On Specialty Processors

Today's blog entry is kind of a meta entry.

As many of my readers know I write two blogs, this one that is predominantly about DB2 for z/OS, and the Data Management Today blog, that focuses on data-related issues, database management, and industry trends.

Well, I've written a series of entries on my other blog about specialty processors (zIIPs, zAAPs, etc.) and related issues. Since DB2 for z/OS folks should find that information useful and relevant, I thought I'd write an entry pointing my readers here to the pertinent specialty processor entries at my Data Management Today blog, so here goes...

The first entry I'd like to call your attention to is titled Specialty Processors on the Mainframe. This piece is basically an introduction to the different types of specialty processors (zIIp, zAAP, IFL, ICF), and what they can be used for. It is a good place to start if you are new to specialty processors or are looking for an update.

The second entry worth a peak is titled simply zAAP on zIIP. As you may or may not know, IBM delivered the capability for zAAP work to run on a zIIP (with certain conditions). This blog entry provides a brief synopsis of the August 18, 2009 z/OS V1.11 announcement that introduced the new capability to enable zAAP-eligible workloads to run on zIIPs

Next up is What is an Enclave? If you are working with zIIPs you have probably heard the term Enclave SRB. And if you are doing any type of distributed workload you've probably heard about enclaves, too. This blog entry is for those who are new to the term, or are confused about it. It offers an explanatory definition of the term "enclave" and points you on to additional reference material for those interested.

My most recent post over there (January 19, 2010), titled What is Generosity Factor?, has been a popular one. This blog entry delves into the generosity factor imposed upon zIIP workload including definitions of geneorsity factor, qualified and eligible work, and a discussion of what it implies for ISV products.

Hope you find this material worthwhile... and thanks for your continued support of my blogs.