Planning checklist

Migrating a z/OS® Communications Server system from a previous release involves considerable planning. To familiarize yourself with the migration process, review this checklist. Tailor the checklist to meet the specific requirements of your installation.

1. Understand your network topology, including the hardware and software in your network and your network configuration.
2. Understand that z/OS Communications Server is a base element of z/OS.
   Use the appropriate documents as you plan, migrate, and install:

   • For information about migration and writing an installation plan, see Determining which documents to use when migrating.
   • For information about installation, see these documents:
     • z/OS Program Directory
     • Preventative Service Planning (PSP) bucket (available by using IBMLINK)
     • Softcopy Installation Memo (for Bookmanager publications)
     • ServerPac: Installing Your Order, if you use the ServerPac method to install z/OS
   • For information about storage requirements, see z/OS Program Directory, IBMLINK, or z/OS Communications Server Support. You can also see the storage estimate worksheets in z/OS Communications Server: SNA Network Implementation Guide.
3. Develop your education plan.
   1. Evaluate the z/OS V2R3 Communications Server features and enhancements by reading the new function summary topics in this document.
   2. Plan which new functions will be incorporated into your system.
4. Review and apply the Program Temporary Fixes (PTFs), including Recommended Service Upgrades (RSUs), for the current-minus-3 month plus all hipers and PEs. The PTFs are available monthly through the period for which the release is current and can be obtained by using IBMLINK. RSU integration testing for a release will be performed for five quarters after the general availability date for that release.
5. Get acquainted with the helpful information found at z/OS Communications Server Support.
6. In writing a test plan for z/OS, include test cases for these items:
   • TCP/IP applications
   • Key or critical SNA applications and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) software products.
   • User-written applications such as: Customer Information Control System (CICS®) sockets, Information Management System (IMS) sockets, REXX sockets, Sockets Extended, UNIX System Services sockets, and Macro Sockets
   • Operator commands
   • Your terminal and printer types
7. Back up your user exits and user modifications for later restore.
8. Install z/OS Communications Server with the other elements and features of z/OS. IBM® has defined the appropriate product enablement settings in the IFAPRD00 member of SYS1.IBM.PARMLIB. For information about dynamic enablement, see z/OS Planning for Installation.
9. Complete post-installation activities:
   • Use z/OS Communications Server: IP Configuration Guide to customize your TCP/IP system.
   • Use the following information to customize your SNA system:
     • z/OS Communications Server: SNA Customization
     • z/OS Communications Server: SNA Network Implementation Guide
     • z/OS Communications Server: SNA Resource Definition Reference
   • Use z/OS Migration to determine migration actions.
   • Reinstall user exits.
   • Reinstall user modifications.
   • Update operating procedures and automation routines.
   • Activate new functions.
10. Complete functional and stress tests.