IBM Z System Automation

The SA z/OS - IBM Z System Automation course provides the learner with a basic understanding of what IBM Z System Automation is and how it can be used in today’s modern enterprise. The course begins with looking at some of the benefits the product provides in managing system resources through automation. The course also covers the various components that enable automation functionality. Finally, the course delves further into what tools are available for IT personnel to interact with use with IBM Z System Automation.

The SA z/OS - IBM System Automation: Planning, Installation, and Customization course, takes the user through the steps required to install, and configure SA z/OS V4.2 onto their system. Initial content covers implementation considerations, and provides the learner with tools used in the planning and installation process. The configuration assistant section describes how some of these implementation tasks can be automated. The Customization Dialog module describes how this product is used to build an SA z/OS automation policy database. It guides the learner through the creation of database entries, to the compilation of the Systems Operations Configuration File, enabling it for distribution and use by an automated system.

The SA z/OS - IBM System Automation: Operations course, focuses on the SA z/OS administration and monitoring tasks performed by operations and administrator personnel. Initial content looks at initializing SA z/OS, and describes start-up options that can be invoked for the automation manager and automation agent. Tasks that allow you to refresh automation configuration data, and enable automation through the use of automation flags, pacing gates and runmodes is also discussed. SA z/OS functionality that may unintentionally inhibit automation activity, and how these issues are resolved is also covered.A detailed look at the commands and tools used to display and manage SA z/OS activity is provided, and details associated with diagnosing and resolving common problems is discussed.

The SA z/OS - Automation Definitions Introduction and Workshop course, begins by describing the key Entry Types that can be defined in an SA z/OS policy database, and their purpose. Following this, a workshop-style module provides you with hands-on exercises used to create an application, application group and related automation definitions.

The SA z/OS - Advanced Automation and Reporting course, introduces the learner to some more advanced implementation and configuration possibilities focusing on end-to-end automation, and the automation of CICS, IMS, and Db2 environments. It also looks at various methods used to report on the policy database content, automation activity, and statistics produced by SMF relating to automation usage.