Mainframe Database Utility Interface for JCL Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current database management on mainframes, particularly with IBM's DB2, is cumbersome due to complex job control language (JCL) commands and control cards, requiring skilled administrators and resulting in high staffing costs and errors.
Innovation Solution
A system with an intuitive utilities menu and parameter entry screen generates JCL command files without the need for control cards, allowing users to perform database utilities with minimal administrative assistance and simplifying report interpretation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional JCL commands and control cards are used to manage database utilities, then database operations can be performed, but the system requires skilled database administrators and results in high staffing costs and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary utility program that mediates between the user and the complex JCL/control card system. This utility accepts simple user inputs and automatically generates the necessary JCL commands and control cards, thereby shielding users from complexity while maintaining compatibility with the mainframe database system
Solution Approach 2:
The utility program performs self-service by automatically generating control cards and JCL commands based on user selections. Instead of requiring users to manually create complex control cards, the system serves itself by producing the necessary configuration files and job control language automatically
2Reliability
If skilled database administrators are hired to manage database utilities, then proper database operations can be performed, but staffing costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The utility program enables developers to perform database utility operations independently without requiring skilled database administrators. The system serves itself by providing automated guidance, generating necessary control cards, and interpreting results, thereby eliminating the need for specialized human expertise while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The utility program acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between unskilled developers and complex database operations. It provides a simplified interface that mediates the interaction between users and the mainframe system, enabling reliable database utility execution without requiring specialized administrative knowledge
3Productivity
If control cards are generated manually for each utility job, then database utilities can be executed, but the process is time consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The utility program performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring and generating control cards and JCL commands automatically based on user selections. This preliminary automated generation eliminates the time-consuming manual process of creating these files from scratch for each utility job
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically generating control cards and JCL routines without human intervention. The utility program serves itself by producing the necessary configuration files programmatically, thereby eliminating the manual time investment required previously
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing utility interfaces are used, then database utilities can be accessed, but the interfaces are confusing and limited to IBM-provided utilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the utility interface into multiple functional screens or panels, each handling specific aspects of database utility operations. This segmentation divides the complex single-screen interface into manageable sections, improving clarity and ease of operation while expanding versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The utility program provides multi-functionality by supporting both IBM-provided utilities and third-party utilities through a single unified interface. This universal approach eliminates the limitation of being restricted to IBM utilities only, while maintaining ease of operation through consistent interface design
5Loss of information
If comprehensive reports are generated by utilities, then detailed information is provided, but the reports are cluttered and difficult to interpret
Solution Approach 1:
The utility program extracts and separates relevant information from the comprehensive but cluttered reports. It pulls out key findings and presents them in a simplified, organized format that maintains information completeness while dramatically improving interpretability for users
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for performing database utilities on a database. The system may include a mainframe computer that includes a storage unit and at least one database stored on the storage unit. A processing unit may be configured to receive and schedule jobs submitted for execution. An electronic display may be in communication with the processing unit and execute a software program configured to cause the processing unit to display a menu of selectable utilities on the electronic display, display a utility parameter entry screen in response to receiving a utility selection, and generate information including parameters entered in the utility parameter entry screen for use in performing the selected database utility on the database(s).