IBM’s Sysplex is a complex of interconnected computers that share workloads and use XCF software to ensure constant communication. It allows for disaster recovery and parallel processing, with the latest version using Server Time Protocol and Workload Manager for increased efficiency.
A group of IBM computers or systems communicating with each other creates a complex of systems, or Sysplex. This connection allows the processors of the computer to share the workload of the system. Using this technology increases speed and efficiency, as system users can rely on multiple machines and processors, rather than one processor core.
This shared functionality is facilitated by IBM’s Cross-system Communications Facility (XCF). XCF is the software that manages connections between computers. XCF ensures constant communication between all computers in the system. As a result, information is updated throughout the system virtually instantaneously.
Disaster recovery is an important use for this IBM technology. Sysplex adds a Sysplex Timer® to all connected systems. This ensures that all systems share exactly the same timestamp. Identical timestamps allow information to be retrieved and restored from various systems. Without this timestamp, different systems would be out of sync and may not be able to restore the same information.
IBM launched Sysplex in 1991 for mainframes running its MVS/ESA operating system. The next generation of this technology for use with the IBM 390 operating system, called Parallel Sysplex®, was released in 1994. A major development in the parallel version was to allow all connected systems to work together as one system.
This parallel technology allows users to access the same information simultaneously from different computers. Requested changes to shared information are done in order, or serialized, to avoid loss of any changes. For example, bank teller computers can be part of a Parallel Sysplex®. When a bank transaction is completed, the same updated account information will be displayed on all bank terminals, even if they are located in different branches.
The timestamp has also been updated in the latest parallel technology. In previous releases, the Sysplex Timer® was an add-on hardware component separate from the mainframe. In 2005, the timer hardware was replaced by the Server Time Protocol (STP) for System z z980 and later mainframe models. STP is embedded in the mainframe code, eliminating the need for additional hardware.
IMB’s Workload Manager (WLM) has also been introduced with Parallel Sysplex® to increase resource sharing efficiency. WLM sends requests to the parts of the system with the lightest workload at a specific time. Using WLM, the user can define goals and set priorities within the system. WLM will then allocate available resources to each system request based on this user-defined information. WLM constantly monitors system resources and adapts data processing to achieve the goals set by the user.
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