October 6, 2011

Check Your Mainframe Software Compatibility: New Processor Coming to CIT

CIT is scheduled to receive a new z114-BC mainframe processor in October. Users should check with the vendor of any mainframe software they own to insure that it is certified to run in the new environment.

The processor

The new processor is an IBM z114 Business Class (BC) model 2818-L03, CPU serial number D10C6. Installing a zSeries processor enables CIT to continue running supported versions of the z/OS operating system and other system programs.

At this point, we anticipate moving our test system to the new processor around October 17, 2011. Once everything looks good for the test system, we then plan to move the production systems 9 (that runs DB2) and 4 (that runs NIHTSO) to the new processor on November 13, 2011.

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 IT Service Desk at http://itservicedesk.nih.gov/support or 301-496-4357, 866-319-4357 (toll free), or 301-496-8294 (TTY).