z/OS system installation and maintenance
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What is a SYSMOD?

z/OS system installation and maintenance

SMP/E can install a large variety of system updates, provided they are packaged as a system modification or SYSMOD. A SYSMOD is the actual package of elements and control information that SMP/E needs to install and track system modifications.

SYSMODs are composed of a combination of elements and control information. They are comprised of two parts, as follows:

  • Modification control statements (MCSs), designated by ++ as the first two characters, that tell SMP/E:
  • What elements are being updated or replaced
  • How the SYSMOD relates to product software and other SYSMODs
  • Other specific installation information
  • Modification text, which is the object modules, macros, and other elements supplied by the SYSMOD
There are four different categories of SYSMODs, each supporting a task you might want to perform:
FUNCTION
This type of SYSMOD introduces a new product, a new version or release of a product, or updated functions for an existing product into the system.This type of SYSMOD introduces a new product, a new version or release of a product, or updated functions for an existing product into the system.
PTF
A program temporary fix (PTF) is an IBM-supplied correction for a reported problem. They are meant to be installed in all environments. PTFs may be used as preventive service to avoid certain known problems that may have not yet appeared on your system, or they may be used as corrective service to fix problems you have already encountered. The installation of a PTF must always be preceded by that of a function SYSMOD, and often other PTFs as well.
APAR
An authorized program analysis report (APAR) is a temporary fix designed to correct or bypass a problem for the first reporter of the problem. An APAR might not be applicable to your environment. The installation of an APAR must always be preceded by that of a function SYSMOD, and sometimes of a particular PTF. That is, an APAR is designed to be installed on a particular preventive-service level of an element.
USERMOD
This type of SYSMOD is created by you, either to change IBM® code or to add independent functions to the system. The installation of a USERMOD must always be preceded by that of a function SYSMOD, sometimes certain PTFs, APAR fixes, or other USERMODs.

SMP/E keeps track of the functional and service levels of each element and uses this SYSMOD hierarchy to determine such things as which functional and service levels of an element should be installed and the correct order for installing updates for elements.





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