Creating a platform definition

To deploy a platform, create a platform definition in the CICSPlex® SM data repository. A platform definition locates the deployed platform in zFS and identifies the target CICSplex for the platform.

Before you begin

If you are planning a large-scale deployment, check that the size of your CICSPlex SM data repository is adequate. The data repository is the VSAM data set where system configuration and definition data for CICSPlex SM is stored. Each CMAS has its own data repository.

The resources for platforms and applications are managed from the data repository, not from the CICS® CSD, so the data repository needs to have enough space for the definitions for your platform and the applications and bundles deployed on it. You can determine the current size of the data repository by using the LISTCAT function of the IDCAMS utility.

If you want to expand the data repository, use the REPRO function of the IDCAMS utility. An example of the JCL to do this is in the EYUJXDRP member of the CICSTS51.CPSM.SEYUSAMP library. In that JCL, on the RECORDS(xx,yy) statement, specify a primary (xx) and a secondary (yy) value that are appropriate for your environment. The initial values are 500 and 3000.

Procedure

  1. You can choose to create a platform definition immediately after exporting your platform project by checking the box in the platform export wizard. To create your platform definition at another time, open the CICS Cloud perspective. In the Cloud Explorer view, right-click and select New > Platform Definition to open the New Platform Definition wizard. You can also access this wizard from the CICS SM perspective. Right-click the CICSplex you want to work with and click New > Other. Expand the CICS Definitions folder and click Platform Definition.
  2. Click Next. The CICSplex field is automatically populated with the name of the CICSPlex you are working with.
  3. In the Name field, enter a name for the platform definition.
  4. In the Description field, enter some text that describes the new platform definition.
  5. Optional: In the FTP connection field, choose an active FTP connection. If you are not connected to zFS the Browse button used in step 6 is disabled.
  6. In the Platform Directory field, enter the name of the platform directory that you want to use. The Platform Directory is the location of the deployed platform on zFS.
  7. Click Finish to create the platform definition.

Results

The platform definition is created in the data repository of the CMAS. You cannot edit the platform definition after it is created.

What to do next

Install the platform definition to create a running platform in the target CICSplex.