SUMMARY:   Suitable for the BCS Mainframe Technology professional Exams for level 2 Engineer (z/OS) AUDIENCE:   Systems support personnel who are involved in the installation, upgrade or problem resolution of products maintained using Systems Modification Program (SMP/E) in a z/OS, CICS, IMS, JES or VTAM environment. PREREQUISITES:   A basic knowledge of VSAM, JCL and z/OS utilities. Whilst attending our z/OS for Beginners, TSO/ISPF Workshop and JCL courses is not essential it would give the ideal background for this course. DURATION:   3 days. Hands on. OBJECTIVES:   To provide the delegate with the knowledge needed to control the application of maintenance to products which are maintained using SMP/E, the latest developments in system maintenance techniques, including SUF and web-enabled facilities. Knowledge about the workings, structure and contents of the SMP/E database and datasets. Examples of SMP/E's capabilities and limitations. A thorough knowledge of SMP/E routine commands and functions. Details of advanced commands that may be needed in problem situations. The knowledge to examine common SMP/E related problems Information about the configuration of the OS/390 system which may provide for more efficient maintenance protocols. And, hands on Experience of installation and maintenance in a safe environment. COURSE CONTENT:   Introduction to SMP/E Overview of SMP/E datasets Description of global, target and distribution zones Configuration of zones SMP/E datasets including: SMPPTS SMPSCDS SMPMTS SMPSTS Target libraries Distribution libraries Allocation, Initialisation and Maintenance of SMP/E datasets Allocation of CSI Initialising Global zone and Global entries Setting up Target zones and Distribution zones Sysmods Types: Functions Preventative APAR's Usermods Modification Control statements SMP/E Commands Overview Managing the database and maintaining SMP/E zones Installing sysmods Generating Systems Displaying SMP/E database information Miscellaneous SMP/E Functions Installing Functions Introduction Sources of Functions Installing Process Testing Installing Preventative Service Introduction Description of PUT tapes Installation Process Testing Installing Corrective Service Introduction Verifying the APAR Installation Process Testing User Modifications Introduction Installation Process Testing Exception Sysmods Categories of exception sysmods Handling Exception sysmods Use of ESO and PDO Introduction System generation Product installation System maintenance How to order SMP/E Dialogues Overview of available dialogue functions Configuring Systems to make Maintenance Easier Workshops: The student will set up their own SMP/E environment and databases on the machine, install and test a product and install fixes, features and write and install their own SMP/E Usermod to that product. In addition, the student will be provided with a further non-SMP/E product, and have the opportunity to convert it themselves into SMP/E format, install it and test it. This ensures that the student gains a thorough understanding of all aspects of the SMP/E product.