IBM z/VSE V6.2 With New Hardware

IBM z/VSE V6.2 offers new capabilities and hardware options

z/VSE V6.2 and CICS Transaction Server for z/VSE V2.2 have been available since December 1, 2017. Additional functionality has been introduced for online transaction processing, security, and connectivity. Clients may now better integrate z/VSE in a heterogeneous environment using web-based business solutions and z/VSE connectors.

Together with ease-of-use and exploitation of the latest IBM Z and system storage technology, z/VSE V6.2 may help clients with growing z/VSE workloads, and allow them to better protect their investments in the z/VSE platform.

This announcement letter summarizes functional z/VSE enhancements and hardware support made available since a software announcement, dated April 23, 2019, IBM z/VSE V6.2 new hardware support.

The following hardware support is available with z/VSE V6.2:

Exploitation of latest IBM System Storage technology

z/VSE V6.2 supports the System Storage TS7700 R5.0.
z/VSE V6.2 supports the DS8900F disk, a member of the DS8900 family.

Exploitation of latest z15 and z15 Model T02 technology
The support is available with z/VSE V6.2.

z/VSE supports the configurable Crypto Express7S, which allows for data encryption and SSL acceleration. Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) with a Crypto Express7S may result in accelerated data-in-flight encryption.
z/VSE supports the Ficon Express16S+ and Ficon Express16SA as well as the OSA-Express6S/7S family.
z/VSE supports IBM FC Endpoint Security, which provides server authentication and data encryption to help protect the integrity and confidentiality of data.
z/VSE systems can benefit from z/VM support for System Recovery Boost, which accelerates the restoration of service from planned and unplanned outages.

The following enhancements are available via z/VSE V6.2 continuous delivery:
IBM TCP/IP for z/VSE V2.2

IBM TCP/IP for z/VSE V2.2 was updated to the 2.2.6 + 2.2.7 level with APAR PH17821.

Update for VSE Crypto Services

OpenSSL 1.0.2h was updated to the 1.1.1d level with APAR DY47825.

z/VSE Language Environment enhancements

Support is provided for new Japanese era REIWA with APARs PH11491, PH11896, and PH16107.

z/VSE V6.2 supports IBM Z:

z15
z15 Model T02
z14
z14 Model ZR1
z13
z13s
zEnterprise EC12
zEnterprise BC12
zEnterprise 196
zEnterprise 114

z/VSE V6.2 can run in an LPAR image, or as a guest in any supported z/VM release. It is the preferred follow-on product for clients with z/VSE V6.1, z/VSE V5, z/VSE V4, z/VSE V3, or VSE/ESA installed. Upgrading to z/VSE V6.2 can be done using initial installation or Fast Service Upgrade (FSU)that can be used only if upgrading from a z/VSE V6.1 system. Otherwise an initial installation is required.

z/VSE V6.2 offers Midrange Workload License Charge (MWLC) pricing metrics, including a subcapacity option, for the z15, z14, z13, zEC12, and z196 servers. The company offers Advanced Entry Workload License Charge (AEWLC) pricing metrics, including a subcapacity option, for the z15 Model T02, z14 Model ZR1, z13s, zBC12, and z114 servers. The entry models (capacity setting A01) of the z15 Model T02, z14 Model ZR1, z13s, zBC12, and z114 will be priced using zSeries Entry License Charge (zELC) for their IBM monthly license charge software.

Requirements: z/VSE V6.2 introduced an Architectural Level Set that requires zEnterprise 196, zEnterprise 114, or later.

Effective date: April 14, 2020