Systems Application Architecture, Repository Manager/MVS take a step forward
IBM says that it has reached the next step in the functional evolution of its Systems Application Architecture application development strategy with a several new releases including Repository Manager/MVS. This extends repository services to the PS/2, and new release of Software Analysis Test Tool adds support for RPG/400, Cobol/400, C/400 and C/370. A new version of VS Cobol II provides support for VSE/ESA and CICS/VSE environments, and both Fortran/400 and REXX/400 are provided for the AS/400 environment.
Repository Manager/MVS Version 1.2
The new PS/2 feature is designed to enable tool builders to view model-related information graphically, and they have the option to use host-based Repository Manager/MVS tool development facilities to develop Workstation Repository Manager/MVS tools and to use OS/2 Presentation Manager as part of the toolsets. Any system unit supported by OS/2 Extended Edition Version 1 Release 2 requires 1.5Mb of memory above the requisite software requirements, and 4Mb disk storage above the software requirements. The program supports the 3270 communication option of OS/2 Extended Edition attachment to MVS/ESA and MVS/XA processors. It will be available March 29.
Software Analysis Test Tool 1.2
The Software Analysis Test Tool provides test coverage measurement and analysis facilities for software applications, and has additional support for OS/400, RPG/400, Cobol/400 and C/400. IBM says that the Test Tool provides the technology and methodology to locate and eliminate defects early in the testing process. It has the facilities to generate and browse a structure diagram, to generate test coverage queries and reports, animate a program structure and eliminate redundant or ineffective test cases. The recommended minimum configuration is a PS/2 with an absurd 12Mb of memory and 115Mb of fixed disk.
SAA Application Connection Services – VM and MVS
Application Connection Services is said to extend OS/2 Extended Edition into the mainframe environment by simplifying the use and administration of applicadion programs. Invocation is consistent for all applications and host advanced function printers can appear logically connected to the workstation, and it is a prerequisite for co-operative applications like Delivery Manager and Asset Manager. Applications may be local PS/2 or PS/55, non-programmable host applications designed to run with the 3270, or co-operative applications for both the host and PS/2. AConnS/MVS and AConns/VM runs on mainframes that operate with CICS/ESA software, TSO/E and VM/CMS. The minimum storage required by AConnS under VM is 19Mb, and each user requires 2Mb virtual machine. For MVS processor Groups 18 to 60, cost range between $8,830 and $116,150, with monthly licences from $184 to $2,420. Under VM, for the same processor Groups, costs are between $5,230 and $116,150, and monthly licences are from $109 to $2,420. The VM and MVS versions are available from June 28 1991, and CICS/ESA will come in December 27, 1991. Distributed VM options start at $3,922 and go up to $87,112, and under MVS, the distributed systems options range from $6,622 to $87,112.
SAA Delivery Manager/MVS, Manager/VM
The Systems Application Architecture Delivery Manager is said to provide the user with means of customising, controlling and delivering files from MVS or VM hosts to OS/2 workstations where they may be updated. It is a co-operative application that uses SAA Application Connection Services with part of the application in the host and part in the PS/2 workstation. IBM says that it helps in the management and distribution of electronic files, and uses co-operative processing to exploit the host’s capabilities and the workstation’s manageability, such as they are. SAA Delivery manager manages the workstation’s programming assets from registration through to distribution. The information is stored in a relational database – SQL/DS for VM and DB2 for MVS – and then used for reports and input. Customers may restrict acc
ess to specific packages and groups, and authorise users to change installation options on their workstations. It ensures that the same version of a package is used across different departments which means that users don’t have to learn new versions of existing tools when moving from one department to another. SAA Delivery Manager/MVS for processor Groups 18 to 60 costs between $9,360 and $123,350, and the distributed systems licence options range from $7,020 to $92,512. A basic monthly licence starts at $195 for Group 18 and rises to $2,570 for Group 60, and distributed options are from $146 to $1,927. It is available for VM and MVS TSO from June 28, and for MVS CICS from December 27, 1991.
SAA Asset Manager/MVS Version 1
Systems Application Architecture Asset Manager enables customers to define and automate procedures via a Process Manager, and IBM says that it uses Structured Query Language to provide an open database definition that is implemented within DB2. The Process Manager component enables users to replace manual business functions with a set of automated procedures. Process Manager functions include process definition which is a graphical facility that enables users to define procedures to manage activities. It specifies processes as networks of required activities and navigational specifications to control process flow at exceution time; programs or functions that will be used to complete the activities; operators or groups which will be assigned each activity; and the criteria for notification or escalation of activities. Process navigation notifies users of activities that await action or are overdue, starts the appropriate program or function, and provides an application interface for control of execution. The work list manager supports assigned lists and provides dialogues that manage and select work items. For processor Groups 18 to 60, costs range between $8,545 and $112,550 and the distributed systems options are from $6,408 to $84,412. Licences start at $178 for Group 18 rising to $2,345 for Group 60, and distributed options are between $133 and $1,758. SAA Asset Manager/MVS 1 is available June 28, 1991.
