Using zEDC withSterling Connect:Direct

zEnterprise Data Compression (zEDC) is a compression acceleration capability that allows you to perform hardware-based data compression that streamlines data exchanges, saves on storage, and reduces CPU consumption. IBM now provides a new zlib version that supports the zEDC Express Accelerator for compression and decompression activities to improve throughput and CPU usage.

You can use zEDC with Sterling Connect:Direct® by implementing the new initialization parameter, ZEDC. If the zEDC Express Accelerator is available, the compression is perform by the hardware; otherwise, a new software version of zlib, 1.2.7, will be used. During product initialization, a new message appears indicating that this version of zlib is available and if the zEDC hardware is available.

With zEDC hardware compression, the object being compressed or decompressed is performed using the hardware or the software. This is determined based on the size of the first data block from the object passed to the IBM ZLIB code. This threshold is controlled by a system wide global parameter specified in SYS1.PARMLIB member IQPPRMxx.

When this feature is used, it is utilized by the extended compression feature of Sterling Connect:Direct and is subject to the negotiated Compression Control Facility (CCF). When the PROCESS is executed, extended compression is negotiated if the ZIIP for extended compression is not enabled. The appropriate environment variable uses the zEDC accelerator and uses the buffer length restrictions defined by the operating system and zEDC. Sterling Connect:Direct statistics data indicates the version of zlib being used and if the hardware zEDC Express accelerator was used.

During product initialization, when zEDC is specified as ON or by default, Sterling Connect:Direct will inquire the availability of the zEDC hardware and provide the appropriate initialization message, SITA374I, on the status of the zEDC hardware. If the hardware is unavailable, Sterling Connect:Direct will continue but software compression is forced.

For a detail overview, requirements and planning for zEDC, please reference, z/OS MVS Programming: Callable Services for High-Level Languages, SA23-1377-00 zEnterprise Data Compression (zEDC).