Job Networking

job networking, that permits job-related information to be sent between programming system components operating on computing systems that are attached to a communications network. The capabilities of the programs that implement this facility are described along with the events that led to its development, the value of the facility to the user, and ways in which it can be extended to work with other forms of communication networking. In 1976 IBM announced a number of new systems programs for data communications. These programs, called the Advanced Communications Function,l introduced new capabilities in Systems Network Architecture,2 especially in the area of multi-system communication (or networking). At the same time, four programs were announced in the area of job entry subsystems which, while not part of the Advanced Communications Function, were also related to networking. The Network Job Entry Facility for Job Entry Subsystem 233 (NJE for JES2) offers installations using Operating SystedVirtual Storage 2 (os/vSz) with Multiple Virtual Storage (MVS)5 the capability to transmit selected jobs and in-stream data sets, system output data sets, operator commands and messages, and accounting information from one JES2 MVS computing system to another across a communication link. Network Job Interface (known as the NJI pRPQ6) provides a similar capability for three other types of computer installations by offering modifications to the programming systems used in these installations: For installations using OS/VSZ Single Virtual Storage (SVS) and the HASP system, the HASP Networking PRPQ' was introduced. For installations using the Asymmetric Multi-Copyright 1978 by International Business Machines Corporation. Copying is permitted without payment of royalty provided that (1) each reproduction is done without alteration and (2) the Journal reference and IBM copyright notice are included on the first page. The title and abstract may be used without further permission in computer-based and other information-service systems. Permission to republish other excerpts should be obtained from the Editor.