2cSNA^© is an application designed to facilitate a specific downsizing project in those z/OS installations that are no longer in need of all the functionality provided by the classic network management products.

The changes in SNA network architectures due to the removal of Front End Processors (FEPs or NCPs), Terminal Cluster Controllers (such as 3172/4) and the ubiquitous presence of an IP infrastructure have made quite a few functions/tasks of SNA network management obsolete.

Yet users are still causing SNA sessions to be established – there is no doubt about that. In addition to this, Enterprise Extender itself is causing SNA activity that needs to be controlled. Therefore, some functionality of network management is still needed for SNA, although to a much lesser extent.

In addition to this, network management personnel are reluctant to drive their remaining SNA legacy network without any control instance at all and are traditionally leery of using MVS consoles or other vehicles for their commands.

Meanwhile, cost control mandates a thorough examination of all areas in which a redesign or re-orientation might save significant amounts of money.

Functions of 2cSNA^©

NICF – Network Interrogation and Control Facility

Although SNA network control is no longer the main task of the personnel involved, the remaining interaction with VTAM and the system, as well as with the TCP/IP stack is still quite intensive and thus this functionality is a prime requirement.

2cSNA^© NICF provides one or more “command console” panels for entering commands to the system, displaying information and even for seamlessly executing your own 2cSNA^© REXX programs.

These console panels can be created and removed at will and can be “associated” with a specific “home” system. Commands can be targeted against this home system or any other system known to 2cSNA^© – these need not be members of a sysplex.

An explanation of SNA/VTAM sense codes as well as many shortcut commands for often used functions are included.

This part of 2cSNA^© can be used in a focal point manner and obviates the need to physically log on to each system in parallel.

SSHF – Session Status and History Facility

A central part of 2cSNA^© is its ability to gather Session Awareness (SAW) Data from VTAM and to display this to the user.

The highlight of this functionality is the ability to search through the historical data for sessions that have ended some time ago and to inspect the progress of these – especially in the case where such a session might have ended abnormally.

SSTF – Session Setup/Termination Trace Facility

A unique feature of 2cSNA^© , SSTF allow the user to view the beginning and end of a session, even historical ones that ended some time ago, in terms of individual trace records.

Therefore, the complete sequence of events at session initiation time and prior to session termination is recorded in trace records and are available for inspection.

These trace records are shown in the same manner as the Award Winning AnSyNova Product 2cIP^© – in overview format or fully decoded down to the VTAM structures contained therein.

You can see the BIND, the BIND response, the session termination and control vectors/sense codes associated with this clearly and concisely.