FOCUS MSO "Mainserver" Technology Supports Large Numbers of Users

The FOCUS Multi-Server Option (MSO) gives MVS users a flexible, cost-effective alternative to TSO. FOCUS MSO allows large numbers of users to work simultaneously with high-performance FOCUS applications within the same MVS address space. Under MSO, up to 32 fully configurable FOCUS regions, or "servers," can be created for shared applications, private user programs, or both. These MSO servers are accessible from VTAM, CICS, TCP/IP, EDA, and the Internet – and TSO access is available for migration and system support.

MSO's dynamic load balancing transparently routes users to servers containing the applications they need and the best available processing resources, ensuring rapid job execution while respecting your existing security restrictions. Equally important, MSO includes complete management facilities, including tools for detailed usage accounting, support for third-party external security packages, and a full-featured management console. It all adds up to a highly flexible multi-session MVS environment with unmatched manageability, economy, and control.

Dynamic Load Balancing Assures Peak Performance

MSO's dynamic load balancing logic works in conjunction with the Information Builders Subsystem of FOCUS to transparently route user requests to the MSO servers with the most available resources to run the requested applications. If additional servers are needed to meet user demand, MSO can be configured to start them dynamically as capacity requirements increase – or it can maintain a system-wide cap to limit the total number of FOCUS user sessions. And MSO's load balancing is complemented by its other features for added availability, performance, and auditability.

For example, it uses the pre-verified security settings from your existing environment for user authentication, TSO and CICS users don't need to perform additional logons for FOCUS sessions. MSO usage is completely auditable, too – it even includes user-accounting facilities that work with either FOCUS or third-party packages.

Support FOCUS Users and CICS Tasks Simultaneously MSO seamlessly connects FOCUS with VTAM and CICS, creating a highly available FOCUS environment for supporting:

  • Global application sharing by large numbers of users
  • Private application usage by individuals or departments
  • Multiple versions of an application, permitting non-disruptive testing and prototyping
  • High-volume CICS request processing through the MSO CICS interface
Unmatched Flexibility and Control

FOCUS MSO is completely configurable, thanks to its dynamic system management features. Its control facilities allow you to configure up to 32 MSO regions and tune each of them for maximum performance and availability, or to meet the special needs of users or departments. For example, you can dynamically allocate additional resources to existing MSO regions when they need to support more users – or you can create new regions dedicated to special applications or mission-critical CICS tasks. And, within each region, you can modify application authorizations to control which users or connections access them. The result is an environment that's both flexible and powerful.

MSO Console Provides Real-Time Control

MSO's Console facility gives system administrators comprehensive, interactive controls for the entire MSO environment, including regions, user sessions, available applications, and more. These real-time facilities provide powerful tools for Help Desk personnel, who can work with outstanding context-oriented controls to assist FOCUS users. The MSO Console lets administrators:

  • View running applications
  • Check users online
  • Cancel or re-prioritize user sessions
  • Examine system resource usage
  • View applications and allocations in each MSO region
  • Change address spaces of regions
  • Activate or deactivate FOCUS trace facilities, logs, and more
Complete Support for MSO Usage Tracking and Accounting

MSO includes complete support for system usage tracking. It can generate comprehensive usage tracking records of the FOCUS activities of each user, allowing complete accountability and proper chargebacks for all system usage. MSO's usage records are formatted for the System Management Facility (SMF), so analysis and billing can be easily performed with either FOCUS or popular third-party system accounting packages.

MSO Performance Options

MSO includes all standard FOCUS performance features, such as tracking, system sort, and ESA exploitation. In addition, it gives you tools for enhancing system response and application performance in MSO regions you choose. It includes the FOCUS FastLoad Facility, which lets you preload FOCUS or key program modules for fast start-up. And MSO boosts system response even more by pre-initializing itself before a user requests access, so session start-up times are greatly reduced.

Full Security Support

MSO's user-authentication and transparent session routing work with the IBM System Authorization Facility (SAF), as implemented by popular third-party security packages like RACF, CA-TOP SECRET, and CA-ACF2. Of course, full FOCUS DBA security is available.

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