IBM Z Simplification

IBM Z Simplification

IBM Z Simplification

Transforming IBM Z into an simpler, more intuitive platform so every user, from beginners to experts, can learn faster, work confidently, and drive meaningful outcomes.

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Logging & Diagnostics Deprecations

  • 1.  Logging & Diagnostics Deprecations

    Posted 04/06/26 04:28 PM
    Edited by Sneha Kanaujia Fisher 07/28/26 08:58 AM
    Added 2026-04-29:

    Removal of Support for Monitor P - Data gathering for SMF record producer instances

    What is being removed or changed

    z/OS 3.2 is planned to be the last z/OS release to provide support for Monitor P. Monitor P's original intention was to assist with collection of SMF data.

    Required customer migration or upgrade actions

    For use cases that require a more flexible way to write SMF data, available services such as SMFWTM and __smf_record() can be utilized as alternatives.

    Why is IBM making this change?

    Monitor P was originally created in z/OS 3.1 to help with SMF data collection requirements. Alternatively, those can be addressed through already existing SMF interfaces and services. IBM is simplifying the platform by retiring redundant data collection methods.

    Links to the relevant documentation

    z/OS Statement of Direction AD26-0431

    Added 2026-04-06:

    Removal of Support for First Failure Support Technology (FFST)

    What is being removed or changed

    z/OS 3.2 is planned to be the last release to support FFST.

    Required customer migration or upgrade actions

    Review operational reliance on FFST and transition to modern z/OS diagnostic and monitoring tooling.

    Remove the FFST start command, "S EPWFFST.FFST,SUB=MSTR" for example, from the COMMNDxx parmlib member.

    Why is IBM making this change?

    FFST was designed for earlier generations of diagnostic analysis. IBM is streamlining diagnostic capabilities by focusing on modern serviceability, monitoring, and problem determination tools.

    Links to the relevant documentation

    z/OS Statement of Direction AD26-0150

    Removal of Online Test Executive Program (OLTEP)

    What is being removed or changed

    z/OS 3.2 is planned to be the last release to include OLTEP.

    Required customer migration or upgrade actions

    Transition diagnostic procedures to device- or firmware-based diagnostic tooling.

    Why is IBM making this change?

    Diagnostic testing capabilities have increasingly moved into device hardware and firmware. Removing OLTEP reflects this evolution and reduces dependency on outdated operating system diagnostics.

    Links to the relevant documentation

    z/OS 3.2 Announcement - Statement of Direction AD26-0005