It is not possible to have the Sysplex Timer (9037) attach to non-S/390 or
zSeries servers. However, there is a way that customers can get the same
time across both zSeries and non-zSeries servers in their data center. The
9037 can attach to an External Time Source (ETS), the options are described
in the 9037 Model 2 planning manual as well as the Redbook SG24-2070. The
9037 attachment to an ETS supports 3 possible RS-232 protocols.
To get the same time across zSeries and non-zSeries, a potential solution is:
The customer uses an NTP server that also has the RS-232 protocols supported
by the 9037. These NTP servers are available from multiple vendors - one
example is the Symmetricom SyncServ S250.
http://www.symmetricom.com/products/ntp-servers/ntp-network-appliances/SyncServer-S250/
Input options for these devices includes GPS, IRIG-B and the USA NIST ACTS
telephone service.
Outputs for this device includes an Ethernet NTP (Network Time Protocol)
Time Server as well as the necessary EIA-232 serial time code for the 9037,
the former could connect to their non-S390 or non-zSeries servers and the
latter to the 9037. This would allow a customer to have the same external
time source for both a S/390 or zSeries server and a non-System z server.
Note that this does not provide the kind of synchronization that is required
in a zSeries or S/390 Parallel Sysplex. However, it will allow the customer
to have the enterprise running on the same time standard and therefore
coordinate time stamps, etc.
The above product is not necessarily the only one that provides this
capability. Other Symmetricom models also provide this function, and if you
want a second source for your External Time Source that provides similar
function please do your own research to find another vendor. Other vendors I
am aware of that provide this capability are Meinberg, Spectracom.
Noshir Dhondy ([email protected])
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