Mainframe Secrets

In this edition, we look at mainframe secrets: where they are, and who keeps them.

In our management article, we look at common z/OS features that don't seem to be documented, or the documentation is very hard to find. In our technical article, we take a look at SYS1.SAMPLIB, and the secrets hidden inside.

Finally in our opinion article. David Stephens argues that local technical staff hold secrets that are invaluable, but easily undervalued.

We hope you enjoy this issue.

management: z/OS Secrets

IBM's mainframe documentation has always been world class: detailed, correct, and easily obtained.

However, there are things that IBM doesn't document, but are commonly known or used in the industry. There are others that are documented, but this documentation can be hard to find. You could think of these as mainframe secrets. Let's look at some of these, starting with the undocumented secrets.

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technical: Secrets In SYS1.SAMPLIB

It's no surprise that software vendors often provide samples: sample code, JCL or scripts to show you how to get the most out of their product. For z/OS, the sample dataset is SYS1.SAMPLIB, and every z/OS system has one.

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opinion: Corporate Memory: Secrets Kept By Your Staff

As a consultant, I regularly work with new clients on their problems. I bring knowledge, experience with other clients, and skills that the client doesn't have. And it's easy to storm in and start telling the client where they're going wrong, and how to fix it. But that is a bad idea.

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