Mainframe Support Provided By Vendors
Depending on what type of mainframe outsourcing model is chosen, vendors can provide the following support functionalities to manage and to maintain the mainframe environment:
Hardware:
A vendor would provide the mainframe hardware to maintain the client’s processing. This includes CPU, Tape and Storage.
Computer Operations:
A vendor would supply computer operators to monitor the mainframe and respond to system console alert/action messages. The computer operators would:
Monitor the System: Maintain and report on Service Level Agreements.
Store and Rotate Tapes: Provide offsite storage and rotation system.
Technical Support:
The vendor would provide problem determination between system and application software. This would include technical analysis of problems. They would interface with client’s central point of contact for problem resolution. They would perform system backup and recovery tasks. They would also install PTFs, cumulative maintenance tapes and new releases or upgrades which are provided by the appropriate software suppliers. Other support functionality includes:
CICS/IMS: Supporting all online system regions.
OS Upgrades: Installing new releases/fixes to operating system (IBM) software.
Capacity Planning: Performing capacity planning that is necessary for storage and CPU utilization.
Disk Administration: Monitoring and reporting on volume space usage and availability. Performing full volume restores if required. Moving files if more space is required on a volume.
Production Control & Job Scheduling:
A vendor would provide automated scheduling of batch cycles and job restarts/reruns on the mainframe.
Change Control:
They would manage the movement of code changes between test and production environments.
Database Administration:
A vendor would perform system related functions (physical) for database systems (e.g., DB2, etc.).
Security Administration:
A vendor would implement and maintain an organization’s security policy on the mainframe.
ISV/Third-Party Software:
A vendor would support all ISV software that a client is licensed for and/or uses. They might also provide certain software products that they have access to. See our mainframe hosting software page for information on how outsourcing vendors are able to provide third party software products.
IBM Software:
A vendor would provide and support all IBM software that a client is licensed for and/or uses.
Network Connectivity to Vendor:
A vendor would manage and monitor connectivity of network communication to the client’s site.
Disaster Recovery:
A vendor would provide mainframe disaster recovery support and testing for the mainframe.
If you are considering mainframe outsourcing then you might be interested in our Rapid Outsourcing Calculator™. This will provide you with a cost estimate for outsourcing your mainframe.