IBM Systems Lab Services and Training can leverage the worldwide intellectual and technical advantage of the IBM System z development lab to assist you in taking advantage of emerging technologies on the mainframe platform and related middleware. We can provide custom solutions, leading-edge consulting, support services and proofs-of-concept to meet your business requirements now and also to support your strategic initiatives moving forward. Whether it is z/OS, z/VM or Linux on System z, or zEnterprise, we can help deploy new technologies like zBX or fulfill wider enterprise requirements around security, availability, or performance. We not only look at the hardware and operating system layers, but we can also enable middleware solutions around CICS, DB2 or the WebSphere family. Open the sections below to see a sample of our zEnterprise offerings, other key System z services, and the Software Services available.
IBM® zEnterprise™ System can dramatically streamline and simplify computing operations by making it possible to operate heterogeneous technologies and servers as one consolidated system. Analysis, assessment, implementation, and maintenance services from IBM are designed to help you realize these benefits as quickly as possible with minimal risk to the organization and minimal investment of internal staff time and resources in the implementation process. IBM services professionals offer deep skills and expertise, drawing on close relationships with development labs—as well as on thousands of client engagements—to help ensure rapid, highly effective zEnterprise System implementations that deliver value right away.
Parallel Sysplex InfiniBand Assessment and Migration Services
Since Integrated Cluster Bus-4 (ICB-4) coupling links are not supported on IBM zEnterprise, we’ll help assess any potential impact of introducing Parallel Sysplex InfiniBand (PSIFB) coupling link technology to existing data center and host environments. Knowledge baseline allows for an accelerated migration and use of PSIFB in your coupling configurations. You can also accelerate migration and lessen implementation complexities with help from our technical experts. Planning and implementation services can help with the installation and migration of existing ICBx/ISCx coupling link configurations to PSIFB.
zEnterprise Ensemble Enablement Jumpstart Assistance for zBX Blades
This service is for organizations that have only a short timeframe to implement a z196 and zBX ensemble within a functional application test environment. IBM services professionals set up the z/OS and zBX infrastructure use a test servlet to demonstrate the functionality of the ensemble and provide education to help ensure smooth ongoing operations. This offering focuses on the Manage Suite functionality provided by zManager; additional services for Automate Suite functionality can be provided through the zEnterprise Ensemble Enablement for zBX Blades Starter Kit offering.
zEnterprise Ensemble Enablement for zBX Blades Starter Kit
This comprehensive service offering is designed to accelerate implementation of a z196 and zBX ensemble within a functional application test environment. IBM delivers all the specialized skills needed to define virtual resources and servers on the blades, install the blade operating system, establish the test application environment and enable the ensemble, minimizing the need for organizations to acquire skills internally that will be needed just once for implementation. The offering also provides project coordination and the zManager skills transfer to internal teams for trouble-free, ongoing operation of the new environment.
zEnterprise Ensemble Enablement Jumpstart Assistance for z/VM
This service is for zBX and z196 ensemble implementations that will use zManager to manage Linux virtual servers under the z/VM hypervisor. As with Jumpstart assistance for zBX blades, the focus is on the Manage Suite functionality of zManager.
zEnterprise Ensemble Enablement Jumpstart Assistance for DataPower XI50z Blades
The IBM WebSphere DataPower Integration Appliance XI50 for zEnterprise is a multifunctional appliance for the System z environment that can be implemented to help provide XML hardware acceleration, streamline and secure valuable service-oriented architecture (SOA) applications, create multi-tiered cloud workloads, and provide drop-in integration for heterogeneous environments by enabling core Enterprise Service Bus (ESB) functionality, including routing, bridging, transformation, and event handling. The service offering provides assistance with configuring and enabling DataPower XI50z Blades within a zBX environment.
IBM Smart Analytics Optimizer Enablement Services
If you are currently running IBM DB2® for z/OS and are planning to install the IBM Smart Analytics Optimizer, IBM can configure the hardware to enable a basic, functional Smart Analytics Optimizer environment and IBM System Storage® unit. Deliverables include integration planning, a test data mart to demonstrate functionalities and a high-performance system that is ready to be loaded with data for queries.
Workload Optimization Analysis and TCO for zEnterprise
Based on the IBM Systems Lab Services and Training IT Rationalization Study, in this offering you supply detailed financial and technical data, we deliver an extensive analysis of current server technology and cost of ownership, cross platform and actionable recommendations and business justification. Services may include current infrastructure scorecards highlighting areas of strength and need, and knowledge transfer from our team to your IT staff.
Rapid Workload Optimization Assessment and TCO for zEnterprise
Swiftly identify IT value based on validated or estimated financial and technical data and preparation and facilitated techniques. After a one-to-two day workshop, we share focused recommendations for tactical and strategic needs and a full business justification. The approach can help you better understand constraints by evaluating key workloads.
Lab Services experts are deeply skilled across the System z platform to provide you a virtual bench to address complex technology deployments. Skills deployed out of IBM product laboratories can help you leverage IBM’s latest productivity-driving products and get your IT staff trained in the same engagement for effective, ongoing operation of your IT environment. Here are some of the key services available.
Implementation Services for zEnterprise Starter Edition for Cloud
This offering provides the installation and initial configuration of Tivoli Provisioning Manager (TPM) with z/VM Virtual Infrastructure Workflows to manage the provisioning of Linux on System z virtual servers under z/VM. This offering provides a foundation for a private Cloud environment. A logical next step could be the integration of IBM Tivoli Monitoring with Omegamon XE and related Linux monitoring agents to expand cloud services.
NEW! IBM System z Communications Server Services
IBM Communications Server Family takes advantage of IBM's experience with SNA, TCP/IP, and communications servers to provide a high-performance, high-quality communications solution for enterprises with e-business potential and environments. In addition to z/OS, IBM Communications Server Family supports 32-bit and 64-bit SNA applications on Windows, AIX, and Linux platforms with Remote API clients/server and offers IP solutions that allow you to take advantage of network advances like information access, electronic commerce, and collaboration. On IBM z/OS, Lab Services has offerings for Network Health Checks, Network Assessments, Implementation Services, Network Architecture Design Workshops, and IP Security Workshops. Offerings also exist to deliver implementation services for AIX, Linux, and Windows.
NEW! IBM 3745 NCP Communication Controller Elimination Workshop
This design workshop assists clients with the transition from 3745 NCP hardware to a modern solution using Enterprise Extender, Communication Controller for Linux on System z , or other available options based on the client’s requirements. An executive summary with recommendations or a comprehensive detailed migration plan will be delivered as a result of the service. Installation, configuration, and implementation services are also available at additional cost.
NEW! Communication Controller for Linux on System z Proof-of-Concept
A proof-of-concept is developed to introduce Communication Controller for Linux on System z (CCL) capabilities, design a solution to transition the client from current 3745 NCP hardware to a CCL solution, and enable a single test CCL in the client’s test network. An executive summary with recommendations for production deployment of the CCL solution is provided in addition to the one CCL in the client’s test environment.
NEW! Workload Management Policy Review for Data Warehousing
Looking to move your existing Data Warehousing onto System z and want to maximize the workload management strengths of the System z platform? This service is targeted to clients with existing data warehousing/business intelligence solutions and a large, enterprise data warehouse. It provides a best practice review of System z workload used with a Data Warehouse. It also includes a DB2 subsystem data warehouse review and a System z Workload Manager review.
NEW! Dynamic SQL Performance Review for Data Warehouse on System z
Considering moving you existing Data Warehouse onto System z and concerned about query performance? This service is for clients with existing data warehouse/business intelligence solutions and a large, enterprise Data Warehouse. It will target selected high CPU/high I/O SQL queries.
IBM Smart Analytics 9600 Services
Provides new or existing System z clients with a complete end-to-end software and hardware solution for deploying business analytics. Lab Services performs or assists with software installation in conjunction with IBM Software Group and IBM Cognos Services.
Advanced Systems Management Services for VM and Linux on System z
This systems management service is a custom offering providing advanced skills around the common systems management products utilized for a Linux on System z environment. Included are services for z/VM Directory Maintenance, SMAPI, Map Agent, Performance Toolkit, Omegamon XE, Operations Manager for z/VM, AUDELIUM, IBM Systems Director, and Tivoli Provisioning Manager.
Linux on IBM System z Services and Training Kits
Lab Services and Training has bundled services and training to accelerate deployment of z/VM and Linux on System z and to fill gaps in the skills and knowledge of current staff in these technologies. Fixed price kits have been designed to meet the needs of organizations new to the platform, organizations familiar with System z but new to z/VM and Linux on System z, or even teams that have some familiarity with z/VM and Linux.
DFSMShsm Health Check
Take advantage of DFSMShsm best practices and keep the “bugs” at bay. If you use DFSMShsm as a storage manager and productivity tool, make sure it’s running healthy and performing at an optimal level.
System z Platform Performance Diagnosis and Remediation
Maximize efficiency on your System z technology with a performance and diagnostic remediation. Uncover performance improvement opportunities in a Parallel Sysplex or IBM middleware environment on System z.
z/OS Environmental Health Inspection
Keep it clean and improve system productivity. A general health inspection of your z/OS operating environments evaluates the use of z/OS recommended best practices.
System z Virtualization Infrastructure Assessment
Ready, steady, evaluate. If you’re new to z/VM and Linux on System z or simply looking to gauge readiness to go into production, this health check with review your operating systems and Hypervisor levels to evaluate basic environment areas.
High Availability Assessments
A high availability assessment of your System z environment can help you provide high availability back to your clients.
TKLM Tape and Disk Encryption Services
Our Systems Lab Services can help design, implement and define operational procedures for IBM Tape and Disk encryption solutions. Consulting services for IBM Tivoli® Key Lifecycle Manager (TKLM) and the Enterprise Key Manager (EKM) on multiple platforms can help you choose the best architecture for multiple security requirements.
z/OS Security Health Check
Analyze the z/OS security manager, security definitions for the z/OS sub-systems and security systems in applications. Our health check includes an analysis of non-compliance with best practices and enterprise internal standards.
z/VM and Linux for System z Security and Compliance
We’ll take an in-depth look at your IBM z/VM and Linux infrastructure and help identify areas that could be better secured (perhaps uncover possible compliance issues). Skilled Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) share their knowledge and experience with the products and security tools available in the IBM System z environment.
Software Services are solutions designed and developed by IBM Systems Lab Services and Training in response to client-driven requirements, coded and tested in IBM product laboratories, and at work in client installations. The solutions are typically packaged as part of a consulting services engagement. The services engagement consist of the software license and software maintenance, as well as skills transfer, planning, design and implementation services.
AUtomated DEployment of LInux and z/VM systems (AUDELIUM)
AUDELIUM is an environment for Linux guests and z/VM systems provisioning running in a z/VM logical partition (LPAR). It can provision several hosts and each host is called a “Linux VM guest”. AUDELIUM provides:
- The definition and the management of provisioning templates (projects)
- Deployment and management of cloned Linux images belonging to a project
- z/VM systems provisioning and customization
To see the complete portfolio of IBM Systems Lab Services and Training Software Services, visit our wiki at http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/systems/LabServicesTools
Contact us for more information about these and other services available for IBM System z environments.
We're here to help
IBM System z Virtual Event Series
IBM Experts discuss the unique IBM zEnterprise™ hybrid design that embraces multiple technology platforms integrated within a centrally managed single system.