zCX Trial
You can try z/OS Container Extensions using the 90-day zCX Trial before deciding whether to buy the feature code. An IBM z14 or higher processor is required to enable the trial. You will have 90 days from the day the trial begins to use and evaluate the function. The trial extends to all zCX instances running on the sysplex. After 90 elapsed days, you can purchase the Container Hosting Foundation (feature code 0104) to continue using zCX.
Setting up the zCX Trial
Activating the zCX Trial is a simple process that does not require assistance from IBM. Use the following steps to begin your trial.
- Edit the dynamic element parmlib member
-
- Create a copy of
IFAPRD00
or your currently activeIFAPRDxx
member to enable the trial. - Update the new member with the following
definitions:
PRODUCT OWNER('IBM CORP') NAME('z/OS') ID(5650-ZOS) VERSION(*) RELEASE(*) MOD(*) FEATURENAME('zCX TRIAL90') STATE(ENABLED)
- Issue the
SET PROD
command to specify the new member as active on the system. - Update
IEASYSxx
to point to the new member.
- Create a copy of
- Grant file system access
-
To start the trial, each userID associated with zCX started task must have write access in addition to search access to the zCX instance registry directory in the z/OS UNIX System Services file system.
- Issue the
ls -ld REGISTRY_DIR
command in the z/OS UNIX System Services OMVS shell to find the group name associated with the zCX instance registry directory. - Use the
CONNECT RACF TSO
command to associate the userID with the group name.
- Issue the
Trial duration
Once set up, the trial can run for up to 90 days. Every time a zCX server is started it will display a z/OS console message indicating the number of days left in the trial. No disablement is required when the trial ends. zCX will simply not start and a console message will be issued.
- Edit the IFAPRDxx member that enabled the trial to remove the entire section associated with
FEATURENAME('zCX Trial90')
.- Alternatively,
STATE(ENABLED)
can be adjusted toSTATE(DISABLED)
.
- Alternatively,
- Adjust the file system to remove write access granted for the trial.
The trial cannot be paused. The original start time will be used to calculate the 90-day interval.
If you mistakenly remove or disable the IFAPRDxx
statement during the trial, the
90-day duration continues. Replace or enable the IFAPRDxx
statement as soon as
possible to continue the trial.
When the trial is over
To continue using zCX beyond the trial, you must purchase and install feature code 0104 (IBM Container Hosting Foundation) through eConfig Fulfillment Center. IBM Container Hosting Foundation for z/OS delivers Monthly License Charge (MLC) pricing to satisfy the requirement for the Z hardware feature code 0104. For more information, see Program Directory forIBM Container Hosting Foundation for z/OS.
Encountering zCX Trial errors
Error messages are issued in response to failure during setup. They include return and reason
codes to identify and correct the errors. For UNIX System Service errors, the return and reason
codes are errno
and errnojrs
. If data in the file system cannot be
accessed, the trial probably did not start. It is, however, possible to have errors even when the
trial has started. These errors should be dealt with promptly, as the trial start time and date are
not adjusted.