New Mainframe Processor and Operating System Coming to CIT

CIT is scheduled to receive a new mainframe processor in October 2006, and will be upgrading the mainframe operating system to z/OS version 1.7 in 64-bit mode a few months after that. Users should check with the vendor of any mainframe software they own to see if it is certified to run in the new environment.

The processor

The new processor will be an IBM z9 Business Class (BC) model 2096-M03, CPU serial number 0020077AED. Installing a zSeries processor will allow CIT to continue running supported versions of the z/OS operating system and other system programs. Plans are to move our test system to the new processor at the beginning of October. When testing is complete, we will move the production systems to the new processor. About a month later, we will change the current operating system (z/OS version 1.4) from 31-bit mode to 64-bit mode.

The operating system

Once 64-bit mode is running on the production systems, we will upgrade the operating system to version 1.7 of z/OS. This upgrade is planned for early 2007.

What steps to take

If you have any third-party software on the mainframe, check with your vendor now to make sure it is certified for and supported in the new environment. Also note the change in the CPU serial number format.

As we progress in our testing, more details will be available and announced through Titan News.

Need help?

If you need help or have any questions regarding your software, contact the NIH Help Desk at 301-496-HELP (301-496-4357), 866-319-4357 (toll free), or 301-496-8294 (TTY).