Mainframe Task Redirection for Peak License Cost Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mainframes are expensive to purchase and maintain due to their complex nature, and the cost of software licenses is high, especially when peak processing capacity is reached, necessitating significant personnel and resource allocation to manage and reduce costs without compromising performance.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for monitoring and redirecting tasks between mainframes and third-party systems, optimizing license consolidation, and dynamically shifting workloads to reduce peak usage and costs, utilizing a manager to validate and configure target environments for seamless task execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If mainframes are used to handle peak processing capacity, then processing capability is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mainframe workload into multiple tasks that can be independently monitored and redirected. By dividing the processing workload, the system can redirect specific tasks to alternative environments (cloud, hybrid, or different on-premise systems) during peak capacity, avoiding the need to purchase and maintain expensive mainframe resources for peak loads that may not consistently occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic workload redistribution by continuously monitoring mainframe tasks and redirecting them to target environments based on real-time conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt processing capacity allocation to actual demand patterns, enabling enterprises to pay for applications based on actual usage rather than peak capacity requirements.
2Reliability
If multiple applications are installed on mainframes to ensure availability, then reliability is improved, but license costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a manager system as an intermediary that monitors mainframe tasks and redirects them to target environments. This intermediary enables applications to be accessed through multiple environments (mainframe, cloud, hybrid) without requiring all applications to be installed on all systems. The manager consolidates licenses by routing tasks to the appropriate environment, reducing the need to purchase and maintain multiple application licenses across different mainframes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal access model where applications can be executed on multiple environments (mainframe, cloud, hybrid) depending on workload requirements. This multi-functionality allows a single application license to serve multiple purposes and locations, eliminating the need to purchase separate licenses for each environment and reducing overall licensing costs while maintaining availability.
3Power
If mainframe resources are allocated to handle peak loads, then processing capability is improved, but resource waste increases during off-peak times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic workload redistribution by continuously monitoring mainframe tasks and redirecting them to target environments based on real-time conditions. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt processing capacity allocation to actual demand patterns, enabling enterprises to pay for applications based on actual usage rather than peak capacity requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs continuous monitoring and feedback mechanisms to track mainframe task execution and redirect tasks to alternative environments when capacity is available or during off-peak times. This feedback loop enables real-time optimization of resource allocation, preventing resource waste during off-peak periods while ensuring processing capability is maintained when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes monitoring a job being executed at the source mainframe. A job comprises multiple tasks. A method includes monitoring a particular task of the multiple tasks being executed at a source mainframe and determining an application required to execute the particular task. In response to determining that the particular task requires an application to execute, determining a target mainframe where the application is installed. A method further includes validating the environment of the target mainframe to confirm that the particular task can be executed using the target mainframe, and upon validating the target mainframe, redirecting the particular task to the target mainframe for execution. A method also includes monitoring the particular task being executed at the target mainframe and returning the results of the particular task from the target mainframe to the source mainframe.