NOMAD Modernization Guide

NOMAD is a reporting language and application development tool designed to access data from legacy systems like VSAM, DB2, and IMS. It also provides a JDBC interface for connecting to relational databases such as Oracle and SQL Server.

NOMAD is a combination of a programming language, a report generation tool, and a database access system. It provides tools and utilities for application development, performance optimization, and session management.

Organizations that rely on mainframe systems and legacy data sources, such as VSAM, DB2, and IMS, can benefit from NOMAD. These organizations are often in industries like banking, insurance, and government.

A company should consider using NOMAD when they need to access and report on data stored in legacy systems alongside relational databases. It is useful for organizations that want to leverage their existing mainframe infrastructure while integrating with newer database technologies.

Alternatives to NOMAD include other reporting languages and data access tools such as SAS, FOCUS, RAMIS, and Easytrieve. These tools also provide data extraction, transformation, and reporting capabilities.

NOMAD requires a mainframe environment running z/OS or z/VM. It also requires access to the data sources it will be reporting on, such as VSAM, DB2, IMS, Oracle, or SQL Server. The NOMAD Session Manager (NSM) can operate outside of TSO.

NOMAD runs on z/OS and z/VM mainframe operating systems. It can run in an LPAR (Logical Partition) and may require specific subsystems depending on the data sources being accessed.

NOMAD uses a command-driven interface. Common operations include defining data sources, writing reports, and executing queries. The syntax involves specifying data elements, selection criteria, and output formats.

NOMAD provides a JDBC interface for accessing relational databases. It also supports integration with CICS through the NSM/CICS component. The specific APIs and integration methods depend on the version and configuration of NOMAD.

NOMAD allows organizations to leverage their existing mainframe investments by providing a reporting and application development environment for legacy data. It can reduce the need to migrate data to newer systems, saving time and resources.

By providing a single environment for accessing both legacy and relational data, NOMAD can improve data consistency and reduce data silos. This can lead to better decision-making and improved business insights.

NOMAD's performance optimization features, such as NOMAD One Pass, can improve the efficiency of applications and reduce resource consumption. This can lead to cost savings and improved system performance.

NOMAD's security features depend on the underlying mainframe security system, such as RACF or ACF2. It leverages these systems for authentication and access control.

NOMAD uses the access control mechanisms provided by the mainframe operating system to control access to data and resources. This includes defining user roles and permissions.

NOMAD's audit and logging capabilities depend on the configuration of the mainframe environment. It can generate logs of user activity and system events, which can be used for security monitoring and auditing.

NOMAD requires ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and availability. This includes monitoring system resources, applying patches, and managing user accounts.

Implementing NOMAD requires technical expertise in mainframe systems, data access methods, and reporting techniques. It also requires knowledge of the data sources being accessed, such as VSAM, DB2, and IMS.

Common implementation challenges include configuring data access, optimizing performance, and integrating with existing security systems. It is important to plan the implementation carefully and involve experienced personnel.