CA IDMS REST API Expands Access to z/OS Services, Tools, and Data

The CA IDMS™ Representational State Transfer (REST) Application Programming Interface (API) provides DBAs the ability to quickly and easily access data to analyze system issues, automate processes, and create alerts to provide intelligent recommendations for tuning.

It also offers flexibility of choice for users to work in familiar environments with modern tools. This benefit solves a skills challenge faced by many organizations as they address the need to replace retiring seasoned mainframe users with new hires that are unfamiliar with the mainframe. With the REST API, organizations can backfill the critical roles of maintaining and managing their business essential systems by allowing new hires to work in familiar environments and ease into new mainframe roles.

Expanded Services Offer SQL and Compiler Support

CA IDMS provides a robust set of services to support interactions with the mainframe. Existing services include support for DCUF, DCMT, print log, and performance metrics (like those provided through the Realtime Monitor).

This set of services has just been expanded to provide more capability through the release of two new services:

· SQL services

· IDMS Compilers

SQL Services

The SQL services can help simplify database monitoring and administration. By using REST-enabled tools and interfaces, you can monitor IDMS SQL databases, as well as interact with data stored in IDMS SQL databases. For example, you can run ad-hoc queries, discover database tables and information to refine queries, and execute a series of SQL statements.

You can access both network and SQL databases with these services.

Compiler Services

The Compiler services provide the ability to use modern REST enabled tools and interfaces to perform IDMS compiler functions and simplify client applications. Use these services to administer IDMS CVs without using batch processing or terminal emulation.

With the Compiler services, for example, you can view database objects, retrieve dictionary objects, create new definitions, and view and modify dictionary records.

About the CA IDMS REST API

Opening up and making IDMS databases more extensible through the use of APIs and services is key in simplifying and automating every day user experiences. The CA IDMS REST API makes it easier to maintain existing applications, build new systems, and manage the ongoing health of mission critical systems.

The data from a REST invocation is returned in JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) which is simple to consume and parse with modern programming languages. The data (JSON) returned represents CA IDMS system data, and performance statistics.

The REST API contains functions for viewing and maintaining your CA IDMS databases, while keeping the data protected. Business and application data stored within CA IDMS is not exposed or compromised.

Proactively Address Potential Problems Rather Than React to Them

APIs transform the mainframe for hybrid IT by making it a more integrated, agile platform. The CA IDMS REST API can automate database application maintenance and administration and enable DBAs and administrators to proactively address potential problems, rather than react to them.

The REST API can be used to:

· Create client dashboards and applications to view system and performance data

· Automate warnings and recommendations to avoid critical system risks and outages

The CA IDMS REST API allows administrators of online systems to monitor operations to see trends and recognize unusual conditions that can indicate problems, allowing them proactively approach potential problems.

Use Open Source Dashboard Tools to Create Graphical Real-time Monitoring

The CA IDMS database modernization strategy aligns with the overarching business strategy of Broadcom and the direction to “Embrace Open” and to deliver at the speed of business. By leveraging open source technologies and using APIs, businesses can integrate the mainframe with everything — including data, apps, and services — from mobile to mainframe.

This approach empowers end users to increase productivity by using tools they are familiar with while being shielded from the perceived complexity of the mainframe.

Figure 1. Transition from the mainframe terminal displays, such as PMRM screens with the CA IDMS Performance Monitor, to graphical dashboards with open source products.

Embrace Open and Zowe Conformant

With Zowe, an open source framework for mainframe, the platform enables customers to securely develop and manage applications like any other cloud-based platform. The framework and capabilities accelerate mainframe application development with modern DevOps tools, while introducing new levels of automation and management of infrastructure and systems. Zowe, an open source framework for mainframe, can help you securely develop and manage applications like any other cloud-based platform.

By arming new and emerging mainframe users with these valuable skills, Zowe helps in sustaining the mainframe environment by attracting and retaining next generation talent.

You can leverage the CA IDMS REST API either alone or in conjunction with Zowe to integrate with open source tooling and dashboards. This approach is a powerful way to enhance and simplify the user experience for new DBAs and other users.

How Can You Get Started?

If you are a licensed CA IDMS/DB customer running the latest version (19.0), the CA IDMS REST API is available to you as part of the base license. To learn more about how to get started with the CA IDMS REST API, there are multiple resources available.

REST API download — Download your copy of the CA IDMS Rest API online at Broadcom Support. To install the update (Version 1.0.1), download Solution LU01108.

New features video — Introducing the latest enhancements to the CA IDMS REST API (Version 1.0.1) on YouTube

Communities — Visit the CA IDMS IUA EIUA Community site and participate in conversations regarding the CA IDMS REST API. Also see the white paper How CA IDMSTM DBAs Leverage Open Source and APIs for Monitoring

Webcast overview video — CA IDMS REST API: Overview and Demo

YouTube video about leveraging open source tools — APIs and Integration Using Open Source Monitoring Tools, delivered by David Ross, CA Database Architect (David.Ross@broadcom.com)