# Chapter 3: Roles in Mainframe

_Experienced professionals, educators, and contributors – your feedback is needed --- agree, disagree, additional insights about job roles, responsibilities, skills, experience level, jobs within the categorized IBM Z mainframe community, etc._

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:&#x20;

* **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.&#x20;

### 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.











