Neal Eckhardt wrote:
As far as I know, NTP has not been supported by z/OS. Is this still
the case?
I can think of a dozen reasons why it would not be supported
(especially for SYSPLEXs), but I am doing my due diligence by asking
the question.
NTP is not supported for setting the system clock on z/OS. We
previewed a new server timer protocol, STP, in July:
"Server Time Protocol (STP) preview: IBM plans to make available
a new time synchronization feature, Server Time Protocol (STP),
which is designed to provide the capability for multiple System
z9 and zSeries servers to maintain time synchronization with each
other. STP is planned to be the follow-on to the Sysplex Timer®
(9037-002). The Sysplex Timer and STP are designed to allow
events occurring in different System z9, zSeries, and S/390®
servers to be properly sequenced in time.
"Note that IBM intends to withdraw the Sysplex Timer Model 2
(9037-002) from marketing in 2006. For more information, refer to
Hardware Announcement 105-241 , dated July 26, 2005, (IBM System
z9 109).
"STP is designed for servers that have been configured to be in a
Parallel Sysplex® or a sysplex (without a coupling facility), as
well as servers that are not in a sysplex, but that need to be
time synchronized. STP is designed to allow timing information to
be sent between servers and coupling facilities (CFs) over
InterSystem Channel-3 (ISC-3) links configured in peer mode,
Integrated Cluster Bus-3 (ICB-3) links, or Integrated Cluster
Bus-4 (ICB-4) links.
"STP is designed to:
* Allow clock synchronization for z9-109, z990, and z890
servers and CFs without requiring the Sysplex Timer
* Support a multisite timing network of up to 100 km (62
miles) over fiber optic cabling, thus allowing a Parallel Sysplex
to span these distances
* Potentially reduce the Cross-Site® connectivity required
for a multisite Parallel Sysplex
* Coexist with an ETR network
* Allow use of dial-out time services to set the time to an
international time standard (such as Coordinated Universal Time
(UTC)) and adjust to UTC on a periodic basis
* Allow setting of local time parameters, such as time zone
and daylight savings time
* Allow automatic updates of daylight savings time
"STP is planned to be available as a feature on z9-109, z990, and
z890, and be supported by z/OS V1.7 (PTFs will be required to
enable STP support).
"Implementation Assistance Program (IAP): IBM plans to make
available an IAP to allow you to accelerate the adoption of STP
with IBM's assistance. The assistance being planned for this
program includes consultation, the review of your migration
plans, and technical support. The IAP is planned to begin in
October 2005 and be made available through 2006."
If you are interested in the IAP, you can contact Angelo
Corridori ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) or Noshir Dhondy ([EMAIL PROTECTED]).
--
John Eells
z/OS Technical Marketing
IBM Poughkeepsie
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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