On our z/VM system running a CMS workload, the OPERATOR userids runs disconnected. Human operators open a PComm session to that VM system, and issue DIAL OPERATOR to establish a connection to VM:Operator running on the OPERATOR userid. DIAL OPERATOR is authorized by VM:Secure rules only for specific workstation terminals. Sometimes one or more of those workstations takes a dive and it may take a few days to get them replaced/repaired.
Another z/VM system is IPLed remotely, automatically brings up TCPIP, and then the remote human operator can start their PComm connection to it. But if there is a problem with the IPL which prevents TCPIP from starting on that remote system, since there is no TCPIP running the operator cannot establish the PComm session to diagnose and correct the problem. So I thought: well, why not have the human OPERATOR just DIAL OPERATOR from the Integrated 3270 Console (not interrupting the VM:Operator process which is so nicely logging all the console traffic in a single place)? This would give us a means to temporarily circumvent workstation hardware or software problems. But CP responds to any DIAL command from the Integrated 3270 Console with message: HCPDIA743I DIAL function not available I could easily modify HCPDIA to get around this, but before doing so would like to understand the rationale which led IBM to prevent DIAL from an Integrated 3270 Console. Mike Walter Hewitt Associates Any opinions expressed herein are mine alone and do not necessarily represent the opinions or policies of Hewitt Associates. The information contained in this e-mail and any accompanying documents may contain information that is confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, or if this message has been addressed to you in error, please immediately alert the sender by reply e-mail and then delete this message, including any attachments. Any dissemination, distribution or other use of the contents of this message by anyone other than the intended recipient is strictly prohibited. All messages sent to and from this e-mail address may be monitored as permitted by applicable law and regulations to ensure compliance with our internal policies and to protect our business. Emails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as they can be intercepted, amended, lost or destroyed, or contain viruses. You are deemed to have accepted these risks if you communicate with us by email.
