Re: Endevor(Change Management Software)
On Behalf of Rose Sakach (CA Technologies, Sr. Product Manager) Systems Programmers tasks and responsibilities vary from site to site. Responsibilities can range from Installation, upgrade, and maintenance of products to providing utilities for applications (both z/OS and business) and administering various products (such as CICS, RACF/ACF2/Top Secret or Endevor or CA-7 etc.). In my experience, Systems Programmers were the Subject Matter Experts (SME) on all of the Systems Software/applications and were responsible for much more than the SMP/E-related tasks. Given the type of responsibility described above, there is absolutely a use-case for Endevor in a Systems Programmers daily life. Endevors change history capabilities alone is worth the effort involved in configuring and using the product. Having the capability to instantly view the exact lines of code that were changed, who made the change, when it was made and have access to any/all prior versions of source code can save a tremendous amount of time. This beats having to search a PDS for the OLD copy of the source or was it the OLD-OLD-copy that I need? How do I know if I wasnt the one who made the backup copy? I can attest to the fact that Endevor has saved me on several occasions when I made changes to maintenance jobs (JCL) for products and had to back them out in a hurry (and subsequently fix them) to meet an SLA for say CICS availability. Any/all types of application-like components, such as maintenance jobs for databases (i.e. RACF) or CICS regions (i.e! . start-up JCL), and especially any site-specific product customization jobs can and should be housed within Endevor. This has been implemented and utilized VERY successfully at several of my prior employers one of which was a very large financial institution. They key to success here, is to keep it simple. Endevor is flexible enough to provide a separate mini life-cycle tailored for Systems Programming use. This will allow your site to use ONLY the features in Endevor that will support the existing process with the benefit or providing the safety net that enables quick recovery. The change history, version control, audit trail, and back-out capability justifies its use. Endevor could even hasten the process by providing automated approvals instead of either a paper-trail or a ticketing system requirement. For example, if the Systems Programmer change impacts RACF, the RACF ADMIN Mgr could be an approver. If the change impacts DB2 the DB2 Mgr could be the approver and so on. If the current process requires NO APPROVAL, Endevor could mimic that as well. Use only what is of value here. A 2-stage environment with minimal types (i.e. JCL, PROC, COBOL, ASSEMBLER, REXX?) with minimal or no approval requirements could provide! it all. Point here is the product is flexible enough to provide MANY benefits that could save time, reduce outages, and improve productivity. I highly recommend it and would be happy to provide guidance for anyone interested in implementing it. - Rose Sakach -- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@bama.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN
Re: Endevor(Change Management Software)
On 16-Mar-12 12:03 AM, gsg wrote: Just want to thank everyone for your comments. I think the consensus is to not use Endevor for system type changes. I realize this would cause a lot of pain and reduce productivity. My next questions is how does your shop handle making system changes or upgrading 3rd party products? Do your SYSPROGS have direct access to update with no type of Change Control? Thanks in advance. -- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@bama.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN Years ago, while I was doing sysprog work, the audit required me, my boss advised me, to raise system change request, and document the change and fall-back steps if necessary.Me and my colleagues have complied to that fully. We just have to put in documentation as part of our daily tasks in our time-spent report. -- Regards Lim ML -- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@bama.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN
Re: Endevor(Change Management Software)
John: I would further qualify your statement about OEM's to something like this: Some OEMs know about SMPE and some use it as to its design point others use it as a "selling" point and do not embrace SMPE at all. Ed On Mar 15, 2012, at 12:38 PM, John Gilmore wrote: There is a long tradition among sysprogs of what is done and not done, and what is done is done within the framework of SMP. There are some few exceptions, but most ISVs use SMP too. John Gilmore, Ashland, MA 01721 - USA -- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@bama.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN -- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@bama.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN
Re: Endevor(Change Management Software)
There is a long tradition among sysprogs of what is done and not done, and what is done is done within the framework of SMP. There are some few exceptions, but most ISVs use SMP too. John Gilmore, Ashland, MA 01721 - USA -- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@bama.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN
Re: Endevor(Change Management Software)
Just want to thank everyone for your comments. I think the consensus is to not use Endevor for system type changes. I realize this would cause a lot of pain and reduce productivity. My next questions is how does your shop handle making system changes or upgrading 3rd party products? Do your SYSPROGS have direct access to update with no type of Change Control? Thanks in advance. -- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@bama.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN
Re: Endevor(Change Management Software)
Used Endeavor - Yes System Libraries under Endeavor - no, I'm not into that much pain. Bobbie Jo Justice >Is anyone out there using CA-Endevor? Do you manage your system changes using >Endevor? If so, how are you doing this and was >it hard to setup? > >We are looking into this, but there are so many system libraries that could be >changed, it needs a lot of thought to get it right. > >Thanks -- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@bama.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN
Re: Endevor(Change Management Software)
> > Is anyone out there using CA-Endevor? Do you manage your system changes using > Endevor? If so, how are you doing this and was it hard to setup? > > We are looking into this, but there are so many system libraries that could be changed, > it needs a lot of thought to get it right. > > Thanks > > -- We have Endevor but only use it for application changes. We also have PDSMAN and I use that for monitoring changes in system libs (like SYS1.PARMLIB and SYS1.VTAMLST). I keep backups of changed members. Currently I have 40 gens I keep of last changes. PDSMAN can keep 99 versions. If you have PDSMAN and want to know more, write me offlist. Lizette -- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@bama.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN
Re: Endevor(Change Management Software)
Our firm used to offer CA-Endevor consulting services, and the former lead of our CA-Endevor practice implemented change control over system libraries at a her former employer, an insurance firm as I recall. There was the expected initial resistance by the systems staff, but once they got used to it, I understand they grew to like the ability to report on the details of changes and easily back them out. Contact me off-list if you'd like me to try to put you in touch with this person. Regards, Bob Robert S. Hansel Lead RACF Specialist RSH Consulting, Inc. 617-969-8211 www.linkedin.com/in/roberthansel www.rshconsulting.com -Original Message- Date:Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:29:05 -0500 From:gsg Subject: Endevor(Change Management Software) Is anyone out there using CA-Endevor? Do you manage your system changes using Endevor? If so, how are you doing this and was it hard to setup? We are looking into this, but there are so many system libraries that could be changed, it needs a lot of thought to get it right. Thanks -- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@bama.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN
Re: Endevor(Change Management Software)
Endevor is source control. It's strength is in ensuring there are no changes to source between environments... (typically development, test, user acceptance, production, and 'emergency' environment for catering for on-the-fly changes to deal with a production problem... like production JCL needing bigger a SPACE allocation for a file)... majorly, any source that's needs compiling is done via Endevor processes, so that there is confidence that source code truly reflects object/runtime code. Changes/variations are tracked (and I imagine that's what's driving this). Such is the theory... In terms of systems programming, there no sensible need for such source/object/executable control. We've got SMP/E, which immediately covers much of Endevor's remit. If you want to control purely source that never needs compiling, such as PARMLIB or VTAMLST members or whatever, then again, I don't think something like Endevor is appropriate. The idea of having a hierarchy of environments that Endevor drifts unchanged source through doesn't really apply. Although system symbols allow common parmlib decks in many cases, it's more often the case that each system has it's own specific needs and parms... and there's no real 'test environment' to make sure any system parameter change actually works for any particular system... and no real hierarchy of environments in the same sense of having a tier of application environments where everything is notionally the same. You 'could' write Endevor generators that automatically change the source depending on the destination environment, but you'd better have a damned good naming convention for just about everything... and I doubt it would work properly anyway. Frankly, I think it would be easier to w! rite a usermod every time I wanted to update some parameter library member. Bone easy, using the same software and management techniques IBM themselves use to maintain the rest of z/OS. Throw a copy of the SMP/E log at management every day. Reporting requirement satisfied. I'd argue against it. Just like I'd argue that an application system development life-cycle is inappropriate for a system programmer's working practices. Square peg for a round hole. Get your management to ask CA one thing: has anybody anywhere on this or any other planet used Endevor to maintain z/OS system libraries? If you absolutely must, then try it using SCLM as an exercise. You'll have the same concepts and dramas to deal with and at much less cost. Better still, get your management to try it. They might develop a better understanding of what they are asking for. It's too big a hammer for the job really. Ant. -Original Message- From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List [mailto:IBM-MAIN@bama.ua.edu] On Behalf Of Lim Ming Liang Sent: Thursday, 15 March 2012 12:40 PM To: IBM-MAIN@bama.ua.edu Subject: Re: Endevor(Change Management Software) On 15-Mar-12 1:29 AM, gsg wrote: > Is anyone out there using CA-Endevor? Do you manage your system changes > using Endevor? If so, how are you doing this and was it hard to setup? > > We are looking into this, but there are so many system libraries that could > be changed, it needs a lot of thought to get it right. > > Thanks > > -- > For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send > email to lists...@bama.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN > You can include any system parmlibs, proclibs and/or vtamlst libraries to be updated only by Endevor, effectively let the Endevor process to control and monitor the changes in those libraries. But that will really affect the system programmer productivity. Long time ago, any system changes made, my boss will required me to submit a change request, to document the actions and recovery plan, before or after the change. That was good enough at that time to pass the audit. -- Regards Lim ML -- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@bama.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN -- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@bama.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN
Re: Endevor(Change Management Software)
On 15-Mar-12 1:29 AM, gsg wrote: Is anyone out there using CA-Endevor? Do you manage your system changes using Endevor? If so, how are you doing this and was it hard to setup? We are looking into this, but there are so many system libraries that could be changed, it needs a lot of thought to get it right. Thanks -- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@bama.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN You can include any system parmlibs, proclibs and/or vtamlst libraries to be updated only by Endevor, effectively let the Endevor process to control and monitor the changes in those libraries. But that will really affect the system programmer productivity. Long time ago, any system changes made, my boss will required me to submit a change request, to document the actions and recovery plan, before or after the change. That was good enough at that time to pass the audit. -- Regards Lim ML -- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@bama.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN
Re: Endevor(Change Management Software)
We use Endevor for application change management. Some of our routine system monitoring, and backups are jobs managed by Endevor. IMO, Endevor is not suited for system change management. There are products that are, but they are expensive. Dave Gibney Information Technology Services Washington State University > -Original Message- > From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List [mailto:IBM-MAIN@bama.ua.edu] On > Behalf Of gsg > Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 10:29 AM > To: IBM-MAIN@bama.ua.edu > Subject: Endevor(Change Management Software) > > Is anyone out there using CA-Endevor? Do you manage your system changes > using Endevor? If so, how are you doing this and was it hard to setup? > > We are looking into this, but there are so many system libraries that could be > changed, it needs a lot of thought to get it right. > > Thanks > > -- > For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, > send email to lists...@bama.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN -- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@bama.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN
Re: Endevor(Change Management Software)
Endevor: Yes System changes through Endevor: No Bart -Original Message- From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List [mailto:IBM-MAIN@bama.ua.edu] On Behalf Of gsg Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 1:29 PM To: IBM-MAIN@bama.ua.edu Subject: Endevor(Change Management Software) Is anyone out there using CA-Endevor? Do you manage your system changes using Endevor? If so, how are you doing this and was it hard to setup? We are looking into this, but there are so many system libraries that could be changed, it needs a lot of thought to get it right. Thanks -- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@bama.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN
Re: Endevor(Change Management Software)
We use Endevor for Application Software, but never set it up for use for system datasets. However, the application that uses Endevor will be moving off the mainframe within a year. David Mueller | Systems Programmer SSRC (Southwood Shared Resource Center) 2002 Old St. Augustine, Bldg C, cubicle W-67 Mail: 2585 Shumard Oak Blvd, Tallahassee, FL, 32399 Phone: 850-414-9134 || Fax: 850-488-3600 E-mail: david.muel...@ssrc.myflorida.com Please Note: Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from state officials regarding state business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your e-mail communications may therefore be subject to public disclosure. -Original Message- From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List [mailto:IBM-MAIN@bama.ua.edu] On Behalf Of gsg Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 1:29 PM To: IBM-MAIN@bama.ua.edu Subject: Endevor(Change Management Software) Is anyone out there using CA-Endevor? Do you manage your system changes using Endevor? If so, how are you doing this and was it hard to setup? We are looking into this, but there are so many system libraries that could be changed, it needs a lot of thought to get it right. Thanks -- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@bama.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN -- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@bama.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN
Re: Endevor(Change Management Software)
Hello: You may want to look at SYSChange from Pristine Software (www.pristineusa.com). This tool goes past the "typical" applications change management support and automatically includes system level change management. If you want to know more, drop me an email. Regards, Mitch McCluhan, Legacy Modernization Consultant -Original Message- From: gsg To: IBM-MAIN Sent: Wed, Mar 14, 2012 10:31 am Subject: Endevor(Change Management Software) Is anyone out there using CA-Endevor? Do you manage your system changes using ndevor? If so, how are you doing this and was it hard to setup? We are looking into this, but there are so many system libraries that could be hanged, it needs a lot of thought to get it right. Thanks -- or IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, end email to lists...@bama.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN -- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@bama.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN
Endevor(Change Management Software)
Is anyone out there using CA-Endevor? Do you manage your system changes using Endevor? If so, how are you doing this and was it hard to setup? We are looking into this, but there are so many system libraries that could be changed, it needs a lot of thought to get it right. Thanks -- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@bama.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN
