Let’s make it work for you 

Get in touch
From $1,100
Details
Categories:
Infrastructure and Networking Software and DevOps
Code:
TPPSX1

Overview

This course is the essential technical introduction to the IBM parallel sysplex for all managers and technicians coming new to the environment. The course describes and explains the components of the parallel sysplex concept, and covers data sharing, installation, IPL, components & services and sysplex exploitation.<br>The course is regularly revised and upgraded to reflect the changes and advances in the z/OS environment.<br><br>This course is also available for one-company, on-site presentations and for live presentation over the Internet, via the Virtual Classroom Environment service.


Prerequisites

Familiarity with z/OS structure, concepts, operations and workload.

What's included

Select your preferred way to learn:

What is Classroom?

Hands-on, instructor-led training delivered in a QA learning centre

In-person training in a dedicated QA learning centre. Learners benefit from expert-led sessions, collaborative activities, and structured, hands-on workshops in a distraction-free environment. If you can’t attend in person, many classroom courses are also available to attend remotely.

Classroom sessions can be arranged on request. Please contact your account manager to discuss availability in your region

Best for: Individuals and teams who benefit from deep focus, direct interaction, and practical, hands-on learning.

What's included?

2 Days instructor led course

6 month free access to QA learning platform

Free 6-Month Access: Learning Platform Discovery plan

Included FREE with every instructor‑led course

Get free guided access to the QA Learning Platform. Assess your skills, explore in-demand topics, and understand which areas to focus on.

Learn AI, Cloud, Data, and Leadership skills at your own pace.

Put skills into practice with hands-on Labs and Simulabs.

Validate knowledge and highlight gaps with skills assessments.

What is bespoke training? 

Custom instructor-led training designed by QA to fit your needs

Tailored programmes built around your organisation’s goals, challenges, and skill levels. Delivered in the format that suits you to maximise relevance and impact.

Best for: Organisations and teams looking to target specific business priorities and capabilities with QA subject matter expertise.

 

Talk to us

Dates

Available ways to learn:

Learning outcomes

  • explain the reasons for the introduction of the parallel sysplex concept
  • explain the business implications of the parallel sysplex
  • describe the XCF function for connecting the systems
  • explain how data sharing works
  • describe the management of a sysplex
  • explain how to exploit the benefits of the parallel sysplex.

Course outline

Sysplex Introduction

What is sysplex?; Not a new concept; So what's new?; 'Before' and 'after' sysplex; XCF sysplex requirements; Components of the XCF sysplex; Server Time Protocol; Clock synchronization techniques; XCF sysplex definitions; XCF sysplex services; The parallel sysplex; The parallel sysplex concept; Signalling and Status Monitoring services; Group services; Couple Data Sets; XES availability with SFM.

Data Sharing

The Coupling Facility (CF); What parallel sysplex adds to the picture; Cross-system Extended Services (XES); Different types of multi-system data sharing; Parallel sysplex data sharing; The PLEXCFG parameter; Program-to-program communication with parallel sysplex.

Sysplex Installation & IPL

Sysplex installation planning; Determine system names; Examples of setting system names; Determine overall sysplex configuration; The sysplex name; Couple Data Sets; The sysplex Couple Data Set; The parallel sysplex Couple Data Sets; Example of the formatting utility; Output from the formatting utility; Alternate Couple Data Sets; Sysplex Couple Data Set considerations; Determine detection intervals; Determine transport classes; Transport class attributes; Determine signalling paths; LOCAL sysplex messages; Sysplex group names and members; The CFRM policy; CFRM policy definition; Planning CFRM - identification and structure size; XES Structure Services; XES Structure Services; XES Assembler macros; Selecting a CF for a structure; Updating CFRM; The SFM policy; XCFPOLxx for PR/SM; CLOCKxx.

Exploiting Sysplex

Parallel sysplex exploiters; Old functions, new techniques - system software & database systems; The 'real' parallel sysplex...?; Workload distribution - not a new concept; Workload distribution - exploiters; WLM and dynamic networking; VSAM Record Level Sharing (RLS); RACF and sysplex; Sysplex-wide DAE; MVS System Console Processing (MCS); Defining MCS consoles; MCS message processing - sysplex; MCS message processing - sysplex; Automatic Tape Switching (ATS); Global Resource Serialization (GRS); GRS Fully Connected Complex and sysplex; GRS star; GRS star setup definitions; Star configuration RNL management; Sysplex-related JES features; The JESXCF facility; Communication via JESXCF; VTAM exploitation; Generic Resources requirements; CICS exploitation; TSO generic resources; Batch in a parallel sysplex with WLM; The solution - WLM managed batch; What WMB does not do... ; What WMB manages; DB2 exploitation; IMS exploitation; TSO/E and SYS1.BRODCAST; MVS System Logger; System Logger overview.

Sysplex Management & Operations

Parallel Sysplex initialisation problems; Sysplex operational problems; Sysplex Timer problems; Couple Data Set problems; Abend X'00C'; Loss of a system in a sysplex; Planning for sysplex failures; XES availability with SFM; The SFM policy; SFM policy parameters; Creating an SFM policy; Automatic Restart Manager (ARM); Automatic Restart Manager objectives; IPL of a sysplex; The SETXCF command; SETXCF command examples; The VARY XCF command.

Good to know

Why choose QA

Get in touch for team bookings and exclusive discounts

Ready to book? Complete the form and a member of our team will be in touch shortly to discuss your options.

Let’s make it work for you. Speak to one of our learning experts today.

By submitting this form, you agree to QA processing your data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in our emails or contacting us directly.

What our customers are saying

“As the administrator, it’s critical for me to be able to demonstrate where their skills started and where they’ve increased, and that’s all proven by the assessments. It’s been really valuable to us because it checks all the boxes for what all my stakeholders care about, including me.”

Jennifer Zaborowski

Director of IT Learning & Development, Regeneron  

“I participated in an IT Project Management Workshop, and I have to say it was by some way, the most well organised, best presented, engaging, informative and inspiring workshop or training course I have been on with QA. The trainer’s willingness to spend his time and share his experience and resources with me were second to none, and I truly feel better prepared going forward in my career.”

James

QA learner

Yellow
Need to know

Frequently asked questions

How can I create an account on myQA.com?

There are a number of ways to create an account. If you are a self-funder, simply select the "Create account" option on the login page.

If you have been booked onto a course by your company, you will receive a confirmation email. From this email, select "Sign into myQA" and you will be taken to the "Create account" page. Complete all of the details and select "Create account".

If you have the booking number you can also go here and select the "I have a booking number" option. Enter the booking reference and your surname. If the details match, you will be taken to the "Create account" page from where you can enter your details and confirm your account.

Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.

How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?

Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.

We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.

How do QA’s online courses work?

QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course. When you book a QA online learning course you will receive immediate access to it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.

All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.

When will I receive my joining instructions?

Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.

When will I receive my certificate?

Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.