Learn the best practices for designing and testing IMS and CICS integration with relational databases on mainframes, such as data access methods, performance optimization, security considerations, and tools and frameworks.

Last updated on Jul 15, 2024

What are the best practices for designing and testing IMS and CICS integration with relational databases?

IMS and CICS are two of the most widely used systems on mainframes, providing high-performance transaction processing and data access. However, integrating them with relational databases can pose some challenges and require careful planning and testing. In this article, we will explore some of the best practices for designing and testing IMS and CICS integration with relational databases, such as choosing the right data access method, optimizing performance and security, and using tools and frameworks to simplify the process.

1 Data access methods

When accessing relational databases from IMS and CICS, there are several options to consider. SQL statements embedded in the application code require precompiling and binding, while data access APIs such as JDBC, ODBC, or CLI allow for dynamic SQL execution and more flexibility. Alternatively, you may choose a data access service like IBM Db2 Connect or IBM Data Server Manager to provide a layer of abstraction and management between the application and the database. The choice of method depends on factors such as query complexity, performance requirements, skills and resources available, and compatibility with the database platform.

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Iain White

Tech Consultant | IT Leader | Mentor | Virtual CTO | Leadership Coach | Project Manager | Scrum Master | IT Strategy | Digital Transformation | IT Governance | Agile | Lean | Theory Of Constraints | SaaS | Brisbane 🇦🇺.
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When accessing relational databases from IMS and CICS, consider various options. SQL statements embedded in application code require precompiling and binding. Data access APIs like JDBC, ODBC, or CLI allow for dynamic SQL execution and offer more flexibility. Alternatively, services like IBM Db2 Connect or IBM Data Server Manager provide abstraction and management between the application and database. The choice depends on query complexity, performance requirements, available skills and resources, and database platform compatibility. In my experience, using JDBC for dynamic SQL execution offered greater flexibility and reduced maintenance compared to static SQL embedded in code, enhancing our project's adaptability and efficiency.

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2 Performance optimization

Integrating IMS and CICS with relational databases can have an impact on the performance of the application, database, network, and mainframe. To optimize the performance of the integration, it is important to follow best practices such as minimizing data transfers between the application and database by using appropriate SQL statements, parameters, and fetch options. Additionally, maximizing the use of local or shared connections and pooling by implementing connection managers or data access services can help. Tuning the database parameters and indexes with tools or utilities that analyze and optimize the database performance is also beneficial. Lastly, monitoring and troubleshooting performance issues with tools or frameworks that provide metrics and diagnostics for the application and database is recommended.

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Prabhu Ganesan

Senior Mainframe/Microfocus Consultant
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This is a critical area when designing or changing IMS or CICS programs that work with embedded SQLs. In my experience, I look to make sure the following for an optimal DB performance: Ensure the SQL queries are optimized to reduce execution time and resource consumption. This is a very broad topic, with emphasis to avoid Full Table scans and using Index appropriately. 1. Filtering early in the WHERE clauses to filter data in the query to minimize the number of rows processed by subsequent operations. 2. Avoid Calculations on Indexed Columns - Using functions or calculations on indexed columns in the WHERE clause can negate the benefits of the index. 3. Using EXISTS instead of IN for better performance.

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3 Security considerations

Integrating IMS and CICS with relational databases requires careful security considerations. It is necessary to protect data in transit and at rest, using encryption and masking techniques, as well as secure protocols and certificates. Additionally, authentication and authorization mechanisms, such as user IDs, passwords, roles, and grants, must be used to control access and privileges of users and applications. Lastly, auditing and logging activities and events should be done with the help of tools and services that capture and store security information, such as IBM Security zSecure Audit or IBM QRadar.

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4 Tools and frameworks

There are several tools and frameworks that can help simplify and streamline the process of integrating IMS and CICS with relational databases. IBM Z Development and Test Environment (ZD&T) provides a virtualized mainframe environment that allows developers and testers to create and test IMS and CICS applications that access relational databases on their own workstations. IBM Developer for z/OS (IDz) is an integrated development environment (IDE) that supports the development and testing of IMS and CICS applications that access relational databases, along with tools for code generation, debugging, and analysis. Additionally, IBM Integration Bus (IIB) provides a middleware platform that enables integration of IMS and CICS applications with relational databases as well as other systems and services, using a graphical interface and a common data model.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the best practices for designing and testing IMS and CICS integration with relational databases?

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1 Data access methods

2 Performance optimization

3 Security considerations

4 Tools and frameworks

5 Here’s what else to consider

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