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Installing MVS/Quick-Ref
When you answer technical support calls for a software vendor, one thing
really stands out: whenever a client calls with a problem, it is just
a matter of time before a second customer calls with the same problem.
For MVS/Quick-Ref the issue that kept coming up again and again was the
installation process. For instance, some customers forgot to update the
ISPF command table. Others called with questions about the JCL to apply
the expiration date/ CPU ID zap. Still, others had problems updating
the
QWIKOPTS table. And, many did not even know MVS/Quick-Ref could be invoked
from an operator's console.
As we in the MVS/Quick-Ref Development group brainstormed about better
ways to document the installation process, the idea of an ISPF dialog
called the MVS/Quick-Ref Installation Assistance Dialog (QWIAD) appeared.
Its purpose was to walk the installer through the installation process.
Of course, we realized there would be the die-hard installers that would
prefer the manual installation procedure. In addition, since many customers
had requested an SMP/E installation option, we knew we had to provide
that solution both as a manual and automated process. So, we did not expect
QWIAD to take care of all customers, but we knew it would be beneficial.
The trouble with writing such a process is that it had to handle all the
various nuances. For instance, some customers would install only the database.
Some customers would want the CA-Roscoe files. Some customers would want
to use LIBDEF whereas others would want MVS/Quick-Ref in system libraries.
To make a long story short, QWIAD would have to handle a myriad of options.
By using an ISPF dialog, we felt that the accompanying HELP panels would
give us a good way to whisk the veteran installer through the installation
process as well as lead the novice by the hand. Each regular panel has
information to inform the installer as to what is required; the HELP panels
provide additional information for the rookie. This is important because
as businesses continue to run leaner, the systems programmer is called
upon to do more and more program product installations and maintenance
with less time allocated for the job. We believe QWIAD provides a valuable
business service, as it relieves the installer of the burden of the step-by-step,
manual installation of the product.
To support the MVS/Quick-Ref Installation Assistance Dialog, the installation
chapter (chapter 4) in the MVS/Quick-Ref User's Guide was rewritten to
add support for the SMP/E installation steps. In addition, the chapter
was restructured during the rewrite to fully support the improved flow
and features of QWIAD.
Many of the benefits of using QWIAD are summarized here:
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QWIAD begins with a checklist
which outlines the entire installation process and helps you understand
what the installation requires.
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QWIAD is self-contained
in the JCL dataset, meaning you can unload the JCL file from tape and
immediately begin using QWIAD.
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QWIAD does not require
manual CLIST tailoring prior to starting.
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QWIAD supports both SMP/E
and non-SMP/E installation.
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QWIAD supports downloading
only the database, downloading CA-Roscoe files, or performing the full
installation.
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QWIAD tailors all JCL that
is to be submitted.
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QWIAD "knows" the
correct JCL members so you don't have to search for JCL to submit.
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QWIAD remembers the correct
sequence of steps so you don't forget things (for example, it won't
let you move MVS/Quick-Ref into production before applying the expiration
date/ CPU ID zap).
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QWIAD has a new and improved
method of updating the ISPF Command Table entries and eliminates the
QWCMDS CLIST.
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QWIAD assists you in moving
MVS/Quick-Ref into production.
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QWIAD assists you in making
MVS/Quick-Ref available at the operator's console.
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QWIAD has a restart capability
so you can pick up where you left off when you get interrupted.
Initial feedback indicates
that customers find QWIAD to be very helpful. If you have not tried
it, we ask that you try it the next time you install
MVS/Quick-Ref. As with any new release, there are many additional features
we could and should add. Our goal is to improve the MVS/Quick-Ref Installation
Assistance Dialog with each release to make it "smarter," which will
make your job of installing MVS/Quick-Ref quicker and easier. We encourage
you
to contact us with ideas about improving QWIAD; this will help us (and
you) reach our goals.
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