Mainframe Systems
Information for MVS, OS/390 or ZOS
  Table of Contents  v-v-16.01.01 - sim4mvs1.htm 
  Introduction
  Technology Focus for the Mainframe
  Non-Relational Data
  VSAM Data Sets
  QSAM or Sequential Files
  Overview, Programs & Applications
  Reference Material
  Mainframe Numeric Formats
  Data Transfer, Convert & Validate
  Summary
  Software Agreement and Disclaimer
  Downloads and Links
  Current Server or Internet Access
  Internet Access Required
  Glossary of Terms
  Comments or Feedback
  Company Overview
The SimoTime Home Page 

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Introduction

The SimoTime Gateways to Technology offer practical, solution-oriented examples that focus on the use of specific technologies across a variety of operating systems and hardware platforms. This gateway will focus on mainframe systems.

We have made a significant effort to ensure the documents and software technologies are correct and accurate. We reserve the right to make changes without notice at any time. The function delivered in this version is based upon the enhancement requests from a specific group of users. The intent is to provide changes as the need arises and in a timeframe that is dependent upon the availability of resources.

Copyright © 1987-2025
SimoTime Technologies and Services
All Rights Reserved

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Technology Focus for the Mainframe

MVS, OS/390 or z/OS running on an IBM mainframe provides an environment for managing very large data bases and processing a variety of applications for a large number of users. The intent of this document is to provide working examples that may be used by programmers in their day to day work.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Non-Relational Data

The following is a list of links that provide information that is common to the non-relational data structures.

Item Description
File_Status A List of the Return codes or File Status codes
PDS's This suite of programs and documentation will describe how to create and manage a Partitioned Data Set (PDS). It is quite common to refer to a PDS as a Library. The following examples use the IEFBR14 program along with a DD statement in the JCL to create, compress or delete a PDS. Also, sample programs are provided to copy members into or from a PDS.
GDG's A Generation Data Group (or GDG) is a group of related files that can be referenced individually or as a group. The files (or generations) within a GDG are assigned names derived from the name of the GDG base. The individual files within a group have a generation number added to the end of the name to make each file name unique.
  Links to White Papers and Examples for Non-Relational Data Structures

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section VSAM Data Sets

VSAM, Keyed-Sequential-Data-Set (or KSDS) are very widely used on the mainframe. Many CICS applications depend heavily on information that is stored in VSAM Keyed-Sequential-Data Sets. The following provides additional information about the use of VSAM data set.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section QSAM or Sequential Files

QSAM or Sequential Files are still widely used on mainframes. When data needs to be transferred from a mainframe to another system it is quite common to use a sequential file. If the primary information is not stored in a sequential file it is usually REPRO'ed (i.e. copied) to a sequential file.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Overview, Programs & Applications

WIP

Item Description
Assembler Many of the applications running on IBM Mainframes include High Level Assembler (HLASM) routines or are written entirely in HLASM. This link is intended for individuals that are learning, creating or maintaining applications that include HLASM routines or programs. Unless otherwise stated the examples provided in "The Assembler Connection" will run on an IBM Mainframe using MVS or a Personal Computer using Windows and Micro Focus Mainframe Express.
COBOL Many of the applications running on IBM Mainframes are COBOL centric or written entirely in COBOL. This link is intended for individuals that are learning, creating or maintaining applications that are COBOL centric. Unless otherwise stated the examples provided in "The COBOL Connection" will run on an IBM Mainframe using MVS or a Personal Computer using Windows and Micro Focus Mainframe Express.
JCL PROCS Batch applications running on IBM Mainframes with MVS or OS/390 usually require a JCL (Job Control Language) member to allocate data files and run the programs in a predefined sequence. This link is intended for individuals that are learning, creating or maintaining batch applications and need examples of mainframe JCL. Unless otherwise stated the examples provided in "The JCL Connection" will run on an IBM Mainframe using MVS or a Personal Computer using Windows and Micro Focus Mainframe Express.
VSAM QSAM Many of the applications running on IBM Mainframes access information that is stored in VSAM Data Sets or QSAM files. This link is intended for individuals that are learning, creating or maintaining applications that access VSAM data sets or QSAM files. Unless otherwise stated the examples provided in "The VSAM-QSAM Connection" will run on an IBM Mainframe using MVS or a Personal Computer using Windows and Micro Focus Mainframe Express.
Relational Data Structured Query Language (SQL) is a standardized language for defining and manipulating data in a relational database. A relational database may be perceived as a set of tables. The tables can be created, viewed, changed, manipulated or deleted in accordance with the relational model. The SQL Connection provides a suite of sample programs and documentation that shows how to do practical task for creating and managing a relational data base. The sample programs use embedded SQL. Embedded SQL is SQL syntax written within an application programming languages such as COBOL and preprocessed by an SQL preprocessor before the application program is compiled. The SQL examples are written to compile and execute in the Micro Focus environment or an IBM Mainframe, DB2 environment or a Personal Computer using Windows and Micro Focus Mainframe Express.
CICS The CICS Connection provides a suite of sample programs and documentation that show how to do practical tasks using CICS as the Transaction Manager. The CICS examples are written to compile and execute in the Micro Focus environment or an IBM Mainframe. This material is intended for individuals that are learning, creating or maintaining CICS application programs. The programs were created on an IBM Mainframe System and have been transferred, compiled and tested in Micro Focus Mainframe Express and Micro Focus Server, Enterprise Edition.
  Links to Mainframe Oriented Programs and Application Examples

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Reference Material

The purpose of this section is to provide reference material or links to reference materials that are helpful for mainframe programmers.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Mainframe Numeric Formats

The mainframe has a variety of numeric formats. The Introduction to Mainframe Numeric Formats is a review session that describes the most commonly used numeric formats. Specific documents for the various numeric formats are as follows.

Item Description
Number_Formats This document is an introduction to the various numeric formats used by COBOL and the IBM mainframe systems The session will describe three of the popular numeric formats used with COBOL and IBM Mainframe systems. The discussions include further detail about the issues and concerns of unsigned (or implied positive) numbers, signed (positive or negative) numbers and decimal or whole numbers. A sample of how to convert non-print formats to display or print formats is included along with a sample COBOL program.
Zoned_Decimal This document will focus on a discussion of a numeric field (or data string) format referred to as zoned decimal and is commonly used on an IBM Mainframe System. This is the default numeric format for COBOL and may be explicitly defined with the "USAGE IS DISPLAY" clause.
Packed This document will focus on a discussion of a numeric field (or data string) known as "PACKED-DECIMAL" format (also referred to as packed data or a packed numeric field). This format is used on an IBM Mainframe and is supported by Micro Focus COBOL running on Windows or UNIX.
Binary This document provides an overview (description and discussion of content and size) of binary (or COMP) fields as they are implemented on an IBM Mainframe or a Micro Focus Wintel or Unix environment.
Edited This document will focus on the discussion of an edited numeric format (or using an edit mask) that is typically used by COBOL programmers that maintain or support Mainframe applications. The edited numeric format is typically used to prepare or convert numeric data that is stored in a variety of formats into a format that is easily read by human beings or easily exported to a non-Mainframe or non-COBOL environment such as an excel spreadsheet running on a Windows platform.
  Links to Reference Material for the SimoTime Mainframe Gateway

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Data Transfer, Convert & Validate

This item will provide links to additional information about data content and data management.

Item Description
Tables ASCII/EDCDIC This table is provided as a reference for ASCII and EBCDIC translation. When moving information (files or data buffers) between EBCDIC machines and ASCII machines it is quite often necessary to convert the information. If the data strings contain only display or printable characters then it is a straightforward, byte for byte conversion. However, in the real world the actual conversion of data strings between the ASCII and EBCDIC encoding schemas is usually more complicated than a simple byte for byte conversion. For example, if the data strings contain packed or binary data or control information then the data conversion becomes content sensitive.
Data Abstract Ever since the second computer was introduced into the world the file management tasks of data file transfer, share, convert and compare (or data file validation) have been technically challenging. This document is an overview of the data file management task involved in today's world of mainframe and distributed systems.
Data Transfer This document is an introduction or overview of the data file transfer aspects of an application or data migration between a mainframe system and a Windows system. Many of the topics are appropriate for Linux and UNIX Systems.
Data Convert Data conversions may be driven by business requirements or system requirements such as changes in system architectures. This document is an introduction or overview of the data file conversion aspects of an application or data migration between a mainframe system and a distributed system.
Data Compare Reviewing the results obtained during a regression test that follows a system, application or programming change is one of the factors that drive a requirement for comparing data files. The scope of this effort is dependent of the type (or format) of file being compared and the complexity of the record structure within the file. Comparing the files is only half of the effort. What to do once an error (or non-equal) condition occurs can be a significant part of the effort.
  Links to Reference Material for Non-Relational Data Processing Tasks

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Summary

The SimoTime Gateways to Technology offer practical, solution-oriented examples that focus on the use of specific technologies across a variety of operating systems and hardware platforms. This gateway will focus on mainframe systems. This document may be used as a tutorial for new programmers or as a quick reference for experienced programmers.

In the world of programming there are many ways to solve a problem. This documentation and software were developed and tested on systems that are configured for a SIMOTIME environment based on the hardware, operating systems, user requirements and security requirements. Therefore, adjustments may be needed to execute the jobs and programs when transferred to a system of a different architecture or configuration.

SIMOTIME Services has experience in moving or sharing data or application processing across a variety of systems. For additional information about SIMOTIME Services or Technologies please contact us using the information in the  Contact or Feedback  section of this document.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Software Agreement and Disclaimer

Permission to use, copy, modify and distribute this software, documentation or training material for any purpose requires a fee to be paid to SimoTime Technologies. Once the fee is received by SimoTime the latest version of the software, documentation or training material will be delivered and a license will be granted for use within an enterprise, provided the SimoTime copyright notice appear on all copies of the software. The SimoTime name or Logo may not be used in any advertising or publicity pertaining to the use of the software without the written permission of SimoTime Technologies.

SimoTime Technologies makes no warranty or representations about the suitability of the software, documentation or learning material for any purpose. It is provided "AS IS" without any expressed or implied warranty, including the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement. SimoTime Technologies shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special or consequential damages resulting from the loss of use, data or projects, whether in an action of contract or tort, arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of this software, documentation or training material.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Downloads and Links

This section includes links to documents with additional information that are beyond the scope and purpose of this document. The first group of documents may be available from a local system or via an internet connection, the second group of documents will require an internet connection.

Note: A SimoTime License is required for the items to be made available on a local system or server.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Current Server or Internet Access

The following links may be to the current server or to the Internet.

Note: The latest versions of the SimoTime Documents and Program Suites are available on the Internet and may be accessed using the Link to Internet icon. If a user has a SimoTime Enterprise License the Documents and Program Suites may be available on a local server and accessed using the Link to Server icon.

Link to Internet   Link to Server   Explore The ASCII and EBCDIC Translation Tables. These tables are provided for individuals that need to better understand the bit structures and differences of the encoding formats.

Link to Internet   Link to Server   Explore The File Status Return Codes that are used to interpret the results of accessing VSAM data sets and/or QSAM files.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Internet Access Required

The following links will require an internet connect.

A good place to start is The SimoTime Home Page for access to white papers, program examples and product information. This link requires an Internet Connection

Explore The Micro Focus Web Site for more information about products (including Micro Focus COBOL) and services available from Micro Focus. This link requires an Internet Connection.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Glossary of Terms

Link to Internet   Link to Server   Explore the Glossary of Terms for a list of terms and definitions used in this suite of documents and white papers.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Comments or Feedback

This document was created and is maintained by SimoTime Technologies. If you have any questions, suggestions, comments or feedback please use the following contact information.

1. Send an e-mail to our helpdesk.
1.1. helpdesk@simotime.com.
2. Our telephone numbers are as follows.
2.1. 1 415 763-9430 office-helpdesk
2.2. 1 415 827-7045 mobile

 

We appreciate hearing from you.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Company Overview

SimoTime Technologies was founded in 1987 and is a privately owned company. We specialize in the creation and deployment of business applications using new or existing technologies and services. We have a team of individuals that understand the broad range of technologies being used in today's environments. Our customers include small businesses using Internet technologies to corporations using very large mainframe systems.

Quite often, to reach larger markets or provide a higher level of service to existing customers it requires the newer Internet technologies to work in a complementary manner with existing corporate mainframe systems. We specialize in preparing applications and the associated data that are currently residing on a single platform to be distributed across a variety of platforms.

Preparing the application programs will require the transfer of source members that will be compiled and deployed on the target platform. The data will need to be transferred between the systems and may need to be converted and validated at various stages within the process. SimoTime has the technology, services and experience to assist in the application and data management tasks involved with doing business in a multi-system environment.

Whether you want to use the Internet to expand into new market segments or as a delivery vehicle for existing business functions simply give us a call or check the web site at http://www.simotime.com

Return-to-Top
Mainframe Systems - A Gateway to Information for MVS, OS/390 or z/OS
Copyright © 1987-2025
SimoTime Technologies and Services
All Rights Reserved
When technology complements business
http://www.simotime.com