R to R Modernization Guide

R to R provides REXX APIs that enable developers to create RACF applications. It simplifies the process of interacting with RACF, allowing for easier management and automation of security functions on z/OS systems.

R to R is a tool set that provides APIs for application development. It is specifically designed to facilitate the creation of applications that interact with RACF for security management.

Organizations that require automation and customization of RACF security functions on z/OS systems benefit from R to R. This includes enterprises in industries such as banking, finance, insurance, and government.

A company should consider R to R when they need to develop custom applications that interact with RACF, automate security tasks, or integrate RACF with other systems using REXX.

Alternatives to R to R include Assembler language programming directly with RACF APIs or other security administration tools that may offer scripting capabilities. However, R to R provides a REXX-based approach, which can be easier to use for some developers.

R to R runs on the z/OS platform. It requires a z/OS environment with RACF installed and configured. It leverages the REXX runtime environment available on z/OS.

R to R runs within an LPAR on z/OS. It is dependent on the z/OS operating system and requires the presence of RACF.

R to R extends the capabilities of RACF by providing a REXX interface. It requires RACF to be present and configured on the z/OS system.

R to R requires a z/OS system with RACF installed and a REXX runtime environment. No other specific products are explicitly required, but it will likely interact with other system components depending on the application being developed.

R to R simplifies the development of RACF applications, reducing development time and effort. It enables organizations to automate security tasks, improve compliance, and integrate RACF with other systems.

If an organization does not use R to R, they would need to rely on more complex and time-consuming methods for developing RACF applications, such as using Assembler language or manual security administration processes. This can lead to increased costs and potential errors.

R to R is a good fit for organizations that need to customize or automate RACF security functions and have developers familiar with REXX. It is not a good fit for organizations that do not use RACF or do not have a need for custom RACF applications.

R to R leverages RACF's security features for authentication and authorization. Access to RACF resources is controlled by RACF profiles and permissions. The REXX APIs provided by R to R operate within the security context established by RACF.

R to R relies on RACF for authentication. Therefore, the authentication methods supported are those provided by RACF, such as password authentication, multi-factor authentication, and certificate-based authentication.

R to R uses the access control model provided by RACF, which is primarily an Access Control List (ACL) model. Access to resources is determined by the permissions granted to users or groups in RACF profiles.

R to R is typically deployed on-premise within the z/OS environment. Implementation requires expertise in z/OS, RACF, and REXX programming. Ongoing operational requirements include monitoring the performance of REXX applications and maintaining RACF security profiles.

Implementation of R to R requires technical expertise in z/OS, RACF administration, and REXX programming. Common implementation challenges include ensuring proper RACF configuration and developing efficient REXX code.

Ongoing operational requirements include monitoring the performance and security of REXX applications developed with R to R, as well as maintaining the underlying RACF security profiles and configurations. Regular audits of RACF configurations are recommended.