SMP/E for z/OS Workshop from Coursera

This course is designed to provide the SMP/E skills needed in the installation and maintenance of optional features and maintenance in the z/OS operating environment. Students are taught to define the SMP/E database and invoke SMP/E to add, modify, or replace system elements. The course includes extensive hands-on labs using a current level of SMP/E. Students will get practical experience in the SMP/E tasks involved in installing a z/OS product. Emphasis is on interpreting results of SMP/E processing. SMP/E concepts examined in this course include modification control statements, the consolidated software inventory, zone structure, and error analysis. SMP/E commands such as RECEIVE, APPLY, ACCEPT, RESTORE, REPORT, and LIST are discussed. Students will also learn how to perform automated SMP/E delivery of z/OS and product maintenance over the Internet with an automated SMP/E process that downloads and installs IBM preventive and corrective service over the Internet.

After completing this course, you should be able to:

•Describe how SMP/E is used as a tool for system maintenance

•Interpret modification control statements in a sample SYSMOD

•Create a consolidated software inventory database to support installation and maintenance requirements

•Use the SMP/E dialogs to install a product and its related service

•Manage exception SYSMOD data

•Describe the use of the primary and secondary data sets required by SMP/E

•Analyze output from SMP/E processing and resolve commonly encountered problems

•Describe the use of the REPORT command to determine software dependencies between zones

•Use the BUILDMCS process to create a function SYSMOD from an installed product and its service

•Use the new SMP/E functions to install software service automatically over the Internet

▪Implement support for communication server FTP client

▪Use the new RECEIVE ORDER command to order and install z/OS maintenance automatically over the Internet

•Use z/OSMF to install software and perform service update

What's inside

Syllabus

SMP/E Overview

SMP/E is a tool designed to manage your z/OS operating environment. It is capable of ensuring the proper installation of products and maintenance in a complex environment, so it is no surprise that the tool itself is complex. This unit presents the basic terms and concepts associated with SMP/E to give you a foundation on which to build understanding of a product that has many closely interrelating parts. This unit assumes some knowledge of basic z/OS facilities. If you are unfamiliar with some of the z/OS terminology used here, please refer to the glossary after the Appendix B of this student guide.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Helps learners develop system maintenance skills and knowledge, which are core to IT and DevOps work

Offers in-depth study of SMP/E maintenance tasks involved in z/OS product installation

Taught by Martin Keen, a recognized expert in SMP/E

Builds a strong foundation in SMP/E for beginners

Hands-on labs provide practical experience with SMP/E tasks

Reviews summary

Practical smp/e for z/os mastery

According to learners, this workshop is a highly valuable and essential course for z/OS professionals. Students consistently highlight the invaluable hands-on labs and practical experience as the course's strongest elements, effectively reinforcing theoretical knowledge. Many found the instructor to be knowledgeable and patient, making complex topics understandable. While providing a comprehensive foundation in SMP/E commands and concepts, a few experienced users noted the pace might be better suited for beginners, desiring more advanced lab scenarios. The inclusion of automated service delivery (RECEIVE ORDER, z/OSMF) is particularly appreciated for its timeliness and relevance to modern practices.

Addresses modern practices like automatic service delivery.

"The automated service delivery section was very timely."

"The section on SMP/E and the network was particularly helpful given modern practices."

"I found the automated delivery part very useful and relevant."

Instructors are highly knowledgeable, patient, and effective.

"The instructor was knowledgeable and patient."

"The instructor made complex topics understandable."

"I found the instructor to be top-notch, clearly an expert in the field."

Covers core SMP/E concepts and commands thoroughly.

"The course content is comprehensive and covers all the critical aspects."

"I appreciated the detailed explanations of RECEIVE, APPLY, and ACCEPT commands."

"This course covers essential SMP/E topics effectively, providing a solid foundation."

"It provides a good working knowledge of SMP/E and its commands."

Provides essential practical experience for mastering SMP/E.

"The hands-on labs were invaluable and really helped solidify the concepts."

"The hands-on coding and projects are the strongest part of the course for me."

"I found the hands-on exercises to be key for reinforcing the theory and building confidence."

"The practical experience with SMP/E commands and error resolution is exactly what I needed."

Pacing and depth are ideal for those new to SMP/E.

"It felt geared more towards beginners, which is fine, but I was hoping for more advanced scenarios."

"For someone with some experience, it felt a bit too foundational."

"Too much time spent on basic concepts I already knew."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in SMP/E for z/OS Workshop with these activities:

Read 'z/OS SMP/E User's Guide'

Show steps

Enhance your understanding of SMP/E concepts and commands by reviewing the official user guide.

View IBM z/OS V2R2 Communications Server TCP/IP... on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of the 'z/OS SMP/E User's Guide'.
Read through the guide, focusing on the sections that are relevant to your current knowledge level.
Take notes and highlight important concepts and commands.

Show all one activities

Career center

Learners who complete SMP/E for z/OS Workshop will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Deployment Engineer

The course `SMP/E for z/OS Workshop` provides in-depth knowledge of SMP/E, a tool used for deploying and maintaining software in the z/OS operating environment. As a Software Deployment Engineer, you will be responsible for planning, executing, and managing software deployments. This course will equip you with the skills and knowledge to use SMP/E to effectively deploy and maintain software in a z/OS environment, making it a valuable addition to your skillset.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Deployment Engineer

Senior Systems Engineer

The course `SMP/E for z/OS Workshop` is specifically designed to provide the skills needed in the installation and maintenance of optional features and maintenance in the z/OS operating environment, which makes it highly relevant to the role of a Senior Systems Engineer. This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to use SMP/E to effectively manage and maintain z/OS systems, a valuable skill set for any Senior Systems Engineer working in a z/OS environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Senior Systems Engineer

Systems Administrator

The course `SMP/E for z/OS Workshop` provides a comprehensive overview of SMP/E, a software tool used for the installation and maintenance of optional features and maintenance in the z/OS operating environment. As a Systems Administrator, you will be responsible for managing and maintaining the day-to-day operations of your organization's IT systems. This course can help you build a strong foundation in SMP/E, a valuable tool for managing z/OS systems. Additionally, the course covers topics such as modification control statements, the consolidated software inventory, and error analysis, which are essential for successful systems administration.

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Configuration Management Analyst

The course `SMP/E for z/OS Workshop` provides foundational knowledge in SMP/E software, which is used in the installation and maintenance of optional features in the z/OS operating environment. As a Configuration Management Analyst, you will be responsible for managing the software and hardware configurations of your organization's IT systems. This course can help you build a foundation in SMP/E, a tool that is widely used in the industry for managing z/OS systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Configuration Management Analyst

IT Project Manager

The course `SMP/E for z/OS Workshop` provides a comprehensive overview of SMP/E, a software tool used for the installation and maintenance of optional features and maintenance in the z/OS operating environment. As an IT Project Manager, you will be responsible for planning, executing, and managing IT projects. This course can help you build a strong foundation in SMP/E, a valuable tool for managing z/OS-based projects. Additionally, the course covers topics such as project planning, risk management, and change management, which are essential for successful IT project management.

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Data Center Manager

The course `SMP/E for z/OS Workshop` may be useful for Data Center Managers who are responsible for managing and maintaining the day-to-day operations of their organization's data center. This course provides a comprehensive overview of SMP/E, a software tool used for the installation and maintenance of optional features and maintenance in the z/OS operating environment. By understanding SMP/E, Data Center Managers can gain insights into how software is deployed and maintained in their data center, enabling them to make informed decisions and optimize their operations.

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Network Administrator

The course `SMP/E for z/OS Workshop` may be useful for Network Administrators who are responsible for managing and maintaining their organization's computer networks. This course provides a comprehensive overview of SMP/E, a software tool used for the installation and maintenance of optional features and maintenance in the z/OS operating environment. By understanding SMP/E, Network Administrators can gain insights into how software is deployed and maintained on their networks, enabling them to troubleshoot and resolve network issues more effectively.

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IT Security Analyst

The course `SMP/E for z/OS Workshop` may be useful for IT Security Analysts who are responsible for protecting their organization's IT systems from security threats. This course provides a comprehensive overview of SMP/E, a software tool used for the installation and maintenance of optional features and maintenance in the z/OS operating environment. By understanding SMP/E, IT Security Analysts can gain insights into how software is deployed and maintained on their systems, enabling them to identify and mitigate potential security vulnerabilities.

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Database Administrator

The course `SMP/E for z/OS Workshop` may be useful for Database Administrators who are responsible for managing and maintaining their organization's databases. This course provides a comprehensive overview of SMP/E, a software tool used for the installation and maintenance of optional features and maintenance in the z/OS operating environment. By understanding SMP/E, Database Administrators can gain insights into how software is deployed and maintained on their databases, enabling them to optimize performance and troubleshoot issues more effectively.

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Software Developer

The course `SMP/E for z/OS Workshop` may be useful for Software Developers who are responsible for developing and maintaining software applications. This course provides a comprehensive overview of SMP/E, a software tool used for the installation and maintenance of optional features and maintenance in the z/OS operating environment. By understanding SMP/E, Software Developers can gain insights into how software is deployed and maintained on their systems, enabling them to develop and maintain applications that are more reliable and efficient.

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Technical Support Engineer

The course `SMP/E for z/OS Workshop` may be useful for Technical Support Engineers who are responsible for providing technical support to their organization's users. This course provides a comprehensive overview of SMP/E, a software tool used for the installation and maintenance of optional features and maintenance in the z/OS operating environment. By understanding SMP/E, Technical Support Engineers can gain insights into how software is deployed and maintained on their systems, enabling them to provide more effective support to their users.

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IT Consultant

The course `SMP/E for z/OS Workshop` may be useful for IT Consultants who are responsible for providing consulting services to their clients. This course provides a comprehensive overview of SMP/E, a software tool used for the installation and maintenance of optional features and maintenance in the z/OS operating environment. By understanding SMP/E, IT Consultants can gain insights into how software is deployed and maintained in their clients' environments, enabling them to provide more valuable consulting services.

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IT Auditor

The course `SMP/E for z/OS Workshop` may be useful for IT Auditors who are responsible for auditing their organization's IT systems. This course provides a comprehensive overview of SMP/E, a software tool used for the installation and maintenance of optional features and maintenance in the z/OS operating environment. By understanding SMP/E, IT Auditors can gain insights into how software is deployed and maintained on their systems, enabling them to conduct more effective audits.

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Information Security Manager

The course `SMP/E for z/OS Workshop` may be useful for Information Security Managers who are responsible for managing their organization's information security program. This course provides a comprehensive overview of SMP/E, a software tool used for the installation and maintenance of optional features and maintenance in the z/OS operating environment. By understanding SMP/E, Information Security Managers can gain insights into how software is deployed and maintained on their systems, enabling them to develop and implement more effective information security policies and procedures.

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Business Analyst

The course `SMP/E for z/OS Workshop` may be useful for Business Analysts who are responsible for analyzing and improving their organization's business processes. This course provides a comprehensive overview of SMP/E, a software tool used for the installation and maintenance of optional features and maintenance in the z/OS operating environment. By understanding SMP/E, Business Analysts can gain insights into how software is deployed and maintained in their organization, enabling them to identify and recommend improvements to business processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst