This section describes the planning considerations and steps required to implement/convert DCS to using XCFM support.

What is XCF Communications Manager (XCFM)?

The XCF Communications Manager manages communications between different instances of BMC ThruPut Manager using the cross-system coupling facility (XCF). XCFM executes as a subtask in the BMC ThruPut Manager Support Services (TMSS) address space.

Using XCFM provides improvements to the way in which multiple instances of BMC ThruPut Manager communicate. This means that even if your installation uses only a single JESPlex, it is a good idea to use XCFM.

For installations using MIM instead of GRS, contact BMC Support .

Dataset Contention Services and XCF

Dataset Contention Services (DCS) requires cross-systems communication in a multisystem environment. Data set holders might not be on the same system as the job needing the data set. When a job that is holding a data set terminates, notification might be required on another system on a different node. As well, some DCS operator commands must query all systems sharing the relevant DASD.

Activating or Deactivating Use of XCFM

If your installations shares BMC ThruPut Manager initialization statements among systems, you need to add a FOR group for each CFPLEX.

You can switch DCS use of XCFM support by recycling DCS or recycling TMSS.

Recycling DCS

 1.  Turn on DCS XCF support on by issuing the following operator command on all systems:

 2.  Recycle DCS on by issuing the following operator command on all systems:

 3.  Perform some verification: create some data set contention, issue some commands, create some reports, etc. to ensure DCS is running properly.

 4.  Once you are satisfied everything is working, do not forget to remove the TMSS initialization statement DCS SET XCF. 

Recycling TMSS

 1.  Remove the TMSS initialization statement DCS SET XCF for all systems.

 2.  Recycle TMSS on all systems.

 3.  Perform some verification: create some data set contention, issue some commands, create some reports, etc. to ensure DCS is running properly.

The following commands are also useful when setting up XCF for DCS.

• XCFM DISPLAY – This command displays the information for an XCFM Services member. This includes member name, status, Control File, and JES2 MAS information.
• XCFM TASK – This command displays, disables, enables, or recycles the XCFM subtask.

Full syntax for commands is found in the Command Reference Guide.