Shows
zMindsMarna Walle on Streamlining the MainframeListen to our talk with Marna Walle, an IBM Senior Staff Member and public speaker, to discuss how she is planning to make z/OS easier and more accessible for its users, as well as what she predicts what potential updates will positively impact the future for Z users.2025-04-2412 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 36 "Telum Like It Is"Episode 36 "Telum Like It Is"What’s Newz/OS dependencies moved from Semeru 17 to 21. EOS for Semeru 11 is 30 Nov 2025.Manual of the Moment: z/OS 3.1 Planning for Installation refresh, Software Dependencies sectionMainframe - Position z/OS for IBM z17z/OS V2.4 and higher is supported on IBM z17. Use SMP/E FIXCATs to find the necessary service.z/OS Sysplex requirements for coexistence is z15, z16, and z17.Exploitation for z17 in z/OS includes: Workload level sustainability and power consumption, Workfload classification pricing, new CL6 link technology, BCPii and HMC ha...2025-04-0838 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 35 "In search of EXCELence?"What’s New
z/OS dependencies moved from Semeru 11 to 17 before November 2025
Manual of the Moment: MVS Extended Addressability Guide for learning about address spaces, data spaces, and hiperspaces.
Mainframe - Looking at ages of fixes you haven't installed yet
IBM has started adding a REWORK date to PTFs. The date may be a day or two before the actual availability date.
Use case example: requirement with a policy that Security/Integrity (SECINT) PTFs that meet some criteria must be installed within xx days of availability.
Fits nicely with the z/OS UUID support, from Episode...2024-10-2847 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 34 "Homeward Bound"Episode 34 "Homeward Bound"
Mainframe - z/OSMF Software Management UUID
What it is: ability to programmatically retrieve a unique value (UUID) which can then be used to find out installation information about the active z/OS system. This function is optional.
Requires: z/OS 3.1, an SMP/E CSI specific to that software instance, and an installed usermod which is provided by z/OSMF Software Management.
How it works: once the UUID has been encoded into your z/OS system's LPALIB data set, you can use a REST API to retrieve the UUID. Then, this allows you...2023-12-0635 min
TechGuide32. Mainframe, Apprenticeship, AI and Software Engineering with Marna Walle of IBMWhat is mainframe, and how can you get a job within the industry? Marna Walle, IBM Senior Technical Staff Member, shares her extensive expertise and career wisdom in the mainframe environment. She begins by explaining the fundamentals of "Mainframes," offering a foundational understanding of this technology. Marna then delves into the roles and responsibilities of Software Engineers, providing valuable insights for both newcomers and seasoned professionals. The episode also explores the advantages of AI technology in the IT industry, highlighting its transformative potential. Marna shares her invaluable perspective on the benefits of long-term commitment to a company, drawing from...2023-10-0425 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 33 "These Boots Were Made"Episode 33 "These Boots Were Made"
What’s New
Preliminary z/OS 3.1 Upgrade materials
Python 3.1.1 zIIP enablemment OA63406 and PH52983
Mainframe -
Requires: z/OS V2.5 with PTFs, IBM z16 with microcode. Has both driving and target system requirements, use IBM.Function.ValidatedBoot FIXCAT.
Front end: Siging the in-scope artifacts (NUCLEUS, LPA, IPL Text, and SA Dump Text), z16 is not required here although z/OS V2.5 and PTFs are.
Back end: Verification of those signed in-scope artifacts. z16 with correct microcode level is required here (with z/OS V2.5 and PTFs).
Security set up wo...2023-07-0540 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 32 "Scott Free"Episode 32 "Scott Free"
What’s New
Preview of z/OS 3.1
Mainframe - SMFLIMxx Parmlib Member
IEFUSI exit replacement with a parmlib member, related to storage and limits that can be specified.
Functions are delivered as continuous delivery, such as the SAF check filter, and number of shared pages used.
In z/OS 3.1: Dedicated Real Memory Pools to assign memory to a specific application, like zCX, in all frame sizes.
Performance - Open Data Sets, Part 1
Looking at many open data sets (100s of thousands) for middleware.
ALLOCxx's SWBSTORAGE has to specify ATB to...2023-04-2141 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 31 "Take it to the Macs"Episode 31 "Take it to the Macs" show notes.
This episode is about our After Show. (What is that?) Long show notes can be found here.
What’s New
New news for CustomPac removal date, it is July 10, 2022.
Data Set File System released OA62150 closed April 28th, 2022 only on z/OS V2.5
Mainframe - z/OS Management Services Catalogs: Importance of z/OSMF Workflows
z/OS Management Services Catalog, zMSC, allows you to customize a z/OSMF Workflow for your enterprise, and publish it in a catalog for others to "click and use".
Th...2022-07-1144 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 30 "Choices Choices"Short show notes - long show notes here
We have a special guest joining us for the performance topic, Scott Ballentine.
What’s New
New news for CustomPac removal date, which has been extended past January 2022. The reason was to accommodate
the desired Data Set Merge capability in z/OSMF which customers needed. For the new withdrawl date, it is planned to be announced in 2Q2022.
Mainframe - Only in V2.5
This topic was looking at some new functions that are only in z/OS V2.5.
Data Set Fi...2022-03-1635 min
Terminal TalkMarna Walle - Modern Installation Management on z/OSYou've gotta stay on top of your installed software, and the right approach can make all the difference. World renowned software install/management/upgrade expert Marna Wanna (and co-host of the other mainframe podcast, Mainframe, Performance, Topics) joins us to shed some light on what it takes to keep current without adding drama to an already-busy workload.
2021-07-2728 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 29 "Hello Trello"This episode is about how to be a better z/OS installation specialist, z/OS capture ratios, and a discussion on using Trello. We have a special guest joining us for the performance topic, Miroslava Barahona Rossi. Long show notes are found here .
Mainframe - Being a Better Installation Specialist
"Better" here means lessons learned, not competing with people. "Installation Specialist" might just as well have used "System Programmer" or another term.
There's definitely a reason to be optimistic about being a person that does that Installation Specialist or System P...2021-04-2059 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 28 "The Preview That We Do Anew"This episode is about several of the z/OS V2.5 new functions, which were recently announced, for both the Mainframe and Performance topics. Our Topics topic is on Martin's Open Source tool filterCSV. Full long show notes are here.
We have a guest for Performance: Nick Matsakis, z/OS Development, IBM Poughkeepsie.
Many of the enhancements you'll see in the z/OS V2.5 Preview were provided on earlier z/OS releases via Continuous Delivery PTFs. The APARs are provided in the announce.
If you use FTPS for your IBM software electonic delivery, a c...2021-03-0249 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 27 "And Another Thing"Episode 27 "And Another Thing" show notes. Long show note are here.
Follow up
Additional System Recovery Boost enhancements:
Sysplex partitioning recovery: Boosts all surviving systems in the sysplex as they recover and takes on additional workload following the planned or unplanned removal of a system from the sysplex.
Two more portable software instances: Db2 and IMS added to Shopz on Aug 20, 2020, in addition to CICS (Dec 2019).
ASK MPT
Martin was asked about which systems in a System Recovery Boost Speed Boost situation get their GCPs sped up to full speed.
Mainframe...2020-11-1656 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 26 "Sounding Board"Here are the show notes for Episode 26 "Sounding Board". The show is called this because it relates to our Topics topic, and because we recorded the episode partly in the Pougkeepsie recording studio where Martin sounded zen, and partly at home.
What’s New
APAR PH21919: NEW FUNCTION - WORKFLOW SUPPORT SAVE JOB OUTPUT
PTF Numbers are UI68359 for 2.3 and UI68360 for 2.4
APAR OA56774 (since 2.2) Provides new function to prevent a runaway sysplex application from monopolizing a disproportionate share of CF resources
Not based on CF CPU consumption. Is based on deteriorating service times to...2020-07-0656 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 25 "Flit for Purpose"Here are the show notes for Episode 25 “Flit for Purpose”. The show is called this because it relates to our Topic, and also can be related to our Mainframe topic (as a pun for “Fit for Purpose”).
Mainframe Topic: Highest highlights of z/OS V2.4 and z/OS on z15
Highlight 1: zCX
Highlight 2: z/OSMF
Lots of z/OSMF enhancements that have arrived in z/OS V2.4, and the good news is that most of them are rolled back to V2.3 in PTFs that have been arriving quarterly.
Security Configuration Assistant: A way within z/OSMF to validat...2020-03-2241 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 24 "Our Wurst Episode"Here are the show notes for Episode 24 “Our Wurst Episode”. The show is called this because we both attended the IBM TechU in Berlin, Germany, and our Topics topic is our trip report.
Mainframe Topic: CICS ServerPac in z/OSMF
IBM’s first delivery on new installation strategy, will be with CICS and associated SREL products. This is the first of many (really, all).
Choice on new installation strategy or old during ShopZ ordering.
We encourage making the z/OSMF choice, as that is consistent between IBM and other vendors, and is intended to be easier.
Infras...2020-03-2242 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 23 "The Preview that We Do"Here are the show notes for Episode 23 “The Preview That We Do”. The show is called this because we talk about the newly previewed z/OS release, V2.4, in the Mainframe section. This is our 24th episode too! How convenient!
Mainframe: z/OS V2.4 Preview
“z/OS Container Extensions” (zCX) zCX Information
z/OS Upgrade Workflow, no book
More in Pervasive Encryption
zFS enhancements
MCS logon passphrases
Biggest question one may have: what level of HW will z/OS V2.4 IPL on? z/OS V2.4 will run on zEC12/BC12 and higher.
Performance: Coupling F...2020-03-2233 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 22 "Great App-spectations"Here are the show notes for Episode 22 “Great App-spectations”. The show is called this because we talk about app expections in our Topics topic.
Mainframe: PI99365 Two enhancements in z/OSMF Operator Consoles
Support for “sticking” WTOR and held messages on the top of the console area
Visible EMCS console name
View WTOR and HOLD messages in a separate window
Visible console name part
Overall: These two function areas help you manage your z/OSMF operator consoles better.
Performance: Paging Subsystem Design in an age of Virtual Flash
Performance: Paging Subsystem Design in an age of V...2020-03-2242 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 21 "Fits and Starts"Here are the show notes for Episode 21 “Fits and Starts”. The show is called this because we talk about fitness devices, and the Performance topic that had work submitted after a one minute hiatus.
Mainframe: SMF Recording of APF Modifications
Post-IPL dynamic APF changes are reflected in SMF 90 Subtype 37. A lot of the function is in z/OS V2.2, with these fields in the SMF record:
Function:
Add, Delete, DynFormat, StatFormat
Was the update via SETPROG, SET PROG, CSVAPF
Parmlib member suffix for the SET PROG case, ...
Triggers when post-IPL APF chang...2020-03-2233 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 20 "Two is One and One is None"Here are the show notes for Episode 20 "Two Is One And One Is None". The show is called this because our Topic topic is trying to figure out how to archive family photos and videos.
Mainframe: zFS Shrink, Only in z/OS V2.3
A system command for reducing the size of a zfs file system. Not be confused with compressing files within a file system. Found on zfsadm shrink. You specify a target size with the size option, gives _final_ size in KB, gets rounded to 8K boundary .
-noai option: means no active increase. A file...2020-03-2236 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 19 "You've lost that syncing feeling"Here are the show notes for Episode 19 "You've lost that syncing feeling". The show is called this because our Topic topic is about losing the Xmarks URL synchronization tool.
Mainframe
Our "Mainframe" topic discusses moving from V4 to V5 zFS, prompted by a user comment that had a very positive experience.
The old version for zFS was V4. V5 gives you a directory using a tree structure for faster searching. This should be faster than a naive linear search approach.
To take advantage of this, you need to convert from old V4 format to V5. ...2020-03-2226 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 18 "What we won't have in common anymore"Here are the show notes for Episode 18 "What we won't have in common anymore". The show is called this because our Mainframe topic is about some removals in common storage planned for the release after z/OS V2.3.
Mainframe
Our "Mainframe" topic discusses a future planned removal coming in the release after z/OS V2.3.
Four items actually form what we've titled "User Key In Common Storage Removal". This has been outlined in a Statement of Direction, and is documented in the z/OS V2.3 Migration Workflow and book.
ALLOWUSERKEYCSA in DIAGxx will be treated as...2020-03-2226 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 17 "Two Good, Four Better"Here are the show notes for Episode 17 "Two Good, Four Better?". The show is called this because our Performance topic is about aspects of whether more LPARs in the same CECs in a sysplex is better or worse.
Mainframe
Our "Mainframe" topic discusses the addition of a new parmlib member for RACF, IRRPRMxx.
It replaces ICHRDSNT (the RACF Data Set Name Table), and ICHRRNG (the RACF Range Table). These previously could be provided as usermods, maintained as assembler source.
If you use both, the load modules for ICHRDSNT and ICHRRNG and the IRRPRMxx parmlib member, the...2020-03-2230 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 16 "Chapter and Worse"Here are the show notes for Episode 16 "Chapter and Worse". The show is called this because our Topics topic is about adding chapter markers (and pictures!) to our published MP3 file. We hope those of you that can see them enjoy them.
Mainframe
Our "Mainframe" topic discusses a new z/OS V2.3 function, Coupling Facility Encryption, with Mark Brooks,
Sysplex Design and Development. Mark talked about this latest capability in Sysplex, which has been
getting a lot of attention as part of the larger Pervasive Encryption direction.
Mark explained that CF Encryption means that the...2020-03-2241 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 15 "Waits and Measures"Here are the show notes for Episode 15 "Waits and Measures". The show is called this because our Performance topic is about LPAR weights, and because this episode was after a seasonal hiatus.
Mainframe
Our "Mainframe" topic discusses a small new function in z/OS UNIX V2.3: automatic unmount of the version "root" file system in a shared file system environment. Our guest was Barry Lichtenstein, the developer of the function, and he told us all about it:
there is a new BPXPRMxx VERSION statement parameter, UNMOUNT. This means that when no one is using...2020-03-2141 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 14 "In the Long Run"Here are the show notes for Episode 14 "In the Long Run". The show is called this because the episode ran much longer than usual, and it is of fitting length if you have a very long commute.
Mainframe
Our "Mainframe" topic is the first in a series of deep dives into z/OS V2.3. Part 1 is on z/OSMF Autostart.
This is the most important migration action in z/OS V2.3, and requires special consideration by every customer IPLing z/OS V2.3. Things that you'll need to consider are:
Whether to start...2020-03-2158 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 13 "We'll Always Have Paris"Here are the show notes for Episode 13 "We'll Always Have Paris". The show is called this because both Marna and Martin reminisce about lovely times in the City of Light. Marna just got back from Paris with her son (the one that built his own gaming computer). They discuss what they like to do there.
Mainframe
Our "Mainframe" topic discusses what has been a popular item since more people have finished migrating to z/OS V2.2: GDGEs. Generation Data Group Extended (GDGEs) were introduced in z/OS V2.2, and should only be used after fully m...2020-03-2138 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 12 "Baker's Dozen"Here are the show notes for Episode 12 "Baker's Dozen". The show is called "Baker's Dozen" because it is the thirteenth episode, after starting at Episode #0.
Mainframe
Our "Mainframe" topic discussed some fun small enhancements Marna has enjoyed from GRS.
With OA42221 back to z/OS R13, GRS has the ability to write SMF records (87 subtype 1) to identify heavy users of global generic queue scans. This is what Marna calls a new "monitoring capability". These issuers might be the cause of increased CPU and GRS private storage. Turn on with GRSCNFxx MONITOR(YES)
Existing monitoring...2020-03-2131 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 11 "XI-Ting"Here are the show notes for Episode 11 "XI-Ting". The show is called "XI-Ting" because, well, it is episode #11 and we had one shot at the Roman numeral to use and took it.
Mainframe
Our "Mainframe" topic was Marna's experience in trying out the z/OSMF Workflow Editor. The z/OSMF Workflow Editor is a new function in z/OSMF to create your own Workflow, or change an existing Workflow. The Workflow Editor is available on z/OSMF V2.1 in PTF UI43814 and on z/OSMF V2.2 in PTF UI42847.
"Folders" for information you need t...2020-03-2134 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 10 "234U"Here are the show notes for Episode 10 "234U". The show is called "234U" because:
We are very happy that we can talk about z/OS V2.3 now that it's been previewed on February 21, 2017.
We liked the consecutiveness 2-3-4, and U added works nicely.
Mainframe
Our "Mainframe" topic was a highlight of some of the newly previewed z/OS V2.3 enhancements! We will surely talk a lot about z/OS V2.3 in podcasts to come.
First, it is important to know that z/OS V2.3 will only IPL on an zEC12, zBC12 and...2020-03-2153 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 9 "Back in Black"Here are the show notes for Episode 9 "Back in Black". The show is called "Back in Black" because:
We've been away for a long time, traveling for Martin and on vacation for Marna.
A vague reference to a BBC tv show about British fantasy author, Terry Pratchett
Continuous Delivery Follow-up Announcements
January 10, 2017 IBM CICS Transaction Server for z/OS, V5.3 is further enhanced with the continuous delivery model and the IBM CICS Transaction Server for z/OS, V5.4 open beta offering is updated
January 19, 2017 IBM Customer Insight for Banking V2.0, IBM Client Insight for Wealth Management...2020-03-2136 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 8 "Queue Me Up"Here are the show notes for Episode 8 "Queue Me Up". The show is called "Queue Me Up" because:
Marna talks about moving up to higher z/OS releases...or releases "in the queue".
Martin talks about the Coupling Facility list structures...or "queues".
We had some follow up:
IBM Doc Buddy - available for iOS and Android.
The latest iOS level is currently 1.1.1. The latest Android level is currently 1.1.2. Still keep an eye out for updates, as they are coming out periodically and delivering requested functions.
Continuous Delivery Follow-up
October 4, 2016: A DB2 12 recent announcement includes their...2020-03-2132 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 7 "We Were On a Break"Here are the show notes for Episode 7 "We Were On a Break". The show is called "We Were On a Break" because:
It's been a very long time since we last recorded an episode. You should read nothing into other than our schedules and, in particular, Martin's long holiday put paid to recording for a while.
But now we're back...
We had one piece of follow up:
IBM Doc Buddy - available for iOS and Android.
This app has been enhanced with new components (aka libraries) and has received some...2020-03-2135 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 6 "Expect the Unexpected"Here are the show notes for Episode 6 "Expect The Unexpected". The show is called "Expect The Unexpected" for two reasons:
We really didn't expect to be recording an episode in this timeframe.
The Performance topic lends itself to such a title.
We had one piece of follow up:
IBM zEvent has been updated to 3.0.0 ("The Cat") on both Android and iOS. It has enhancements in lots of areas. The one we both noticed was the ability to show and scan QR codes for connections.
Mainframe
Our "Mainframe" topic was a discussion on IBM Doc...2020-03-2118 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 5 "The Long Back from Munich"Here are the show notes for Episode 5 "The Long Road Back From Munich". The show is called "The Long Road Back From Munich" because we've both returned from a successful z Systems conference 2016 IBM z Systems Technical University, 13 - 17 June, Munich, Germany.
Mainframe
Our "Mainframe" topic was Marna's conference observations:
IBM HTTP Server Powered by Apache: it seemed about 30-40% were impacted by the move from the Domiino to Apache server. More than hoped, but if you work on it while on z/OS R13 or V2.1, you'll be well-positioned for z/OS V2.2.
zE...2020-03-2127 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 4 "The Road to Munich"Here are the show notes for Episode 4 "The Road To Munich".
The show is called "The Road To Munich" partly in homage to the Road To... movies and partly because we're preparing for the 2016 IBM z Systems Technical University, 13 - 17 June, Munich, Germany.
Mainframe
Our "Mainframe" topic was on a small z/OS V2.1 enhancement that few seem to be using: SMFPRMxx's AUTHSETSMF. This new option controls whether you want to allow use of the SETSMF command, different from the SET SMF command, without tying it anymore to the specification of PROMPT. Exploiting th...2020-03-2123 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 3 "Getting Better"Here are the show notes for Episode 3 "Getting Better".
Follow Up
Following up the Episode 1 "Topics" item on Markdown, Martin talked about John Gruber's Daring Fireball Dingus page which lets you paste in Markdown and see the HTML generated from it (and how the HTML is rendered).
Also following up on an Episode 1 item, but this time the "Mainframe" item, Marna talked about her personal problem with ISPF 3.17 Mount Table right / left she was seeing before. It was the PF key definition (which she suspected all along), however defining 12 PF keys did the trick.
Mainframe2020-03-2128 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 2 "Sound Affects"Here are the show notes for Episode 2 “Sound Affects
We had some follow up items. As you can see we do actually pay attention to feedback and follow it up when we can. So keep sending it in.
Marna talked about the new SDSF panels and their commands’ responses being cut off. Use ULOG to see the whole response. BTW - for commands in z/OSMF there is a box for the entire command response you can scroll through.
Martin took IBMer Dave Griffiths’ advice and experimented with a Markdown processor written in java. You can find the...2020-03-2126 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 1 “A Luta Continua” (“The Struggle Continues”)Here are the show notes for Episode 1 “A Luta Continua” (“The Struggle Continues”).
Mainframe
Our “Mainframe” topic is about the new z/OS V2.2 ISPF 3.17 Mount Table enhancement. To try it out on z/OS V2.2: ISPF 3.17, then File_Systems pull down, then the new options are #1 or #2. Type “x” for toggling between expanding and contracting. Use the Help pulldown for more commands available.
Performance
Our “Performance” topic is about long term page fixing DB2 buffer pools, and a related question: Whether to use 1MB pages.
Topics
Under “Topics” we discu...2020-03-2130 min
Mainframe, Performance, Topics PodcastEpisode 0 “Sic Parvis Magna” (“Greatness From Small Beginnings”)Here are the show notes for Episode 0 “Sic Parvis Magna” (“Greatness From Small Beginnings”).
We’re structuring each podcast episode (loosely) in three parts:
Mainframe
Performance
Topics
We’ll post useful links and supplementary information in each episode’s show notes. Other things we discussed were: And if you think Naughty Dog made up “sic parvis magna” see here.
Mainframe
Our “Mainframe” topic is about an SPE to z/OS 2.1 for SDSF. APARs mentioned were:
z/OS 2.1 SDSF SPE
For SDSF PI43902
For BCP OA48578
For XCF OA49277
Performance
Our...2020-03-2113 min