H/SIS Modernization Guide

H/SIS is a utility designed to store information about both hardware and software assets within an organization. It provides online access and reporting capabilities to manage and track infrastructure and computing assets.

H/SIS is an application, specifically a utility, built to manage and report on hardware and software assets. It is not a system in itself but rather a tool to enhance existing systems management.

Organizations that need to maintain detailed records of their hardware and software assets, particularly those using z/OS environments, would benefit from H/SIS. This includes enterprises with complex IT infrastructures requiring comprehensive asset tracking and reporting.

A company should consider using H/SIS when they need a centralized, easily accessible repository for hardware and software information. This is especially relevant when compliance requirements or internal governance policies mandate detailed asset tracking and reporting.

Alternatives to H/SIS include other asset management tools and systems, such as configuration management databases (CMDBs) and IT asset management (ITAM) solutions. Products like Tivoli Application Dependency Discovery Manager (TADDM) and other mainframe topology tools offer overlapping functionalities.

H/SIS runs on the z/OS platform and is dependent on ISPF/VSAM. It typically operates within an LPAR on a mainframe system. It requires these specific subsystems to function correctly.

H/SIS requires ISPF (Interactive System Productivity Facility) and VSAM (Virtual Storage Access Method) to operate. These are fundamental components of the z/OS environment.

H/SIS is designed to store and manage hardware and software asset information. It uses VSAM datasets for storage and provides an ISPF-based interface for online access and reporting.

H/SIS uses VSAM datasets as its primary storage mechanism. VSAM is a high-performance file access method commonly used in z/OS environments.

H/SIS provides a centralized repository for hardware and software asset data, enabling better decision-making related to IT investments, compliance, and resource allocation. It helps organizations avoid the costs associated with poorly managed assets, such as overspending on licenses or failing audits.

Without H/SIS, organizations may struggle to maintain an accurate inventory of their hardware and software assets, leading to inefficiencies, compliance issues, and increased costs. Manual tracking methods are often error-prone and difficult to scale.

H/SIS can integrate with other enterprise systems to exchange asset data, such as configuration management databases (CMDBs) or IT service management (ITSM) platforms. This integration enhances the overall visibility and management of IT assets across the organization.

H/SIS controls access to its functions and data through the z/OS security mechanisms. Specific authentication methods include leveraging existing z/OS security systems like RACF, ACF2, or Top Secret.

H/SIS leverages the access control mechanisms provided by z/OS, typically employing an Access Control List (ACL) model. This allows administrators to define granular permissions for users and groups.

H/SIS provides audit logging capabilities to track user activity and changes to asset data. These logs can be used for security monitoring and compliance purposes.

Implementing H/SIS requires expertise in z/OS, ISPF, and VSAM. Ongoing operational requirements include monitoring system performance, maintaining VSAM datasets, and managing user access.

Common implementation challenges include ensuring data integrity during migration, configuring security settings correctly, and training users on the ISPF interface. Careful planning and testing are essential for a successful deployment.

Ongoing operational requirements for H/SIS include regular monitoring of system performance, maintenance of VSAM datasets, and management of user access and security permissions. Regular backups of the VSAM datasets are also crucial for disaster recovery.