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IBM Rational COBOL Runtime for z/VSE V7.5 IBM Rational Business Developer is the newest, most productive way to create modern application solutions that support a variety of platforms. It is based on open, industry standard Eclipse technology. EGL applications created by Rational Business Developer can be targeted to run on z/VSE as well as other common production platforms such as z/OS, Linux, AIX, i5/OS, Windows, etc.
IBM WebSphere MQ for z/VSE V3.0:
IBM WebSphere MQ for z/VSE V3.0 is a new Version of the WebSphere MQ family of messaging products. It delivers enhanced manageability through WebSphere MQ Explorer, as well as currency, and performance enhancements for the IBM z/VSE platform.
IBM WebSphere MQ for z/VSE 3.0, integrates with IBM WebSphere MQ in solutions for:
IBM System z10 Business Class:
IBM announced the IBM System z10 BC, a world class enterprise server designed to meet your business needs. The System z10 BC is built on the inherent strengths of the IBM System z platform and is designed to deliver new technologies and virtualization that provide improvements in price/performance for key new workloads. z/VSE V3.1, z/VSE 4.1 and z/VSE 4.2 support the z10 BC. z/VSE V4.1 and V4.2 are eligible for MWLC pricing when running on a z10 BC server.
October 17, 2008
z/VSE V4.2 is now available
August 5, 2008
z/VSE V4.2 Availability Announced: z/VSE Version 4 Release 2 (z/VSE V4.2) is the latest in the ongoing evolution of z/VSE. z/VSE V4.2 continues the z/VSE focus on scalability, security, interoperability, and service-oriented architecture. It is designed to help protect and leverage existing investments in VSE information assets.
Beginning June 13, 2008, z/VSE V4.1.2 replaces z/VSE V4.1.1: Changes in z/VSE V4.1.1 include:
accumulated service
February 26, 2008
IBM System z10 Enterprise Class:
IBM announced the IBM System z10 EC, a world class enterprise server designed to meet your business needs. The System z10 EC is built on the inherent strengths of the IBM System z platform and is designed to deliver new technologies and virtualization that provide improvements in price/performance for key new workloads. z/VSE V3.1, z/VSE 4.1 and z/VSE 4.2 support the z10 EC. z/VSE V4.1 and V4.2 are eligible for MWLC pricing when running on a z10 EC server.
January 18, 2008
z/VSE V3.1.3 is available: z/VSE V3.1.3 replaces z/VSE V3.1.2. Changes include integration of:
Sub-Capacity Reporting Tool V14.2 is now available with support for z/VSE V4.1 The Sub- Capacity Reporting Tool (SCRT) allows you to generate Sub-Capacity reports on your z/VSE V4.1 (or later) system. Sub-Capacity reports must be submitted to IBM billing each month in order to qualify for sub-capacity Midrange Workload License Charges (MWLC).
for more information, including instructions on how to download the tool, please see the SCRT User Guide.
October 9, 2007
z/VSE V4.2 Preview z/VSE V4.2 is designed to address the needs of VSE clients with growing workloads. For example, z/VSE V4.2 plans to support more than 255 VSE tasks and up to 32 GB of real processor storage. The Sub-Capacity Reporting Tool (SCRT) will run 'natively' on z/VSE V4.2. The SCRT is now available for z/VSE V4.1 as well. This Preview includes a Statement of Direction (SOD) saying that z/VSE V4.2 will be the last release to offer CICS/VSE V2.3.
Like z/VSE V4,1, V4.2 supports IBM System z9 EC and z9 BC servers as well as z990, z890, z900, and z800 servers. It is eligible for Midrange Workload License Charges (MWLC), in full-capacity or sub-capacity mode.
Encryption Facility for z/VSE V1.1 Announcement Encryption Facility for z/VSE (EF for z/VSE) V1.1 is designed to exploit the powerful encryption capabilities of IBM System z to help you securely and efficiently protect data. EF for z/VSE is an optional, priced feature of VSE Central Functions V8 (z/VSE V4) and is eligible for MWLC pricing. The data format of EF for z/VSE V1.1 is compatible with Encryption Facility for z/OS V1.1 or later.
EF for z/VSE requires CP Assist for Cryptographic Function (CPACF), an optional, no-charge feature of System z9 EC, z9 BC, z990, and z890 servers. EF for z/VSE gives customers another encryption option and complements z/VSE support for the IBM TS1120 encrypting tape drives. The TS1120 is the preferred solution for high volume backup/archive applications. EF for z/VSE is designed to allow secure exchange of encrypted data with other locations within your company, business partners, suppliers, and customers.
With APAR PK48347 (PTF UK26815) the maximum number of datasets that can be allocated for HD databases with DL/I 1.11 has been increased from 5 to 10 datasets allowing a maximum database size of 10 * 4 = 40 GB.
For more information, please see here or the documentation included in PK48347.
The IBM System Storage TS1120 Tape Drive encryption feature support is now available for z/VSE V4.1 and V3.1. Following APARs/PTFs must be installed to activate the support:
The IBM System Storage TS3400 Tape Library and the TS1120 are complementary. The TS3400 Tape Library is designed to provide the high capacity and attractive performance of TS1120 tape drives in a smaller automation footprint. The TS3400 can help keep operational, tape handling costs low.
June 5, 2007
End of Marketing for z/VSE V3.1 announced z/VSE V3.1 has been withdrawn from Marketing effective 31/05/2008. For more information, please see the announcement letter.
May 4, 2007
IBM Print Service Facilities (PSF) for VSE/VM
On January 25th IBM and Ricoh announced the formation of a joint venture company based on IBM's Printing Systems Division. The joint venture will be called the InfoPrint Solutions Company. Ricoh initially will acquire 51 percent of the joint venture and will progressively acquire the remaining 49 percent over the next three years as the joint venture evolves into a fully owned subsidiary of Ricoh. Ricoh will provide the investment necessary for the InfoPrint Solutions Company to continue to innovate and grow, which will benefit current and future customers. The eventual transfer of the IBM Printing Systems Division to Ricoh enables IBM to continue to refine its focus on its strategic businesses and the clients of those businesses, including print and output solutions for enterprises. See the January 25th press release for more details.
System z and System i print software is not part of the transfer and IBM continues to own these products. Specifically, PSF for VSE/VM remains an IBM product.
March 16, 2007
z/VSE Version 4 Release 1 (z/VSE V4.1) is now generally available
z/VSE V4 operates in z/Architecture mode only. It introduces an attractive new Midrange Workload License Charge (MWLC) pricing metric for z/VSE V4 running on IBM System z9 BC and z9 EC servers.
SecureFTP and AES support available via PTF for z/VSE V4.1
Support for SecureFTP and AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) with key lengths of 128, 192, and 256 bits is now available with TCP/IP for VSE/ESA on z/VSE V4.1.
On z9 BC and z9 EC servers, AES 128-bit key support is also available via the CPACF feature.
Support for SecureFTP is provided with APAR PK39262 (PTF UK22143); the AES support with APAR PK39279 (PTF UK22086 for z/VSE 4.1).
After PTF installation, these functions can be used with the TCP/IP Application Pak license. For a detailed description on how to use SecureFTP please refer to manual "TCP/IP for VSE Optional Features Guide Version 1 Release 5E", which is provided by Connectivity Systems, Inc. for download.
Note: The AES Support is available for z/VSE 3.1 users with PTF UK22085.
IBM z/VM V5.3 has been announced
With z/VM V5.3, improvements to scalability, security, and virtualization technology can help support increased workloads on IBM System z9 and zSeries servers and enhance its security characteristics.
z/VSE Version 4 Release 1 (z/VSE V4.1)
z/VSE V4 operates in z/Architecture mode only. It is designed to support 64-bit real addressing. z/VSE V4.1 supports up to 8 GB of real processor storage.
Supports IBM System z9 EC and z9 BC servers, plus IBM eServer zSeries 990, 900, 890, and 800 servers
Adds support for innovative encryption technology, including IBM Systems Storage TS1120 encrypting tape
Continues the VSE focus on service-oriented architecture (SOA) and integrated solutions featuring Linux on System z.
Addresses customer requirements for the Basic Security Manager, VSE/POWER, and other components.
TCP/IP for VSE Service Pack E (APAR PQ87041) is now available. For VSE/ESA 2.7 the PTF number is UK19329.
For z/VSE 3.1 the PTF number is UK19330.
For VSE/ESA 2.6 we are no longer providing PTFs because this CLC 1OQ is out of service since 03/31/2006. Note: Before installing Service Level E, be sure to read the Problem Summary, especially the Security section and perform the required actions.
New HLASM Compile option WORKFILE High Level Assembler has introduced a new compile option 'WORKFILE' by APAR PK09700 / PTF UK13782. PTF UK13782 is already installed on z/VSE 3.1.2. This new option allows to use WORKFILEs instead of partition storage for assemblies. To activate the new option you can either use the new option in your compile jobs or you can update the HLASM options macro ASMAOPT and specify WORKFILE=YES, compile the macro and rebuild the HLASM option Phase ASMADOPT.
About VSE and Changes to the U.S. Daylight Saving Time (DST) starting in 2007: The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-58) was passed by the United States Congress on July 29, 2005 and signed into law on August 8, 2005. This law changes the time-change dates for Daylight Savings Time in the United States. Beginning in 2007, DST will begin on the second Sunday in March and end on the first Sunday in November. For more information about the impact on VSE please see here (PDF, 11KB).
July 21, 2006
z/VSE V3.1.2: z/VSE V3.1.2 is now available. It contains hardware support and functional enhancements first introduced in z/VSE V3.1.1. z/VSE V3.1.2 contains accumulated service since the z/VSE V3.1 GA in March 2005.
April 27, 2006
Preview: IBM z/VSE V4.1 supports z/Architecture and introduces a subcapacity measurement tool: z/VSE Version 4 Release 1 is designed to enable network integration and infrastructure simplification.
It is the replacement for z/VSE V3 and VSE/ESA and is designed to protect and leverage VSE
information assets.
z/VSE V4.1 is designed to execute in z/Architecture mode only. It will support:
IBM System z9 Enterprise Class (formerly the System z9 109)
IBM System z9 Business Class
IBM eServer zSeries z990, z890, z900, and z800
z/VSE V4.1 will provide an LPAR-based subcapacity measurement tool. A new Statement-of-Direction states:
" It is IBM's intent to provide new software pricing for z/VSE V4 when running on select processors, subject to applicable terms and conditions. IBM expects this new software pricing metric to provide more granularity and a subcapacity pricing option."
FSU will be available from z/VSE V3.1 and VSE/ESA V2.7.
New ACF/VTAM V4.2 31-bit I/O Buffer support for z/VSE V3.1: In the current ACF/VTAM implementation, VTAM I/O buffers use 24-Bit System Getvis storage. For some customers, this restriction creates a storage constraint. Customer requiremens (e.g. WAVV200414, WAVV200311, WAVV200242, WAVV200224) have requested that IBM allows to move these I/O buffers 'above the line' (into 31-Bit System Getvis storage).
IBM's response is the VTAM 31-Bit I/O Buffer Support in z/VSE 3.1. With this new function, ACF/VTAM can move I/O buffers (IOBUF pool) and all I/O CTC packing buffers in 31-Bit System Getvis storage (VTAM startup option IOBUF31=YES). This enhancement allows z/VSE customers to grow their communication workloads.
To use this support PTF UD52873 and PTF UD53035 (AF Base) or UD52874 and UD53060(Generation Feature) must be applied to z/VSE V3.1. In addition PTF UD52964 and PTF UD53054 must be applied to ACF/VTAM V4.2.
Effective January 15, 2006, the S/390 Service Update Facility will be discontinued: If you have not already done so, we recommend that you begin using ShopzSeries or another service option before the above change takes effect. For more information on ShopzSeries, visit the ShopzSeries Web site.
November 25, 2005
z/VSE V3.1.1: z/VSE V3.1.1 is now available. It contains hardware support for the IBM z9-109, TS1120 Tape Drive, IBM 3953 Tape System and 3584 Tape Library, as well as FCP/SCSI qualification of DS6000 and DS8000 disks. In addition, z/VSE V3.1.1 contains significant enhancements to the VSE Basic Security Manager. Several VSE/POWER enhancements are included as well. z/VSE V3.1.1 contains accumulated service since z/VSE V3.1 GA in March 2005. For more information, please see the z/VSE V3.1.1 Release Guide.
November 1, 2005
IBM TotalStorage DS6000 and DS8000 FCP/SCSI qualification:
IBM TotalStorage DS/6000 and DS/8000 are now qualified for FCP/SCSI (in addition to ECKD) attachment to z/VSE V3.1. Previously, only IBM TotalStorage Enterprise Storage Server (ESS) was qualified for FCP/SCSI attachment. z/VSE V3.1.1 SCSI support also includes the ability to specify 'preferred paths' for the DS6000. For those clients remaining at the V3.1.0 level, DS6000 and DS8000 FCP/SCSI support requires selected APARs.
CICS2WS Toolkit:
Web services is an XML based connectivity solution that enables CICS applications to provide and request services independently of platform, environment, application language or programming model. The tool reads Web Services Description Language (WSDL) files and Copybooks. It then creates proxy code that acts as a translation layer between a XML based request and a CICS COMMAREA. The proxy code is generated as a High Level Assembler program. Web services allow a z/VSE V3.1, VSE/ESA V2.7, or VSE/ESA V2.6 system to act as a Web service provider (server) and as a Web service requestor (client). The toolkit can create proxy code for both scenarios. For more information, go to the download page.
End of Service for VSE/ESA V2.7 announced: Service for VSE/ESA V2.7 will be withdrawn effective 02/28/2007. For more information please see the announcement letter. Customers are encouraged to upgrade their VSE systems to the most current release, z/VSE V3.1.
July 27, 2005
IBM System z9 109 The IBM System z9 109 continues the evolution of the mainframe, building upon the structure introduced on z990. The z9-109 expands upon a key attribute of the mainframe platform - availability - to help ensure a resilient infrastructure designed to satisfy the requirements of on demand business. With the increased performance and total system capacity possible for the z9-109, you have an opportunity to continue to consolidate diverse applications on a single platform.
IBM z/VM 5.2
For z/VSE customers, z/VM V5.2 helps deliver the productivity gains and classic advantages of z/VM's world-class virtualization technology. In addition, z/VM V5.2 enhances scalability for virtualization on IBM System z9 and zSeries. These improvements especially benefit Linux guests. z/VM V5.2, together with IBM System z9 and zSeries, is an ideal platform for integrating applications and data - and for consolidating select UNIX, Windows, and Linux workloads on a single physical z9-109 or zSeries server.
WebSphere MQ Client for VSE Using WebSphere MQ Client for VSE is an efficient way of implementing WebSphere MQ messaging and queuing with VSE. You can have an application that uses the MQ Client running on one machine and the queue manager running on a different machine, either physical or virtual.
The benefits of doing this are:
There is no need for a full WebSphere MQ implementation on the client machine.
Hardware requirements on the client system are reduced.
A WebSphere MQ application, running on a client can connect to multiple queue managers on different systems.
June 21, 2005
VisualAge Generator EGL Plug-in for VSE IBM announces a new VisualAge Generator EGL 'plug-in' that supports VSE as a target platform for the Rational development environment. It allows VSE customers to use the Enterprise Generation Language (EGL) component of Rational Application Developer or Rational Web Developer to create new COBOL applications for VSE. The enhanced support protects VSE customer investments in VisualAge Generator technology. It allows VSE customers to use IBM's latest application environment for both VSE and non-VSE applications.
Click here for more information or see the announcement letter.
June 7, 2005
End of Marketing for VSE/ESA V2.7 announced.
Effective September 30, 2005, VSE/ESA V2.7 will be withdrawn from marketing. Until 9/30/2005, customers may order either z/VSE V3.1 or VSE/ESA V2.7. After that date, only z/VSE V3.1 will be available. Any customer who wants to specifically order VSE/ESA V2.7 should begin their planning immediately and initiate the order process as soon as possible.
Please note, this change applies to marketing only. Service of VSE/ESA V2.7 is unchanged. No date has been announced for VSE/ESA V2.7 end of service.
March 4, 2005
GA of z/VSE Version 3 Release 1 z/VSE V3.1 is now available. For more information, please refer to the z/VSE V3.1 Release Guide (PDF, 273 KB). Note: z/VSE can execute in 31-bit mode only. It does not implement z/Architecture, and specifically does not implement 64-bit mode capabilities. z/VSE is designed to exploit selected features of IBM System 9 and zSeries hardware.
February 21, 2005
ShopzSeries In addition to shipment on tape cardridges, VSE is available on CD-ROM and for download from the Internet through ShopzSeries. ShopzSeries is available for customers in certain countries. With ShopzSeries the following can be ordered:
VSE/ESA and z/VSE base tapes
VSE optional products
VSE preventive service (Hiper/PE)
VSE corrective service (PTFs, APARs)
For more details, please here. An overview of ShopzSeries can be found in this flyer (PDF, 57KB).
February 1, 2005
Announcement of z/VSE Version 3 Release 1
z/VSE is the follow-on product for customers with VSE/ESA installed. It is expected to be the basis for all future VSE development. z/VSE is designed to exploit select zSeries hardware technology to help address the needs of VSE clients. For more information please see the announcement letter . Note: z/VSE can execute in 31-bit mode only. It does not implement z/Architecture, and specifically does not implement 64-bit mode capabilities. z/VSE is designed to exploit selected features of IBM System 9 and zSeries hardware.
January 25, 2005
FICON Express2
IBM announced FICON Express2 for added channel bandwidth. Together, the technology refresh brings added value to z890 and z990 servers.
November 19, 2004
VSE/ESA V2.7.3 is available
Beginning November 19, 2004, VSE/ESA V2.7.3 is being distributed for new VSE/ESA V2 orders. For more details, please see the VSE/ESA V2.7.3 Release Guide.
November 19, 2004
VSE/ESA V2.6.3 service option is no longer available
As indicated in earlier guidance, the VSE/ESA V2.6.3 'service option' is no longer available with VSE/ESA V2.7.3. Customers with an ongoing need for VSE/ESA 2.6 should use the Recommended Service Levels to upgrade their system to the most current level (VSE/ESA 2.6.3).
z890 and z990 enhancements
IBM announced OSA Express2 (10 GbE and GbE) and Crypto Express2 . The new generation of features enhances zSeries support for LANs and cryptography.
Preview of z/VSE Version 3 Release 1. For more information please see the announcement letter.
April 7, 2004
The newest member of the zSeries family, the IBM eServer™ zSeries 890 system, continues IBM's long history of innovation and brings latest zSeries technology, function and value to a broader audience with a low entry point, improved price/performance and outstanding flexibility for mid-sized companies. For more information please see the announcement letter.
