SMF Director Modernization Guide

SMF Director automates the management of SMF datasets, including archiving, compressing, and deleting them based on defined policies. It also provides facilities for reporting on SMF data.

SMF Director uses configuration files to define policies for dataset management. These files specify criteria for archiving, compression, and deletion. The primary interface is through ISMF panels.

The main components include the SMF data collector, the policy engine, and the archive manager. These components work together to collect, process, and manage SMF data according to defined policies.

SMF Director supports standard z/OS security mechanisms, including RACF, ACF2, and Top Secret, for authentication and authorization. It uses these security systems to control access to SMF data and management functions.

Common operations include defining policies for SMF dataset management, archiving datasets, compressing datasets, deleting datasets, and generating reports. The primary interface for these operations is through ISMF panels.

SMF Director uses configuration files to define policies. These policies specify criteria such as dataset name, creation date, and size. The system then automatically manages the datasets based on these policies.

SMF Director does not expose a public API. Interactions are primarily through ISMF panels and configuration files.

SMF Director uses standard z/OS communication protocols for internal component communication. Specific ports depend on the z/OS configuration.

SMF Director helps organizations reduce storage costs by automatically archiving and compressing SMF datasets. It also improves operational efficiency by automating dataset management tasks.

By automating SMF dataset management, SMF Director reduces the need for manual intervention, freeing up IT staff to focus on other tasks. This automation also reduces the risk of human error.

SMF Director provides reporting capabilities that allow organizations to track SMF data usage and identify trends. This information can be used to optimize system performance and resource allocation.

SMF Director integrates with z/OS security systems such as RACF, ACF2, and Top Secret to control access to SMF data and management functions. It supports role-based access control (RBAC).

SMF Director supports authentication through z/OS security systems. It does not implement its own authentication mechanisms.

SMF Director uses the access control mechanisms provided by z/OS security systems. It supports role-based access control (RBAC) through RACF, ACF2, or Top Secret.

SMF Director logs all administrative actions and security-related events. These logs can be used for auditing and compliance purposes.

SMF Director provides administrative interfaces through ISMF panels. These panels allow administrators to define policies, manage datasets, and monitor system activity.

User management is handled through z/OS security systems such as RACF, ACF2, and Top Secret. SMF Director relies on these systems for user authentication and authorization.

Key configuration parameters include policy definitions, dataset naming conventions, and storage locations. These parameters are defined in configuration files.

SMF Director provides monitoring capabilities through ISMF panels and logging facilities. Administrators can monitor system activity, track dataset usage, and identify potential issues.