Q1:

Is it possible to get a help for msg eg. URL to the IBM infocenter?

A1:

The internet version of Knowledge Center might not support the function we leverage under the covers—it has not been tested with the internet version of KC. It also requires a connection between a person computer where you use z/OSMF UI, and the internet version of Knowledge Center. So, support does not seem likely today, as the lookat api is not available on IBMDocs.

Q2:

Are you going to review the set up required to get the consoles working in zosmf?

A2:

Yes, Joey reviewed the enablement/setup live on the call.

Q3:

If IPLing, will the console show messages prior to z/OSMF starting up (i.e. early IPL messages)?

A3:

(Answered during call) No, the Console is started from z/OSMF UI. The earliest point in which you can start the Console from the UI must be after the point when z/OSMF is started. So, although you can use the upper arrows icons to retrieve earlier messages that happened before the point in which Console was started from the UI, that does not include messages that happened during iPL time. We retrieve messages historic messages from operlog and syslog, so as long as those messages are saved, we should be able to retrieve and display them in the z/OSMF UI. If they are not in the operlog or syslog, they cannot be retrieved or displayed in the z/OSMF UI.

Q4:

Why can’t I retrieve operlog messages before I start the console session, that would be nice to have to investigate what has happen back in time – search function etc.

A4:

Answered during call) You can! We do support you to retrieve messages that happened before the point in which the Console was started from the z/OSMF UI. As shown in the presentation slides, there is a line to show the point in which the console was started.  Messages below that line are refreshed in real time, through the Console. You can use the upper arrow icons to retrieve messages that happened before the Console session began.

Q5:

Are their sample Rest API’s available on Guild's website?

A5:

The Guild 16 will have everything Joey is showing. Details of the APIs are available here:  https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/zos/2.4.0?topic=services-zos-console. In addition, z/OSMF provides Swagger (open API) UI. You can launch Swagger by clicking on "Reference Center -> z/OSMF REST APIs. From here, you can invoke the console REST API. There is a sample model request data and explanation of parameter provided for REST API.

Q6:

Can User A and User B log onto regular TSO at the same time as in z/OSMF?

A6:

Yes, it doesn't impact regular TSO. If you mean through z/OSMF and through TSO, you can if the system is setup for multiple user logins and ISPF.

Q7:

Can another user ID sign on to console via an existing zOSMF session ?

A7:

Yes, we support multiple users. They don't impact each other. But I think currently we have a max number for active consoles launched by z/OSMF at the same time.

Q8:

Is the trial at the latest V2R5 PTF level? (Referring to z/OSMF Plugins Trials https://ibm.biz/zosmfpluginstrial)

A8:

I don't think so. The trial environment is updated on a yearly base.

Q9:

Why are all those REST APIs post requests instead of just GET requests, since you’re just retrieving information ?

A9:

They are POST requests because you may need to pass information to authenticate with a remote z/OSMF server.

Q10:

If information is available through the UI, what is an example of the benefit of an implementation of REST API's ? In which cases is it an advantage? Software Management REST API or Console REST API.

A10:

REST APIs provide ability to invoke them programmatically rather than using UI. REST APIs are not intended for a user, but for a program to access the function. So, if you want to drive an action by a program you need a REST API. This allows you to perhaps drive actions from an automation program. The typical reason that we also expose REST APIs is for people to build operation automation or integrate those operation into whatever tool they run in distributed platform. One example for “whatever tool” is a home built centralized GUI based control center for managing z/OS.

Q11:

Are the 3 Software Management reports available on z/OS 2.4?

A11:

No, the three Software Management Report REST APIs are available on z/OS 2.5 with PTF UI82390, which became available in September 2022, as well as planned to be included in the the upcoming z/OS 3.1 version when it is released.

Q12:

Are the sample Software Management playbooks also available in any GITHUB?

A12:

Yes, the sample playbook is on GITHUB: https://github.com/IBM/ibm_zosmf/tree/main/tests/CICD/playbooks

Q13:

What is the 'UUID' that was mentioned ?

A13:

Universally Unique Identifier. It is also mentioned in the z/OS 3.1 Preview for more details.

Q14:

What is the z/OSMF Github link?

A14:

https://github.com/IBM/ibm_zosmf

Q15:

Is the use of a dark background supported by z/OSMF to make the product more comfortable to use?

A15:

z/OSMF does not have capability to switch to “dark” background.

Q16:

Going back to the consoles, will they pick up the hardware messages from the first stages of an IPL, or do they only capture what goes into syslog?

A16:

Only what goes to syslog.

Q17:

Can you post the link to the z/OSMF Annual Survey?

A17:

z/OSMF Annual Survey for 2023: https://ibm.biz/zosmfsurvey2023.

Q18:

Is the MFA logon supported by z/OSMF?

A18:

Yes.

Q19:

Are national codepage other than english supported by z/OSMF?

A19:

Yes, besides English, z/OSMF is also translated into Japanese (Kanji).