August 31, 2006

Check Your Mainframe Software Compatibility:
New Processor and Operating System Coming to CIT

CIT is scheduled to receive a new mainframe processor in October, and will be upgrading the mainframe operating system a few months after that. Users should check with the vendor of any mainframe software they own to see if it is certified to run in the new environment.

The Processor

The new processor will be an IBM z9 Business Class (BC) model 2096-M03, CPU serial number 0020077AED. Installing a zSeries processor will allow CIT to continue running supported versions of the z/OS operating system and other system programs. At this point, we are hoping to move our test system to the new processor around October 1, 2006. Once everything looks good for the test system, we then plan to move the production system 9 (that runs DB2) to the new processor. Finally, we will move the production system 4 (that runs NIHTSO). About a month after everything has moved to the new processor, we will change from 31-bit mode to 64-bit mode.

The Operating System

Once the processor changes are completed, we will be upgrading the operating system to version 1.7 of z/OS. This upgrade is planned for early 2007 (check Titan News for updates on the upgrade).

What Steps to Take

If you have any third-party software on the mainframe, check with your vendor now to make sure it is certified for and supported in the new environment. Also note the change in the CPU serial number format.

Need Help?

If you need help or have any questions regarding your software, contact the NIH Help Desk at 301-496-HELP (301-496-4357).