CICSPlex SM workload management

CICSPlex® SM workload management directs work requests to a target region that is selected using one of four routing algorithms.

The queue algorithm (QUEUE)
CICSPlex SM routes work requests initiated in the requesting region to the most suitable target region in the designated set of target regions.
The link neutral queue algorithm (LNQUEUE)
The link neutral queue algorithm corresponds to the queue algorithm, except that the type of connection between the routing and target region is not considered.
The goal algorithm (GOAL)
CICSPlex SM routes work requests to the target region that is best able to meet the goals that have been predefined using the z/OS® Workload Manager.
The link neutral goal algorithm (LNGOAL)
The link neutral goal algorithm corresponds to the goal algorithm, except that the type of connection between the routing and target region is not considered.

For more information, see Workload routing.

The CICSPlex SM dynamic routing program EYU9XLOP is invoked to route work requests to the selected target region. EYU9XLOP supports both workload routing and workload separation. You define to CICSPlex SM which requesting, routing, and target regions in the CICSplex can participate in dynamic routing, and any affinities that govern the target regions to which particular work requests must be routed. The output from the CICS® Interdependency Analyzer can be used directly by CICSPlex SM. For information about the CICS Interdependency Analyzer, see the CICS Interdependency Analyzer for z/OS, and the IBM® Redbooks® publication IBM CICS Interdependency Analyzer.

There are no special requirements for using CICSPlex SM workload management, which supports both the distributed routing and dynamic routing models of CICS. Workload management of the following types of requests is supported:
  • Dynamic transaction routing
  • Dynamic DPL
  • Start requests
  • BTS activities
  • 3270 link requests
CICSPlex SM workload management offers the following benefits:
  • A dynamic routing program to make more intelligent routing decisions; for example, based on workload goals.
  • Improved CICS support for z/OS goal-oriented workload management.
  • Easier access to a global temporary storage owning region in the z/OS sysplex environment. This avoids inter-transaction affinity that can occur with the use of local temporary storage queues.
  • Intelligent routing (through CICSPlex SM) in a CICSPlex that has at least one requesting region linked to multiple target regions.

For information about setting up and using CICSPlex SM workload management, see Managing workloads through CICSPlex SM and Introduction to workload management.