1. zSeries LSPR Updates
2. CPU Chart in Spreadsheet Format!
3. Cheryl Watson’s TUNING Letter 2000, No. 6 Summary
4. SHARE in Long Beach
1. zSeries Updates
On February 24, IBM updated the LSPR ratings previously published in December. They made the decision to update the ratings after further testing of the new processors. Models 2064-101 to 2064-109 have new performance ratings, new MSUs, and new SU/Second values. These models were downgraded from 0 to 6% from the December ratings. IBM also changed the base model from the 101 (a 12-PU MCM base) to the 1C1 (a 20-PU base). The 20-PU based models (110-116 and 1C1-1C9) were not affected from an MSU point of view. Current z900 customers can order a microcode update (Patch Stream # H25117, MCL # 040) to install the new SU/Second values.
Our January 2001 CPU Chart reflects these new values and will be sent to subscribers later this week. IBM’s new LSPRs and MSUs can be found at http://www.s390.ibm.com/lspr and the SUs/Second can be found at http://www.s390.ibm.com/srm.
2. CPU Chart in Spreadsheet Format!
We’re pleased to announce the availability of our CPU Chart in spreadsheet format. See our description below. This is also available for non-subscribers for a fee. Go to http://www.watsonwalker.com/chart.html for more information.
3. Cheryl Watson’s TUNING Letter 2000 No. 6 Summary
The 2000, No. 6 TUNING Letter issue was sent out last week. Electronic subscribers should have received three files on January 15th: the TUNING Letter PDF, the November 2000 CPU Chart PDF, and the same chart in Excel format. Printed issues were mailed January 19th.
CPU Chart Now in Excel Format
We are pleased to announce that our CPU Chart will now be distributed in Excel 97 spreadsheet format in addition to the regular print format. An Excel version of the November 2000 CPU Chart is being sent to electronic subscribers along with this issue and it will be on the CD-ROM. Print subscribers will continue to receive the normal print version, but may purchase the Excel version for $99. This might be one more good reason for print subscribers to change over to the email/CD-ROM format! We’ll also work with customers who require formats other than Excel. See our note on page 2. The January 2001 CPU Chart and Excel spreadsheet containing z900 processors will be sent in January.
IBM’s New Hardware and Software
The primary management issue in this newsletter is the discussion of IBM’s newest LSPRs. These were issued in December and provide new performance ratings for the z900, G5 and G6 processors. The most interesting change is the fact that IBM had to run two of the benchmarks using 64-bit mode and two using 31-bit mode. The #MIX LSPRs are a combination of the two, which is not indicative of any type of configuration you will be running. It will be interesting to see how installations’ experience differs from the capacity expectations based on these new LSPRs. See our article on page 29. Speaking of z900s, there was a rumor that they were being delayed. They actually started shipping when expected, but the demand was so great that not all orders were able to be filled immediately. (Page 31)
Technical Issues
Most of this issue is very technical. Our focus article on page 13 by Tom Conley describes in detail how to implement “Dynamic ISPF,” a technique that will reduce ISPF logon time and provide greater flexibility for the system programmers. The CICS Performance Tips on page 25 provide some APARs of interest and a description of some interesting LE changes to CICS. A discussion on page 5 shows two techniques for getting rid of troublesome jobs in goal mode.
Elsewhere in This Issue
Our s/390 News on page 4 provides several interesting items: a technique for reducing DB2 CSA usage (below the line), a pointer to RMF ROTs, a further explanation of the WLM rumor about not using WLM-managed inits for short batch jobs, a pointer to a presentation on how to set up a common timer, a warning about extended format and its ability to double the space required, an RMF APAR to support new WLM functions, two OS/390 R10 recommendations, an APAR for DFSORT and 64-bit, a pointer to a presentation describing a common timer, current WSC Flashes (including one that describes a potential data loss using DFSMSdss Dump), several new presentations on IMS V7 and the Security Server, and a slew of neat new Redbooks.
4. SHARE in Long Beach
My favorite user conference, SHARE, will be held in Long Beach next month. I’ll be there to present two sessions: “Understanding RMF Goal Mode Reports” (#2512) and “Cheryl’s Hot Flashes Part V” (#2543). Here’s a description from SHARE:
SHARE, the original IBM users group, presents SHARE in Long Beach (CA) from February 25 – March 2. The event features SHARE’s traditionally robust agenda of more than 1,000 hours of technical education geared towards users of large, complex IBM systems. Highlights in Long Beach include:
* The latest information on IBM’s new zSeries
* Extensive offerings on Software Asset Management
* Scores of user experiences
* In-depth Windows 2000 insights
The event also features a comprehensive products & services exhibition, hands-on labs, nightly networking events, and a complimentary Internet Café.
Complete event information – including the latest schedule of events, session abstracts, and secure online housing and registration – can be found at http://www.shareinlongbeach.org.
Stay tuned!