CIT Presents a Dynamic Web Site to the World
The official Center for Information Technology (CIT) webpage was launched in September. The bold, dynamic design allows users from NIH and the public to easily navigate and gain access to CIT’s many services and resources.
Coordinated Support for Enterprise Applications—ITAS, A Case Study
The Integrated Time and Attendance System (ITAS) is just one of many applications that benefit from a comprehensive and centralized approach to application development and support—an approach that produces operating efficiencies and lower costs.
Still Having Y2K Problems?
If so, take advantage of CIT’s full range of Y2K services including COBOL application conversion and Y2K testing facilities.
Caution—Y2K Test System Date May Change!
The system date for the MVS system’s Y2K domains can vary. TransCentury DateSimulator software is available to give you total control of testing dates.
NIH Data Warehouse Gets Better All the Time
Want to reduce the administrative business of your office? The NIH Data Warehouse provides an efficient way to access your office’s administrative and financial information.
NBARS—Better than Ever
Recently installed client software makes NIH Backup and Recovery Service (NBARS) more efficient and easier to use. Among the new features are a redesigned graphical user interface, enhanced backup and restore, and domain administration via the web.
Security Audit of NIH Computer Center Benefits Customers
The NIH Computer Center passed its annual security audit with flying colors. This assures all customers that the security policies, procedures and tools available at the NIH Computer Center will adequately protect their valuable data.
An Interface Search Is Just a Click Away
A new Interface search facility on the web provides you with entire articles beginning with all issues since number 189 (annual index for 1994). This search capability replaces the annual index.
MVS "Standard System"—Status
Current work on the standard system focuses on the identification of relevant technical issues (e.g., hardware, communications equipment, operating system and other system software) necessary in developing the new processing environment. Next year users will have an opportunity to hear presentations and to discuss their needs.
Anyone Using Anonymous FTP on the MVS South System?
If you use or support an application that uses anonymous FTP on the South system, please help us assess possible user impact resulting from changes being considered—by filling out a short online survey.
Need to Set Up Your Own Oracle Server?
Take advantage of good prices and easy ordering by purchasing directly from CIT the Oracle server software and concurrent user rights needed for a variety of platforms—Microsoft NT, Digital Alpha, and Sun Solaris. Your costs will be charged to your CIT account.
New Contract for Disaster Recovery Service Awarded for Fiscal Year 1999
On October 1, 1998, a new contract with Comdisco Continuity Services took effect for disaster recovery services for critical applications on MVS systems. This contract provides an alternate (off-site) computer facility for remote recovery in a disaster, as well as for running hot-site tests. The next hot-site test is scheduled for this coming January 22.
Protect Your MVS Disk Data Sets with RACF
RACF is the access control facility for disk data sets on the MVS North and South systems. Since WYLBUR’s Enter RACF facility will soon retire, try out the Web RACF facility today. See how convenient it is and learn about two useful features—generic profiles and groups.
Reminder—WYLBUR’s Enter RACF Facility to Retire January 11
All RACF functions are now available via the web.
Reminder—Yearly Documentation Subscription Renewal Ends in January
If you have not yet renewed your publication subscriptions for 1999, you need to do so before January 15, 1999. Subscriptions not renewed by then will be removed from the automatic documentation service.
NIH Computer Center—Holiday Service Schedule
Service will be unattended on the ALW, Helix, and MVS systems on December 25 and January 1, 1999. Service will also be unattended after 8 P.M. on the previous evenings.
Computer Training Calendar—Fall 1998-99 (Update)
MVS South System
New Oracle Instances—ORAD and ORAP
Users should migrate applications and data to the two new Oracle (version 7.3)
instances—ORAD for development and ORAP for production—that were recently
installed on the MVS South system. They replace the current production instance
ORAT that will eventually be turned off.
Reminder—Check Third-Party Software Compatibility with MVS OS/390
Will your third-party software still function when the MVS operating system OS/390 is installed on the North system (version 2.4) and the South system (version2.5) early in 1999?
MVS North System
Accessing MODEL 204 from the Web
The MODEL 204 database management system can now be accessed on the web using the web-based Secure Internet-LinKed (SILK) Web technology. With SILK Web users can issue MODEL 204 commands and execute programs.
Easily Create and Store Webpages on the Mainframe
Create a webpage for your agency or office group using Secure Internet-LinKed (SILK) Web technology on the NIH Computer Center’s MVS North system. SILK Web pages are an efficient way to provide a web interface for your applications.
Changes to Online Tapes—Update
Improvements in tape availability and storage space allow some easing of restrictions in the retention of tapes. Changes include when tape extensions can be made and the period of retention.
Tape Management System—Coded Dates and the Year 2000
When the year 2000 arrives, there should be no problem with the coded expiration dates of 98000 (foreign tapes) and 99000 (tapes not yet catalogued) in the tape management system (TMS). The coded date 99365 will have a problem.
Oracle Upgraded to Version 7.3
Oracle on the MVS North system was upgraded to version 7.3 on December 6, 1998.
Reminder—Support for SQL*FORMS 3.0 Has Ended
Oracle stopped supporting SQL*Forms version 3.0 as of June 30, 1998. Users should migrate their applications to a later version.
Administrative Reports Will Soon Be Available Only on the Web
Administrative reports will no longer be distributed to North system coordinators in hard copy format effective June 1, 1999. These reports are accessible from the web.