December 3, 2004

New z/OS Operating System Is Running Smoothly on Titan

On November 14, 2004, CIT successfully completed the upgrade of Titan's operating system from OS/390 to z/OS (version 1.4). CIT alerted Titan users in advance to contact vendors about any third-party software on Titan, and worked with customers to ensure that the upgrade went smoothly. Upgrades are complex processes that require careful planning. The few problems that developed were quickly resolved. For most users and applications, the upgrade to z/OS was transparent.

At the same time, CIT upgraded other software products to make them compatible with the z/OS operating environment. Among the software upgraded were compilers (COBOL, PL/I) Input/Output Facility (IOF), automation tools (OPS/MVS), tape management system (CA1). Enhancements to the work-load balancing software will allow more efficient shifting of jobs.

This smooth upgrade is further validation of the merits of a "standard system"—it greatly increases CIT's ability to move quickly and efficiently to new technologies and to adopt emerging COTS products and tools. The z/OS operating system will enable CIT to provide new capabilities in the near future—possibly including secure FTP and SSH data transmission.

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