IBM Z Open Automation Utilities

Simplify mainframe automation with modern tools and seamless cross-platform integration
Illustration of person working on laptop at desk with cloud symbols in background

Modern automation for IBM z/OS

IBM® Z® Open Automation Utilities (ZOAU) simplifies mainframe automation by using UNIX commands, Python APIs and modern scripting. It removes reliance on JCL, enabling faster development, collaboration and operational efficiency.

 Updates on new features for ZOAU Migrating to 1.4 from 1.3.x or earlier
Seamless mainframe and UNIX integration

Easily connect z/OS® with UNIX tools for faster automation, bridging skills across IT teams.
No JCL expertise required for automation

Simplify operations by eliminating the need for deep JCL knowledge in everyday tasks.
Boost development speed and efficiency

Accelerate modernization, shorten delivery cycles and increase IT productivity.
Enable collaboration across IT teams

Promote teamwork between mainframe and distributed teams through familiar tools.

Features

Run MVS programs without JCL knowledge
Execute traditional MVS programs seamlessly through ZOAU. Remove the barrier of JCL expertise, making mainframe operations more accessible to developers and system administrators.
Simplified z/OS job submission and control
Start and manage z/OS jobs by using built-in job management utilities. Streamline workload execution while improving visibility and reducing complexity in operations.
Direct z/OS dataset management from UNIX
Create, edit, delete and list MVS datasets directly from a UNIX environment. ZOAU provides familiar utilities to simplify dataset handling without needing specialized mainframe skills.
Console operations through UNIX commands
Use UNIX commands to issue operator commands directly to the z/OS system console. Improve efficiency by managing console interactions without leaving the UNIX environment.

Use case

Person writing on whiteboard in office
Operationalizing microservices in z/OS

With IBM Z Open Automation Utilities, creating powerful programs in modern languages on z/OS becomes remarkably easy, enabling the construction of functional microservices that drive MVS facilities.

 Read the article
Compare editions

IBM Z Open Automation Utilities is available in two editions. The PAX format works seamlessly with z/OS UNIX System Services for quick setup, while the SMP/E format simplifies update management and is recommended for production. Both editions support IBM service requests with optional Subscription and Support (S&S).
Editions PAX edition

Install with the PAX archive format, consistent with distributed platforms. Provides quick setup on z/OS UNIX, making ZOAU easy to start using.

 Download now SMP/E edition

Use the SMP/E (CBPDO, ServerPac) format for streamlined updates and maintenance. Recommended for production with both base and service PTF content.

 Obtain from Shopz

No license charge

Develop your own custom applications

Full functionality

Downloadable with z/OS 3.1 and later

IBM Software Subscription and Support (S&S)

 Optional at no cost: entitled through S&S PID 5698-PAS

*Prices shown are indicative, may vary by country, exclude any applicable taxes and duties, and are subject to product offering availability in a locale.
Close-up of side of bank building
Financial services case study An essential enhancement to Python Explore how Credit Suisse, a large European bank, achieved success by leveraging Python on IBM z/OS. Discover their journey and insights into enhancing operational efficiency and innovation within mainframe environments. Read the case study blog Read the case study blog

How to obtain

Download

Manage updates easily with CBPDO, ServerPac or PAX installable formats. 

  • IBM Z Open Automation Utilities base license (5698-PA1)
  • IBM Z Open Automation Utilities S&S (5698-PAS)

When ordering z/OS, customers have the option to select ZOAU as part of the installation process.

Consult your IBM representative or IBM Business Partner if you have questions about the ordering process.
Obtain through Shopz
Download pax edition

Requirements

Prerequisites 

  • Supported on z/OS 2.5 or later.
  • z/OS 3.1 and later includes ZOAU as a bypassable prerequisite. 
  • JES2 (job entry subsystem 2) on your installation. 

Disk space requirements

  • Approximately 750 tracks (50 cylinders), or 35 MB of 3390 disk space for product installation.
  • A writable temporary directory (typically /tmp) with at least 100 MB of free space.
Explore installing and configuring ZOAU

Integrations

ZOAU integrates with Python, UNIX and Ansible® to simplify mainframe automation and fit into mofern DevOps workflows. 
Python APIs

Access MVS resources with Python-friendly interfaces

 Red Hat® Ansible

Automate z/OS tasks by using certified Ansible collections

UNIX shell commands

Use familiar shell utilities (dls, mvscmd and others) in z/OS UNIX

 Code samples and examples

Browse scripts and community contributions

Resources

Maximizing Efficiency with GDGs and ZOAU
Explore how to optimize your workflow by integrating Generation Data Groups (GDGs) with Zowe Open Automation on IBM Z and LinuxONE.
Ansible for User Spotlight: Mike Fontanetta
Discover practical tips and strategies for optimizing automation and enhancing operational efficiency in mainframe environments.
Why Z Open Automation Utilities
Explore the benefits and capabilities of Z Open Automation Utilities (ZOAU) for enhancing mainframe operations and streamlining development workflows.
Take the next step

Download the freely available PAX archive that contains ZOAU and check out sample code.

  1. Download pax edition
  2. Explore sample code