Implementing sysplex optimized dynamic workload routing

CICSPlex® SM provides dynamic workload management for CICS®. CICSPlex SM can augment its workload management decisions using current status information posted directly from CICS by using a region status (RS) server.

Before you begin

Full workload optimization can be achieved with sysplex optimized workload routing. However, this capability requires that all workload regions are migrated to CICS TS for z/OS®, Version 4.1 and later.

Sysplex optimized workload routing takes place automatically when all workload regions are running at CICS TS 4.1 and later, and when a region status (RS) server is started in the same z/OS image as each region in the workload in the CICSplex.

You can mix CICS TS for z/OS, Version 4.1 and later regions in a workload with regions at a level earlier than CICS TS 4.1. However, workloads will run in a non-optimized state.

For details about sysplex optimized workload routing, see Sysplex optimized workload routing overview.

About this task

To optimize workload routing in a sysplex, you must configure and monitor a region status (RS) server, as part of a coupling facility data table. For instructions, see Setting up and running a region status server and Security for coupling facility data tables.

Configure for sysplex optimized workload routing

In the CICSplex definition, you can set the coupling facility (CF) tuning parameters for the region status (RS) server, which provide sysplex optimized workload routing. You define and modify CICSplexes using the EYUSTARTCPLEXDEF view set. The coupling facility (CF) tuning parameters are in the CPLEXDEF detail view.

You can set the following configurations:

• How long region status data is cached by a routing region before requesting a refresh for sysplex optimized workload routing.
  See Region status server, read interval parameter (READRS).
• How often the coupling facility is updated with task throughput data for sysplex optimized workload routing.
  See Region status server, update frequency parameter (UPDATERS).
• The task load range that triggers workload distribution updates to the coupling facility (CF) during periods of low throughput.
  See Region status server, bottom-tier parameter (BOTRSUPD).
• A task load top tier that controls the workload when the region is close to the MAXTASK (MXT) setting during periods of high throughput.
  See Region status server, top-tier parameter (TOPRSUPD).

View optimization status

• For a workload:

  You can use the Active workloads list view in CICS Explorer® or in the CICSPlex SM Web User Interface (WUI), to view the status of each workload active in the CICSplex.

  For more information, see Viewing optimization status.

• For a CICS region:

  If you are using CICS Explorer, follow the instructions in Viewing workloads in a CICSplex in the CICS Explorer product documentation.

  If you are using the CICSPlex SM WUI, use the Routing regions or Target regions views located in the Active workloads list view to view the optimization status for a CICS region.

  For more information, see Viewing optimization status.