Faysal AzizIBM z/OS Mainframe Operations Foundations
TSO/ISPF, datasets, JCL and introductory COBOL with optional CICS
Why this course
Develop introductory z/OS mainframe skills using TSO/ISPF, datasets and Job Control Language. Explore small COBOL examples and selected related services in a prepared mainframe training environment.
The four-day course starts with access and platform concepts. VSAM detail and CICS demonstrations depend on the prepared environment and available time; it is not a guarantee of intermediate production-operator competence.
Learning outcomes
- Explain mainframe terminology and distinguish z/OS from IBM i on Power.
- Use selected TSO/ISPF commands and create or manipulate permitted training datasets.
- Read and run a small JCL example in the training environment.
- Recognise COBOL program divisions, statements, control flow and file handling.
- Describe VSAM organisations and selected utility concepts where time permits.
- Recognise CICS, BMS maps, access controls and COBOL integration through optional demonstrations.
Prerequisites
Basic computer, file-management and command-line familiarity. A workstation, reliable internet and an authorised z/OS training account with a compatible terminal client are required.
Install only the client or local demonstration tools required for the lab. SSH is used only where the prepared environment provides it; TSO/ISPF access is not the same as SSH access.
4 modules
01Section 1 — Mainframe and access foundations5 topics
- Introduction to mainframes
- Types of mainframes
- Accessing mainframes
- TSO
- ISPF
Distinguish the selected z/OS environment from IBM i/Power and identify relevant languages and operating-system terminology.
02Section 2 — Dataset operations and JCL4 topics
- Training datasets, permitted dataset operations and selected TSO/ISPF commands.
- Job Control Language structure and a guided job example.
- VSAM introduction; optional KSDS, RRDS, ESDS, LDS, alternate-index and REPRO concepts.
- VSAM requires appropriate access methods or utilities; ordinary ISPF editing is not universal VSAM file editing.
03Section 3 — COBOL foundations10 topics
- Introduction to COBOL
- COBOL on your PC
- Structure of COBOL
- Divisions in COBOL
- Statements in COBOL
- Arithmetics in COBOL
- Functions in COBOL
- Control Flow in COBOL
- Files in COBOL
- DB2 in COBOL
A local COBOL example demonstrates language basics; z/OS compilation, runtime and Db2 access require the appropriate prepared environment.
04Section 4 — Optional CICS introduction4 topics
- Customer Information Control System concepts.
- BMS mapsets and selected field attributes, including ASKIP and DRK.
- Access-control concepts and CICS with COBOL.
- Coverage depends on prior-topic progress, time and the supplied CICS environment.
A programme built around your team.
Share your training goals and requirements.