System automation
Software that watches system messages and acts on them automatically, such as starting tasks in order or restarting one that fails.
Also written NetView, IBM Z System Automation, OPS/MVS, automated operations, message automation
A z/OS system produces thousands of console messages, and most of them need the same response every time. System automation software watches the messages and acts on them, so people only deal with the unusual ones.
Typical jobs are starting and stopping the system's started tasks in the right order, with each waiting for the ones it depends on. Restarting a task that has failed. Replying to routine messages. Hiding messages that need no action. Alerting the right team when something needs a person, for example by sending a notification.
Common products are IBM Z System Automation, which works together with NetView, and Broadcom's OPS/MVS. Rules are often written in REXX or in the product's own language.
At most sites, automation is so complete that a system can be shut down or brought up with one command, and the overnight console needs little attention. When automation is switched off or broken, the console fills with messages very quickly, which shows how much work it does. Operators and automation specialists look after the rules.
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- System consoleThe screen where z/OS shows its messages to operators and accepts system commands.
- OperatorThe person who watches the running systems, responds to messages, and starts, stops and recovers work.
- Started taskA long-running program that the system starts and leaves running, rather than a job that runs once and finishes.
- RunbookThe written procedure for operating a system or responding to a known failure, step by step.
- SYSLOGThe system log: a running record of every console message and command on a z/OS system.