Broadcom z/OS

CA JOBTRAC Modernization Guide

BatchAutomation

CA JOBTRAC is a batch product by Broadcom. Explore technical details, modernization strategies, and migration paths below.

Product Overview

CA JOBTRAC automates batch job scheduling on z/OS systems.

Key commands include LIST (displaying job information), MODIFY (changing job attributes), FORCE (forcing job execution), and DELETE (removing jobs). CA JOBTRAC integrates with z/OS security managers like RACF, ACF2, and Top Secret for authentication and authorization.

Modernization Strategies

Rehost

Timeline:
6-12 months

Lift-and-shift to cloud infrastructure with minimal code changes. Fast migration with lower risk.

Refactor (Recommended)

Timeline:
18-24 months

Optimize application architecture for cloud while preserving business logic. Best ROI long-term.

Replatform

Timeline:
3-5 years

Complete rewrite to cloud-native architecture with microservices and modern tech stack.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is CA JOBTRAC and what does it do?

CA JOBTRAC automates and manages batch job scheduling on z/OS systems. It provides features for defining job dependencies, scheduling jobs based on time or events, and monitoring job execution.

What underlying z/OS facilities does CA JOBTRAC utilize?

CA JOBTRAC uses the Dynamic Allocation (SVC 99) to allocate datasets. It also uses the JES (Job Entry Subsystem) to submit and manage jobs.

How do users interact with CA JOBTRAC?

The primary interface is through ISPF panels and TSO commands. Jobs and schedules are defined using JCL (Job Control Language) and CA JOBTRAC-specific control statements.

With what other products does CA JOBTRAC integrate?

CA JOBTRAC integrates with other Broadcom products like CA Workload Automation AE (formerly CA AutoSys) and CA View. It can also integrate with third-party monitoring and reporting tools.

Technical

What are some common CA JOBTRAC commands?

Common commands include: LIST (displaying job information), MODIFY (changing job attributes), FORCE (forcing job execution), and DELETE (removing jobs).

Where are job definitions and configuration parameters stored?

Job definitions are stored in the CA JOBTRAC database, which can be either a VSAM or a DB2 database. Configuration parameters are stored in parmlib members.

Does CA JOBTRAC have an API?

While CA JOBTRAC does not expose a standard REST API, it offers a COM (Component Object Model) interface for programmatic access. This allows integration with languages like VBscript or Powershell.

What are the main system components and how do they communicate?

The main components are the CA JOBTRAC server, the database (VSAM or DB2), and the agent running on the z/OS system. Communication occurs through standard z/OS inter-process communication mechanisms.

Business Value

What is the business value of CA JOBTRAC?

CA JOBTRAC reduces manual effort in batch processing, leading to improved operational efficiency and reduced costs. It ensures timely completion of critical batch jobs, minimizing business disruptions.

How does CA JOBTRAC improve IT productivity?

By automating batch scheduling, CA JOBTRAC allows IT staff to focus on more strategic initiatives, improving overall IT productivity.

How does CA JOBTRAC provide better control over batch processing?

CA JOBTRAC provides centralized control and monitoring of batch jobs, enabling better visibility and control over batch processing operations.

Security

What authentication methods are supported by CA JOBTRAC?

CA JOBTRAC supports authentication through RACF (Resource Access Control Facility), ACF2, and Top Secret. These are z/OS security managers.

What access control model is used by CA JOBTRAC?

CA JOBTRAC uses an Access Control List (ACL) model to control access to jobs and resources. Permissions are granted to users or groups based on their roles.

What encryption is used and where?

CA JOBTRAC encrypts sensitive data, such as passwords, stored in the database. Encryption algorithms used include AES (Advanced Encryption Standard).

What audit/logging capabilities exist?

CA JOBTRAC provides audit logging of user activities and system events. These logs can be used for security monitoring and compliance purposes.

Operations

What administrative interfaces are available?

CA JOBTRAC provides administrative interfaces through ISPF panels and TSO commands. These interfaces are used to configure and manage the system.

How is user management handled?

User management is handled through the z/OS security managers (RACF, ACF2, Top Secret). CA JOBTRAC leverages these security managers for user authentication and authorization.

What are the main configuration parameters?

Key configuration parameters include database connection settings, security settings, and scheduling parameters. These parameters are stored in parmlib members.

What monitoring/logging capabilities exist?

CA JOBTRAC provides monitoring capabilities through ISPF panels and SMF (System Management Facilities) records. These tools allow administrators to monitor job execution and system performance.

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