Chapter 3: Roles in Mainframe

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In a mainframe IT organization, various roles work together to ensure the smooth operation, development, and management of mainframe systems. Here are the roles in the key roles typically found in a mainframe IT organization:

• Programmers, including system programmers, application programmers;

• Administrators, including system administrator (SysAdmin), database administrator (DBA), storage administrator, security administrators, network administrator;

• Analysts and Operators, including system operator, operations analyst, capacity planner, performance analyst, and production control analyst;

• Other mainframe roles include mainframe architects, program designers, technical support specialists, project managers, and vendors.

We will break them down to get you familiarized to each of these roles.

System Programmer

• Role: Installs, configures, and maintains the mainframe operating system (e.g., z/OS) and associated software. They are responsible for system tuning, troubleshooting, and implementing updates and patches.

• Skills: Deep understanding of operating systems, scripting languages (e.g., REXX), assembler language, system utilities, and problem-solving.

Mainframe System Programmer

• Role: Installs, configures, and maintains the mainframe operating system (e.g., z/OS) and associated software. They are responsible for system tuning, troubleshooting, and implementing updates and patches.

• Skills: Deep understanding of operating systems, scripting languages (e.g., REXX), assembler language, system utilities, and problem-solving.

2. Application Developer/Programmer

• Role: Designs, develops, tests, and maintains applications that run on mainframe systems using languages like COBOL, PL/I, Java, and Assembler. They also work on modernizing legacy applications.

• Skills: Proficiency in mainframe programming languages, knowledge of CICS, IMS, JCL, and debugging tools.

3. Database Administrator (DBA)

• Role: Manages mainframe databases such as DB2, IMS, or IDMS. Responsibilities include database design, implementation, performance tuning, backup and recovery, and ensuring data security and integrity.

• Skills: Expertise in database management, SQL, performance tuning, and understanding of storage systems.

4. Systems Administrator (SysAdmin)

• Role: Oversees the mainframe's day-to-day operations, manages system resources, user accounts, and security settings, and ensures optimal performance and availability.

• Skills: Knowledge of z/OS, security protocols, automation tools, and performance monitoring.

5. Operations Analyst/Operator

• Role: Monitors the mainframe's operational status, manages job scheduling and batch processing, responds to system alerts, and performs routine checks to ensure system health.

• Skills: Familiarity with job scheduling tools (e.g., CA-7, Control-M), system monitoring, and problem resolution.

6. Security Administrator

• Role: Manages security protocols, user access, and compliance with security standards on the mainframe. They use tools like RACF, ACF2, or Top Secret to enforce security policies.

• Skills: Knowledge of security software, compliance standards, and risk management.

7. Storage Administrator

• Role: Manages mainframe storage systems, including DASD (Direct Access Storage Device) and tape storage. They handle storage allocation, performance tuning, and data backup and recovery.

• Skills: Expertise in storage management tools, performance analysis, and data backup strategies.

8. Capacity Planner

• Role: Analyzes current and future resource needs to ensure the mainframe environment can handle workload demands. They focus on optimizing performance and planning for upgrades or expansions.

• Skills: Analytical skills, performance monitoring, capacity planning tools, and workload management.

9. Performance Analyst

• Role: Monitors and analyzes system performance to identify bottlenecks and optimize the mainframe environment. They work closely with system programmers and DBAs to tune the system.

• Skills: Performance monitoring tools, data analysis, and knowledge of system internals.

10. Network Administrator

• Role: Manages the mainframe network connections, ensuring secure and reliable communication between the mainframe and other systems. They configure and troubleshoot network protocols and interfaces.

• Skills: Networking knowledge, experience with protocols like TCP/IP, SNA, and network monitoring tools.

11. Production Control Analyst

• Role: Manages and schedules production workloads, ensuring that jobs run on time and without errors. They coordinate with other teams to implement changes and maintain job schedules.

• Skills: Job scheduling software, change management, and attention to detail.

12. Technical Support Specialist

• Role: Provides support for mainframe-related issues, assists users with technical problems, and works to resolve incidents that affect the mainframe environment.

• Skills: Problem-solving, communication skills, and knowledge of mainframe systems and tools.

13. Project Manager

• Role: Oversees mainframe-related projects, coordinating between different teams to ensure project goals are met on time and within budget. They manage timelines, resources, and communication.

• Skills: Project management, leadership, and understanding of mainframe environments.

14. Mainframe Architect

• Role: Designs and oversees the overall structure of mainframe systems, ensuring they meet the organization’s requirements. They provide guidance on best practices and future technology direction.

• Skills: Systems architecture, strategic planning, and in-depth mainframe knowledge.