Hello all,

I've recently started working with IBM InfoSphere Optim for DB2 (MOVE component), and I've been asked to understand the full process currently used in my company. The main Optim specialist is no longer here, so I'm trying to reconstruct how everything works.

I'm new to the product, so apologies in advance if these are basic questions.
The environment:
IBM z/OS v3.1
DB2 v13
OPTIM for DB2 v11.3.0

Question 1:

From the compatibility information I found, this version (V11.3.0) does not seem to be certified for z/OS 3.1.
Is anyone here using a similar stack? Have you run into any issues with that combination?
I also saw that the version v11.7 is available.
For anyone who has moved to a newer version, did you notice any real benefits, especially for performance or general reliability?

Question 2:

This is the main point I'm trying to understand.
In the batch jobs, during the INSERT phase, I can see that some SYSIN members are plain text and easy to read and understand.
But in other cases, the SYSIN looks like it was generated or built by some tool/process rather than written manually.
I searched the MOVE manuals, but I couldn't find anything explaining how those members are created.

Does anyone know how this is usually done in Optim?
For example, are these SYSIN members generated from panels, control tables, skeletons, or some Optim utility?

Any pointers on where to look would be appreciated.

As a last question, any advice in terms of manuals/documentation to read ? (internal documentation is limited) 

Thank you in advance for your help !

Best Regards !

Hello Joao,

Would it be possible to open a Salesforce case so that IBM Optim support can answer your questions? We will be glad to follow=up with this query and additional questions 

that you may have.

Best regards,

Kevin Hampson - IBM InfoSphere Optim

Hi Joao. The 11.3 release of the Optim product reached end of support in September of 2021. As such, it is not supported on any version of z/OS or DB2. The only supported release at this time is 11.7, and it is supported on z/OS 3.1 as well as DB2 v13. As such, it is imperative you upgrade as soon as possible. Our documentation offers two means for the upgrade - A direct upgrade or running multiple releases. Each option can be found here: 

https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/iotdmfz/11.7.0?topic=guide-upgrade-new-release
https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/iotdmfz/11.7.0?topic=guide-run-multiple-releases

11.7 provides support for z/OS 3.1 as well as DB2 v13. Our Release Notes can be found here:

https://www.ibm.com/docs/pt/iotdmfz/11.7.0?topic=overview-release-notes-optim-zos-v117#relnotes__system

Regarding your question on the SYSIN data, the 'unreadable' SYSIN is an older version that is no longer supported and was generated via panels. Per our documentation, Optim V11.7 no longer supports the Pre-Release 5.5 Batch Job format and all such jobs need to be regenerated or converted using the JCL_REFORMAT utility. 
Information regarding conversion to a supported format can be found here:

https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/iotdmfz/11.7.0?topic=release-executing-batch-jobs-saved-before-55

Each of the links provided will bring to you a section of the documentation, but the starting point would be here: 

https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/iotdmfz/11.7.0

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any questions or concerns regarding 11.7, I would suggest opening up a case in SalesForce and the Support team will provide you with assistance. If you don't already have access to SF, I would suggest reaching out to your local IBM Representative for direction. 

Bill - Optim Support

Hello all !

Thank you for the reply ! 
I've contacted the SYSPROG and he will upgrade to V11.7; 
I'll test the JCL_REFORMAT option and see what can be done; I'll give you a feedback :) !

Best Regards,
joao