The alternative tool

For many years all the analysis based on SMF, IMS and z/VM data have been performed using traditional tools, typically presenting flexibility but high cost or a reduced cost together with complex management requirements.

Maximum flexibility

EPV zParser addresses the problem allowing the maximum flexibility. SMF and other mainframe data can be interpreted, stored and used on all the major platforms (Mainframe Unix, Windows, Linux) using your favourite database

Low cost

By choosing the appropriate platform and database by itself allows for cost reduction. However the biggest cost savings can be obtained when the long and expensive data interpreting and loading phase can be moved from mainframe to distributed systems. Also if you decide to continue running data processing on the Mainframe it’s possible to reduce costs. EPV zParser in fact eliminates the need for other tools, normally much more expensive to interpret and collect this data.

Used technology

EPV zParser uses a proprietary technology; it’s written in PERL language and can be run in every environment. The EPV database contains all the fields needed to support the existing Cost/Accounting, Service Level Reporting, Tuning and Capacity Planning applications.

Integrated with other EPV products

EPV zParser is fully integrated with the EPV products which analyse SMF and IMS data such as EPV for z/OS, EPV for Db2, EPV for CICS, EPV for WMQ, EPV Graph for z/OS, EPV Graph for Db2 and with EPV for LINUX on Z which analyses z/VM monitor records.

Supported records

EPV zParser supports all the standard SMF records. It also supports IMS log records and z/VM monitor records relevant for performance analysis and capacity planning.

EPV zParser also interprets:
• IDCAMS/DCOLLECT output (disk space usage)
• VSM SMF user records and VTS (Hydra) BVIR or SMF user records (virtual tape activity) A light version of EPV zParser is included for free in EPV for z/OS, EPV for Db2, EPV for CICS, EPV for WMQ and EPV for LINUX on Z. The light version only collects records and fields needed by the licensed products.

Requirements

EPV zParser has no pre-requisites.