scope is supported only if the RMF feature is enabled on all systems in the Parallel Sysplex.

For installations that cannot eliminate user key (8-15) common storage usage, the restricted use common service area (RUCSA) provides a means of isolating user key common storage to specific users and thus, controlling or eliminating the security risk that is associated with common user key storage.

For more information, see z/OS MVS Initialization and Tuning Guide.

System Display and Search Facility (SDSF) provides you with information to monitor, manage, and control your z/OS system.

z/OS V1R13 is the last release to support a staged migration for SDSF. As of z/OS V2R1, your installation must migrate to all elements of z/OS at the same time, including SDSF.

Security Server helps you control access to protected resources. Security Server contains one component, RACF®.

Security Server uses the limited DES, CDMF, RC 40-bit, RSA, and DSA algorithms for encryption.

SMP/E is a tool for installing and maintaining software, and for managing the inventory of installed software. SMP/E provides a consistent and reliable method for installing and upgrading the software in a z/OS system.

The SMP/E product allows installations that are currently licensed for an earlier level of z/OS to order and install the latest level of SMP/E without having to upgrade the operating system. This capability allows products that run on z/OS to use the packaging and installation enhancements of SMP/E without requiring a later level of the operating system. This capability also enables z/OS installations to use electronic delivery and installation technologies in SMP/E sooner. The SMP/E product is available at no additional charge to z/OS installations.

z/OS SMP/E and z/OSMF Software Management provide the ability to digitally sign and verify the signature of IBM software packages that are delivered both electronically and physically, on all supported z/OS releases. This capability ensures that a software package is not modified since it was created and is signed by the expected provider. For more information, see Security for signed software packages.

Terminal Input Output Controller (TIOC) is the interface between TSO and VTAM®. It allows TSO to communicate with the terminal hardware.

Time Sharing Option/Extensions (TSO/E) provides an interactive terminal interface. As in prior releases of TSO/E, this element includes CLISTs and REXX, but does not include a REXX compiler.

z/OS Container Extensions (zCX) is a base element of z/OS (FMID HZDC7C0). It provides the runtime support to deploy and run Linux on IBM Z applications that are packaged as Docker Container images on z/OS. All systems in the sysplex on which you deploy zCX must be at the z/OS V2R4 level or later.

zCX is licensed through the Container Hosting Foundation (CHF) for z/OS product (5655-HZ1). Alternatively, if you have an IBM z14 or IBM z15 processor, you can order Container Hosting Foundation, hardware feature code 0104, from the eConfig Fulfillment System. As of IBM z16, feature code 0104 is no longer available on new processors.

Both options include service and support for the underlying Linux kernel and zCX appliance, as well as unlimited zCX usage in the central processor complex (CPC) across all LPARs.

• SMF 70 subtype 1 record data is written into the SMF buffer and to SMF data sets or to a log stream.
• Sysplex Data Server API can be used to access Monitor II and SMF 70 subtype 1 record data.
• z/OS Data Gatherer API GRBSMFR and Sysplex Data Server API ERB3XDRS can be used to retrieve SMF record type and Monitor III data from SMF and Monitor III VSAM data sets.

• System administrators to configure to write SMF 70-78 record data into the SMF buffer and to SMF data sets or to a log stream.
• Application programs to access collected Monitor II, Monitor III, and SMF 70-78 record data by using Sysplex Data Server APIs and z/OS Data Gatherer APIs.

Note: Enabling the IBM z/OS Advanced Data Gatherer feature also implicitly enables the IBM z/OS Workload Interaction Correlator feature.

The z/OS File System (zFS) is the replacement for Distributed File Service, which is removed in z/OS V2R4.

z/OS File System is a UNIX file system. zFS file systems contain files and directories that can be accessed with z/OS UNIX application programming interfaces (APIs). zFS file systems can be mounted into the z/OS UNIX hierarchy along with other local or remote file system types, such as TFS, AUTOMNT, and NFS. The zFS can be used for the root file system. Also, the zFS can run sysplex-aware for read/write mounted file system.

zFS uses the DES 56-bit algorithm for encryption.

The zFS replaces the hierarchical file system (HFS) file system type, which is no longer supported.

For more information about the zFS, including how to migrate data from the HFS to the zFS, see z/OS File System Administration.

z/OS Font Collection consists of character sets, coded fonts, and Advanced Function Presentation (AFP) code pages. The base element (FMID HFNT140) provides a comprehensive set of single-byte fonts.

To obtain the double-byte fonts for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean (CJK), you must order the z/OS Japanese base feature, which includes FMID HFNT14J.

In z/OS V2R4, extended xB fonts were added to the z/OS Font Collection to enhance the range of graphic capabilities for a number of Chinese fonts.

For a list of the fonts that are included in the z/OS Font Collection, see z/OS Font Collection.

z/OS OpenSSH is a port of Open Source Software release OpenSSH 7.6p1 and provides secure encryption for both remote login and file transfer.

Other basic utilities such as ssh-add, ssh-agent, ssh-keysign, ssh-keyscan, ssh-keygen, and sftp-server are also included.

z/OS Security Level 3 provides strong encryption for z/OS.

This feature is worldwide exportable subject to US export regulations.

z/OS UNIX System Services (z/OS UNIX) provides the standard command interface familiar to interactive UNIX users. This base element is made up of Application Services, which includes the Shell and Utilities, Debugger, and Parallel Environment.

For previous IBM Z servers, zEDC for z/OS provided exploitation of the zEDC Express® adapter for hardware data compression.

On the IBM z15™ and later servers, the zEDC Express adapter (feature code #0420) is no longer supported or required. The zEDC compression functions are transferred to the processor chip, which is referred to as IBM Integrated Accelerator for z Enterprise Data Compression (zEDC). Support is available on z/OS V2R1, z/OS V2R2, z/OS V2R3, and z/OS V2R4 when running on z15.

Data that was compressed with zEDC Express can be decompressed with IBM Integrated Accelerator for zEDC. Also, IBM Integrated Accelerator for zEDC compressed data can be decompressed on z14 and earlier servers.

As was done previously for zEDC, parmlib member IFAPRDxx is used to enable compression. However, with IBM Integrated Accelerator for zEDC compression on the z15, you use IFAPRDxx only for enabling asynchronous processing (by using the FPZ4 authorized services). Entitlement of the zEDC priced feature of z/OS is not required for using zlib-based functions.

(3270 PC File Transfer Program V1R1.1, 5665-311)

3270 PC File Transfer Program transfers files from the host to the workstation for offline data manipulation, updating, or correction or for the transfer and storage of local data in the host system.