Understanding SMF Record Type 120, Subtype 9

Abstract

In WebSphere Application Server for z/OS Version 7, we introduce subtype 9, a new subtype that presents a unified picture of the server activity. The subtype 9 record collects most of the data currently spread across the other subtypes, plus new information, such as how much zAAP CPU the server uses in processing a request. WebSphere creates one subtype 9 record for every request that the server processes — for both external requests (application requests) and internal requests, such as when the controller "talks to" the servant regions. In designing the subtype 9 record, we consulted many z/OS customers. Most of you told us that you would prefer to have all of the server activity data collected in one record. Thus, was born the subtype 9 record, which is intended to provide you with all of the server activity data you need in one place. The other record 120 subtypes still work as before, but we hope you will not need them any longer. In this paper, we take a closer look at the new subtype 9 record. We examine its structure and content, its related operational issues, and explain how you can make the best use of it.