Glossary

This glossary defines CICSPlex SM terms and abbreviations used in this document with other than their everyday meaning.

A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

A

ACB
Access control block.
accessor environment element (ACEE)
Used to retrieve the user's default group from the ESM.
ACEE
See accessor environment element.
action command
A CICSPlex SM command that affects one or more of the resources represented in a view. Action commands can be issued from either the COMMAND field in the control area of the information display panel or the line command field in a displayed view. Valid action commands are listed with the description of each view. See also overtype field.
action definition (ACTNDEF)
In real-time analysis, a definition of the type of external notification that is to be issued when the conditions identified in an analysis definition are true.
activity
See BTS activity.
adjacent CMAS
A CICSPlex SM address space (CMAS) that is connected to the local CMAS via a direct CMAS-to-CMAS link. Contrast with indirect CMAS.
AID
Automatic initiator descriptor.
alter expression
A character string that defines the changes to be made to a resource attribute. An alter expression is made up of one or more attribute expressions.
alternate window
A window to which the results of a hyperlink can be directed. By default, the results of a hyperlink are displayed in the same window from which the hyperlink is initiated. Contrast with current window.
alternate window (ALT WIN) field
In the control area of an information display panel, the field in which you can specify an alternate window to receive the results of a hyperlink.
AMAX
Active maximum number of tasks.
analysis definition
In real-time analysis (RTA), a definition of the evaluations to be performed on specified CICS resources, the intervals at which those evaluations are to be performed, and the actions to be taken when a notifiable condition occurs.
analysis group
In real-time analysis (RTA), a group of one or more analysis definitions, status definitions, or both. Analysis definitions and status definitions must belong to an analysis group if they are to be installed automatically in a CICS system when that system starts.
analysis point monitoring (APM)
In real-time analysis (RTA), resource monitoring across multiple CICS systems within a CICSplex that results in a single notification of a condition, rather than one notification for each system. Contrast with MAS resource monitoring.
analysis point specification
In real-time analysis, a specification that identifies the CMASs that are to be responsible for analysis point monitoring.
analysis specification
In real-time analysis, a specification that establishes system availability monitoring or MAS resource monitoring within a group of CICS systems.
annotation
Extra information shown as fixed text in a Web User Interface view.
AOR
Application-owning region.
API
See application programming interface (API).
APM
Analysis point monitoring.
application-owning region (AOR)
In a CICSplex configuration, a CICS region devoted to running applications. For dynamic routing, the terms requesting region, routing region, and target region are used instead of AOR to signify the role of the region in the dynamic routing request.
application programming interface (API)
  1. In CICS, the command-level programming interface supported by CICS for user application programs.
  2. The formally-defined programming language interface between an IBM system control program or a licensed program and the user of the program.
ARM
Automatic restart manager.
assistance frame
The top part of the Web User Interface display that contains task titles, subtitles, and messages used to communicate server responses to user actions. It also contains application help icons. See also navigation frame, work frame.
ASU
See Automatic screen update.
ATI
Automatic transaction initiation.
attribute
See resource attribute, resource table attribute.
attribute expression
A reference to a resource table attribute and, in some cases, its value. Attribute expressions are used to build filter expressions, modification expressions, and order expressions.
attribute value
The data currently associated with a resource table attribute. For example, the file attribute OPENSTATUS might have a value of CLOSED.
automatic restart manager (ARM)
A recovery function of MVS/ESA 5.2 that provides improved availability for batch jobs and started tasks by restarting them automatically if they end unexpectedly. The affected batch job or started task can be restarted on the same system or on a different one, if the system itself has failed.
automatic screen update (ASU)
A CICSPlex SM facility that automatically updates the data in all unlocked windows at user-defined intervals. See also automatic screen update interval.
automatic screen update interval
The time interval between one automatic screen update (ASU) and the next. This interval can be set in the CICSPlex SM user profile or when the ASU facility is turned on.

B

BAS
Business Application Services
batched repository-update facility
A CICSPlex SM facility, invoked from the CICSPlex SM end user interface, for the bulk application of CICSPlex SM definitions to a CMAS data repository.
BDAM
Basic Direct Access Method.
BMS
Basic Mapping Support.
browser
See Web browser.
BTS
CICS business transaction services
BTS activity
One part of a process managed by CICS BTS. Typically, an activity is part of a business transaction.
BTS process
A collection of more than one CICS BTS activities. Typically, a process is an instance of a business transaction.
BTS set
See CICS system group.
business application
Any set of CICS resources that represent a meaningful entity to an enterprise or a user (for example, Payroll).
Business Application Services (BAS)
The component of CICSPlex SM that provides the ability to define and manage business applications in terms of their CICS resources and associated CICS systems. BAS provides a central data repository for CICS systems, complete with installation facilities and the ability to restrict a CICSPlex SM request to those resources defined as being part of the business application. See also scope.
business transaction
A self-contained business function, for example, the booking of an airline ticket.
button
  1. A mechanism on a pointing device, such as a mouse, used to request or initiate an action or a process.
  2. A graphical device that identifies a choice.
  3. A graphical link that, when selected, performs a visible action. For example, signing on, refreshing a view, or performing an API action such as shutting down a CICS region.

C

CAS
See Coordinating address space.
CBIPO
See Custom-built installation process offering.
CBPDO
See Custom-built product delivery offering.
CDSA
CICS dynamic storage area.
CEDA
A CICS supplied transaction that defines resources online. Using CEDA, you can update both the CICS system definition data set (CSD) and the running CICS system.
CFDT
Coupling facility data tables.
CICS Business Transaction Services (BTS)
A CICS domain that supports an application programming interface (API) and services that simplify the development of business transactions.
CICS-deployed JAR file
A deployed JAR file containing enterprise beans, produced specifically (via several intermediate stages) for the CICS EJB server.
CICS EJB server
One or more CICS regions that support enterprise beans. A logical CICS EJB server typically consists of multiple (cloned) CICS listener regions and multiple (cloned) CICS AORs. The listener regions and AORs may be combined into listener/AORs.
CICS system
The entire collection of hardware and software required by CICS. In CICSPlex SM topology, a definition referring to a CICS system that is to be managed by CICSPlex SM. See also CICSplex, CICS system group.
CICS system group
  1. A set of CICS systems within a CICSplex that can be managed as a single entity. In CICSPlex SM topology, the user-defined name, description, and content information for a CICS system group. A CICS system group can be made up of CICS systems or other CICS system groups.
  2. In CICS business transaction services (BTS), a BTS set, that is, the set of CICS regions across which BTS processes and activities may execute.
CICS value data area (CVDA)
A CICS value on INQUIRE and SET commands, specifically those that refer to resource status or definition.
CICS Web interface
The CICS Web interface is split into the Listener support for TCPIPSERVICE, and the protocol support for HTTP and HTTPS, refered to as "CICS Web support".
CICSplex
A CICS complex. A CICSplex consists of two or more CICS regions that are linked using CICS intercommunication facilities. The links can be either intersystem communication (ISC) or interregion communication (IRC) links, but within a CICSplex are more commonly IRC. Typically, a CICSplex has at least one terminal-owning region (TOR), more than one application-owning region (AOR), and may have one or more regions that own the resources being accessed by the AORs. In CICSPlex SM, a management domain. The largest set of CICS regions, or CICS systems, to be manipulated by CICSPlex SM as a single entity. CICS systems in a CICSplex being managed by CICSPlex SM do not need to be connected to each other. See also CICS system group.
CICSPlex SM
CICSPlex System Manager for CICS Transaction Server for OS/390.
CICSPlex SM address space (CMAS)
A CICSPlex SM component that is responsible for managing CICSplexes. A CMAS provides the single-system image for a CICSplex by serving as the interface to other CICSplexes and external programs. There must be at least one CMAS in each MVS image on which you are running CICSPlex SM. A single CMAS can manage CICS systems within one or more CICSplexes. See also coordinating address space (CAS), managed application system (MAS).
CICSPlex SM token
Unique, 4-byte values that CICSPlex SM assigns to various elements in the API environment. Token values are used by CICSPlex SM to correlate the results of certain API operations with subsequent requests.
client program
In dynamic routing, the application program, running in the requesting region, that issues a remote EXEC CICS LINK request.
CMAS
See CICSPlex SM address space.
CMAS link
A communications link between one CICSPlex SM address space (CMAS) and another CMAS or a remote managed application system (remote MAS). CMAS links are defined when CICSPlex SM is configured.
CODB
A CICSPlex SM transaction for interactive, system-level debugging of CMASs and of CICS for MVS/ESA, CICS for MVS, and CICS for VSE/ESA MASs. CODB must be used only at the request of customer support personnel.
COD0
A CICSPlex SM transaction for interactive, method-level debugging of CMASs and of CICS for MVS/ESA, CICS for MVS, and CICS for VSE/ESA, and CICS for OS/2 MASs. COD0 must be used only at the request of customer support personnel.
COLU
A CICSPlex SM transaction for generating reports about CMAS and local MAS components. COLU must be used only at the request of customer support personnel.
COMMAND field
In the control area of an information display panel, the field that accepts CICSPlex SM, ISPF, and TSO commands. Contrast with option field.
command-level interface
A CICSPlex SM API interface that uses the CICS translator to translate EXEC CPSM statements into an appropriate sequence of instructions in the source language.
Common Services
A component of CICSPlex SM that provides commonly requested services (such as GETMAIN, FREEMAIN, POST, and WAIT processing) to other CICSPlex SM components.
communication area (COMMAREA)
A CICS area that is used to pass data between tasks that communicate with a given terminal. The area can also be used to pass data between programs within a task.
Communications
A component of CICSPlex SM that provides all services for implementing CMAS-to-CMAS and CMAS-to-MAS communication.
confirmation panel
A display asking for confirmation of the requested action.
context
A named part of the CICSPlex SM environment that is currently being acted upon by CICSPlex SM. For configuration tasks, the context is a CICSPlex SM address space (CMAS); for all other tasks, it is a CICSplex. See also scope.
control area
The top three lines of an information display panel, containing the panel title, the screen update time, the short message area, the COMMAND and SCROLL fields, and the current window (CUR WIN) and alternate window (ALT WIN) fields.
cookie
Information that a Web server stores on a user's computer when the user browses a particular Web site. This information helps the Web server track such things as user preferences and data that the user may submit while browsing the site. For example, a cookie may include information about the purchases that the user makes (if the Web site is a shopping site). The use of cookies enables a Web site to become more interactive with its users, especially on future visits.
coordinating address space (CAS)
An MVS subsystem that provides ISPF end-user access to the CICSplex to be accessed. See also CICSPlex SM address space, managed application system (MAS).
coordinating address space subsystem ID
Identifies the coordinating address space (CAS) which can be up to four characters, to be connected to when issuing CICSPlex SM requests. The name of the CAS is installation-dependent, and is defined in the CICSPlex SM user profile.
CORBA
Common Object Request Broker Architecture.
CorbaServer
The execution environment defined by a CorbaServer definition.
CorbaServer definition
A resource definition that defines an execution environment for Enterprise beans and CORBA stateless objects.
COVC
A CICSPlex SM Web User Interface server controller transaction that allows an adminstrator to manage the Web User Interface.
CPU
Central processing unit.
CRLF
Carriage return line feed.
cross-system coupling facility (XCF)
XCF is a component of MVS that provides functions to support cooperation between authorized programs running within a sysplex.
current window
The window to which the results of all commands issued in the COMMAND field are directed, unless otherwise requested. Contrast with alternate window.
current window (CUR WIN) field
In the control area of an information display panel, the field that contains the window number of the current window. You can change the number in this field to establish a new current window.
custom-built installation process offering (CBIPO)
A product that simplifies the ordering, installation, and service of MVS system control programs and licensed programs by providing them with current updates and corrections to the software that is already integrated.
custom-built product delivery offering (CBPDO)
A customized package of both products and service, or of service only, for MVS system control programs and licensed programs.
customizable menu and view help
Help information provided by the Web User Interface user, optionally in the national language, for the user's customized views. Customizable help is accessible from the Help icon in the work frame. For example, help for individual pages, or contact names and telephone numbers.
CVDA
CICS-value data area.
CVDAS
A standard CVDA.
CVDAT
A terminal CVDA.

D

Data Cache Manager
A component of CICSPlex SM that manages logical cache storage for use by other CICSPlex SM components.
data repository
In CICSPlex SM, the VSAM data set that stores administrative data, such as topology and monitor definitions, for a CICSPlex SM address space (CMAS).
Data Repository component
A component of CICSPlex SM that provides methods for creating, accessing, updating, and deleting data in the CICSPlex SM data repository. See also Managed Object Services.
Database Control (DBCTL)
An IMS/ESA facility providing an interface between CICS for MVS/ESA and IMS/ESA that allows access to IMS DL/I full-function databases and to data-entry databases (DEDBs) from one or more CICS for MVS/ESA systems.
Database 2 (DB2)
An IBM licensed program. DB2 is a full-function relational database management system that presents a data structure as a table consisting of a number of rows (or records) and a number of columns.
DBCTL
See Database Control (DBCTL).
DB2
See Database 2 (DB2).
DCE
Distributed Computing Environment.
DD
Data definition.
derived field
On a monitor view, a field whose value does not come directly from CICS or CICSPlex SM data, but is calculated based on the values in other fields. See also derived value.
derived value
A rate, average, or percentage that results from CICSPlex SM processing of CICS statistics.
detail view
A Web User Interface display showing a selection of detailed attribute information for a particular instance on a resource, with optional annotation. Attributes may be displayed in input fields, so that the fields can be refreshed.
display area
On an information display panel, the area where windows can be opened to display data. The display area appears below the control area. The bottom two lines of the display area can be used to display the PF key assignments in effect for a CICSPlex SM session.
display attributes
A CICSPlex SM user profile option that controls the appearance of the window information line, field headings, and threshold values in a view.
display command
A CICSPlex SM command that extends the ISPF interface to create and control a multiwindow environment.
distributed program link (DPL)
A function of CICS intersystem communication that enables CICS to ship EXEC CICS LINK requests between CICS regions.
distributed routing program (DSRTPGM)
A CICS-supplied user-replaceable program that can be used to dynamically route:
DPL
See distributed program link (DPL).
DSA
Dynamic storage area.
DTR
See dynamic transaction routing (DTR).
dynamic routing
The automatic routing of a transaction or program, at the time it is initiated, from a requesting region to a suitable target region. Routing terminal data to an alternative transaction at the time the transaction is invoked. To do this, CICS allows the dynamic routing program ( EYU9XLOP) to intercept the terminal data and redirect it to any system and transaction it chooses.
dynamic routing program (EYU9XLOP)
A user-replaceable CICS program that selects dynamically both the system to which a routing request is to be sent and the transaction's remote name. The alternative to using this program is to make these selections when a remote transaction is defined to CICS (static routing).
dynamic selection lists
Certain attributes and parameters in entry fields in task guides, tabular and detail views are capable of generating dynamic selection lists.
dynamic transaction routing (DTR)
The automatic routing of a transaction, at the time it is initiated, from a terminal-owning region (TOR) to a suitable application-owning region (AOR).

E

ECDSA
Extended CICS dynamic storage area.
EJB
See Enterprise JavaBeans.
EJB server
See CICS EJB server.
enterprise bean
An Enterprise JavaBeans component that implements a business task or business entity. See entity bean and session bean.
Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB)
A component architecture for the development and deployment of object-oriented, distributed, enterprise-level applications.
entity bean
An Enterprise bean that represents persistent data maintained in a database. An entity bean can manage its own persistence or it can delegate this function to its container. An entity bean is identified by its primary key. If the container in which an entity bean is hosted crashes, the entity bean, its primary key, and its remote references survive the crash.
Environment Services System Services (ESSS)
A component of CICSPlex SM that implements the formal MVS/ESA subsystem functions required by the product. ESSS provides cross-memory services, data space management, connection services, and lock management. An ESSS system address space is created at CICSPlex SM initialization and remains in the MVS image for the life of the IPL.
ERDSA
Extended read-only dynamic storage area.
ESDSA
Extended shared dynamic storage area.
ESM
See External Security Manager.
ESSS
See Environment Services System Services.
EUDSA
Extended user dynamic storage area.
evaluation definition
In real-time analysis, a definition of the resources that are to be sampled. When the result of an evaluation is true, an associated analysis definition is used to determine whether a notifiable condition has occurred.
event
A significant occurrence within the CICSplex or CICS system for which the user has requested notification. For example, the end of processing, a subsystem failure, or any unusual condition in the system could be defined by a user as an event.
event notification
A CICSPlex SM notification of a significant occurrence within a CICSplex or CICS system.
extended diagnostic mode (XDM)
A CICSPlex SM online internal diagnostic facility. XDM provides no information about resources managed by CICSPlex SM, and should be turned on only at the request of IBM customer support personnel. XDM can be turned on and off in the CICSPlex SM user profile.
external notification
In real-time analysis, an event notification, generic alert, or operator message issued when a notifiable condition occurs.
external security manager (ESM).
Handles how a user group object relates to a user group name.
EYUDA
CICSPlex SM data area.

F

favorite
See user favorite.
Favorites Editor
The Web User Interface tool for customizing your favorites list.
Favorites Editor link
The Favorites Editor link is in the navigation frame. Click on this link to start a Favorites Editor window.
FEPI
Front-end programming interface.
file-owning region (FOR)
In a CICSplex configuration, a CICS system devoted to managing CICS file access.
filter confirmation
The Web User Interface view editor includes this so that users have the opportunity to amend filter content regardless of the size of result set that will be returned.
filter expression
A character string that consists of logical expressions to be used in filtering resource table records. A filter expression is made up of one or more attribute expressions.
FOR
See file-owning region (FOR).
form
The way in which data obtained from a query is presented in a view.
FMH
Function management header.

G

generic alert
A Systems Network Architecture (SNA) Network Management Vector that enables a product to signal a problem to the network. CICSPlex SM uses generic alerts as part of its interface to NetView.
GMFHS
See Graphic Monitor Facility host subsystem (GMFHS).
goal algorithm
In CICSPlex SM's workload balancing, an algorithm used to select an AOR to process a dynamic transaction. Using the goal algorithm, CICSPlex SM selects the AOR that is the least affected by conditions such as short-on-storage, SYSDUMP, and TRANDUMP; is the least likely to cause the transaction to abend; and is most likely to enable the transaction to meet response-time goals set for it using the Workload Manager component of MVS/ESA SP 5.1. Contrast with queue algorithm.
Go Back icon
The Go Back icon is in the assistance frame. Click on this icon to return to the previous page.
Go Back To Last Menu icon
The Go Back To Last Menu icon is in the assistance frame. Click on this icon to return to the previous menu.
Go Back To Start icon
The Go Back To Start icon is in the assistance frame. Click on this icon to return to the Home page.
Graphic Monitor Facility host subsystem (GMFHS)
A NetView feature that manages configuration and status updates for non-SNA resources.

H

Help
See online Web User Interface help; customizable menu and view help.
Home link
The Home link is in the navigation frame. Click on this link to return to the Home page.
HTML
See Hypertext Markup Language.
HTTP
See Hypertext Transfer Protocol.
HTTPS
See Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol.
hyperlink
On a CICSPlex SM WUI panel, a direct connection between the data in one CICSPlex SM view and a view containing related information. For example, from a view that lists multiple CICS resources, there may be a hyperlink to a detailed view for one of the resources. To use a hyperlink, place the cursor in the data portion of a hyperlink field and click.
hyperlink field
On a CICSPlex SM WUI view, a field for which a hyperlink is defined. Hyperlink fields are usually denoted by the text being underlined.
Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)
A markup language that is specified by an SGML document type definition (DTD) and is understood by all Web servers.
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)
In the Internet suite of protocols, the protocol that is used to transfer and display hypertext documents.

I

IBM CICSPlex System Manager (CICSPlex SM)
An IBM CICS system-management product that provides a single-system image and a single point of control for one or more CICSplexes that can be installed on heterogeneous operating systems.
icon
  1. A graphic symbol, displayed on a screen, that a user can point to with a device such as a mouse in order to select a particular function or software application.
  2. A graphical representation of an object (for example, a file or program) that consists of an image, an image background, and a label.
IMS
Information Management System.
indirect CMAS
A CICSPlex SM address space (CMAS) that the local CMAS can communicate with via an adjacent CMAS. There is no direct CMAS-to-CMAS link between the local CMAS and an indirect CMAS.
information display panel
The panel that supports the CICSPlex SM window environment. It consists of a control area and a display area. CICSPlex SM views are displayed in windows within the display area of this panel.
information display parameters
A CICSPlex SM user profile option that defines the initial screen configuration, how frequently the screen is updated by ASU, and how long a window waits for command processing to complete before timing out.
installation verification procedure (IVP)
A procedure distributed with a system that tests the newly generated system to verify that the basic facilities of the system are functioning correctly.
interregion communication (IRC)
Synonym for multiregion operation. The method by which CICS provides communication between a CICS region and another region in the same processor. Compare with intersystem communication.
intersystem communication (ISC)
Communication between separate systems by means of SNA networking facilities or by means of the application-to-application facilities of an SNA access method.
intertransaction affinity
A relationship between CICS transactions, usually the result of the ways in which information is passed between those transactions, that requires them to execute in the same CICS region. Intertransaction affinity imposes restrictions on the dynamic routing of transactions.
IRC
See Interregion communication.
ISC
See Intersystem communication.
IVP
See Installation verification procedure.

J

Java
An object-oriented programming language for portable interpretive code that supports interaction among remote objects. Java was developed and specified by Sun Microsystems, Incorporated.
Javascript
A scripting language that resembles Java and was developed by Netscape for use with the Netscape browser.
Java Virtual Machine (JVM)
A software implementation of a central processing unit (CPU) that runs compiled Java code (applets and applications).
JCL
Job Control Language.

K

Kernel Linkage
A component of CICSPlex SM that is responsible for building data structures and managing the interfaces between the other CICSPlex SM components. The environment built by Kernel Linkage is known as the method call environment.

L

line command field
In a CICSPlex SM view, the 3-character field, to the left of the data, that accepts action commands.
link
On a Web User Interface panel, a string of characters that, depending on your Web browser, may be highlighted in a different colour to the background text and underlined. A link typically defines another location, which may be in same window display, in another file, or a URL. A link might open another window, or change the contents of the current view, or open another view. An example of a link in the Web User Interface navigation frame is the New window link.
local CMAS
The CICSPlex SM address space (CMAS) that a user identifies as the current context when performing CMAS configuration tasks.
local MAS
A managed application system (MAS) that resides in the same MVS image as the CICSPlex SM address space (CMAS) that controls it and that uses the Environment Services System Services (ESSS) to communicate with the CMAS.
logical scope
A set of logically-related CICS resources that are identified in a CICSPlex SM resource description. A logical scope can be used to qualify the context of a CICSPlex SM request.
LSR
Local shared resources.
LU
Logical unit.

M

maintenance point
A CICSPlex SM address space (CMAS) that is responsible for maintaining CICSPlex SM definitions in its data repository and distributing them to other CMASs involved in the management of a CICSplex.
major object descriptor block (MODB)
In CICSPlex SM, a control structure built by Kernel Linkage during initialization of a CICSPlex SM component that contains a directory of all methods that make up that component. The structure of the MODB is the same for all components.
major object environment block (MOEB)
In CICSPlex SM, a control structure built by Kernel Linkage during initialization of a CICSPlex SM component and pointed to by the MODB. The MOEB stores information critical to a CICSPlex SM component and anchors data used by the component. The structure of the MOEB is unique to the component it supports.
MAL
See message argument list.
managed application system (MAS)
A CICS system that is being managed by CICSPlex SM. See local MAS, remote MAS.
managed object
A CICSPlex SM-managed CICS resource or a CICSPlex SM definition represented by a resource table. A view is based on a single managed object.
Managed Object Services (MOS)
A subcomponent of the data repository component of CICSPlex SM that translates a request for data (from real-time analysis, for example) into the method calls required to obtain the data.
MAS
See Managed application system.
MAS agent
A CICSPlex SM component that acts within a CICS system to provide monitoring and data collection for the CICSPlex SM address space (CMAS). The level of service provided by a MAS agent depends on the level of CICS the system is running under and whether it is a local or remote MAS.
MAS resource monitoring (MRM)
In real-time analysis, resource monitoring at the CICS system level; it results in one notification of a condition for each system in which it occurs. If the same condition occurs in three CICS systems where MAS resource monitoring is active, three notifications are issued. Contrast with analysis point monitoring.
menu
A list of choices or views from which the user either selects the action to be initiated or hyperlinks to another view.
message argument list (MAL)
In CICSPlex SM, a data structure passed between methods using Kernel Linkage method call services.
message line
On an information display panel, the line in the control area where a long message appears when the HELP command is issued in response to a short message. The message line temporarily overlays the current window and ALT WIN fields.
Message Services
A component of CICSPlex SM that provides services for building and issuing console messages to other CICSPlex SM components.
meta-data
Internal data that describes the structure and characteristics of CICSPlex SM managed objects.
method
  1. An application programming interface (API) instruction that resolves into an EXEC CICS command, issued against one or more resources in one or more CICS systems, within the current context and scope.
  2. In CICSPlex SM, one of the programs that make up a CICSPlex SM component. See also message argument list (MAL).
mirror transaction
CICS transaction that recreates a request that is function-shipped from one system to another, issues the request on the second system, and passes the acquired data back to the first system.
MODB
See major object descriptor block.
modification expression
A character string that defines the changes to be made to a resource attribute. A modification expression is made up of one or more attribute expressions.
MOEB
See major object environment block.
monitor definition
A user-defined statement of the specific resource occurrences (such as the program named PAYROLL) to be monitored by CICSPlex SM. A monitor definition can either be linked to a monitor specification as part of a monitor group or be installed directly into an active CICS system.
monitor group
A user-defined set of CICSPlex SM monitor definitions that can either be linked to a monitor specification for automatic installation or be installed directly into an active CICS system.
monitor interval
The number of minutes that are to elapse before the statistics counters containing accumulated resource monitoring data are automatically reset. This value is part of a CICSplex definition and affects all of the CICS systems and CICS system groups associated with that CICSplex. See also period definition, sample interval.
monitor specification
A user-defined statement of the types of resources (such as programs) to be monitored by CICSPlex SM and how often data should be collected. A monitor specification is associated with a CICS system and is automatically installed each time the CICS system starts up. See also monitor definition, monitor group.
Monitoring Services
A component of CICSPlex SM that is responsible for monitoring resources within a CICS system and making the collected data available to other CICSPlex SM components.
MRM
See MAS resource monitoring.
MRO
See multiregion operation.
MSM
See MultiSystem Manager.
multiregion operation (MRO)
Communication between CICS systems without the use of SNA network facilities. Synonymous with interregion communication.
MultiSystem Manager
An object-oriented, graphical systems management application that runs under NetView for MVS.
MVS
Multiple Virtual Storage.
MVS image
A single instance of the MVS operating system.
MVS system
An MVS image together with its associated hardware.

N

navigation
Using the Web User Interface hyperlinks, Web User Interface links, buttons, and icons to move from one display to another.
navigation frame
The frame on the left-hand side of the Web User Interface display that contains a hierarchical menu of available views and actions. See also assistance frame, work frame.
NetView
An IBM network management product that can provide rapid notification of events and automated operations. CICSPlex SM can be set up to send generic alerts to NetView as part of its event processing capabilities.
NetView Graphic Monitor Facility (NGMF)
A function of the NetView program that provides the network operator with a graphic topological presentation of a network controlled by the NetView program and that allows the operator to manage the network interactively.
New window link
The New window link is in the navigation frame. Click on this link to start a new instance of the current window.
NGMF
See NetView Graphic Monitor Facility.
notifiable condition
A condition about which real-time analysis (RTA) gathers status information.
notification
A message that is generated asynchronously by a CICSPlex SM managed object to describe an event related to the object.

O

OMG
Object management group.
online Web User Interface help
Help supplied with the Web User Interface and accessible from the Help icon on the work frame.
order expression
A character string that defines either the attributes to be used in sorting resource table records, or the attributes to be included in a resource table view. An order expression is made up of one or more attribute expressions.
override expression
A character string that defines the changes to be made to a resource attribute. An override expression is made up of one or more attribute expressions.
overtype field
On a CICSPlex SM view, a field containing a value that can be changed by typing a new value directly into the field. Values that can be overtyped are shown in high intensity or color, depending on the terminal type. Acceptable values for overtype fields are listed with the description of each view. See also action command.

P

parameter expression
A character string that defines the parameters required for an action to complete or a definition to be processed.
parameter repository
In CICSPlex SM, a data set that stores cross-system communication definitions that allow one coordinating address space (CAS) to communicate with other CASs.
period definition
A user-defined range of hours and minutes and the time zone to which that range applies. A period definition is used to indicate when an action, such as resource monitoring, is to occur. See also monitor interval, sample interval.
PlexManager
A service utility that can be used to manage the communication connections between multiple coordinating address spaces (CASs) and between a CAS and its associated CICSPlex SM address spaces (CMASs) and CICSplexes.
PPI
Program-to-program interface.
Print Preview icon
The Print preview icon is in the work frame. Click on this icon to see how the printed version of the page would look.
process
See BTS process.
processing thread
A connection between an application program and the CICSPlex SM API. A program can establish multiple processing threads, but each one is considered a unique API user; no resources can be shared across the boundary of a thread.
PSB
Program specification block.
pseudoconversation
A CICS application designed to appear to the user as a continuous conversation, but that consists internally of multiple separate tasks.

Q

query
A request for specific data that is generated by a view command. See also form, view.
queue algorithm
In CICSPlex SM's workload balancing, an algorithm used to select an AOR to process a dynamic transaction. Using the queue algorithm, CICSPlex SM selects the AOR that has the shortest queue of transactions (normalized to MAXTASKs) waiting to be processed; is the least affected by conditions such as short-on-storage, SYSDUMP, and TRANDUMP; and is the least likely to cause the transaction to abend. Contrast with goal algorithm.
Queue Manager
A component of CICSPlex SM that creates and manages queues of data in a cache that is shared by a CMAS and its local MASs.

R

RACF
Resource Access Control Facility.
real-time analysis (RTA)
A component of CICSPlex SM that is responsible for monitoring the status of a CICS system or resource against its desired status, and issuing one or more external notifications when deviations occur.
record pointer
An internal indicator of the next resource table record to be processed in a result set.
refreshing
Clicking on the Refresh button causes the Web User Interface server to update the current view. See also automatic screen update (ASU) facility.
related scope
A CICS system where resources defined to CICSPlex SM as remote should be assigned and, optionally, installed as local resources. See also target scope.
remote MAS
A managed application system (MAS) that uses MRO or LU 6.2 to communicate with the CICSPlex SM address space (CMAS) that controls it. A remote MAS may or may not reside in the same MVS image as the CMAS that controls it.
Repeat Last Menu link
The Repeat Last Menu link is in the navigation frame. Click on this link to display the last menu used.
requesting region
The region in which a dynamic routing request originates. For dynamic transaction routing and inbound client dynamic program link requests, this is typically a TOR; for dynamic START requests and peer-to-peer dynamic program link requests, this is typically an AOR.
resource
Any physical or logical item in a CICS system, such as a transient data queue, a buffer pool, a file, a program, or a transaction.
Resource Access Control Facility (RACF)
An IBM licensed program that provides for access control by identifying and verifying the users to the system, authorizing access to protected resources, logging any detected unauthorized attempts to enter the system, and logging the detected accesses to protected resources.
resource assignment
A user-defined statement that selects resource definitions to be assigned to CICS systems and, optionally, specifies resource attributes to override those definitions. A resource assignment applies to a single resource type and must be associated with a resource description.
resource attribute
A characteristic of a CICS resource, such as the size of a buffer pool.
resource definition
In CICSPlex SM, a user-defined statement of the physical and operational characteristics of a CICS resource. Resource definitions can be associated with resource descriptions as part of a resource group.
resource description
A user-defined set of CICSPlex SM resource definitions that can be automatically installed in CICS systems and named as a logical scope for CICSPlex SM requests. Resource descriptions represent the largest set of CICS resources that can be managed by CICSPlex SM as a single entity. A resource description can be associated with one or more resource assignments.
resource group
A user-defined set of CICSPlex SM resource definitions. A resource group can be associated with resource descriptions either directly or by means of resource assignments.
Resource Object Data Manager (RODM)
A component of the NetView program that operates as a cache manager and that supports automation applications. RODM provides an in-memory cache for maintaining real-time data in an address space that is accessible by multiple applications.
resource table
The external representation of a CICSPlex SM managed object. A resource table defines all the attributes, or characteristics, of a managed object.
resource table attribute
A characteristic of a CICSPlex SM managed object, as represented by a field in a resource table.
resource type
A group of related resources, such as files.
result set
  1. A logical group of resource table records that can be accessed, reviewed, and manipulated by an API program.
  2. For the Web User Interface user, a set of resource records retrieved in response to a Web User Interface request.
retention period
For a monitored CICS system, the period of time for which monitor data is retained after the system becomes inactive. If a system is being monitored, becomes inactive, and remains inactive beyond the specified retention period, the monitor data is discarded. If the system becomes active before the retention period expires, the monitor data gathered before the system became inactive is retained, and monitoring continues.
RMI
Resource Manager Interface.
RMRLS
Record level sharing.
RODM
See Resource Object Data Manager.
routing region
The region in which the decision is made as to which is the most suitable target region for a dynamic routing request. For dynamic transaction routing, dynamic terminal-related START requests, and inbound client dynamic program link requests, this is typically a TOR; for non-terminal-related START requests, dynamic peer-to-peer program link requests, and CICS BTS activities, this is typically an AOR.
RPL
Request parameter list.
RRMS
Recoverable resource management services.
RSDA
Read-only dynamic storage area.
RTA
See real-time analysis.
run-time interface
A CICSPlex SM API interface that accepts commands in the form of text strings and generates the appropriate API calls. The run-time interface supports programs written as REXX EXECs.

S

SAM
System availability monitoring.
sample interval
The duration, in seconds, between occurrences of data collection for a specific resource type. See also monitor interval, period definition, resource type.
scope
A named part of the CICSPlex SM environment that qualifies the context of a CICSPlex SM request. The scope can be the CICSplex itself, a CICS system, a CICS system group, or any set of CICS resources that are defined as a logical scope in a CICSPlex SM resource description. For configuration tasks, where the context is a CICSPlex SM address space (CMAS), the scope is ignored. When you are applying security, scope must be a single CICS system or CICSplex. It cannot be a CICS system group or any combination of individual CICSplexes or CICS systems. See also context, logical scope.
screen configuration
A user-defined, named layout of windows and the context, scope, view, and sort order associated with each. The initial configuration to be displayed when CICSPlex SM is accessed can be identified on the user profile.
screen repository
In CICSPlex SM, a data set that stores screen configuration definitions created by the SAVESCR display command.
SDSA
Shared dynamic storage area.
Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTPS)
A Web protocol developed by Netscape and built into its browser that encrupts and decrypts user page requests as well as pages returned by the Web server.
secure sockets layer
A security protocol that provides communication privacy. SSL enables client/server applications to communicate in a way that is designed to prevent eavesdropping, tampering, and message forgery. SSL was developed by Netscape Communications Corp. and RSA Data Security, Inc..
selection list
  1. In CICSPlex SM, a data set that stores cross-system communication definitions that allow one coordinating address space (CAS) to communicate with other CASs.
  2. A list of named items, such as views or screen configurations, from which one can be selected.
server program
In dynamic routing, the application program specified on the link request, which is executed in the target region.
service point
One of the combinations of products and contexts that is known to the coordinating address space (CAS) to which you are connected.
session bean
An Enterprise bean that is created by a client and that usually exists only for the duration of a single client/server session. A session bean performs operations such as calculations or accessing a database for a client. While a session bean may be transactional, it is not recoverable in the event of a system crash. See also entity bean.
session control parameters
A CICSPlex SM user profile option that sets the coordinating address space (CAS) subsystem ID used for accessing CICSPlex SM views and controls the extended diagnostic mode (XDM).
short message area
In the control area of an information display panel, that part of the title line that displays short messages.
Sign Off link
The Sign Off link is in the navigation frame. Click on this link to end your Web User Interface session.
single point of control
The ability to access and manage all CICS systems and their resources in a CICSplex from a single terminal or user session.
single system image
The collection and presentation of data about multiple CICS systems as though they were a single CICS system. In CICSPlex SM, the single-system image is provided by the CICSPlex SM address space (CMAS).
SIT
System Initialization Table.
SNA
Systems Network Architecture.
specification
See analysis specification, monitor specification, workload specification.
SRB
Service request block.
SSL
See secure sockets layer.
Starter Set
A part of CICSPlex SM comprising sample CICSPlex SM definitions and sample JCL. The Starter Set samples may be used as supplied for educational purposes. They may also be copied and adapted for the customer environment.
static routing
Non-dynamic routing. The routing request is routed to a predetermined system. Static transaction routing occurs when NO is specified is the Dynamic field in either the transaction definition or the program definition. In both cases, the request is routed to the system named in the Remote Sysid field.
status definition
In real-time analysis, a definition of a user-written program to be invoked at specified intervals to evaluate the status of a non-CICS resource.
STCB
Server task control block.
STSN
Set and test sequence number.
summarized result set
A special type of result set that is produced by grouping, or summarizing, the resource table records in a result set.
summary expression
A character string that consists of one or more summary options and the resource table attributes to which they apply. See also summary option.
summary option
A value that indicates how the attribute values in a resource table are to be summarized.
summary view
A special case of the tabular view format, which displays a summarized result set and includes a 'Count' column.
sysplex
A set of MVS systems communicating and cooperating with each other through specific multisystem hardware components and software services to process customer workloads.
system availability monitoring (SAM)
In real-time analysis, the monitoring of CICS systems to determine whether: they are active during their defined hours of operation; they are experiencing a short-on-storage, SYSDUMP, TRANDUMP, MAXTASK, or STALL condition. If a CICS system becomes inactive or one of the specified conditions occurs, an external notification is issued.
system image
The representation of a program and its related data as it exists in main storage.

T

tabular view
A Web User Interface read-only display that shows selected resource table attributes from multiple records in a result set. A result set may consist of many records, so you can set the maximum number of records to be displayed at any one time. This means that the view may consist of a number of pages. 'Next' and 'Previous' links indicate if there are more pages to display.
target region
The region selected from a set of target regions as the most suitable region in which to execute the work request. For all dynamic routing requests, this is typically an AOR.
target scope
A CICS system or CICS system group where resources defined to CICSPlex SM should be assigned and, optionally, installed. See also related scope.
TCB
Task control block.
TCL
Terminal class limit.
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol.
TCTTE
Terminal control table terminal entry.
temporary maintenance point
A CICSPlex SM address space (CMAS) that serves as the maintenance point when the identified maintenance point is unavailable.
terminal-owning region (TOR)
In a CICSplex configuration, a CICS region devoted to managing the terminal network. For dynamic routing, the terms requesting region and routing region are used instead of TOR to signify the role of the region in the dynamic routing request.
thread
See processing thread.
time-period definition
A user-defined range of hours and minutes, and the time zone to which that range applies. A time-period definition is used to indicate when an action, such as resource monitoring, is to occur.
token
See CICSPlex SM token, user token.
topology
An inventory of CICS and CICSPlex SM resources, and a map of their relationships. CICSPlex SM supports the definition of resource and system topology.
topology definition
A named subset of CICS and CICSPlex SM resources. Topology definitions are user-created and can include CICSplexes, CICS systems, and CICS system groups.
Topology Services
A component of CICSPlex SM that is responsible for maintaining topology information about CICSplexes and resources, and making it available to other CICSPlex SM components.
TOR
Terminal-owning region.
Trace Services
A component of CICSPlex SM that provides other CICSPlex SM components with the ability to write trace records to the CICS trace table and trace data sets. Trace Services also writes trace records created by a MAS to the trace table and data set of the managing CMAS.
transaction group
A user-defined, named set of transactions that determines the scope of workload balancing and the affinity relationships between transactions.

U

UDSA
User dynamic storage area.
uniform resource locator
  1. A sequence of characters that represent information resources on a computer or in a network such as the Internet or company Intranet. This sequence of characters includes:
    • The abbreviated name of the protocol used to access the information resource; and
    • The information used by the protocol to locate the information resource.
    For example, in the context of the Internet, these are abbreviated names of some protocols used to access various information resources: http, ftp, gopher, telnet, and news; and this is the URL for the IBM home page: http://www.ibm.com/. Note that you will be able to use this link only if you are able to access the World Wide Web.
  2. The address of an item on the World Wide Web. It includes the protocol followed by the fully qualified domain name (sometimes called the host name) and the request. The Web server typically maps the request portion of the URL to a path and file name. For example, if the URL is http://www.networking.ibm.com/nsg/nsgmain.htm, the protocol is http; the fully qualified domain name is www.networking.ibm.com; and the request is /nsg/nsgmain.htm.
URL
See uniform resource locator.
User Editor
The Web User Interface tool for customizing user profiles and user group profiles.
User Editor link
The User Editor link is in the navigation frame. Click on this link to start a User Editor window.
user favorite
A user-defined link from the navigation bar to a frequently used WUI tabular or detailed view.
user profile
The profile which enables the user to control their favorites list via the Favorites Editor.
user group profile
The profile which determines what individual users belonging to that group can see and do when they log on to the WUI.
user token
Unique, 1- to 4-byte values that an API user can assign to asynchronous requests. User token values are not used by CICSPlex SM; they are simply held until the request is complete and then returned to the user.

V

view
In the CICSPlex SM API, a temporary, customized form of a resource table. A view can consist of some or all of the resource table attributes in any order. The data in a view is obtained from a query and can be presented in one or more forms. The data can be limited to a subset of CICSplex resources or definitions by establishing a context and scope.

See also detailed view, summary view, tabular view, View Editor, view set.

view command
A CICSPlex SM command that displays a view in a window of the display area. The name of the view displayed matches the name of the view command.
View Editor
The Web User Interface tool for customizing views.
View Editor link
The View Editor link is in the navigation frame. Click on this link to start a View Editor window.
view set
A number of related views that are used to manage the same managed object.
VSAM
Virtual storage access method.

W

Web browser
A client program that initiates requests to a Web server and displays the information that the server returns.
Web User Interface
The CICSPlex SM web-based interface for managing CICS and CICSplex resources. Administrators can customize views, using the View Editor, so that users see only the information in which they are interested.
window
In CICSPlex SM, a subdivision of the display area. The results of any CICSPlex SM view or display command are directed to a single window, which is the current window by default. Contrast with view. See also alternate window.
window identifier
On a window information line, the field that identifies the window. A window identifier consists of a 1-character status code and a number in the range 1 through 20.
window information line
The top line of each window in the display area. It includes the window identifier, the name of the view displayed in the window, the context and scope in effect, the date and time when the view was last refreshed, and the product name.
window number
A number assigned by CICSPlex SM to a window when it is opened. The window number is the second part of the window identifier on the window information line.
window status code
A 1-character code that indicates whether a window is ready to receive commands, is busy processing commands, is not to be updated, or contains no data. It also indicates when an error has occurred in a window. The window status code is the first character of the window identifier on the window information line.
WLM
Workload Manager.
work frame
The main area of the Web User Interface display which contains the views of operational data. All administration of resources is carried out in the work frame. See also assistance frame, navigation frame.
workload
The total number of transactions that a given CICSplex is intended to process in a specific period. For example, a workload could be expressed as a number of transactions per hour, or per day. In CICSPlex SM, a named set of transactions and CICS systems, acting as requesting regions, routing regions, and target regions that form a single, dynamic entity.
workload balancing
The technique of balancing a workload across multiple target regions that are capable of processing the work.
workload definition
A user-defined statement of the transaction groups associated with a CICS system that is an AOR. A workload definition can either be linked to a workload specification as part of a workload group, or be installed directly into an active workload.
workload group
A user-defined set of CICSPlex SM workload definitions that can either be linked to a workload specification for automatic installation or be installed directly into an active workload.
Workload Manager (WLM)
A component of CICSPlex SM that is responsible for managing the transaction workload in a CICSplex through the use of dynamic routing.
workload separation
The technique of separating a workload into discrete parts, and allocating specific transactions to specific AORs.
workload specification
A user-defined statement that identifies a workload and a set of CICS systems acting as AORs. A workload specification also provides default management criteria for transactions that are not defined to CICSPlex SM. It is associated with a CICS system that is a TOR and is automatically installed each time the CICS system starts up. See also workload definition, workload group.

X

XCF
Cross-system coupling facility.
XDM
Extended diagnostic mode.

Help Contents Page - Notices