Mainframe Process Transformation for Outage-Aware Dynamic Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mainframe batch processing systems face significant delays and errors when relocating due to unexpected outages, particularly during weather events, leading to unpredictable behavior and manual intervention requirements.
Innovation Solution
A system that transforms batch processing data into individual mainframe processes, enabling real-time rerouting based on system availability, using a process transformation manager to convert batch processes into transaction requests or database updates, and a traffic manager to route these processes to available mainframe sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If batch processing data is re-routed to a backup mainframe site during an outage, then system availability is maintained, but processing delays occur and errors are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments batch processing data into individual transactional records that can be independently routed. Instead of moving entire batches as unified units, each record is processed and routed separately, allowing selective redirection to backup systems without moving the entire batch, thereby reducing delays and error propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic routing capabilities where the destination of each transaction can be determined in real-time based on the current status of mainframe sites. This allows the system to adaptively redirect transactions to available sites during outages rather than following fixed batch routing paths, maintaining availability while minimizing disruptions.
2Reliability
If batch processing data is re-routed during an unexpected outage, then system availability is maintained, but errors occur requiring manual review and repair
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting batch data into individual transactions, the system isolates errors to specific records rather than affecting entire batches. This enables precise error identification and handling without requiring manual review of complete batch files, maintaining processing accuracy while ensuring availability through selective rerouting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that monitor processing status and routing decisions in real-time. When outages occur, the system receives feedback about site availability and automatically adjusts routing accordingly, reducing errors by making informed routing decisions rather than blind rerouting that would require manual verification.
3Productivity
If batch processing is completed without user interaction, then processing efficiency is improved, but flexibility to adapt to system outages is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines automated batch processing efficiency with dynamic routing flexibility by implementing real-time status monitoring and adaptive destination selection. Transactions are processed automatically without user interaction, but the routing destination is dynamically determined based on current system state, maintaining both productivity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service routing where the processing system automatically determines and executes routing decisions based on system status without requiring user intervention. This maintains the automated efficiency of batch processing while incorporating the flexibility to adapt to outages, as the system serves itself by making intelligent routing decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
A mainframe processing system comprises a memory operable to store data transformation instructions and one or more processors, at least one of the one or more processors operably coupled to the memory. The one or more processors are configured to receive batch processing data from one or more data sources, identify a plurality of mainframe processes associated with corresponding batch processes, and dispatch each mainframe process to a respective mainframe site.