Auto-Commit Processing for IMS Batch Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modifying existing IMS batch applications to incorporate commit point processing is a tedious, error-prone process, especially when documentation is inadequate, leading to delayed adoption of benefits like reduced recovery costs and improved resource management.
Innovation Solution
A method that intercepts DLI calls to identify checkpoint trigger events, increments segment counters, and performs commit point processing based on a segment commit threshold, allowing automatic implementation of commit points without modifying the batch application code.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If commit point processing is manually added to existing batch applications, then reliability and resource management improve, but development time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (checkpoint processing module) that automatically intercepts DLI calls and manages commit points without requiring manual modification of the original batch application code. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of commit point processing internally while presenting a transparent interface to the application, thereby improving reliability without increasing development time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the batch application to automatically trigger commit point processing through its own DLI calls. The checkpoint processing module monitors and responds to segment access patterns autonomously, incrementing counters and initiating commits based on predefined thresholds without external intervention, thus eliminating the need for manual commit point insertion.
2Reliability
If commit point processing is added to reduce recovery costs, then the ability to back out and redo work improves, but the complexity of modifying existing code worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an intermediary checkpoint processing module that sits between the batch application and the IMS database system. This intermediary automatically manages commit points by intercepting DLI calls, tracking segment access through counters, and initiating commits when thresholds are met. The original application code requires no modification, as the intermediary handles all complexity internally while maintaining transparent operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution segments the commit point processing functionality into a separate, independent module that operates autonomously from the main batch application logic. This segmentation allows the commit management logic to be developed, tested, and maintained independently, reducing the complexity of integrating it into existing applications. The modular design enables the system to handle recovery operations without requiring changes to the application's core code structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If DLI/DBB batch applications are converted to BMP applications, then resource sharing and logging capabilities improve, but abnormal terminations due to enqueue block exhaustion worsen without commit point processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through segment counters that monitor database access patterns in real-time. When a counter reaches a predefined threshold, the system automatically triggers a commit point, creating a feedback loop that dynamically adjusts resource usage. This feedback-driven approach ensures that enqueue blocks are released periodically, preventing exhaustion and abnormal terminations while enabling effective resource sharing in BMP environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by automatically initiating commit point processing at regular intervals based on segment access thresholds. This periodic commitment of transactions ensures that database locks are released systematically, preventing the accumulation of too many active locks that would lead to enqueue block exhaustion. The periodic nature of this action aligns with the resource sharing requirements of BMP applications while maintaining system reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A DLI call from the batch application is intercepted, wherein the DLI call is made for the purpose of accessing a hierarchical database. It is then determined if the access to the hierarchical database is a checkpoint trigger event. A segment counter for a trigger segment in a checkpoint trigger for the checkpoint trigger event is incremented if the trigger segment is identified by the DLI call. The segment counter is compared to a segment commit threshold in the checkpoint trigger and commit point processing is performed on behalf of the batch application if the segment counter is in a predetermined relation to the segment commit threshold.