SMP/E SYSMODs contain both the modification text and a set of instructions that advise SMP/E exactly how the modification is to be used. These instructions, called modification control statements (MCS) contain the details of how and where the SYSMOD is to be installed. In this unit, you will examine MCS as well as the three techniques used to package SYSMODs.

One of the primary responsibilities of SMP/E is to keep track of SYSMODs that are installed on your system. SMP/E ensures that all SYSMODs affecting a given element are installed in the proper sequence. Element regression does not occur if the SYSMODs are installed in the correct order. This order is determined by the packager and is communicated to SMP/E through the modification control statements. This unit explains how SMP/E tracks the SYSMOD level of an element. Why tracking is so important and the details involved are both discussed in the APPLY processing unit.

The consolidated software inventory contains information necessary for all SMP/E processing. It describes how a given set of system libraries is built so SMP/E knows how to add to and modify those libraries.

SMP/E can be invoked either by using the dialogs (which generate JCL) or by submitting batch jobs containing JCL. This unit examines SMP/E JCL. Specifically, we will look at the required DD statements necessary to process various commands. SMP/E also provides the ability to have the required data sets dynamically allocated when needed. The methods and advantages to dynamic allocation will also be discussed in this unit.

Tasks involved in maintaining the currentness of a system include the installation of SYSMODs. The first step in the installation is the RECEIVE process which stages SYSMODs into the SMP/E database. This unit examines the RECEIVE process. Also discussed is the REJECT command which reverses the results of RECEIVE.

The APPLY command is used to install elements supplied by a SYSMOD into the target system libraries. The APPLY process selects SYSMODs in the global zone based on operands coded on the APPLY command as well as their applicability to the environment. SMP/E also ensures that all requisite SYSMODs are applied or are being applied concurrently. It invokes system utilities to install the elements into the target libraries and records the new element's level in the target zone. This unit examines each of these phases in detail as well as the various operands that can be specified on the APPLY command.

The ACCEPT command is used to cause SMP/E to install the elements supplied by a SYSMOD into the distribution libraries. This master copy of elements is used when SYSMODs, installed on the target system, must be RESTOREd. They also serve as a base from which your installation can perform a system generation.

RESTORE reinstalls the distribution library level of an element into the target library. It is a process that can be used to remove installed SYSMODs that have not been accepted.

This unit addresses the commands that relate more closely to product build activities, BUILDMCS, LINK LMODS, and LINK MODULE.

Students will examine the processes of both LIST and REPORT. The LIST command is used to gather information about the entries of one or more zones. It is the batch mode equivalent of the QUERY function in the SMP/E dialogs. The REPORT command is used to obtain information about SYSMODs which have been installed on your system.

In SMP/E V3.5, a major new function called RECEIVE ORDER allows for a completely automated SMP/E process that downloads and installs IBM preventive and corrective service over the network or Internet.This unit looks at SMP/E V3.6 which is a base component of z/OS, and which packages support for the electronic delivery of a Service over the network or Internet. In z/OS, a new type of package called an ORDER enables SMP/E to automatically order and install maintenance over the Internet.