Defining message levels for a console

Assigning routing codes is one way to limit message traffic to a console. You can further reduce the number of messages that appear on a console by directing certain messages to consoles by message levels. Descriptor codes can also appear with messages and further describe the significance of the message levels.

The system differentiates among the following kinds of message levels:

Write-to-operator with reply (WTOR) messages, which might demand an immediate reply.
System failure and immediate action messages (descriptor codes 1 and 2), which indicate a serious error or that a task is awaiting a requested operator action.
Critical eventual action messages (descriptor code 11), which indicate that an eventual action of critical importance is requested on the part of the operator.
Eventual action messages (descriptor code 3), which request an eventual action that does not require immediate operator attention.
Broadcast messages, which are messages normally sent to every active console regardless of the routing code you assigned to the console.
Informational messages, which generally indicate system status. (Most messages are informational. MVS™ recognizes informational messages with descriptor code 12 for special routing.)

Descriptor codes and message levels

The system gives special consideration to messages with descriptor codes 1, 2, 3, 11, 12, and WTOR messages.

MVS also handles messages with descriptor code 13 in a special way. If a message has been specified for automation in MPF, you can assign descriptor code 13 to the message in a message processing exit (like IEAVMXIT) to indicate that the message has been previously automated. You can then reissue the message. Descriptor code 13 can be useful when a message has been automated on one system in a sysplex but needs to be reissued to other systems in the sysplex.

To define message levels for a console, use the following keyword on the CONSOLE statement:

LEVEL: Defines the message level in effect for the console.

Assignment by message level means that a console can accept combinations of action, broadcast, and informational messages that the system sends to a console. Options you can specify for LEVEL include the following:

R: Messages that require an operator reply are to appear
I: Immediate action messages (descriptor codes 1 and 2) are to appear
CE: Critical eventual action messages (descriptor code 11) are to appear
E: Eventual action messages (descriptor code 3) are to appear
IN: Informational messages are to appear
NB: Broadcast messages are not to appear
ALL: All messages, including broadcast messages, are to appear

You can specify one or any combination of these options for LEVEL. If LEVEL in the CONSOLxx member is not coded, the system sends all messages, including broadcast messages, to the console.

To direct only WTOR messages and immediate action messages to a console named ACCT, code this statement in CONSOLxx:

CONSOLE DEVNUM(0C6) NAME(ACCT) LEVEL(R,I)

Operators can use the CONTROL V command to change LEVEL.