As the central point of control over the job output (or exit) function, JES2 controls output devices: local and remote printers, punches, and card readers. You can use JES2 initialization statements to define each device. All are directly under JES2 control, with the exception of printers that operate under the Print Services Facility™ (PSF). PSF printers provide all-points-addressable capabilities, and although defined by JES2, are driven by PSF. PSF thereby assumes the processing overhead that JES2 typically performs to support printer operation. (See Supporting advanced function presentation (AFP) printersfor an introduction to PSF.)

Printed and punched output can be routed to a variety of devices in multiple locations. The control JES2 exercises over its printers ranges from the job output classes and job names from which the printer can select work to such specifications such as the forms on which the output is printed. This control allows the system programmer to establish the job output environment most efficiently without causing unnecessary printer backlog or operator intervention.

Through JES2, the system defines the job input classes, reader specifications, and output device specifications. As a result, JES2 is the central point of control over both the job entry and job exit phases of data processing.