Restart IMS batch programs automatically and correctly to reduce errors and boost availability
Overview
Automated restart management
IMS™ Program Restart Facility for z/OS® automates checkpoint, backout, and restart processing for IMS BMP and Batch DLI/DBB programs. It selects the correct checkpoint data, creates restart jobs, monitors checkpoint frequency, and automatically restarts failed jobs, reducing errors and improving IMS availability.
Features
Automated IMS batch restart and recovery
- BMP Automation
- Restart options
- Checkpointing
- On-Demand backout
- Batch restart
- DB Availability
Restart automation of BMP programs
Automate the restarting of IBM IMS™ Batch Message Processing (BMP) programs and IMS Batch DLI/DBB Batch programs. Avoid the manual and error-prone process of identifying the last valid Checkpoint ID for the batch program and the associated log data sets to include in the restart job. Determine what is required to restart a batch program and dynamically create the restart job with the correct Checkpoint ID and IMS log data sets.
Backout and Restart options
Take advantage of options that allow IBM IMS Program Restart Facility for z/OS® to automatically drive the backout and restart processes as part of the application job step. With these options, there is no need to run a separate IMS Batch Backout job or modify the restart job JCL following an abnormal termination.
Checkpoint creation in batch programs
Invoke IMS Program Restart Facility for z/OS every time a BMP program or IMS Batch DLI/DBB program issues a Checkpoint (CHKP) call. Optionally track time between checkpoints, and if too long, alert the user. You can also check if the batch application is creating too many checkpoints and bypass checkpoint processing to conserve CPU and resource usage.
Backout on demand
Recognize the need for Backout during job abnormal termination for IMS Batch DLI/DBB programs and take control of the termination process. If IMS Program Restart Facility for z/OS determines that Backout is required, it ensures that the log data set is closed, and drives the backout process before it allows the termination process to complete.
Automatic batch programs Restart
Use the special checkpoint data sets that were created when the original IMS BMP or IMS Batch DLI/DBB program was executed to determine the need for restarting the program. If IMS Program Restart Facility for z/OS determines that Restart is required, it automatically allocates the correct log data sets to the job and modifies the job execution parameters to allow the Restart to be performed automatically.
Database availability after failure
Improve IMS database availability after batch program failures by closing the log data set for IMS Batch DLI/DBB programs requiring Backout and performing Backout automatically as part of the abnormal termination process. This feature releases database locks and allows online processing to continue for the affected databases.
Use cases
Accelerate recovery and maintain availability
Reduce the operational challenges of IMS batch recovery by automating checkpoint identification, restart preparation, and recovery processes. Organizations can minimize manual errors, help prevent data corruption, and improve database availability by ensuring jobs restart at the correct checkpoint and recover efficiently after failures.
Minimize manual intervention during IMS batch job recovery by programmatically identifying the latest valid Checkpoint ID. This helps avoid error-prone restart procedures and supports smoother system operations.
Ensure batch jobs restart from the correct checkpoint to maintain data integrity. Accurate recovery processing helps reduce the risk of corruption that can occur when restarts are performed without the proper Checkpoint ID.
Reduce database downtime by streamlining batch job recovery and avoiding corruption-related delays. Faster, more reliable recovery helps maintain database availability and supports continuous business operations.
IBM Information Management System
A high-performance hierarchical database and transaction manager for z/OS that secures, scales and modernizes critical business applications.
IBM IMS Recovery Solution Pack for z/OS
An integrated solution for simultaneous backup and recovery of multiple data sets and Fast Path areas.
IBM IMS Database Solution Pack for z/OS
Support online database reorganizations to support 24x7 availability and manage full-function IMS databases and HALDBs.
IBM IMS Batch Terminal Simulator for z/OS
Improve application programming and testing productivity with debugging features to ensure IMS, Db2, and WebSphere MQ applications operate properly.
IBM IMS Enterprise Suite
Extend IMS access and accelerate development without rewriting your core systems.
Resources
Discover expert resources
Stay up to date with the latest IMS Program Restart Facility for z/OS information. Access the product guides and documentation to understand new capabilities, review technical details documentation for deeper insights that support deployment, configuration, and ongoing operations on IMS Program Restart Facility for z/OS.