OPTI-AUD Modernization Guide

OPTI-AUD is a tool designed to analyze and audit COBOL applications running on zVSE/VSEn systems. It helps identify active and inactive programs and datasets, scans COBOL source code for date-related functions, and analyzes COBOL batch resource usage to identify bottlenecks. The tool also supports software asset management and job resource auditing.

OPTI-AUD is primarily a tool, although it provides application analysis capabilities. It is not a complete system or framework but rather a focused utility for COBOL application assessment and optimization on zVSE/VSEn platforms.

Organizations that rely heavily on COBOL applications running on zVSE/VSEn systems are the best fit for OPTI-AUD. These are often larger enterprises in industries like banking, finance, insurance, and government that have a long history of using mainframe systems.

A company should consider using OPTI-AUD when they need to understand their COBOL application landscape better, identify potential performance bottlenecks, manage software assets, and audit job resource usage. This is especially relevant during application modernization efforts or when preparing for platform upgrades.

OPTI-AUD requires a zVSE/VSEn environment to operate. It analyzes COBOL applications running on this platform. It may also require specific subsystems or configurations depending on the features being used, such as access to job accounting data.

OPTI-AUD runs on zVSE/VSEn. It is not z/OS dependent but is specific to the zVSE/VSEn operating system. It likely runs within an LPAR on the mainframe.

OPTI-AUD likely uses configuration files to define parameters for analysis, such as specifying target datasets, programs, or date-related functions to scan for. The exact format and location of these files would be detailed in the product documentation.

OPTI-AUD helps organizations optimize their COBOL applications, leading to improved performance and reduced resource consumption. By identifying inactive programs and datasets, it can also help streamline software asset management and reduce licensing costs. The auditing capabilities provide insights into job resource usage, enabling better capacity planning.

Alternatives to OPTI-AUD include other COBOL analysis and auditing tools, such as Rocket Software's products or tools developed in-house. The key difference often lies in the specific features offered, the level of integration with the zVSE/VSEn environment, and the ease of use.

The specific security features of OPTI-AUD would depend on its design, but it likely integrates with the existing security mechanisms of the zVSE/VSEn environment. This could include using RACF or similar access control systems to control who can access the analysis results and configuration data.

OPTI-AUD likely provides logging and auditing capabilities to track who is using the tool and what actions they are performing. This information can be used to monitor for unauthorized access or to investigate potential security breaches.

OPTI-AUD is typically deployed on-premise within the zVSE/VSEn environment. Implementing it requires technical expertise in COBOL and the zVSE/VSEn operating system. Ongoing operational requirements include monitoring the tool's performance, maintaining the configuration files, and ensuring that it has access to the necessary data.

Common implementation challenges might include configuring OPTI-AUD to correctly access and analyze the COBOL source code and datasets, ensuring that the tool does not negatively impact the performance of the production systems, and training staff on how to use the tool effectively.