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Easy Analyze DASD Mainframe Introduction:
z/OS DASD I/O Subsystem Observations Historically there was a very simple synergy between the IBM S/370 Mainframe and its supporting disk I/O (DASD) subsystem, allowing for Mainframe host to physical and logical disk device (I.E. 3390) connectivity. The analysis and tuning of this I/O subsystem has always been and continues to be supported by the SMF Type 7n records via IBM RMF and the BMC CMF alternative. However, over the years, major advances in DASD subsystems and the System z Mainframe server have delivered many layers of technology resources (E.g. Cache, Memory, FICON Channels, RAID Storage, Proprietary Microcode, et al) and this has introduced complexities into highlighting DASD I/O subsystem performance problems. The focus of technology based metrics (E.g. I/O Rate Response Time, I/O MB/S Bandwidth, et al) have also been complemented with more meaningful business focussed Service Level Agreements (SLA). Therefore today’s System z I/O Performance Analyst must gather and act upon proactive meaningful information from the ever-increasing amounts of performance data available. Put another way, too much data can deliver not enough information! As previously stated, it was forever thus, RMF and CMF have always collected the requisite performance data available and arguably no other data source is required (E.g. OMEGAMON/TMON/SYSVIEW Performance Monitor, SAS/MXG/MICS/WPS Performance Database). RMF/CMF is the ideal data source for thorough and timely System z I/O performance management, where intelligent analytics and expert knowledge are required to present this "Golden Record" or "Statement of Truth". From a DASD subsystem technology viewpoint, there is no longer an obvious one-one direct connection between the Mainframe host and DASD device. An increasing number of technological advances, both microcode and hardware (E.g. Memory, Fibre Channel, Function Assist Processing, et al) have diminished the requirement for data access directly from the physical device. Put another way, in today’s world of System z servers with multiple cache level CPU chips (I.E. Relative Nest Intensity), massive and multiple processor memory resources (I.E. z13 @ 10 TB Memory), high bandwidth Fibre Channel (I.E. FICON, zHPF) subsystem and a hierarchy of DASD memory (I.E. SSD/Flash, Cache), it’s not uncommon to consider an I/O that requires physical device access as a problem! Finally and most importantly, from a DASD subsystem viewpoint, each of the recognized System z DASD providers, EMC (Symmetrix VMAX), HDS (VSP G1000) and IBM (DS8870) have highly proprietary DASD subsystems that provide z/OS plug compatibility, but deliver overall I/O performance using their own unique architecture and internal algorithms. Technical Storage: Company Introduction Founded in 1997, Technical Storage has 30+ years of expertise with IBM Mainframe storage solutions, combined with deep knowledge gained from collaborating with System z storage IHV companies, namely EMC, HDS, IBM and Oracle (StorageTek). Technical Storage is an IBM Business Partner and ISV whose solutions have been deployed in major global data centres for over 10 years. Customers include Global 500 companies in Aerospace, Banking, Government, Insurance, Retail and IBM System z supplier sectors. For ease of global support coverage, Technical Storage has offices located in France (HQ), United States of America, China and Luxembourg. As an active member of the IBM PartnerWorld community, Technical Storage has access to the latest System z hardware and software resources, safeguarding customers never have to worry about compatibility, as and when new product versions are released (E.g. CMF, RMF, z/OS, et al). Technical Storage has one simple objective; to make life easier for z/OS storage professionals. Technical Storage also actively participate in CMG, GSE and SHARE User Group communities, sharing their Storage Management knowledge with System z Mainframe users globally. Easy Analyze DASD Mainframe (EADM) Preview Built for z/OS Mainframe Storage Managers, Systems Engineers, Service Managers and Capacity/Performance Managers who wish to deliver optimal service, EADM is an automated Storage Performance Management tool with three main objectives:
EADM Performance Trending & Hot Spot Issue Escalation Real time monitoring alone does not allow for in-depth detection of bottlenecks and system imbalances or malfunctions that impact performance. In general, when the alarm sounds, System z Mainframe availability has already been disrupted, with consequential impact for the associated business SLA. Traditional storage performance tools exist, but they are no longer adequate to provide the enterprise with a pertinent and inexpensive predictive analytics system, especially when dealing with large complex LPAR configurations. EADM delivers an automated and intelligent daily health check of the entire System z disk I/O subsystem resource. EADM works around the clock for the enterprise, delivering customized and automatic user friendly reports via internal Email. Operations and performance teams are alerted as soon as performance variances occur, typically in minutes, assisting in the identification of underlying root problems, causing changes in system behaviour. Incorporating intelligent and meaningful I/O performance indicators, with drill-down and zoom-in ability, storage technicians can determine if the problem is temporary, permanent, local or global. By simplifying the data reduction process (E.g. RMF/CMF data from numerous LPAR/Sysplex environments), EADM safeguards that the internal technical team can efficiently manage their ever increasingly complex and large DASD environment, for intelligent and timely communications with internal business teams and external suppliers alike. EADM GUI Examples EADM incorporates a number of meaningful reports, both real time and historic, allowing the System z technician to effectively manage their organizations DASD I/O subsystem, while maintaining business service (I.E. SLA):  The Daily I/O Profile Summary shows component I/O operations, allowing for easy identification of performance issues.  The Monthly I/O Workload (TP or Batch) Summary shows I/O activity & response time for an LPAR group. EADM Usage Over time IBM RMF and BMC CMF generate even more detailed information about z/OS subsystems and performance. EADM automatically analyses SMF, RMF and CMF data, retaining pertinent data to create an intelligent repository of I/O and storage behaviour, delivering optimal performance and capacity planning. EADM is a smart and automated tool that interprets Big Data from RMF and CMF, allowing System z Mainframe users to make the right decisions, take proactive action, reduce service outage risks and optimize TCO. EADM incorporates the following features:
EADM Benefits A well provisioned and performing System z I/O subsystem is of vital importance for safeguarding today’s ever increasing storage requirements of mission critical business applications. A poorly performing I/O subsystem will generate unnecessary and extra CPU overhead, with potential and tangible TCO impact, in conjunction with potential business impact. Although the advances of the System z server and underlying DASD I/O subsystem can compensate for many application code or data placement issues, the fundamental concepts of analysing and tuning the I/O subsystem remain. EADM delivers the following benefits:
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EADM: Automated Performance Analytics
For z/OS I/O Subsystems
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