Prince Software z/OS

MHT Compare Modernization Guide

ComparisonFiles and Datasets

MHT Compare is a comparison product by Prince Software. Explore technical details, modernization strategies, and migration paths below.

Product Overview

MHT Compare is a suite of utilities designed for comparing datasets and program source code on z/OS systems.

Both utilities are invoked via JCL (Job Control Language) and produce detailed reports highlighting the differences between the compared files or source code versions. To use MHTCOMPR, you specify the input datasets and comparison options using JCL control statements.

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 MHT Compare?

MHT Compare is a suite of utilities designed for comparing data sets and program source code on z/OS systems. It includes MHTCOMPR for comparing QSAM, BDAM, and VSAM files, and SRCCOMPR for comparing program source code.

What types of files can MHTCOMPR and SRCCOMPR compare?

MHTCOMPR compares QSAM, BDAM, and VSAM files. SRCCOMPR compares program source code. Both utilities provide detailed reports on the differences found between the compared files or source code.

How is MHT Compare used in practice?

MHT Compare is primarily used in batch processing environments on z/OS. It is invoked through JCL (Job Control Language) and produces reports that can be analyzed to identify differences between datasets or source code versions.

What kind of output does MHT Compare produce?

MHT Compare provides detailed comparison reports, highlighting the differences between files or source code. These reports can be used for auditing, debugging, and ensuring data integrity.

Technical

How is MHTCOMPR invoked and configured?

MHTCOMPR is invoked via JCL using control statements to specify the input datasets and comparison options. For example: ```JCL //STEP1 EXEC PGM=MHTCOMPR //INPUT1 DD DSN=input.dataset1,DISP=SHR //INPUT2 DD DSN=input.dataset2,DISP=SHR //REPORT DD SYSOUT=* //SYSIN DD * COMPARE DS1=INPUT1,DS2=INPUT2,OPTIONS=... ```

How is SRCCOMPR invoked and configured?

SRCCOMPR is also invoked via JCL, similar to MHTCOMPR, but it is tailored for comparing program source code. The SYSIN DD statement is used to pass comparison parameters. ```JCL //STEP1 EXEC PGM=SRCCOMPR //INPUT1 DD DSN=source.dataset1,DISP=SHR //INPUT2 DD DSN=source.dataset2,DISP=SHR //REPORT DD SYSOUT=* //SYSIN DD * COMPARE DS1=INPUT1,DS2=INPUT2,OPTIONS=... ```

What file formats does MHT Compare support?

MHT Compare uses standard z/OS datasets (QSAM, BDAM, VSAM) for input and output. The comparison reports are typically written to a SYSOUT dataset or a sequential file.

How are comparison parameters specified?

The primary configuration interface is through JCL control statements passed via the SYSIN DD. These statements specify the datasets to compare and various comparison options, such as ignoring case or whitespace.

Business Value

How does MHT Compare help ensure data integrity?

MHT Compare helps ensure data integrity by identifying discrepancies between datasets. This is crucial for maintaining accurate records and preventing data corruption.

What is the business value of comparing program source code?

By comparing program source code, MHT Compare helps identify unintended changes or errors introduced during development. This ensures that the correct code is deployed and executed.

How can MHT Compare assist with auditing and compliance?

MHT Compare can be used to audit data and code changes, providing a record of modifications and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

How does MHT Compare contribute to cost savings?

MHT Compare helps reduce the risk of errors and data corruption, leading to cost savings by preventing system failures and data recovery efforts.

Security

How does MHT Compare integrate with z/OS security?

MHT Compare operates within the z/OS security environment. It leverages z/OS security features to control access to the datasets being compared.

What access control mechanisms are used?

MHT Compare relies on z/OS Resource Access Control Facility (RACF) or equivalent security systems to manage access to datasets. Access is controlled at the dataset level.

Does MHT Compare encrypt data?

MHT Compare does not directly encrypt data. However, it can operate on encrypted datasets if the appropriate z/OS encryption facilities are in place and the user has the necessary permissions to access the encrypted data.

What audit logging capabilities exist?

MHT Compare generates reports that can be used for auditing purposes. These reports provide a record of the comparisons performed and the differences found.

Operations

How is MHT Compare deployed?

MHT Compare is typically deployed as part of a standard z/OS environment. It requires access to the datasets being compared and the ability to write reports to SYSOUT or sequential files.

How is MHT Compare monitored?

MHT Compare is monitored through standard z/OS monitoring tools and logs. The reports generated by MHTCOMPR and SRCCOMPR provide detailed information about the comparisons performed.

How is MHT Compare configured and maintained?

MHT Compare is configured through JCL control statements. These statements specify the datasets to compare and various comparison options.

What operational procedures are required for MHT Compare?

MHT Compare requires standard z/OS operational procedures for managing JCL jobs, datasets, and security. No specific operational procedures are unique to MHT Compare.

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